Favorite tires for a cucv?

[79Vette]

My m1009 has a set of Goodyear MT/Rs in 33x12.50 R15 that are about worn out, and I'm looking to replace them in the next few months.

That tire is no longer manufactured in that size unfortunately, so I need something else. I drive on the highway a lot getting out to the trails (150-250 miles each way) but when I'm off road I really want a high performance tire.

I'm looking at BFGoodrich KM3, Firestone Destination MT, and Falken
Wildpeak MT, but don't have first hand experience with any and I am open to suggestions.

What I am looking for:

• At least as durable as the MT/Rs. I've cut the sidewalls on 3 KO2s, and am tired of dealing with that nonsense
• At least as good on dirt, granite and sandstone as the MT/Rs.
  • I don't drive in mud or snow too much, and have lockers chains and a winch if needed. The main surfaces I'm on are random dirt/loose rocks, solid granite (Sierras), and solid sandstone (Utah)
• As quiet, low vibration, and as easy to balance as possible. I understand you don't really get any of those things with a dedicated off road tire, but if one mud tire is slightly better than another it's worth considering

I don't really care how much they cost. I just want a good, tough tire that will take a beating and perform off road. No Chinese junk, and no KO2s. Bonus points if they're quieter than other MT tires.

What have you had good luck with on your CUCVs or other similar vehicles?

 

[87cr250r]

If you can, get a more modern rim size. I bought some steelies from a contemporary Dodge for my M1008, up from 16 to 17. It opened up a whole new world or tire options without drastically altering the appearance of the truck. I can't speak specifically for the 15" rims.

 

[NY Tom]

I am running BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 in LT265/75R16 on a 2012 FJ Cruiser. Load Range E.
Now I have 135k miles on this set of tires and still plenty of life left. Have not rotated but this vehicle is full time AWD.
Got 135k on the last set before I changed them. My driving style changed a bit in the last 5 years.
Had a few nails, but I plug them and move along. Driving NYC and Long Island roads and highways 100 miles a day minimum
Road hazards like yooge potholes are not a problem for me.
The key here is getting load range E. I do not believe the load range C tire will give similar results.

I love the tires and for me traction is good. I have used them off road and in sand aired down no problems.

YMMV

I looked online but can't say it will be easy to find load range E on a 15" rim. You might make some calls. BFG does not list them by load range on their website.

Might not be the most aggressive tire out there.

EDIT - did not read your post critically. I guess KO2 is off the table. But I had good luck with the E range. Tougher sidewalls maybe than C.

 

[Steel Hunter]

Do you guys know if there is a 35 or 37 inch tire that would fit the stock rim for the m1009. I currently run the Goodyear trail runner A/T 31X10.50R15LT which are great but I am getting the off-road designs 6inch and I want to keep the stock rims and go bigger if I can.
many info would help
Thank you

 

[CSandoz]

When I was looking for tires for my 1009, I didn't like many of the options. Admittedly I haven't taken my rig off road, but I drive it pretty regularly. I ended up getting a 33x12.5 Hercules terra Trac. Low road noise. Rides really nice. Kind of a cross between an all terrain and mud tire. I live in Louisiana so driving on terrain isn't uncommon. I don't really consider that "off road". But maybe someone out there has put this style of tire thru it's paces and has some better advice on the matter looked really good too on factory rims.

 

[Steel Hunter]

When I was looking for tires for my 1009, I didn't like many of the options. Admittedly I haven't taken my rig off road, but I drive it pretty regularly. I ended up getting a 33x12.5 Hercules terra Trac. Low road noise. Rides really nice. Kind of a cross between an all terrain and mud tire. I live in Louisiana so driving on terrain isn't uncommon. I don't really consider that "off road". But maybe someone out there has put this style of tire thru it's paces and has some better advice on the matter looked really good too on factory rims.

Ya I have seen 33s that fit the rim but nothing bigger out there for the m1009 rim. Guess I might have to fork up the cash for new rims also. Which I did not want to do.
Thanks

 

[sbgarage]

Falken wildpeak is good to go. Have them on another truck in 235 15s. I have general grabbers on the k10, 31s they are quiet and ride well. Saw the kenda klever 32 or 33s for a good price on ebay.

 

[UNIMOG-GUY]

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 235/85/16. 50k mileage tire. Does exceptionally well in mud and snow. Load E rating.