I've been looking to buy new tires for my F150 4x4 (17 inch rims). After referring to the tire size chart on the sticky post I've decided to go with 285/70/R17 which, if I'm not mistaken, is the maximum size I can put on my non-lifted truck without any rub. I'm looking at BFGoodrich and comparing the "All Terrain T/A KO" with the "Rugged Trail T/A." On TireRack.com the All Terrains cost $182 and the Rugged Trails cost $153. On BFGoodrich.com the ratings, when compared, seem to be close enough to not even be able to tell a difference in performance.

So my question is why are the All Terrain's so much more money?

 

i use the all terrains because i get better traction on and off road with them. as for the price i think your paying for the increased traction abilities as well as the tread pattern

 

In all reality the traction ratings on them are so close in comparison that a $30 difference... or $120 difference when buying 4 tires can hardley be justified in my mind. I have a hard time believing that the average driver will ever notice an actual traction difference. But it seems that everyone gets the All Terrains and just doesn't mind shelling out the dough.

 

The A/T has a different casing with 3 ply sidewalls and 5 plies in the tread area. This makes a much more puncture resistant tire. The Rugged Trail has a standard type casing with 2 ply sidewalls and 4 plies in the tread. Dont confuse the actual amount of plies with "ply rating" wich is an outdated way of indicating load range. For example, a tire with 4 plies in the tread can be "10 ply rated" if it is load range E. Anyway for a 150, a load range C tire is best in my opinion. P rated or standard load passenger tires ride to soft.

 

I have the A/T's on my truck and they are far superior than the rugged trails. I am a wholesale tire dealer and have nothing but good to say about the all terrains. The rugged trails do not seem to get the good milage that the a/t's do. In my opinion i would shell out the extra money for the all terrains you should be able to get more milage out of them and they look a hell of a lot better.

 

The rugged trail and the A/T KO's are going to have the same road handling, road noise, and tread wear. Personally though, I think the look of the rugged trail looks about as tough as a baby kitten. The A/T KO is a much better looking tire especiall for a 4X4.

Here is my advice though. My last set of tires were the BFG A/T KO. When those wore out I put on the Pro Comp All Terrains. These tires by far exceed the BFG's.
-better looks
-50,000 mile tread wear warranty
-WAY BETTER off-raod capabilitys (I've pulled out trucks on BFG AT's, one even had lockers)
-quiet on the highway
-MADE IN USA (Cooper Tire) BFG/Michellin are made in France I believe
-less expensive even with a D load range

 

I put a set of the Rugged BFG's on my 4x4 supercrew.... Didn't get any were near the stated milage wear on them. Poor off road traction, and weak side walls. If you pull a trailer with any decent load on it you'll feel it in the rear end. You couldnt give me another set of rugged trails to put on my truck. I have heard some say the supercrew is too heavy for this tire..... My brother had a set on a Toyota with similar results...

Put the KO's on and have been very happy will all aspects. Yes, cost a little more but well worth it. Keep them rotated with each oil change, proper air in tire and they will last twice as long as the ruggeds will. Plus they look better.
Shop around and find the best deal. Paid $171.00 per tire last Nov. for mine.