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How the Toughest Tire on Earth Got Even Tougher: The Making of the KO3 Tire

Picture it: a zoologist drives over a brutally rocky ridge in South Africa, a three-time world ski champion cuts through a whiteout in the Colorado Rockies, and a young adventurer overlands through thick mud in the Scottish Highlands. Amazingly, these three individuals in vastly different environments all mark their paths with the same tread pattern: the BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO3 tire.

The KO2 Tire: A Predecessor of Legend

For those who venture where others fear to tread, BFGoodrich cemented its legendary off-roading status in 2014 with the release of the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire. This true all-terrain tire became the trusted ally for those daring enough to conquer mud, snow, and rock — to traverse the untraversable.

The KO2 tire is celebrated for its exceptional durability and versatility, quickly becoming a must-have for off-road enthusiasts around the globe. Its unparalleled toughness and adaptability secured its spot on iconic vehicles like the Ford Raptor and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, making it a mark of pride for serious adventurers.

Brandon Sturgis, Global Product Manager at BFGoodrich, reflects on its impact: "The KO2 tire changed the game. Its durability and versatility meant we couldn't keep up with demand. It became the go-to tire for anyone serious about off-roading." The KO2 tire’s legacy is built on its ability to perform in extreme conditions while maintaining a surprisingly quiet and comfortable ride — a balance that few tires achieve.

For a decade, the question has lingered among enthusiasts and engineers alike: Can something of legendary toughness get even tougher? But innovation waits for no one. As the power of off-road vehicles and demands of drivers grew, BFGoodrich set out to create a successor that would not only match but exceed the expectations set by the KO2 tire.

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Iterate, Update, Repeat

Beginning in 2017, the development of the KO3 tire was a meticulous process, driven by a desire to enhance every aspect of its predecessor. Behind the scenes, the creation involved countless hours of testing and refinement. From Mexican deserts to the snowy trails of Colorado, this tire was pushed to its absolute limits. Insights gained from real-world testing were invaluable in fine-tuning its performance. Sturgis highlights the rigorous process: "We learned a lot from our experiences with the KO2 tire, and we applied those lessons to make the KO3 tire even better. It was about evolving what worked and making it new."

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Better On Gravel, Better Everywhere

Two of the standout updates on the KO3 tire are the new tread pattern design and new all-terrain compound that provides 20% better gravel road durability than the KO2 tire. This advancement is largely due to CoreGard Max Technology, derived from BFGoodrich Tires’ race-proven Baja T/A KR3 tire. This technology adds split and bruise resistance to the sidewall, extending protection to critical failure zones. The new tire also has a 15% better wear performance than the KO2 tire, thanks to an optimized footprint shape that ensures more uniform wear. Full-depth 3D locking sipes and a new tread compound contribute to improved stability and durability, making it a tire that can truly do it all.

Brandon Sturgis explains, "We wanted to build on the success of the KO2 tire and incorporate advanced technologies to make the KO3 tire even tougher. This tire is built to overcome any challenge."

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Revolutionizing Toughness

The tire's improved deflection design helps to prevent objects from snagging and damaging the sidewall, a critical feature for off-roading. Interlocking tread elements enhance quiet handling on both paved and gravel roads, while the updated serrated shoulder design and mud-phobic bars ensure superior performance in mud and snow.

Engineers are confident that off-roaders will feel the benefits. Each tire comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, a 50,000-mile treadwear limited warranty, and a 6-year standard limited warranty on defects*.

Innovations of the KO3 Tire: Breaking Down the Details

1. Optimized Footprint Shape: Designed to evenly distribute stress, for long and uniform wear both on and off-road. 

2. Full-Depth 3D Locking Sipes: Engineered to increase tread block stability, for even wear over the long haul. 

3. New All-Terrain Tread Compound: Formulated to deliver longevity on road and in grueling off road conditions.

4. CoreGard Technology: Split & bruise resistant sidewall rubber, derived from BFGoodrich's race proven Baja T/A KR3 tire. Advanced Deflection Design helps deflect protruding objects from snagging & splitting the sidewall.   

6. Interlocking Tread Elements: Designed to maximize handling and traction on- and off-road by stabilizing the tread center and providing biting edges for off-road traction.

7. Updated Serrated Shoulder Design and Mud-Phobic Bars: The serrated shoulder and mud-phobic bars provide better mud 1 2 and snow3 4 traction than the competition.

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Unexplored Trails Are Calling

So, how did the toughest tire on earth get even tougher? Through relentless innovation and the drive to push possibilities further. The KO3 tire is made for those who drive to the edge and beyond, whether you’re an intrepid zoologist, a ski champion, or just someone with a spirit of adventure. Trails you've yet to conquer are more within reach than ever. 

Are you ready to answer the call?

*For more information on these benefits, please go to www.bfgoodrichtires.com. Guarantee applies to up to 6 tires per customer. Guarantee applies only to tires that were purchased and mounted and does not apply to exchanged tires that were provided under this guarantee. The guarantee does not include the cost of valve stems. Tires that are damaged due to misuse or misapplication, road hazards, mechanical problems related to the vehicle, use in any racing-related activities, or competitive events, or tires that are removed from the original vehicle on which they were installed, are excluded from guarantee.
 
¹Based on internal mud traction testing using the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/AK O3 tire, Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tire, General Tire Grabber A/TX tire, and Toyo Open Country A/T III tire in size LT265/70R17 LRE.  Actual results may vary.
 
²Based on internal mud traction testing using the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/AKO3 tire in size LT265/70R17 LRC 112/109S, Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tire, General Tire Grabber AT3 tire, Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tire, and Toyo Open Country A/T III tire in size 265/70R17 115T.  Actual results may vary
 
³Based on third-party snow traction tests using ASTM Test Method F1805 using the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tire, Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tire, General Tire Grabber A/TX tire, and Toyo Open Country A/T III tire in size LT265/70R17 LRE.  Actual results may vary
 
⁴Based on third-party snow traction tests using ASTM Test Method F1805 using the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tire in size LT265/70R17 LRC 112/109S, Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tire, General Tire Grabber AT3 tire, Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tire, and Toyo Open Country A/T III tire in size 265/70R17 115T.  Actual results may vary.

 

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