Find Dealers
View dealers around Make a new search
Search to complete Delete
My Garage Tire Selector
My Garage : Make a new search
Choose a language
ko3 header image f

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

Picture this: a zoologist navigating the rugged terrain of Northern Ontario, a three-time world ski champion cutting through a whiteout in the Canadian Rockies, and a young adventurer overlanding through the muddy backroads of Newfoundland. Despite being in vastly different Canadian environments, these adventurers all rely on the same tread pattern: the BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO3 tire.

The KO2 Tire: A Predecessor of Legend

For those who go where few dare, BFGoodrich solidified its legendary off-road reputation in 2014 with the release of the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire. This true all-terrain tire became the trusted ally for adventurers who conquer the toughest elements — mud, snow, rock — in Canada's varied landscapes. The KO2 tire earned its reputation for exceptional durability, quickly becoming a must-have for off-road enthusiasts from British Columbia to Newfoundland.

Its unparalleled toughness made it a favourite on iconic vehicles like the Ford Raptor and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, earning a place in the hearts of Canadians who seek out challenging terrain. As Brandon Sturgis, Global Product Manager at BFGoodrich, states: "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."

For a decade, one question lingered: Can something of legendary toughness get even tougher? With the growing power of off-road vehicles and increasing demands from drivers, BFGoodrich embarked on a mission to create a successor that would not only meet but exceed the high expectations of the KO2 tire.

bfg body ko3 5


Iterate, Update, Repeat

Starting in 2017, the development of the KO3 tire was a meticulous process aimed at refining every aspect of its predecessor. Testing took place in diverse environments, from Mexican deserts to the snowy trails of Colorado, this tire was pushed to its absolute limits. With every trial, new insights were gained, leading to continuous refinements. Sturgis notes, "We learned a lot from the KO2 tire, and we applied those lessons to make the KO3 tire even better."

bfg body ko3 2


Better On Gravel, Better Everywhere

Two standout updates to the KO3 tire are its new tread pattern design and advanced all-terrain compound, offering 20% better gravel road durability than the KO2 tire — a key feature for Canada's remote and rocky roads. CoreGard Max Technology, derived from BFGoodrich Tires’ race-proven Baja T/A KR3 tire, provides split and bruise resistance to the sidewall, extending protection to critical failure zones.

Thanks to an optimized footprint, the KO3 tire also delivers 15% better wear performance than the KO2, ensuring durability over the long haul. Whether traversing gravel roads in the Yukon or mud-covered trails in Quebec, the KO3 tire is designed for superior performance. Sturgis explains, "We wanted to build on the KO2’s success while integrating advanced technologies to make the KO3 tire even tougher. This tire is built for Canadian off-roaders to overcome any challenge."

bfg body ko3 4

Revolutionizing Toughness

The tire’s improved deflection design prevents objects from damaging the sidewall, a critical feature for off-roading on Canada’s challenging terrain. Interlocking tread elements ensure quiet handling on both paved and gravel roads, while the updated serrated shoulder design and mud-phobic bars enhance performance in mud and snow.

BFGoodrich engineers are confident that Canadian off-roaders will feel the benefits. The KO3 tire comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, a 50,000-mile (80,000-kilometre) treadwear limited warranty, and a 6-year limited warranty on defects.

Innovations of the KO3 Tire: Breaking Down the Details

1. Optimized Footprint Shape: Ensures long, uniform wear both on- and off-road, especially on Canada’s gravel roads.

2. Full-Depth 3D Locking Sipes: Increase tread block stability, promoting even wear across different terrains.

3. New All-Terrain Tread Compound: Delivers longevity in tough Canadian conditions.

4. CoreGard Technology: Split- and bruise-resistant sidewall rubber derived from BFGoodrich's Baja T/A KR3 tire.

5. Interlocking Tread Elements: Maximize handling and traction, stabilizing the tread for enhanced control.

6. Updated Serrated Shoulder Design and Mud-Phobic Bars: Boost mud and snow traction, a key feature for Canadian winters.

bfg body ko3 3

 

Unexplored Trails Are Calling

How did the toughest tire on earth get even tougher? Through relentless innovation and the drive to push limits further. The KO3 tire is designed for those who venture into the wildest parts of Canada, from the rocky trails of British Columbia to the snow-covered roads of Ontario. With the KO3 tire, the trails you’ve yet to conquer are closer than ever.

Are you ready to answer the call?

You are using an unsupported web browser
You are using a website browser that is not supported by this website. This means that some functionnality may not work as intented. This may result in strange behaviors when browsing round. Use or updgrade/install one of the following browsers to take full advantage of this website