285/75 or 35/12.5 KM2

daveh

Adventurer
This topic has been debated, critiqued, and argued on numerous forums. Now that I have spent a decent amount of time with both tire sizes I figured it was time to post a brief review for those pondering which to purchase.

I drive a 2012 JKUR auto with 3.73 gears and the AEV 2.5 suspension. I had originally upgraded from the stock Rubicon KMs to the 285/75 KM2. Road noise and vibration increased slightly but braking, steering, and throttle response all seemed relatively close to stock. Increased vibration could be contributed to the 285 being an E load tire. Mounted size was a bit over 33". Off-road performance was as expected. Miles of Vermont class 4 roads though deep mud and sharp rocks were completed without a puncture or a single moment were I thought the tires would leave me stuck.

I now have about 800 miles on my new 35/12.5 KM2s. The additional height, weight, and width of the 35s is noticeable while driving. Braking distance feels longer, throttle response/acceleration is noticeable, and steering feel has changed. I can feel the road grooves and an increase in the feeling that the vehicle has a tendency to wander with the wider tires. The 35s measure slightly over 33.5" at 28 PSI.

I like the look of the 35s and it's nice to have a small increase in ground clearance, but overall I believe the 285 is a much better choice for a JK that will be primarily used for overlanding. I haven't noticed a difference off-road, but on road the 285s are the better performers.




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banjotx

Observer
thank you for that advice. I am totally new to driving a JK and now with 14k on the odometer. Installed 285/75 duratracs at 3K and really like them. We have several 1300 miles road trips on them and pulled a small trailer on last trip. Kinda thinking about the next set of tires being 35".
 

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moabian

Active member
Most JK'ers put 35s on their vehicles simply because they think it looks better...with no regard for the additional upgrades that should be made to counter increased wear because of tire weight, etc. I stayed with 33-inch tires on my JKUR (2.5" AEV lift and 4:10). However, I found the KM2 to be the worst snow and ice tire I'd ever driven. I was planning to switch them for the new KO2 before last winter, but ended up trading the JK for a GMC Canyon and re-acquiring an '82 Scrambler that I sold in 1996.
 

Thirsty

New member
I put a set of the 34x10.5 all terrains on my JK, they seem like a great little ground about as tall as the 35s would be but narrower so a good bit less weight. My millage goes back and forth between about 18 and 21 mpg. Also the fact that they are load rated a little lower is great, they ride awesome at about 27-28 psi. I hope this size catch's on and more tires become available.IMG_20150807_131536578_HDR.jpg
 
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daveh

Adventurer
285s
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35s
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c51a280f71a9954b7c092e82aa25f979.jpg



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The Swiss

Expedition Leader
Thanks for y'alls observation. I drove the 285/75 BFG MT for 45k mls and loved the size. However, me getting old and soft plus my JKU being my every day vehicle seeing a lot of interstate use, it was time for me to get a tire that's a little quieter. I was in between the 34x10.5 and the 35x12.5 BFG AT ko2. I would have loved a 35" tall tire but 12.5" wide is just too much so I went with the 34x10.5 (reading daneh's review I think I my choice was right). I love the performance of the AT, but the tire is smaller in diameter than the 285/75. Bummer BFG does currently not offer the ATko2 in that size.
 

Comanche Scott

Expedition Leader
I think this is really a personal choice, based on usage. Definitely there is no one right answer fits all.

I went away from KM2s, for the first time on what I consider a serious trail rig.
I was looking for a bit less noise, and better snow performance. So went to an aggressive AT.

Big rocks, and water bars dictate 35"or larger in my circumstance. But a 285 for milder trails would be great. :beer:
 

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