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Cooper 255/80R17 vs BFG 34/10.5R17

11K views 11 replies 10 participants last post by  bcbud 
#1 ·
The Cooper ST Maxx and the BFG KO2 both come in a size that is essentially a 33" T/A pizza cutter and appear to be fairly similar. The Cooper is a load range E and the BFG is a D and is perhaps .5" taller. I believe the weights are similar as well, but the BFG is significantly more expensive at this time....anyone have any opinions? I have a JKU with the Teraflex Performance Leveling kit and the stock 17" Moab wheels. Thanks.
 
#2 ·
FWIW I ran the ST on my F150. They performed well both on and off road.
 
#3 ·
I'm running the Coopers and couldn't be happier. They do everything well and are rugged. I'm glad they are load range E and they drive very nicely.

255/80r17 on stock Rubi wheels with no rubbing. It's the perfect tire for a JK.
 
#4 ·
I'm deciding the exact same thing right now.
I'm leaning towards the STMaxx because there are many great reviews for it and it is cheaper.
 
#5 ·
I was debating between the STMaxx & the BFG MT KM2's in LT 255/80r17's. The KO2's looked nice, but were priced more than $150 higher per tire. I ended up going with the STMaxx. With a rebate from Discount tire, the net price mounted & balanced was under $1,000 for 5 tires. I've only had them on for a week and haven't been off-road with them, but I am happy so far. And as Raspy mentioned, no rubbing on stock wheels with no spacers.
 
#6 ·
The BFGs might turn out to be good, but I won't be the guinea pig. Over the years I've come to distrust BFGs after having trouble with at least four sets of them. No warrantee help when they are defective, very weak sidewalls (and a blowout), have to re-balance them over and over as they wear, lots of rotations to try to get them to be quiet and wear evenly, etc. I know they are popular, and they have good traction, but I will never buy another set. When I saw my Rubi came with them stock I was disappointed and removed them after a few thousand miles. I know I can't compare the tread design and purpose directly with the Coopers, but the Coopers are quiet, much stronger in the sidewall and have excellent traction in mud, snow and ice. And they seem to be wearing much slower than the BFGs.

As far as I'm concerned the BFGs are a low quality, hyped tire that has good traction and looks nice, but has no substance. The Coopers are the real deal. Tough and reliable. Built for long service and excellent traction.

I got mine for $208. each and there are better deals available than that. Seriously, consider the Coopers. I just got back from a 700 mile road trip. Zero vibration, no pulling, no noise. Three weeks ago I was up in the snow, off road, and climbing a muddy, icy trail with my Rubi 2dr. I left my buddy behind with his JKUR. Turned around to find him and he was stuck.

The Coopers are heavier than stock, but I can't tell it from the way they drive. They are stiffer too. I do feel they are a bit more harsh on sharp bumps and vibrate a bit more on washboard, but I'm experimenting with pressures to dial them in and I like the idea that they are tough. They also handle much better than the 285/70r17 Toyos in standard load that I recently tried (on 9" wheels). The wide Toyos followed every groove and road irregularity. It was just a function of their width, but it meant constant steering corrections unless I was on a perfectly flat highway. The 255 Coopers on stock Rubi wheels drive MUCH better.
 
#8 ·
I think these tires are so similar it comes down to the shop you want to buy from. I wanted the stMAXX but all the shops were a pain so I waited until the 34" KO2 got on costcos order sheet. 15 install includes road hazard and lifetime repairs and rotations, no arguments is worth a few $$
 
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