Factory OEM tires vs. Wildpeak A/T Trails vs AT3Ws - (Big Bend)

So I was researching tires on the BS and literally out the door on my way to the local tire shops to check pricing and availability for a set of 235 AT3Ws and/or AT Trails for my BS/BB when I happened upon this video that shows a BS/OB doing pretty darn well (almost to the limits of the vehicle) on a set of Factory OEM tires (Michelins?).




This certainly makes me reconsider my need for AT tires at all. I likely would not be taking the vehicle past its capability (not much more than on the video for sure) ... I'm not really seeing a need for a set of full blown AT tires like the AT3Ws; I'd only think the capability of the vehicle lends more towards the A/T Trails, if anything.

Thoughts?

Um... She drove on a dirt road... No AT tires needed for that drive unless you run into bad weather and need more grip or ability to deal with mud. If that represents your typical driving usage, then you probably will be just fine with some reasonably good A/S tires. The stock Michelins are decent, I'd run them out and then get something a bit better. That said, the Falken AT3W are not terribly aggressive for off-road/AT tires and ride nice and quiet on pavement. I'm anxious to see how the Falkens do for winter driving. Not expecting performance like a dedicated winter tire, but I think they'll do alright.

B.Sporty916 said:

So I was researching tires on the BS and literally out the door on my way to the local tire shops to check pricing and availability for a set of 235 AT3Ws and/or AT Trails for my BS/BB when I happened upon this video that shows a BS/OB doing pretty darn well (almost to the limits of the vehicle) on a set of Factory OEM tires (Michelins?).




This certainly makes me reconsider my need for AT tires at all. I likely would not be taking the vehicle past its capability (not much more than on the video for sure) ... I'm not really seeing a need for a set of full blown AT tires like the AT3Ws; I'd only think the capability of the vehicle lends more towards the A/T Trails, if anything.

Thoughts?

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I had seen part of this video before but just looked at the rest. It's a fun video that might make it a little easier for someone to actually try to do some off-roading. As far as the tires go, If I had a Bronco that came with the Wildpeak AT3W, I might be content but any of the others I'd replace. But then again, I am kind of a tire nut. Just do your research. I a fan of all the info on Tire Racks web site.

I’m in Northern Minnesota and the original Michelins are only okay for wintery climates. After last winter I put on the Falken AT3W’s. We got a good 8” of snow today and I’m good where I’m at. Get tires based on your climate or want you want to get into.

Also keep in mind that All-Terrain tires may have a different ply rating than All-Season tires, so tread is only one of the factors to consider.

I agree that one needs to evaluate the terrain you expect to encounter, although many people prefer the look of more aggressive tires.

MaxVelocity said:

(...)
I agree that one needs to evaluate the terrain you expect to encounter, although many people prefer the look of more aggressive tires.

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I would expect the ol' dirt road, with bumps and rocks... sand, rain, mud, snow, etc.

I guess at this point I would need some sort of AT to handle these conditions, but is the AT3W overkill for the Bronco Sport Big Bend, or would the AT Trail suffice? I wasn't able to see a direct comparison between the two...

B.Sporty916 said:

I would expect the ol' dirt road, with bumps and rocks... sand, rain, mud, snow, etc.

I guess at this point I would need some sort of AT to handle these conditions, but is the AT3W overkill for the Bronco Sport Big Bend, or would the AT Trail suffice? I wasn't able to see a direct comparison between the two...

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I'm running stock-sized AT3Ws on my Big Bend, getting around 8L/100km with I'd say 70/30 town/highway driving. Snow, slush, mud, etc. So far it's been great. Could be overkill, but they've done well so far this season.

I'd say running 225/65R17 is more than enough for the Bronco Sport. I'm coming from a lifted F150 with 35s and can't see any valid reason to go larger.

B.Sporty916 said:

I wasn't able to see a direct comparison between the two...

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I wasn't able to come up with a great comparison But I'll Give Discount Tire a little love, https://www.discounttire.com/blog/falken-wildpeak-buyers-guide

Bluebaru said:

I had seen part of this video before but just looked at the rest. It's a fun video that might make it a little easier for someone to actually try to do some off-roading. As far as the tires go, If I had a Bronco that came with the Wildpeak AT3W, I might be content but any of the others I'd replace. But then again, I am kind of a tire nut. Just do your research. I a fan of all the info on Tire Racks web site.

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At3w are working for me .

Bluebaru said:

I wasn't able to come up with a great comparison But I'll Give Discount Tire a little love, https://www.discounttire.com/blog/falken-wildpeak-buyers-guide

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Thanks - I appreciate the link, I've been all over Am. Tires website, didn't see that...

Willow said:

I’m in Northern Minnesota and the original Michelins are only okay for wintery climates. After last winter I put on the Falken AT3W’s. We got a good 8” of snow today and I’m good where I’m at. Get tires based on your climate or want you want to get into.

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I used to live in the St. Cloud area. Moved away from MN. I don't miss Winter!

For whatever it's worth, one of the main reasons to go with heavier, "real" A/Ts is sidewall strength. Tread matters a lot, but it gets all the attention. Sidewall strength is arguably more important off-road, especially in rocks. If you're not driving in rocky environments, it won't matter a ton, but if you are, you'll damage lightweight tires quickly.

Unfortunately, that sidewall strength comes with more weight and therefore worse gas milage as well as a stiffer ride. Manufacturers have found ways to compensate a bit, but there's always a trade-off, and there's a reason for the more highway-focused tires that come by default.

That having been said, really, please don't go on a very rocky remote trail with the default tires. You have to punish the sidewalls to make up for limited clearance in the sport, and you'll slice open lightweight/fuel-efficient/smooth-riding tires at the worst possible time.

If you're not driving on rocks, you'll have worse traction, but it's not the end of the world. You can often turn around or self-recover with boards and a shovel to get out of muddy/sandy spots. If you are driving on rocky trails, however, a tire upgrade isn't just about performance, it's about safety.

You should also recognize that it will reduce on-road safety in some cases to increase off-road safety. Agressive and open treads usually have worse stopping distance on dry pavement.

At any rate, consider your local environment when buying tires.

Willow said:

I’m in Northern Minnesota and the original Michelins are only okay for wintery climates. After last winter I put on the Falken AT3W’s. We got a good 8” of snow today and I’m good where I’m at. Get tires based on your climate or want you want to get into.

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My brother in law is in Longville and he was just telling me last night about that crazy snow storm. We didn’t get anything in The southeast part of the state Cept for these crazy winds and it’s 13 deg today. ?

the Falkens did well for you in that?

I live in MN (Twin Cities area) and have the AT3W's (245's). I got them probably more for looks than functionality. Prior to the BS my front-wheel drive Mitsu Lancer with aggressive all-season Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires did fine in the winter. So a "4-wheel drive" BS on factory OEM tires should be just fine, just depends on how deep the snow or crazy the off-road terrain is. There is a limit to everything.

I live in New Hampshire.
Before I got new tires I had to navigate some big rain storms and one snow fall. All I can say is after hydroplaning and relying completely on the traction control I couldn't get rid of the stock, all seasons fast enough.
I traded out the 18" rims for 17"s and went with Cooper 245/65's.
I couldn't be happier. The ride is smoother, the shifting and acceleration are smoother.
Absolutely no noticeable loss in engine power. It's almost like the BS was designed for them! A little road noise and lost about 1 MPG. No worries about traction, pinching a sidewall or scraping a rim.

Ligh truck all terains are definitely overkill for a compact suv daily driver. Any tire like what the BL's are sold with is more than enough. But I'm loving these!