BFGoodrich KO2 Tires on My Transit

The KO2 specification in my build records

My tire purchase records name the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 in LT255/70R16, load range E. The service description is 120/117S. My rear-wheel photograph also records LT255/70R16, 120/117S and the load-range E marking on the installed tire.

That photograph is useful because it brings the written specification and the van together. The BFGoodrich lettering sits above the black Method wheel, the All-Terrain T/A name follows the lower sidewall, and the smaller size and rating markings run around the side. I took this closer photograph during my later black RAPTOR trim-and-hood project.

The Amazon KO2 option at the top of this page lists the same LT255/70R16/E 120/117S specification. In the comparison below I keep the size, load range and service description in separate columns, which makes the differences between tire options much easier to see.

From the original wheels to the installed tires

Before the change, I filmed the Transit on its original silver wheels. My tire-shop photograph shows that starting setup still on the van, with the Method boxes beside it. I also photographed the original wheel-and-tire assemblies after they had been removed.

The finished wheel-and-tire combination changed the appearance of the van. In my after recording, I moved from the overall side profile toward the rear wheel, then showed the front wheel and stepped back again. The close views show the BFGoodrich branding and the more pronounced tread blocks beside the matte-black wheel faces.

My recorded reaction was about the look: I was very happy with the result. The short below keeps that reaction with the installed walkaround. For the whole before, shop and after sequence, follow my wheel-and-tire project story.

Compare the size, load rating and tread choices

All three listings below use the nominal LT255/70R16 size and load range E. Their service descriptions and tread categories are different. My KO2 purchase is the all-terrain 120/117S option; the two alternatives are products to compare alongside it.

Gripmax MaxGrip X/T: the same nominal size, higher listed load indices

The Gripmax option lists 122/119S. It keeps the S speed symbol while changing the load indices from the KO2’s 120/117. Its product image shows a different arrangement of tread blocks and shoulder openings. The manufacturer lists this LT255/70R16 E version as GXT095.

BFGoodrich KM3: a mud-terrain option with a Q speed symbol

The KM3 keeps the 120/117 load indices and E load range in the selected listing, but its service description ends in Q. That is a lower speed rating than the KO2’s S. It is also a Mud-Terrain T/A tire, with a different tread pattern from the All-Terrain T/A KO2. Those two differences are central to this comparison.

My build photographs and personal reaction belong to the KO2 setup. The Gripmax and KM3 cards keep their own product identities, specifications and Amazon destinations.

My takeaway from the tire change

What stands out in my project record is the visual change. The original silver wheels and closely spaced stock tread gave way to black wheel faces and much more pronounced tire shoulders. I was pleased enough with the result to walk around the van again and show it close up.

The later sidewall photograph adds the detail that a distant profile cannot: the tire size, service description and load range on the van. It gives this page a useful purpose alongside the larger project story. I can look back at the actual tire and compare the written specification with current product options.

Next, see my Method MR701 wheel purchase and alternatives, read the complete wheel-and-tire story, or follow the black RAPTOR project where I photographed the sidewall beside the finished trim.