BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 Review: The Ultimate Off-Road Tire

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When the pavement ends and adventure begins, having the right tires can make all the difference between conquering challenging terrain and getting stuck in the middle of nowhere. For serious off-road enthusiasts and weekend warriors alike, the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 has long been considered one of the gold standards in mud-terrain tires. With its aggressive tread pattern, rugged construction, and proven performance in the harshest conditions, this tire has earned its reputation as a go-anywhere companion for trucks and SUVs.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 a top contender in the off-road tire market. From its technical specifications and performance characteristics to real-world capabilities and value proposition, we’ll cover everything you need to know before investing in these premium mud-terrain tires. Whether you’re an experienced off-roader looking to upgrade your current setup or a newcomer exploring your options for tackling tough terrain, this guide will help you determine if the KM2 is the right choice for your adventures.

What is the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2?

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 is an aggressive all-terrain tire designed for truck and SUV owners who demand superior traction and off-road performance. Engineered to conquer the toughest muddy conditions, this tire excels in navigating deep mud, loose soil, and rocky terrain while still providing a comfortable on-road driving experience.

Positioned as a premium mud-terrain tire, the KM2 is built for adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts who frequently venture off the beaten path. Whether tackling muddy trails, exploring remote campsites, or conquering challenging off-road obstacles, this tire delivers exceptional grip and durability to keep you moving forward with confidence.

With its robust construction and specialized tread design, the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 is an ideal choice for pickup trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles used for recreational purposes, such as overlanding, off-road racing, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. Its versatility also makes it suitable for work trucks and commercial vehicles that encounter demanding conditions on job sites or rural environments.

Key Features of the KM2

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 is engineered with a range of innovative features that allow it to excel in demanding off-road conditions while still providing a civilized on-road driving experience.

Tread Design

At the core of the KM2’s off-road prowess is its aggressive tread design. The tread features deep, high-void grooves and thick lugs that provide exceptional traction in mud, loose soil, and rocky terrain. The tread pattern is computer-optimized for even wear and long life. Additionally, the shoulder lugs are designed for enhanced sidewall protection against cuts and abrasions.

Rubber Compound

BFGoodrich utilizes a specialized rubber compound for the KM2 that is formulated to resist cutting, chipping, and tearing from sharp rocks and debris. This durable compound also enhances the tire’s grip on slippery surfaces while maintaining pliability for a more comfortable on-road ride.

Construction Highlights

The KM2 features a high-strength, two-ply polyester casing that provides excellent puncture resistance and durability. This casing is reinforced with dual high-strength steel belts that enhance the tire’s stability and handling characteristics. Additionally, the tire features BFGoodrich’s Traction-Armor™ Sidewall Sculpture which helps protect the sidewalls from cuts, abrasions, and punctures.

On-Road Performance

The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 is designed as an off-road tire, but it still delivers respectable on-road performance for daily driving. On dry pavement, the KM2 provides good traction and cornering grip. The tread compound is formulated for longer wear on paved surfaces compared to more aggressive mud tires.

In wet conditions, the KM2 has deep grooves and biting edges to evacuate water and maintain traction. While not as capable as a dedicated all-terrain or highway tire, the wet traction is sufficient for most daily driving needs. However, hydroplaning resistance may be reduced compared to tires designed primarily for on-road use.

As an aggressive mud-terrain tire, the KM2 does produce noticeable road noise, especially at highway speeds. The tread pattern’s large void areas and mud-scooping lugs contribute to this noise. Drivers should expect elevated noise levels compared to all-terrain or highway tires.

Ride comfort is about average for the mud-terrain category. The KM2 has a reinforced construction and thick sidewalls to resist punctures and impacts off-road. This sturdy build results in a somewhat firm on-road ride, though not overly harsh. Most drivers find the ride quality acceptable for a mud tire driven on paved roads.

Off-Road Capability

The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 truly shines when you take it off the pavement and into tough off-road conditions. This tire is built to conquer mud, rocks, sand, and any other challenging terrain you can throw at it.

The aggressive tread design features thick, chunky lugs and deep grooves that provide immense traction in muddy and loose soil conditions. The lugs are siped to improve grip on wet, slick surfaces as well. The tread compound is formulated with a high silica content to resist chips, cuts, and chunking from rocks and debris.

In sandy or soft soil environments, the KM2’s tread easily digs in to find traction while the shoulder lugs provide extra bite. The reinforced internal construction helps prevent excessive tire deflection, maintaining the tread’s footprint for consistent grip.

On rocky trails, the thick sidewalls and rim protectors shield the KM2 from punctures and abrasions. The tread lugs wrap around the shoulders to further armor the sidewalls against cuts and chips from sharp rocks.

Whether crawling over obstacles or plowing through deep mud pits, the KM2 delivers impressive off-road traction and durability. It instills confidence in your truck or SUV’s ability to traverse even the toughest terrain mother nature can dish out.

Treadlife and Durability

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 is engineered for exceptional treadlife and durability to withstand the toughest off-road conditions. With an aggressive tread compound and rugged construction, this tire delivers outstanding longevity even when tackling muddy trails, rocky terrain, and other punishing environments.

Expected tread life on the KM2 is impressive thanks to its specialized tread rubber formulation. BFGoodrich utilizes a cut and chip-resistant tread compound that resists excessive wear from sharp rocks and debris. Even with heavy off-road use, these tires maintain their tread depth much longer than typical all-terrain tires.

The KM2’s tread design features thick ribs and a high void ratio, allowing the tire to effectively eject mud and debris from the tread grooves. This self-cleaning ability prevents stones and rocks from becoming trapped and drilling into the tread, preserving the tire’s integrity over time.

Bolstering its rugged nature is the KM2’s tough internal construction. A dual high-strength steel belt package provides increased puncture resistance against sidewall impacts and tread separations. The two-ply polyester casing enhances durability and cut resistance when traversing over jagged surfaces off the beaten path.

Whether crawling over boulders or plowing through muddy bogs, the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 offers the fortitude to keep your adventure going mile after mile. Its burly tread compound and reinforced construction allow this tire to shrug off abuse that would normally sideline lesser off-road tires.

Sizes and Fitments

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 is available in a wide range of sizes to fit most trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Sizing starts at 15 inches and goes up to massive 22 inch fitments for the largest trucks and off-road rigs. Popular sizes include 265/70R17, 285/70R17, 315/70R17, and 35×12.50R20.

Some of the most common vehicle fitments for the KM2 include the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-250/350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Titan, and many more. The KM2 is an extremely versatile tire that can be fitted to a wide variety of 4×4 trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps from both domestic and imported brands.

Plus-sizing is a popular option with the KM2 for those looking to increase traction, load capacity, and ground clearance. By going up one inch in diameter size, you can achieve improved off-road performance and a more aggressive stance. However, it’s important to properly calculate your plus-size fitments to ensure enough clearance. The KM2’s tough construction helps prevent rubbing or interference issues when plus-sizing.

Load Ratings and Capacities

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 is available in a variety of load ranges and weight capacities to suit different vehicle needs. Load range indicates the maximum weight a tire can safely carry at the recommended inflation pressure.

For light trucks and SUVs, the KM2 comes in load range C, D, and E sizes. Load range C can carry up to 1,929 lbs per tire, while load range D can handle up to 2,469 lbs. The heavier-duty load range E sizes are rated for up to 3,042 lbs per tire.

Larger sizes meant for heavy-duty pickup trucks and commercial vehicles utilize the higher load ranges of F, G, and H. Load range F tires can support up to 3,197 lbs each, while load range G is rated for up to 3,970 lbs per tire. The maximum load range H is capable of carrying up to 4,805 lbs per tire.

It’s important to select the proper load range that matches your vehicle’s requirements and expected loads. Using a tire with insufficient load capacity can lead to premature wear, poor handling, increased risk of failure, and unsafe driving conditions. Consult your owner’s manual or a tire professional to determine the right size and load range for your specific application.

Tire Warranty

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 comes with a robust tire warranty from the manufacturer. This warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials for the first 6 years of ownership or until the tread wears down to 2/32 inch remaining depth.

The KM2’s treadwear warranty is one of the best in the mud terrain category. BFGoodrich guarantees 60,000 miles of treadwear for P-metric sizes and 50,000 miles for LT metric sizes. If the tires wear out faster than the warranty mileage under normal driving conditions, you can get a prorated replacement credit toward a new set.

In addition, the KM2 tire warranty includes road hazard coverage for the first 3 years of ownership. This protects you against impacts that cause damage like punctures, cuts, bruises, or broken belts. If an un-repairable situation occurs from a road hazard, you can get a prorated replacement.

Overall, the robust treadwear, road hazard, and defect warranties give you great protection and peace of mind when investing in the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 tires. The warranty demonstrates the company’s confidence in the tire’s quality and durability.

Pricing and Value

The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 represents a premium offering in the mud-terrain tire category, with pricing reflecting its advanced construction and capabilities. Expect to pay between $200-$400 per tire, depending on the size. While not the most budget-friendly option, the KM2 delivers excellent value through its blend of off-road prowess and on-road manners.

Compared to other top mud tires like the Nitto Trail Grappler or Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac, the KM2 is competitively priced while offering superior off-road traction and longer treadlife. The higher initial investment is offset by the tire’s durability, ensuring you get your money’s worth over the long haul.

BFGoodrich’s reputation for quality also factors into the value equation. The KM2 is backed by the brand’s strong warranty and designed to withstand punishing conditions. For those who truly put their trucks and SUVs through the paces, the peace of mind provided by the KM2 is priceless.

While budget-conscious shoppers may be drawn to more affordable mud tires, the KM2 caters to enthusiasts who prioritize peak performance over upfront costs. Its combination of extreme terrain capability and respectable on-road manners makes it a versatile choice that delivers tremendous bang for your buck in the long run.

Who Should Consider the KM2?

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 is an excellent choice for drivers who frequently take their trucks, Jeeps, or SUVs off the beaten path. Its aggressive tread design and specialized compound provide exceptional traction in muddy, rocky, and loose terrain conditions. Here are some ideal candidates for the KM2:

Off-Road Enthusiasts: If you love tackling tough off-road trails, rock crawling, or mudding, the KM2 is built for you. Its mud-phobic bars and shoulder scoops effectively expel mud for continued grip, while the interlocking tread blocks enhance traction over obstacles.

Overlanders: Those who enjoy overlanding and exploring remote areas will appreciate the KM2’s combination of off-road prowess and on-road manners. It can handle rugged terrain yet still delivers a relatively quiet and comfortable ride on paved roads.

Off-Road Work Trucks: Contractors, ranchers, or anyone needing a tough tire for their work truck will find the KM2 up to the task. Its cut- and chip-resistant tread compound can withstand abuse from sharp rocks and debris.

Extreme Climate Drivers: Whether you face heavy rain, deep snow, or icy conditions, the KM2’s aggressive tread bites through slippery surfaces. The specialized rubber compound is engineered for solid grip in wet and wintry conditions.

While the KM2 shines off-road, it’s still a capable all-terrain tire suitable for daily driving. Just be prepared for some on-road noise and shorter tread life compared to highway tires. But for those needing maximum traction in the toughest conditions, the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 delivers.

Compared to Other Mud Tires

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 stands out in the highly competitive mud terrain tire market. When pitted against other top options like the General Grabber X3, Nitto Trail Grappler, and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac, the KM2 holds its own admirably.

Compared to the General Grabber X3, the KM2 has more aggressive upper sidewall protection and a slightly more aggressive tread pattern for enhanced mud traction. However, the Grabber X3 may have a slight edge on-road and in terms of treadlife. The Nitto Trail Grappler is an extremely capable off-road tire but can be quite noisy on paved roads, where the KM2 provides a more civilized ride.

Against the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac, the KM2 is more focused on mud performance while the DuraTrac aims for a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. The DuraTrac may last longer, but the KM2 simply outperforms it in the nastiest mud bogs and rock crawling situations.

Overall, the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 carves out a sweet spot as an extremely capable mud tire that doesn’t completely sacrifice on-road manners. Its combination of biting traction in slop while still being quiet and comfortable enough for daily driving gives it an edge over more extreme dedicated off-road rubber.

BFGoodrich Brand Overview

BFGoodrich is a renowned American tire brand with a rich heritage dating back to 1870. Originally founded as the Goodrich Corporation in Akron, Ohio, the company quickly established itself as a pioneer in the tire industry, catering to the growing demand for reliable and high-performance tires.

Over the years, BFGoodrich has carved out a unique position in the market by specializing in off-road and all-terrain tires. While the brand offers a diverse range of tire products for various applications, it has gained particular recognition for its exceptional mud-terrain and all-terrain tire lines.

BFGoodrich’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology has allowed the brand to stay ahead of the curve. The company’s research and development efforts have resulted in advanced tread designs, compound formulations, and construction methods that deliver superior traction, durability, and performance in even the most challenging conditions.

In addition to the popular Mud Terrain T/A KM2, BFGoodrich’s tire lineup includes several other notable models:

1. All-Terrain T/A KO2: This versatile all-terrain tire combines on-road comfort with off-road capability, making it a popular choice for pickup trucks, SUVs, and overlanding enthusiasts.
2. Baja T/A: Designed for extreme off-road conditions, the Baja T/A is a purpose-built tire that excels in rock crawling, desert racing, and other demanding terrains.
3. Radial T/A: As BFGoodrich’s highway-terrain offering, the Radial T/A delivers a smooth and comfortable ride while providing excellent treadwear and handling characteristics.
4. Commercial Truck Tires: BFGoodrich also caters to the commercial trucking industry with a range of durable and reliable tires designed for various applications, including long-haul, regional, and urban operations.

Today, BFGoodrich is a subsidiary of the Michelin Group, one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. This strategic partnership has further strengthened BFGoodrich’s position in the market, providing access to advanced research facilities, manufacturing capabilities, and a global distribution network.

Where to Buy the KM2

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 is available through a wide network of tire retailers and automotive service centers across the United States and Canada. To ensure you get the real deal and take advantage of the tire’s warranty coverage, it’s recommended to purchase from an authorized BFGoodrich dealer.

Some of the major tire chains that sell the KM2 include:

• Discount Tire Direct
• Tire Rack
• Sam’s Club Tire & Battery Centers
• Costco Tire Centers
• Les Schwab Tire Centers (western states)
• NTB / TBC Corporation stores

Many automotive service chains like Firestone, Pep Boys, and local independent shops also carry and install the KM2. BFGoodrich has a convenient dealer locator tool on their website to help you find an authorized retailer near you.

When purchasing, be sure to cross-reference your vehicle’s specifications for wheel diameter, width, and other measurements to ensure you select the proper KM2 size. Most retailers offer online tire shopping with home shipping or installation appointments at a service center.

If going the professional installation route, reputable shops will properly mount, balance, and set air pressures on your new KM2 tires. They can also inspect and rotate the tires during future service visits to promote even treadwear over time.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

• Excellent off-road traction and mud performance
• Aggressive tread design with thick lugs and deep grooves
• Reinforced construction for added puncture resistance
• Chip and tear-resistant rubber compound
• Available in a wide range of sizes for trucks and SUVs
• Relatively quiet on-road for a mud-terrain tire

Cons:

• Reduced on-road traction, especially in wet conditions
• Increased road noise compared to all-terrain tires
• Shorter treadlife than highway all-season tires
• Poor fuel economy due to increased rolling resistance
• More expensive than some entry-level mud-terrain options
• Limited sizes for smaller trucks and crossovers

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 excels in delivering superior off-road capability with its aggressive tread pattern and durable construction. However, these traits also lead to compromises in on-road performance, comfort, and treadlife when compared to more street-focused tires. Buyers need to weigh their priorities between off-road prowess and on-road manners.

BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 FAQs

Bottom Line and Rating

The BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 is an outstanding off-road tire that delivers exceptional traction and durability in the toughest conditions. Its aggressive tread design and specialized compound provide unbeatable grip on mud, rocks, and loose terrain. While it excels in the wilderness, the KM2 still offers a relatively civilized on-road experience for a mud tire, making it a versatile choice for daily driving or overlanding adventures.

With robust construction and reinforced sidewalls, the KM2 demonstrates impressive longevity and resistance to cuts, chips, and punctures. BFGoodrich’s reputation for quality shines through in this tough and dependable tire. However, it’s important to note that the KM2’s off-road prowess comes at the cost of increased noise and firmness on paved surfaces.

For those seeking a true all-terrain tire capable of conquering the most challenging off-road conditions while still providing acceptable on-road manners, the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for off-road enthusiasts, overlanders, and anyone who frequently encounters harsh, unpaved environments.

Overall, the KM2 earns a strong 4.5/5 rating, solidifying its position as one of the top mud terrain tires on the market. Its exceptional off-road performance, durability, and BFGoodrich’s trusted brand make it a worthwhile investment for adventurous drivers seeking a capable and long-lasting off-road companion.