BFG KM2's tread width

[fishEH]

So I think I've settled on my next set of tires, the BFG KM2's. Most likely in 255/85/16. The one thing I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around is the tiny(by comparison) tread width.
My current GoodYear DuraTrac Wranglers in 265/75/16 have a tread width of 9", and section width of 10.5"
The KM2'sin 255/85/16 have a tread width of 6.8", and a section width of 10".

So I'm having a tough time accepting the fact that I'll be losing 2.2" of actual tread width.
I know I could jump to a 285/75/16 that has 8.7" tread width/11.3" section width, but the 255 is actually a little taller which I like.

Anybody with experience with these tires? Esp coming from a wider tire down to these?
Will I miss the extra tread? Pros/cons to such a narrow tread?

 

[dcarr1971]

I run the KM2s, but can't say that I've run anything bigger/wider. I have roughly 20k miles on them in all around driving. I really like them and have found them to be exceptionally tough.

My one thought is that given the kind of off-roading that I do, I probably should have gone with something wider. I generally air down to about 20 p.s.i. (I've found that much lower and I risk damage to my wheels and cuts to the sidewalls.)

One of my friends runs some cheap Dakota 285/75s on his D2 is able to go anywhere I can without having to air down. (IDK...maybe he's just a better driver...)

 

[riceybean]

Seriously, why doesnt anyone make a 275/75 16? I had the 265's on my 96, loved them but always wanted them a little taller. However the 255's are a bit wider than the 235/85's that alot swear by, I'd say go for it.

 

[DiscoPhoto]

Coming from 265/75 Km2s I will be going with 255/85 KM2s in the spring. Width isn't as important as height.

 

[dcarr1971]

Coming from 265/75 Km2s I will be going with 255/85 KM2s in the spring. Width isn't as important as height.

Definitely, but for the sake of argument, with the 285/75 you could have both the width and height...

 

[fishEH]

Thanks, dcarr1971. I knew I forgot another concern. I usually air down to 15ish psi. The amount of exposed/unprotected sidewall does concern me too.
Why cant the damn tread be wider, even 8" would be nice. Rats!!!

 

[Tugela]

Taller tire = longer tread footprint
Narrower tread will be a bit better in snow.

Consider the total tread contact area, since a tire that is taller & skinnier may have a comparable contact area to a tire that is shorter and wider. But at the tire dimensions you're considering it may not make a difference. Swapping the 205/85/16 tires on a RRC with 255/65/16 is one thing...

Then again I put 235/75/16 AT tires on my truck, so I roll short and skinny.

 

[dcarr1971]

Thanks, dcarr1971. I knew I forgot another concern. I usually air down to 15ish psi. The amount of exposed/unprotected sidewall does concern me too.
Why cant the damn tread be wider, even 8" would be nice. Rats!!!

FWIW, I cut mine up pretty well at Rausch and then Anthracite last summer, but the sidewalls have held. Stay out of places like this and you'll probably never have any problems:

 

[fishEH]

That's the problem, I like places like that!

 

[K-rover]

I run 265/75 16. I always liked a wider tire vs a skinny tire. With these top heavy trucks thats just what I prefer.
I was thinking of going with 285 the next time I need tires, but I just put some steelies on with 4.75 backspacing.. The problem I now have is a 7" wide rim wont take a 285, so now Im thinking 255 since I already have a wider stance, So I think a taller tire with more backspacing on the rim gives me what Im looking for

 

[garrett]

We run about 12 sets of them on various trucks, but most around the 33" size. No issues to speak of regarding them. Air down well and wear decent if you keep good tire pressure in them on the road. Once they start to wear poorly then get loud....and louder. I put about 50K on a personal/work truck. The rest are on training trucks that don't see much road use. They don't like snow/ice.

If people are losing chunks out of them they are spinning way too much on rocks. We have some gashes on plenty of ours, but then again we're training very often.

 

[fishEH]

Any sidewall issues? Blowouts?

 

[garrett]

Any sidewall issues? Blowouts?

Any sidewall can and will get damaged of course. Plenty of tires with sidewall gashes, but none that I can think of anytime recently that caused a failure. The only times we've had sidewall failures were due to using PSP mat - the interlocking side pieces cut open at least three tires. Not KM2s though. No question it's a solid tire in many conditions.

 

[cdansan]

I am using 255/75-16 KM2's for 2 years on mine. I think they are great tires, quiet, smooth, balance well. I think they are better on hardpack than loose soupy mud.
I have plenty of grooves on the lugs, no chunks, several sidewall cuts, no leaks or punctures.
I would have preferred the 285's wider tread, I think the wider tread would make them a better tire.
Dan

 

[fishEH]

So the stock Rover alloy is 7" wide, right?
What's the widest tire I can run on the stock alloy?

 

[Adamanitum13]

You should be good up to 10.50 wide. any bigger you will need at least a 8" wide rim.

 

[benlittle]

I run 255/85's on my disco. I just measured them and the tread width is 7".

 

[cdansan]

Trails in Vermont are alot of rock interspersed by mud holes.

 

[ERover82]

FYI
Cooper ST: 7.2
Maxxis Bighorn: 7.75
Toyo M/T: 7.75

 

[fishEH]

You should be good up to 10.50 wide. any bigger you will need at least a 8" wide rim.

Really?? So a 285/75 is out?
How wide are D2 wheels? I know D2 guys that have run 285 and I know Justin runs those big ass Nitto Muds.