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Do you need off-road rock traction, on-road winter wet traction, and a longer-lasting tire for your Chevy Silverado?
In this report, I’ll provide an owner’s perspective on the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T and BFGoodrich KO2 A/T to help you determine which tire is best suited for your needs.
Let’s hear from Octavio B. Rodriguez, a valued member of the 2019 – 2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Owners Facebook page. He shares,
“Last week I got rid of my Nitto Trail Grappler M/T’s and put on some BFGoodrich KO2 A/T tires on my truck, so far I like these new tires and the price for all 4 BFG was reasonable. I got them from Tire Rack; they were on a closeout sale price.”
“Now I like to mention that my Nitto where excellent tires and I had them for about four years, and the only complaint is the road noise is unbearable, so they’re too noisy for highway use, but these tires are solid, and so if you want off road only I definitely recommend the Nitto Trail Grapplers, but for a little bit of everything the KO2 are a good option as well.”
“BTW, the dice on my Nitto was 33×12.50 R20 with a 3-inch leveling suspension and upgraded UCA’s, the BFG KO2’s are 305x55R20. I hope my experience is useful to anyone planning to get some new tires.”
As a Senior Reporter for Torque News, I’ve seen countless discussions about the perfect tire for pickup trucks. It’s a perennial debate among truck enthusiasts, especially those driving popular models like the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. Owners are constantly searching for the ideal balance between rugged off-road capability, smooth highway manners, and, of course, a reasonable price point.
One such owner, Octavio, recently shared his practical and invaluable recommendation for upgrading the tires on his Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra. His real-world comparison provides valuable insights that many truck owners will find extremely useful.
Octavio, like many truck owners, sought a tire that could handle diverse demands. After four years with a set of Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires, he decided it was time for a change, opting for the widely praised BFGoodrich KO2 A/T. His experience offers a more nuanced perspective on the trade-offs involved in tire selection, particularly for those faced with the choice between dedicated mud-terrain and versatile all-terrain options.
The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
For four years, Octavio’s Silverado was equipped with Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires, sized 33×12.50R20. His truck, already prepped for more aggressive rubber, featured a 3-inch leveling suspension and upgraded Upper Control Arms (UCAs) – a typical setup for those looking to maximize wheel and tire fitment.
Octavio’s assessment of the Nittos is straightforward: “These tires are solid and tough.” For anyone dedicated to serious trail use, their performance was exemplary. Mud-terrain tires, by their very design, excel in challenging conditions, providing superior traction in mud, dirt, and rocky terrain. Their aggressive tread patterns are engineered to dig in, clear debris, and maintain grip where less specialized tires would falter.
Now for the Downside
However, the very characteristics that make mud-terrains superb off-road often become their Achilles’ heel on paved surfaces. Octavio’s main, and really only, complaint was their highway manners: “they’re too noisy for highway use.” This is a common refrain among owners of vehicles equipped with aggressive M/T tires. The large, widely spaced tread blocks, while effective at shedding mud, create significant road noise at speed, making longer highway journeys more fatiguing.
For those who primarily use their trucks for daily commutes with occasional off-road adventures, the constant hum can become tiresome. If you’re pondering the pros and cons of mud-terrain tires for daily driving, Octavio’s feedback strongly emphasizes the noise factor as a significant consideration.
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The Versatility of BFGoodrich KO2 A/T
Seeking a more balanced performance, Octavio made the switch to BFGoodrich KO2 A/T tires, opting for a 305x55R20 size. His initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive, not just regarding performance but also value. He notes he found them on a “closeout sale price” from Tire Rack, highlighting that the “price for all 4 BFG was reasonable.” This insight into the BFGoodrich KO2 A/T tire closeout sale price review is a goldmine for budget-conscious buyers always on the lookout for a good deal.
The BFGoodrich KO2 (All-Terrain T/A KO2) has long been a benchmark in the all-terrain tire segment, renowned for its excellent blend of off-road capability and on-road comfort. Unlike dedicated mud-terrains, the KO2 features a more civilized tread pattern, designed to minimize road noise and provide a smoother ride, while still offering substantial traction for light to moderate off-road conditions. Octavio succinctly captures this versatility, stating that for “a little bit of everything, the KO2 is a good option as well.”
This makes the KO2 a strong contender for owners who need reliable traction for weekend adventures but demand quiet, comfortable performance during the week. It’s why many truck owners consider it among the best all-terrain tires for Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra.
The Specialist or the Generalist
Octavio’s comparison offers valuable real-world data for the ongoing Nitto Trail Grappler M/T vs BFGoodrich KO2 A/T review. It underscores the fundamental difference in their design philosophy. The Nitto Trail Grappler M/T is a specialist, built for severe off-road abuse. It makes no apologies for its highway noise because its primary function is conquering the gnarliest trails. If your truck spends 80% of its life off-pavement, and you prioritize maximum grip in extreme conditions, the Nittos are a formidable choice.
Conversely, the BFGoodrich KO2 A/T is the generalist, a jack-of-all-trades that performs admirably across a broad spectrum of conditions. It might not offer the absolute peak performance of a mud-terrain vehicle in deep mud, but its trade-off is significantly enhanced on-road comfort and reduced noise. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are upgrading truck tires for off-road and highway performance without wanting to commit fully to one extreme or the other. Octavio’s positive experience with the KO2s underscores their reputation as a highly versatile and dependable tire for mixed-use applications.
His input also highlights the impact of tire size on overall feel and performance.
Moving from a 33×12.50 R20 to a 305x55R20 might seem like a small change, but it can subtly alter the ride quality and handling characteristics. While both are significant tires, the slightly narrower and less aggressive stance of the 305 could contribute to the perceived improvement in highway behavior. For anyone contemplating the highway noise comparison between the Nitto Trail Grappler and the BFGoodrich KO2, Octavio’s firsthand account solidifies the long-held understanding that all-terrain tires generally offer a much quieter ride.
In The End
Ultimately, Octavio’s firsthand account is a testament to the fact that the “best” tire isn’t universal; it’s highly dependent on individual driving habits, priorities, and terrain. His candid share provides a practical roadmap for fellow truck owners navigating the complex world of aftermarket tires.
How About You?
Share your tire experiences with our readers. Which tires have you found work best for both off-road and on-road situations? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my 2025 Chevy Silverado story: 2025 Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss Owner Says, “Man, I’m Just Not 100 Percent On My Decision To Go ‘Different’ With These Fuel Rebels In Bronze”
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Octavio B. Rodriguez
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Source: torquenews.com
