You might be wondering, “Milnor, have you lost it?” “A post about truck tires?” No, haven’t lost it but I plan on doing so as soon as possible. For anyone who subscribes to truck born adventure, you will understand where I’m going here. I don’t believe YOUR vehicle is actually YOUR vehicle until you are on at least your third set of tires. By the time you reach your third set, you are beginning to understand the nuances of your vehicle. (My current truck has 41,000 miles and feels like it is beginning to break in.)
This is my SECOND set. I’m on my way to my third set, just not there quite yet. My first vehicle was “assigned” to me when I was nine years old. A three-quarter ton, manual transmission, four-speed, 4×4 Chevrolet pickup. I was too small to push in the clutch and see out of the windshield at the same time. This is a normal Wyoming lifestyle, so don’t think much of it. And, I drove on the highway at nine…pulling horse trailers.
My first “civilian” car was also a truck of sorts. A Chevy S10 Blazer, 4×4. Automatic this time. I tricked this truck out too. Headers, dual exhaust, bumpers, and larger tires. BFG KO’s. I eventually gave this vehicle to my brother, but it was promptly stolen. And then it was stolen again. And again. Each time the thieves would, for some unknown reason, take a chainsaw and chainsaw out the stock AM/FM radio. They would leave the truck mostly okay but for some damn reason, they REALLY wanted that shitty radio. Eventually, they stole just about everything and left the shell of the Blazer in some backwater neighborhood. It was pronounced DOA upon arrival at the shop.
I moved on to other trucks over the years. Toyota pickups and Landcruisers, my favorite being a 1983, four-speed, 4×4, FJ60 Landcruiser that was built like a Sherman tank. Every single truck I had, at one point or another, had BFG KO’s on it. So when it came time to get new tread on the Tacoma it was an easy decision, but this time around I was able to upgrade to the KO2.
These are often referred to nowadays as “your father’s tire,” as the kiddies out there have, like they do with all things, moved on to other options that are what I would call “flavors of the month.” But underneath these other brands and models is the BFG. I’ve had these tires go 80,000 miles. Not that this is normal, and I don’t actually expect this new set to get nearly this many miles, but the point is they can and they have.
For those of you gear heads, I went with the slightly larger than stock 265x75xR16, but only because they were literally $50 per tire cheaper than the stock 265x65xR16. So odd but that’s the reality. How do they look? You be the judge. I say they look fantastic. And oddly enough, even though they are more aggressive than the stock Wranglers that came with the truck they are quieter on the highway. At the moment my truck is entirely overloaded as we are still mid-move. More on this later.
You might be asking why do you have a truck? Good question. When I lived in the city and led a very different life I drove a hybrid car, which is still the best city car I’ve ever had. I do love my hybrid cars. But my life changed a few years ago and getting back to the remote places became much more a part of my life. I don’t purposely go 4x4ing. I use the truck to get me to places that I need to photograph or need to find so I can launch climbing, hiking, cycling or fishing expeditions. And, I can’t get up my NM driveway in the winter without a 4×4. Much of the state is unpaved so rain, snow, etc. makes things interesting. I also have all the equipment required for my “needs,” which makes the truck essential. And I sleep in the back. Yes, it’s a gas hog. But I counter this by riding my bike as much as possible when I’m in town.
I’m looking forward to getting these tires dirty.
Comments 17
they’re so…. small… 😉
looking forward to getting dirty here too. we just had a late spring snow (3″ here at the house, quite a bit more up high) so it’ll be some time in june before anything really opens up.
Author
Sean,
Snow = mud = fun.
always.
btw, my highlighter just ran dry. off to get more.
Author
Sean,
Buy bulk.
I learn something new from you all the time….. you are complex and strange beast, Dan Milnor.
Author
MTN,
I feel strange. Remember I’m 1/8 redneck, 1/8 creative, 1/8 unknown. When you come to New Mexico we can go mudding. I’ll strap you to the hood with your Nikon.
I don’t think my Toyota has nuance.
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Jim,
Keep driving it!
I know those tyres as BFG Mud Terrain T/As (what they’re marketed as in Australia). Had a number of sets on the Patrol when i had that truck. Ran with Cooper STTs for a while too and enjoyed them also.
I miss having a reason to own a fourbie, or even just a car, at this point. I’m such a bogan (“redneck” in your language) that owning a vehicle is still, in many ways, the doorway to ultimate freedom.
Author
C,
We have MT’s here in the states but they have a different, more aggressive pattern. They don’t wear as well either. Coopers are good. Nitto, Faulken, Goodyear, etc. All solid. I just love the fact you know about tires.
I just took a proper look at your photo on my computer and realized that those are All Terrain T/As. My bad. It’s been a while. And yeah, the Mud Terrains don’t wear particularly well… and they wear quick if you drive on bitumen half the time. But they are a beautiful tyre for off roading. Considered Pirelli Scorpions at one point but never ended up going there. Can’t remember why. Maybe it was $$$
I’ve probably read more tyre reviews than I have camera reviews. Enjoyed them more than I enjoy a camera review, all told, especially the Aussie ones. Aussie 4×4 enthusiasts are a hilarious bunch, even when they’re being serious.
MTs wear fine. depends on how you drive them. i’m a nitto poster child. handle well. wear well. even with their weight. i think my wheel/tire combo is ticking just north of 90 lbs…
oh, a patrol. everyone else in the world gets the cool trucks. with diesel.
I’ve owned 3 Patrol wagons. One petrol and 2 diesels. Great truck. I’d get another if I had any reason to own a truck.
Author
Charlene,
Those are cool trucks. I had no idea.
You’ll love them! Highly regarded by all who know and use them around here (northern Patagonia), on the road and up the toughest driveway with 10” of white on it – or 5″ of slush coming down…
Author
Wolf,
I still want to see Patagonia!