Nitto Ridge Grappler vs KO2s

I'm trying to decide between these two tires and needing some opinions from those who have seen them prior or have them yourself.

Nitto Ridge Grappler LT265/70/17
KO2s LT275/70/17

I want an aggressive looking tire that's mainly highway but I trailer horses occasionally and would like one to handle pulling a trailer in mud if needed.

Nittos do not do 275 and I would like bigger but I'm not sure if 10 would make that big of a difference. I currently have stock tires and wheels at 265/70/17 on my 16 sr5. I have heard Nittos are more comfortable.

Side note, I would love to have 285s but I don't want to add a lift or remove my mud flaps.


Thanks!!!

 

so I'm not sure on the KO2's but I had the original KO's on my truck and my only real complaint was that they would pack with mud and would not clean out until you spun them pretty good. Sorry I have never had the Grapplers

 

What size did you have on yours and do you have a picture?

 

I have the Ridge Grapplers in 285/70/17 load range C. Zero complaints so far. The really do well in all conditions and are very quiet Never had Ko2's but most folks seem to like them as well.

Problem is if you want to go with a 275/7017 the KO2's are only available in a load range E, which will make for a stiffer ride indeed.

 

I had not considered that. I really like the Nittos but would kinda like a bigger tire, which is why I was considering the KO2s. Would it just be better to do the Nittos even if they are 265? I would love to go 285 but currently I don't want to at a lift or removed my mud flaps.

 

I believe they were 265/75/16 as that was the largest I could go without lifting or cutting or removing mud flaps, they filled the wheel wells nicely

 

also as mentioned above these were load range E and hurt the mileage , ride and power.

 

Had Nitto Terra Grapplers original and the G2's, not the Ridge grappler, one thing I can say is comparing anything Nitto to BFG KO2 is not a good comparison. The Grapplers I had lasted 22k, and the G2's I sold on the truck I had them on at 18k and they were not looking that good. The KO's I had 4 sets, currently have a set of used KO's that I bought with hardly any tread and put 10k miles on them, will be selling for what I bought them for soon, I now have some 315 KO2's waiting to go on the truck. I honestly expect to get 40-50k miles out of these 315's, maybe more due to the relative light weight of the 4Runner for the 315

For me it's not a comparison, the Ridge Grappler is a nice looking tread, and I love Nitto's on my cars 555's, and DR's had very good luck with them, but in the 4wd market I won't buy another set of Nitto's. That's just my personal experience, but the Ridge grapplers are made of the same rubber compound as the G2 Nitto Terra Grapplers so if you want a somewhat aggressive looking tires that won't last as long as the KO2's, then get the Ridge Grappler, if you want a tire that will last and last, go with the KO2's.

 

If you concerned about rubbing than I would just stick with the 265's. Some folks have even reported rubbing with 275's (most don't). They do make the KO2's in 265 load range C I believe. Like @bahndrvr said, Nitto's don't really have a good reputation for longevity so you may want to take that into account. I have 10K on my Ridge Grapplers and there is no noticeable sign of wear but I was aware of their reputation in longevity when I bought them. I went with them because I liked the look and they were available in a 285 load range C. Time will tell if they last long but I am extremely happy with them as of now.

265/70/17 KO2's in load range C, while slightly smaller than 275's might be perfect for you if you are concerned about tire wear.

 

I think I've read in the forums here that a 275 wouldn't run at all. My local dealer is willing to sell me a whole set and put on for 810. I definitely wanna take longevity into view too. I'm just worried the KO2s could be rather rough. If I understand what everyone is saying, the Nittos are most comfy IF load range C (the ones at the dealer are E though) and the KO2s are E in 275. But what you're saying is it would might be a better bet to stick with the 265s to be able to get load range C?

 

You've got it. Basically anything in load range E is going to ride stiffer than a C. E's are made for like F250's, to handle the weight of a larger truck and towing. Some folks run E's and say it isn't too bad, others can't handle ride at all. Another part of the reason I went with C load range is they are lighter and less rotational weight helps with power and fuel efficiency. Simply load range E is overkill for our rigs, not to say they won't work, you just have to be aware there is going be some side effects.

 

Have you looked into Falken Wildpeaks?

 

Don't get the original Wildpeaks, the AT3's are pretty good and before I got the deal on the KO2's I was leaning towards the AT3's

 

If the Ridge Grapplers came in a stock 265/70/17 in a C load range, I'd be all over them as they are well regarded. And they look gnarly too. I will very likely go with the stock size K02's in the C load range. Weight and not killing my mileage matters to me as it is my DD. I see other going with the Falken Wild Peaks, Cooper AT/3, or Toyo Open Country too.

 

I just put LT285/70R17 KO2's on my 2013 4-Runner and I love them! They do rub just a bit in the front when you turn hard but that's the only issue I've had with them. Love the way they look too! I wanted a more aggressive tire but didn't want to install a lift kit. Gas mileage hasn't changed that I've noticed. Gotten lots of comments on how good they look. Also great in all snow conditions.

 

Don't rule out the KUMHO Road Venture AT51 (I don't want to be the only person on this forum running these tires.....LOL).

 

What load range are your KO2s

 

They only make 285 KO2's in load range E.

 

Weird, I go to Tire Kingdom website today and the tire selector is saying the C loads arent recommeded for my 16' Trail. It keeps trying to recomme d the E rates K02's.

 

I've been running the at3 for 6 years and love them.great tire great wear no road noise smooth ride and great traction off road in all conditions. A little bit of a pain to balance sometimes but a great tire none the less. Have it on my tundra, 4runner, and putting it on my Tacoma one the factory tires wear out.

 

but do you need a leveling kit for them not to rub? I just got a set from a friend and I don't want to modify to much. maybe just a 2" leveling kit.

and that range means?

 

don't know about a leveling kit - I'm not wasting my $ on one. but I doubt it will change anything, the tire is just a bit too big for the wheel well. you don't have to modify at all if you don't want to.