Decisions for new tires

[Mark S.]

So anyone that purchases that specific tire is actually getting a lesser valued version of that line? Seems unethical to sell that sized tire without a disclaimer.

I don't believe that size tire was available from Falken until Ford asked for it. Tire manufacturers make specific size tires for OEMs all the time; there's nothing shady about it. You're getting a tire that's exactly what Ford requested.

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[Mark S.]

What I am saying is if that specific size of that tire is made different than all of the other sizes of that same tire and that difference reduces the side wall strength or other aspect that reduces the specifications without being told that, then yes it seems to be a violation of consumer protection.

Falken makes a variety of different tire sizes, and it posts all the specs for each on its website. Some are heavier, with more sidewall plies, some are lighter with fewer. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. If you want off-road capability get the heavy duty tires. If you want good road manners and fuel economy get the lighter duty tires. Falken sells both. I don't believe anyone is trying to hide anything.

 

[omahafordowner]

I don't believe that size tire was available from Falken until Ford asked for it. Tire manufacturers make specific size tires for OEMs all the time; there's nothing shady about it. You're getting a tire that's exactly what Ford requested.

Gotcha.
OEM's are just typically shit tires. I am assuming/hoping since these were the optional tire available that is not the case.

 

[Mark S.]

Gotcha.
OEM's are just typically shit tires. I am assuming/hoping since these were the optional tire available that is not the case.

I've got 17K on the Falkens with no issues. Great wet/snow performance, surprisingly good off-road, and no annoying drone on the road. Based on the amount of wear to date, it appears I'll get the advertised 55K out of them. In my opinion, these are great tires, and unless someone comes up with a tire offering better performance in all these areas I'll replace them with the same tire when the time comes.

 

[Bucko]

What I am saying is if that specific size of that tire is made different than all of the other sizes of that same tire and that difference reduces the side wall strength or other aspect that reduces the specifications without being told that, then yes it seems to be a violation of consumer protection. Other than people with ford bronco sports are purchasing that tire.
Typically OEM tires are made cheaper and you expect that when you purchase a vehicle. But if this tire is a part of the standard line of that manufacturer, it shouldn't be made to meet 1 vehicles requirements without telling all consumers that that specific size of tire is not made the same as all of the others.

Can you document this statement with any proof? Your above links only show a different part number, but do not state the OEM version are made cheaper. I talked with a tire store manager who stated that the OEM tires are the same as the ones I would buy from them as replacements.

 

[Bronclahoma]

Well, I don’t think you can apply the adjective “lesser valued tire” as you are getting the full value of all components Ford chooses to install on any of their vehicles but I understand your point. Lesser value and full value is in the eye of the beholder.

The Pirelli tires on my Badlands probably are of the same sort of value proposition.

you can do a search for “59000690” on this forum and will see a handful of different posts that talk about that Falken Wildpeak AT3w OEM 235/65R17 tire.

Have a look through this post as it does a good job explaining tires that vehicle manufacturers might use…

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/hello-from-falken-tires.4072/

I think a lot of us were unaware that the factory AT3s were different. Many trust the brand name Falken Wildpeaks and will be disappointed their OEM tires aren't up to par with some other brands. One of the main things I look for in an offroad tire is stiffer sidewalls and this tire doesn't appear to have them.

I have a 23 BL scheduled to be built on Aug 05. I just took the standard 225 Wildpeaks knowing that I will replace them with 245's. Not sure which one. Runiing KO2s on my 21 BL and they are great tires offroad. Not as good on pavement. Leaning toward the Wildpeak AT3s, but also considering BFG Trail/Terrains. I need to check on the sidewall strength of the BFG's, I think they are the equivalent of a 6 ply.

 

[wessermgm]

@Mark S… I’ve been wondering if when you bought your Bronco Sport with the optional Falken Wildpeak AT3w 235/65R17 tire you got the non-OEM off-the-shelf 235/65R17 tire or you got the Falken Wildpeak AT3w OEM 235/65R17 tire part number 59000690.

I am not sure that part number 59000690 would be stamped on the tires but if you ever get time maybe you could check if that number or a different part number is stamped in your tires.

Falken Tire provide info on the following 2 different tires in Post #81:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/hello-from-falcon-tires.4072/

Falken Wildpeak AT3w OEM 235/65R17 tire part number 59000690

Falken Wildpeak AT3w non-OEM off-the-shelf 235/65R17 tire (a different part number)

Post #81 states: “The Bronco Sport would use the OE Falken Wildpeak AT (AT3w), part# 59000690. It shares some of the design of the normal aftermarket/off-the-shelf Wildpeak At3w, with main differences appearing in a shoulder redesign to help meet noise standards set by Ford.”

Can't speak for Mark S, but I got my 235/65/17 AT3W from Discount Tire and they are the same as the OEM tires direct from Ford. I keep seeing commentary that there are non-OEM 235/65/17 AT3Ws, but I have never seen any evidence of this. I think Mark S is correct when he stated that Falken just did not manufacture this size before Ford requested it. The only 235/65/17 Wildpeak AT3W is the same as the OEM tire, which can get aftermarket as I did. This direct from Falken's own website, they only list one set of specs at 235/65/17:

https://www.falkentire.com/wildpeak/at3w#size-list

 

[Mark S.]

@Mark S… I’ve been wondering if when you bought your Bronco Sport with the optional Falken Wildpeak AT3w 235/65R17 tire you got the non-OEM off-the-shelf 235/65R17 tire or you got the Falken Wildpeak AT3w OEM 235/65R17 tire part number 59000690.

I looked on Falken's website, and I can only find one size 235/65R17 tire for the Wildpeak AT3w. I don't believe Falken makes more than one version of this tire size. It's not unusual for a tire manufacturer to make one-off tire sizes for OEM use by an auto manufacturer. I've read in the past that auto manufacturers sometimes patent specific tire sizes.

At any rate, all the specs for the OEM 235/65R17 tire (as well as all other sizes for the Falken AT3w model) are listed in the table (scroll down) on the page linked above. It's publicly available data--no hidden gotchas.

There are a lot of factors that affect tire life. The manufacturer's estimated mileage is just that: an estimate. Falken warrants the AT3w for 55K, and I'm almost certain that warranty applies to OEM tires. If someone believes their OEM tires wore prematurely they should contact the tire manufacturer and see what kind of support is offered. You might be surprised.

As I've posted, I believe wear on my OEM Falken Wildpeak AT3w tires so far is more than satisfactory.

 

[wessermgm]

You might not have seen my message that it is Falken Tire themselves that stated they make both of these tires… one in the OE version that Ford installs as the optional tire and the other version is the non-OE off-the-shelf tire. These have different part numbers. Both can be purchased from places like discount tire.

Falken Wildpeak AT3w OEM 235/65R17 tire part number 59000690

Falken Wildpeak AT3w non-OEM 235/65R17 tire (a different part number)

Post #81:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/hello-from-falcon-tires.4072/

Maybe they did back in 2021 when that post was made, but in 2023, they do not have one in their inventory.

 

[omahafordowner]

You might not have seen my message that it is Falken Tire themselves that stated they make both of these tires… one in the OE version that Ford installs as the optional tire and the other version is the non-OE off-the-shelf tire. These have different part numbers. Both can be purchased from places like discount tire.

Falken Wildpeak AT3w OEM 235/65R17 tire part number 59000690

Falken Wildpeak AT3w non-OEM 235/65R17 tire (a different part number)

Post #81:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/hello-from-falcon-tires.4072/

Yet, no one knows what that different part number seems to be. I would venture to guess the person in post #81 doesn't have a clue.

 

[Mark S.]

You might not have seen my message that it is Falken Tire themselves that stated they make both of these tires… one in the OE version that Ford installs as the optional tire and the other version is the non-OE off-the-shelf tire. These have different part numbers. Both can be purchased from places like discount tire.

Falken Wildpeak AT3w OEM 235/65R17 tire part number 59000690

Falken Wildpeak AT3w non-OEM 235/65R17 tire (a different part number)

Post #81:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/hello-from-falcon-tires.4072/

I did see your post; I disagree with your conclusion. I don't think Falken said they sell two different versions of this tire in the same 235/65R17 size, mainly because it listed only one part number for that size. Falken sells many different versions of the AT3w tire in many different sizes, but all share the AT3w model name and 55K warranty. Falken's rep listed some of the differences between the OE tire it manufactured for Ford and some of the other AT3w tires it sells.

If you scroll through the list I linked to on Falken's website you'll see that each different size tire has different specs, including ply rating, load capacity, tire weight, etc. The tire it designed for Ford--the 235/65R17--is one of many different AT3w tires Falken sells.

Many here seem to be equating ply rating with quality. Falken does not list a ply rating for many of the AT3w tires it sells, including the 235/65R17 tire. According to Falken's marketing material ply rating doesn't mean a given tire is manufactured with that many plies; it just corresponds to load range.

All that said, my primary point is that I don't think evidence exists to support the claim that Ford and/or Falken is attempting to sell an inferior tire under false pretenses. Falken lists all the data on all its tires on its website, and everything Ford/Falken claims about the OEM AT3w tire offered for the Bronco Sport is demonstrably true.

 

[omahafordowner]

Maybe but I quoted what Falken Tires said about being able to order both the OE tire part number 59000690 and the over-the-counter non-OE tire. And recently someone needed to replace one OE tire and stated discount tire ordered the OE 59000690 (had to order because only the over-the-counter non-OE tire is kept in inventory). That seems like reasonable evidence of the existence of two tires but I did not independently confirm any of those are facts.

And I didn’t confirm with discount tire if it is possible to order but a google with 59000690 in quotes shows a few hits including:

https://shopcwo.com/falken-wildpeak-a-t3w-235-65-17-104h-sl-4-black-wall-sidewall-all-terrain-59000690/

The 59000690 is the only tire available for that size.

 

[Mark S.]

And I didn’t confirm with discount tire if it is possible to order but a google with 59000690 in quotes shows a few hits including:

https://shopcwo.com/falken-wildpeak-a-t3w-235-65-17-104h-sl-4-black-wall-sidewall-all-terrain-59000690/

The tire at your link is the same as the one listed on Falken's website for the size we are discussing. Here's a link to the same size sold by Tirerack. Here are pics of the tire installed on my car:

All of these specs match the specs listed by Falken on its website as well as the specs listed at tirerack.com.

I don't believe Falken's rep said it sells more than one version of the 235/65R17 AT3w. I believe he said you can purchase non-OEM versions of the AT3w, such as the 245/6R17 that many here have purchased.

 

[Dude]

I don't believe Falken's rep said it sells more than one version of the 235/65R17 AT3w. I believe he said you can purchase non-OEM versions of the AT3w, such as the 245/6R17 that many here have purchased.

Thanks for posting these details!!

I was taken off track by reading more into the Falken rep posts including this one: “Within the Falken brand, they can be. For example, we have the OE Wildpeak AT3w (AT3wA) and the off the shelf Wildpeak AT3w. When comparing them side by side, the off shelf AT3w has a more aggressive tread design compared to a more conservative AT3wA/OE At3w. The OE versions typically have to be conservative as it has to meet certain noise, comfort, and performance levels for that vehicle manufacturer as the manufacturer is gearing the tire for the general public (not enthusiasts).”

Therefore I deleted my posts on the topic of the OE tire - my posts exist in others quoted comments but I am issuing a retraction ? on all my posts for the topic of the Falken Wildpeak AT3w OEM 235/65R17 tire!!

 

[omahafordowner]

So called Falken and got clarification.
If you look at the Falken A/T3W size list on their website.
The tires with the product number beginning with the 280 are the actual A/T3W designed per Falken's spec tire.
Tires with the 590 number are tires that have been redesigned to meet the car manufacturers required specifications for an OEM tire.
235/65r17 is only available in the Ford OEM tire spec.
This is why people that have chosen the 235/65r17 are getting a smoother/quieter ride than what you would expect from an A/T tire.

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