Author Topic: Toyo Open Country A/T vs. BFG A/T TA/KOs???? (Read 16490 times)

mjohnston · « **on:** November 30, 2004, 03:31:19 am »

I'm looking at new tires for my Element and have it narrowed down to either the Toyo Open Country A/T or the BFG AT and am looking for advice on either tire, specifically how they perform on road in terms of noise and ride quality. Also I’d like to move up from the stock 215-70-16 size to a 225-70-16, any potential problems in doing this?

Thanks, Mike.

davidy · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2004, 03:55:30 am »

The BFG All Terrain T/A KO's are severe snow rated, but can be used year round....they also appear to be more aggressive than the Toyo Open Country A/T if memory serves me right. In addition, the BFG AT's are light truck tires (LT designation) vs. passenger (P rated) for the Toyo AT....this should result in a noticeable difference in ride quality.

225/70R16 is about 1.98% larger than your stock 215/70R16....speedo will be a bit off, otherwise it's less than the plus/minus 3% guideline.

Dave

(Message edited by davidy on November 30, 2004)

morty · « **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2004, 12:22:20 am »

Both tires are extremely good. As Davidy has said the BFG is a little more aggressive and does offer the added severe winter rating. The BFG will also be a lot stiffer and translate into a more stable ride. I am not a fan of going with a larger than stock tire, but it may offer you a few more options.

TireTrends - Get ready for winter!

mjohnston · « **Reply #3 on:** December 02, 2004, 05:13:48 am »

Thanks guys, I'll probably be giving Tiretrends a call in the spring...

Mike.

mrthompson · « **Reply #4 on:** December 02, 2004, 09:22:19 am »

Am I missing something here? It's a Honda Element, not a 1977 Ford Bronco. Do you really need such an aggressive tire? I can understand needing a MORE aggressive tire for winter duty (instead of winter tires). But the Toyo and the BFG are all terrain type SUV/Light truck tires. The BFG is one of the most popular offroad tires on the market.

Not trying to bash anyone's choice, but I just want to make sure our friend understands the sacrifice in ride quality, etc. by going to an all terrain type tire.

mjohnston · « **Reply #5 on:** December 02, 2004, 02:52:58 pm »

I'm looking at doing a fair amount of driving on forestery sercice roads etc. and was looking for something a little more aggressive than the standard SUV tire. From all accounts I've read Toyo has an excellent ride quality and it will probably be on top of my shopping list. Many other Element owners have reported good results with either tire.

Mike.

mrthompson · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2004, 03:04:00 pm »

Mjohnston:

Okay, it makes sense now. Certainly, if you drive forest service roads then an AT tire would be perfect for your needs. I didn't want to see you get a tire that doesn't suit your requirements. IMHO, there are many people who THINK they need an aggressive tire when they really don't. You, however, need such a tire.

Best of luck.

mjohnston · « **Reply #7 on:** December 02, 2004, 05:02:10 pm »

Thanks for the input, very much appreciated. I bought the car/SUV for camping and mountian biking and to take advantage of the numerous logging roads around BC. But then again I don't want a tire that will degrade the ride on pavement too much.

Mike.