Illustrative short video on tire pressure

[TJMexico]

I had BFG K02 31x10.5/15s installed a couple of weeks ago. They put 35psi in them at the shop. I've been meaning to adjust that but kept forgetting, even after my last long trip into the mountains. This short video reminded me that I need to do that.

I have looked over several threads here and see that 25 to 28 psi is what most people run. I'll go there, and make a point of dropping to under 20 when I go up into the mountains.

Anyway, I thought this short video was worth sharing. It gives a good real-world illustration of the difference that tire pressure can make on rocky terrain.

 

[Ashim]

I thought KO2's were obsolete, replaced by KO3 awhile ago?

 

[KennethS]

I have 11.5 x 32s and run 25-28 psi on the road and air down to 12-15 psi off-road.

 

[TJMexico]

I thought KO2's were obsolete, replaced by KO3 awhile ago?

Nope. K02s are still around. I ran a set for several years on my pick up, loved them. Got 'em on my jeep now.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I thought KO2's were obsolete, replaced by KO3 awhile ago?

BFGoodrich stopped making the KO2 tires and replaced them with the KO3 in May 2024. The KO3 is the successor to the legendary KO2 and is being phased in over the next two years.

 

[TJMexico]

BFGoodrich stopped making the KO2 tires and replaced them with the KO3 in May 2024. The KO3 is the successor to the legendary KO2 and is being phased in over the next two years.

Wow! I just bought a set of KO2s last month. Good to know.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Wow! I just bought a set of KO2s last month. Good to know.

Those KO2s last over 60,000 miles. I had some several Jeeps ago.

 

[Rickyd]

Those KO2s last over 60,000 miles. I had some several Jeeps ago.
View attachment 628543

You kept one of your tj's long enough to put 60k on it?

 

[TheBoogieman]

You kept one of your tj's long enough to put 60k on it?

DD's rack up the miles. That was the old days when I drove them over 30,000 miles a year. My XJ included. My current Jeep I've had for 8 years and only drove it 35,000 miles. Still have the same tires on it.
p.s. My old Willys edition had under 15,000 miles on it in 8 years when I sold it to a member on another forum.

 

[TJMexico]

Those KO2s last over 60,000 miles. I had some several Jeeps ago.

That's why I spent double compared to other tires. Ran a set for several years on my pickup then went to a cheaper tire last set. I noticed the difference nearly immediately. The new ones on the pickup are Firestone Destinations. Not nearly as impressed.

I hope the KO3 is at least as good as the KO2. Probably gonna cost blue, so they'd best be substantially better.

 

[machoheadgames]

25 psi is a good spot for 31X10.50R15. 35 would be pretty terrible.

 

[TJMexico]

I finally go around to dropping my tire pressure from 35psi. In villiage I live in, most of the roads are gavel and dirt and some are pretty darned rough, so I went down to 22psi. I may drop to 18 when I get out into the mountains.

I was amazed at the difference in the ride after I dropped the pressure. It's a lot more comfortable. I think (not sure if it's really true or just my mind playing tricks) that if feels just a little bit squirrelly in some turns, but not enough to worry about, especially considering that I seldom get beyond 35mph.

 

[machoheadgames]

I finally go around to dropping my tire pressure from 35psi. In villiage I live in, most of the roads are gavel and dirt and some are pretty darned rough, so I went down to 22psi. I may drop to 18 when I get out into the mountains.

I was amazed at the difference in the ride after I dropped the pressure. It's a lot more comfortable. I think (not sure if it's really true or just my mind playing tricks) that if feels just a little bit squirrelly in some turns, but not enough to worry about, especially considering that I seldom get beyond 35mph.

Not that it really matters, but 22 is a bit low for 31s. 25 psi would match the stock load capacity of a Jeep that came with 30" tires from the factory (with a 29 psi factory recommendation)

For what you're doing, 22 is fine anyways, just wanted to clarify.

 

[TJMexico]

Not that it really matters, but 22 is a bit low for 31s. 25 psi would match the stock load capacity of a Jeep that came with 30" tires from the factory (with a 29 psi factory recommendation)

For what you're doing, 22 is fine anyways, just wanted to clarify.

Thanks. If I were in the city on pavement or running the highways, I'd push it up to 25 to 28. I'll do that if I go into town.

Here in the village, however, it's basically all off-road type streets. We have two paved roads, the rest are all dirty, gravel, rock. I figure keeping it between off-road and highway would work

I may bump it up when I get back from my next trip into the mountains.