AT3 to KO2

So I put a set of AT3 XLT’s on a 275/70R18 about a week ago. Within a day I started to notice a slight wobble in the steering wheel. So I headed back to get them re balanced. It’s a local shop very laid back. I watched the young man amount them up, so I stayed to watch the re balance too. The AT3’s took an average of 5 ozs to balance. I was shocked to see two of the tires ask for only 2-3 ozs, and the other two ask for 6-7 on the re balance. Yes, all weights were removed for re balance. I shared my concerns with the additional weight needed. So he spun the tires and it was obvious, two of the tires were out of round. I was very disappointed and really didn’t want to roll the dice on a second set. I ended up asking to switch to KO2’s. For additional $120 I made the switch. I am very happy with that choice and the opportunity to do it. IMO, the K02’s ride so much better. I didn’t have the chance to have the AT3’s in wet weather, but I do notice the KO2’s back tires slipping a little in wet weather. Hopefully once they get some miles on them that will improve. Can anyone share any similar experiences? Also, please share PSI in the 275/70R18’s. I’m currently at 40 PSI and considering dropping to 36-38 PSI maybe.

 

Keep em @39psi

 

I switched from the k02s to the Kenda klevers cause I didn’t care much for the K02s in the snow. I feel like reviews are mixed and there really isn’t a good set of all around tires out there. All-seasons are still 3-season tires at best and mediocre at best in the snow.

 

Agreed, I’m in the mid Atlantic region, so not much snow for me. I do drive on the beach. I know they will do fine in that, pretty much any tire will if you air down. It’s the wet weather I’m concerned with.

 

the higher psi removes the wobble?

 

No wobble with KO2’s

 

I’ve got cooper rugged treks and I get some wobble at 50-60mph… just wondering if more air helps.

 

I don’t see that that would make a difference. If anything, I think a harder tire would make it more pronounced. A softer tire would absorb/cushion the wobble.

 

Your KO2s won’t get any better in the wet. It’s their Achilles heel.

 

Every set of KO2 I’ve had required a shit ton of weight to balance and always caused a wobble so I hope your luck is better than mine. They do OK inwet weather/snow but not spectacular.

They do seem to hold up well. I never had a flat with them.

 

I had cooper xlts installed earlier this year. Also had balance and tracking issues. Put 9000 miles on them and during that time went back in for rebalance 4-5 times. Truck felt squirrely on the highway compared to other tires, like the tires were fighting each other and the suspension. Clearly they were defective and two of them also took a ton of weights to try and balance. Last time in for rebalance, DT said they would give me full credit for what I paid for them to go toward something else. Had Wildpeaks installed - immediate improvement. Drove and tracked at speed much better and have had no issues with balance.

 

Weight was less with these than the AT3’s. I had KO2’s years ago on a ‘79 Bronco, and a ‘95 YJ. Both got excellent tread wear and I do not recall any weather issues. However, neither of those vehicles had 4:30 gears or nearly 400 HP. So the throttle might be part of the issue. I don’t have any problems with handling and turning on wet roads, just accelerating while turning at intersections.

 

It is a truck and a bit light in the ass for the forces being applied, figure out how to best add 300 lbs toward the rear. My truck will drive like on rails, but I have about a half ton in just armor and gear before any cargo.