Thanks to everyone for your advice, on this. I ended up with bholler's original suggestion, stepping up to a load range D 8-ply equivalent, from factory load range B 4-ply equivalent. That really narrowed the selection in the AT type tires, but the BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2's were available in that configuration, so I went with them. Other factors influencing the decision:
1. Just about every single review I read, and every video I watched on any other tire were comparing them to the BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2's, or the original KO's. They really have become the standard against which all other TA's are compared.
2. Better puncture resistance than any other model that fit my truck (mostly due to load D rating).
3. Very good wet and snow performance.
4. Notably quiet, for such an aggressive tread (although the Nitto Grappler 2 wins, here).
5. They look damn good, which don't hurt.
6. I always liked the way my other two 1/2 ton trucks handled with LT tires, versus the P-metrics that ship from the factory.
7. I actually like that these come in a fairly unusual D-rating. Most LT tires skip right from B or C up to E rating, which is a very heavy tire.
I won't bother re-listing all the negative points of going LT, I already did that more than once above. I'll just say that, while the extra weight will hurt mileage, brake wear, and acceleration, the weight difference is not as bad on my truck's 20" wheels as it was on my older trucks' smaller wheels.
Thanks, guys!
If you're shopping tires, and haven't already checked some of the videos on the BFG KO2's, you'll find there are enough on youtube to fill a few evenings. Have fun.
1. Just about every single review I read, and every video I watched on any other tire were comparing them to the BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2's, or the original KO's. They really have become the standard against which all other TA's are compared.
2. Better puncture resistance than any other model that fit my truck (mostly due to load D rating).
3. Very good wet and snow performance.
4. Notably quiet, for such an aggressive tread (although the Nitto Grappler 2 wins, here).
5. They look damn good, which don't hurt.
6. I always liked the way my other two 1/2 ton trucks handled with LT tires, versus the P-metrics that ship from the factory.
7. I actually like that these come in a fairly unusual D-rating. Most LT tires skip right from B or C up to E rating, which is a very heavy tire.
I won't bother re-listing all the negative points of going LT, I already did that more than once above. I'll just say that, while the extra weight will hurt mileage, brake wear, and acceleration, the weight difference is not as bad on my truck's 20" wheels as it was on my older trucks' smaller wheels.
Thanks, guys!
If you're shopping tires, and haven't already checked some of the videos on the BFG KO2's, you'll find there are enough on youtube to fill a few evenings. Have fun.
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This tire is $240/ea at both tirerack.com and simple-tire.com.
I got a set of chains for both ends after that, but I might not ever need them.