Having the right tires when you’re overlanding can completely change your experience on the road. While you may have to spend some extra cash to get some top-notch tires, you will at least have peace of mind that you can safely drive on all terrains and see some captivating landscapes. Two such outstanding models are the BF Goodrich AT KO2 and the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – they are different, but both can serve you well.
| Tire Model | Tire Weight | Mileage Rating | Max PSI | Tread Depth | Tread Width | Overall Diameter |
| BF Goodrich AT KO2 – LT285/70R17 | 51 lbs | 635 | 50 psi | 15/32” | 9.3” | 32.8” |
| Goodyear Duratrac – LT285/70R17 | 54 lbs | 635 | 65 PSI | 18/32” | 9.1” | 33” |
Both tires can give you an amazing on-road and off-road experience but knowing what makes them different and which one is the best will aid you in making a choice. Keep reading to learn more about Duratrac vs KO2 if you’re looking for exceptional all-terrain tires.
Not interested in reading the entire article? Check out our top choice…
- CoreGard Technology: Tougher Sidewall Rubber: Split & bruise resistant sidewall rubber, derived from BFGoodrich's race proven Baja T/AKR2 tire.
- Specially formulated tread rubber: Optimally blended to reduce chip and tear for superior gravel road endurance.
- Upper Sidewall Traction Bars: Protruding sidewall rubber blocks that provide increased mud, snow & rock traction, especially in aired-down driving situations.
- Serrated Shoulder Design: Staggered shoulder blocks that provide greater maneuverability in soft soil and deep snow conditions.
What to Look for in an All-Terrain Tire
When you’re planning to buy new all-terrain tires before you go on an overlanding journey, the first thing you should do is spend some time doing research. With so many top tires on the market, each with its own benefits, selecting the best one for you can be quite a challenge. After all, choosing an all-terrain tire involves more than just getting one that can handle gravel, dirt, and mud on the road.
Luckily, once you know what to look for in these tires, the task becomes less challenging, and you can make your pick with confidence. To select the right all-terrain tire, you will have to consider the following:
Rating
If you’ve been a driver for enough time, you know that all tires have a certain rating. Each tire is rated for different conditions and speeds, which shows how good the performance of the tire will be on and off-road.
So, going with the right rating will have a great impact on the overall experience you have during your overlanding adventure. Some people go with softer tires, as they tend to offer a much better grip on the trail. However, they do this at the cost of tire life and fuel efficiency, making it not the best choice.
Meanwhile, a tire that is too firm will not be that amazing in mud and dirt, despite the great performance on the road. The rating will help you settle for the firmness or softness you want for your vehicle tires and will allow you to choose the right tire for your needs.
Sidewall
The sidewall refers to the tire part that is positioned between the tread and the wheel, creating some distance between the wheel and the rubber. In general, you will see a lot of off-road lovers choosing tires with plenty of sidewall. This is because tires with enough sidewall have the ability to achieve better traction when driving on a dirt road. Still, it may cause some more cushion sometimes.
You should consider the sidewall if you know you will be off-road quite a lot during your journey and expect dirt roads.
Brand
The brand may seem irrelevant, but in reality, your choice may influence your overlanding experience. Every brand has something of its own when it comes to the tires they produce. BF Goodrich, for instance, is a company that is appreciated for the off-road tires they manufacture, while Goodyear is experienced and creates tires with exceptional performance. So, the brand might have a say in the quality of the tire.
Tread
We cannot exclude the tread from this list because it is one of the most important aspects to think of when buying tires. All-terrain tires should usually come with a tread pattern that features a more aggressive look. This helps grip the pavement elements. Not only that, but these tires can also be very durable and will not require a replacement anytime soon, making them more cost-effective and allowing you to save some money.
Price
The price might be your go-to aspect when trying to assess the quality of a tire. Whereas you have a point, the price of the tire doesn’t have to be exorbitant for the product to be qualitative. Sure, you get what you pay for, but there are also good tires that come for decent prices. When adding the cost in your analysis, you should look at the features of the tire and whether they justify the price or not. Furthermore, if there is also a warranty, and a good one at that, it will help justify the costs.
BF Goodrich AT KO2 Overview
The BF Goodrich AT KO2 is a tire that performs very well not only on highways but also off-road. It was designed to offer a very smooth feel when you’re on the road, but it can also handle any rough road where you have no way to avoid the dirt, mud, or rocks.
For highways, these tires have a great snow rating so winter driving can happen under safe circumstances, but they are also amazing on normal roads and friendlier seasons.
When it comes to off-roading, the tire model has different features that improve its strength and make it more durable. It has an extended sidewall construction, 3-ply sidewalls, and two steel belts that have nylon wraps. These all contribute to a very strong tire that maintains its condition for the long-term. Extreme conditions will not stop these tires from powering through them.
On-Road Performance
If you’ll be on the highway a lot and you’re convinced roads will be wet or icy, then this tire might be right for you. It has an amazing grip, and it can be used on these roads without putting your safety at risk.
The KO2 has an outstanding performance on-road. The traction it has on dry surfaces is impressive, and you will be able to go long distances without the tire wearing out. Even better, if you are driving on roads that have been affected by heavy rain, ice, snow, or slush, you don’t have to worry, because the grip is there to keep you steady. In fact, it’s just as good on wet surfaces.
The traction is sustained by the sipes, which offer the right bite. As such, any driver will be safe when encountering wet or icy roads while overlanding.
Off-Road Performance
When it comes to off-road driving, the KO2 model doesn’t disappoint. If you’re someone who wants to overland mostly off-road, then the KO2 tire might be something you want to consider.
The tire works great on pebbles, gravel, and rocks, and one of the reasons for this is the serrated shoulder design. With this feature, the sidewall will be safe from bruising or splitting when encountering rocky terrains. Apart from that, the tire can deflect loose stones or small rock pieces, making the experience even better.
The sidewall is also safe from the mud and will stay clean thanks to the mud buster bars incorporated. The traction in muddy areas is amazing as well. Meanwhile, the tire model is not the best for sand or dirt areas, but it still performs pretty well.
BFG KO2 Specs
- 51 lbs tire weight
- 50 PSI
- Maximum load of 2,755 lbs
- 15/32” tread depth
- 9.3” tread width
- 7.5-9” rim width range
- 8.5” measured rim width
- 11.5” sect. width
- 635 revs. per mile
- The overall diameter is 32.8”
Pros
- Amazing traction
- It works great on wet, icy, or snowy roads
- Durable when dealing with rocky or muddy roads
- Deflects rocks
- Great grip both on-road and off-road
- Very quiet
- No vibration
Cons
- It is not the best in sand or on the beach
Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Overview
You might love the Duratrac tire if you are seeking a longer tread life and an impressive performance both on-road and off-road. This model comes with a different tread pattern compared to the KO2, but in terms of performance and construction, it is not that different, and it can be just as good.
One of the perks of this model is the amount of time it’s been in the market for. It inspires trust knowing that the tire is still strong in the industry, as it may be an indicator of good quality and durability. Well, the versatility is, for sure, one reason why this tire might be a great choice. It can be used on most terrains, as it has qualities that give it a wonderful performance both on highways or muddy or rocky roads.
It can also be very quiet on roads and it doesn’t create too much vibration either, so if these are qualities that you are interested in, then you might want to look into the product.
On-Road Performance
While on the road, the tire has a pretty amazing performance, all thanks to the fact that it runs very smoothly. No matter the road conditions, the tire can take the overlanding vehicle to different places without endangering the passengers. Whether you are on a dry road or wet road, you can confidently drive without expecting a dangerous situation to occur.
If you are driving on winter roads, it will still maintain the same performance. It has great traction, and it will move forward with no problems. As for muddy roads, the tire has self-cleaning shoulder blocks, so it can still work amazingly on mud.
Off-Road Performance
What makes the Duratrac model great for off-roading is the tread life, which is amazing. It’s very unlikely for the tires to puncture, so even if you encounter some difficult roads during your overlanding trip, everything should be alright.
However, it should be noted that while it’s great for off-roading too, it’s not the best tire for extreme off-road terrains. Harsh terrains can actually be pretty damaging for them. So, if you were planning to explore areas that require driving on sharp rock terrains, it is not the best tire. The sidewall will take damage, and the tire might puncture.
Duratrac Specs
- 54 lbs tire weight
- 65 PSI
- Maximum load of 3,195 lbs
- 18/32” tread depth
- 9.1” tread width
- 7.5-9” rim width range
- 11.5” sect. width
- 8.5” measured rim width
- 635 revs. per mile
- An overall diameter of 33”
Pros
- It is great for all types of roads
- Smooth feel
- No noise or vibration
- Self-cleaning shoulder blocks for muddy roads
- Amazing traction and grip
- Great tread life
Cons
- It is not the best choice for harsh terrains
- The tires can get damaged by sharp rocks
Our Top Pick – BFGoodrich KO2
- CoreGard Technology: Tougher Sidewall Rubber: Split & bruise resistant sidewall rubber, derived from BFGoodrich's race proven Baja T/AKR2 tire.
- Specially formulated tread rubber: Optimally blended to reduce chip and tear for superior gravel road endurance.
- Upper Sidewall Traction Bars: Protruding sidewall rubber blocks that provide increased mud, snow & rock traction, especially in aired-down driving situations.
- Serrated Shoulder Design: Staggered shoulder blocks that provide greater maneuverability in soft soil and deep snow conditions.
Our top pick is the BF Goodrich AT KO2. Out of the two models, it is more durable and offers better performance on all terrains. Compared to the Duratrac model, the KO2 tire is better off road, because it can deflect small rocks and can handle even harsh terrains. It’s designed to be better for both types of on and off-road.
Not to mention that it’s also a great tire for the typical everyday driver, as it has low road noise and will offer a pleasant experience while driving. If you want to use the vehicle both for overlanding and for normal trips, this tire could be what you’re looking for.
The Bottom Line
Between Goodyear Duratrac vs BFG KO2, the KO2 seems to be better for all terrains. However, both tires can undoubtedly offer a great experience for their intended tasks. Consider all their features before you pick one of them to take you to new amazing places during your overlanding adventures.
