BFG TA K/O in rain

[sholzee]

Just put a set of 235/75R15 BFG TA K/O on my wife's 92 4 door Explorer. She works construction and has driven just about every off-road and street vehicle you could imagine,so her experience in handling a vehicle is excellent. She has been complaining that the rear wheels break loose too often on pavement in the rain, again she is not a throttle jockey, at least when conditions do not allow for it. I currently have 32 psi in the tires and think that may be high. I would appreciate comments from anyone running these tires and their experience and tire pressures. We have had them 2 weeks and their is a 30 day no questions asked return policy and I am close to taking them back. The off-roading done with this vehicle is on construction sites so she still needs that in a tire.

 

[kvo]

I think you got it right by lowering the tire pressure down a bit, probably 28 psi. It won't damage the tires at all. I think they are rated at 2250 lbs per tire at 50 psi.

If driving in the rain is a major concern to you and your wife, and you decide to return these KOs, check out the Pirelli Scorpion A/T and the Yokohama Geolandar A/T. Both offer excellent traction in the rain (I can vouch for the Scorpions, someone else on this board also can attest for the Geolandar in the rain) and still have the good off-road characteristics although not as aggressive as the BFG A/T KO but close. It's a trade off you have to decide.

 

[CONavajo]

I read your problem with the KOs and think there has to be something wrong with the driver, not the tires. Generally the rear of a vehicle will not hydroplane with normal rain driving. The fronts usually lose traction first with the noticable effect of sloppy steering response. The throttle has to be where it should not if your rear is sliding out. I use the KOs on a deep rutted hwy that gets heavy downpours and have had zero hydroplaning at speeds around 75. I now look for puddles because I've been so used to sliding around with my old Firestones.

 

[Paul Gagnon]

COnav

Huh? The question was about breaking loose, not hydroplaning. It is very easy to break the tires loose on a wet road in an Explorer. I can get my 33"s spinning madly without even trying when it is wet out.

sholzee,

What kind of tires did she have on there before?

Another thought. When tires are new they are a little slick on the surface. Check out a brand new tire that has never been used before, it will feel slippery, almost slimy. Once this skin wears off the tire should grip better. I would say wait a couple more weeks and put some more miles on them. If they still give her the same problem then give them back.

I am running Goodyear Wrangler AT/S(235s) on my 98 and I drive in similar conditions to what your wife does. I run them at 30lbs. They have been a very good all around tire.

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Paul Gagnon
"No Brain, No Pain"
Dead Link Removed

 

[greengoose]

Not trying to change the topic, however I am considering replacing my Firestones with either the BFG TA K/O or the Goodyear Wrangler AT/S. Since people who have replied to this post has both, I am looking for some good 1st hand opinions.
Most important is handeling in the rain, then snow followed by off-road. Which of these two tires could fill those shoes?

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Greengoose,
FORD=Fantastic Off Road Drivinghttp://www.geocities.com/greengooseman/

 

[Paul Gagnon]

Can't comment on the BFGs, never used them, but the AT/S is an excellent tire. It is great in the rain and snow and I'd say performs as well as most other AT type tires off road. I does make a kinda wuba-wuba noise on the street but it is not all that loud.

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Paul Gagnon
"No Brain, No Pain"
Dead Link Removed

 

[ETJAFFE]

Greengoose

I just replaced the Goodyears with the BFG's and there is a noticible difference. The Goodyears have a softer, quiter ride. The BFG's feel more like truck tires and there is more road noise, not alot though so don't get turned off by that. I prefer the BFG's. I feel they are a better constructed tire and they look more aggressive. Just my opinion though. Good luck

Eric

 

[greengoose]

Thanks to everyones inputs and a little more research, I think I found a winner. I am going to look into the BFG All-Terrain T/A MOAB Edition. The only metric size they come in is 265/75/16. If that will fit I am going to get them. http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/main.html
I liked the idea that were geared towards ice and snow. If anyone has used these paticular model BFGs....please post.

------------------
Greengoose,
FORD=Fantastic Off Road Driving
http://www.geocities.com/greengooseman/