Experienced by Leon Brittain

Developed for sporty ruggedness, Automotive Rhythms’ 2022 RAM 1500 Rebel GT in Hydro Blue was enhanced when the project team upgraded its rubber to BFGoodrich’s new KO3 all-terrains. Now, we can traverse various environments and road conditions with ease utilizing superior traction. Whether rough-riding through wooded trails, crossing muddy waters, climbing rocks, or tackling wet pavement, the long-awaited KO3 has arrived.

With 15 current sizes available in the US, BFGoodrich plans to launch over 100 Terrain Family sizes within the next two years. The multifaceted, all-terrain rubber is designed for pickups, CUVs, and SUVs and can handle wintry weather thanks to jagged shoulders and mud-phobic bars, which increase traction on snowy, muddy surfaces. So much so that the nameplate was granted the notable Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe-snow rating. The Baja Champion tires also offer peace of mind with a mileage warranty of 50,000 miles.

We chose a pickup truck for our specific review needs, which we dub Soul Rebel 22 for its purifying blue hue and Rebel moniker. The RAM Rebel model is already formidable and features an aggressive front fascia, performance-tuned shock absorbers, skid plates, a 1″ raised suspension, OEM Goodyear Wrangler A/T tires wrapped around 18×8” rims, and a bulged hood to house the stalwart 5.7-liter V8 HEMI e-Torque engine. The Wranglers are outstanding in their own right, yet, we prefer the technology of BFGoodrich products and the corporate affiliation with Michelin.

“BFGoodrich Tires’ legendary toughness has been made tougher with the creation of the All-Terrain KO3 tire,” said Harold Phillips, BFGoodrich Global General Manager. “We’ve done a lot of racing and research in the ten years since we launched the KO2 tire, so a decade of data, feedback, technology, and experience went into the development of the KO3 tire.”

To touch up Soul Rebel 22 a bit more, we swapped the wheels for a set of Black Rhino Rapid Forged rims with a Matte Brushed Gunmetal finish and paired them with 285/65/R18 KO3s. We didn’t want to go too large because of reduced gas mileage, a wider turn radius, and possible front fender rubbing. The off-road-specific adventure wheels are fabricated using a highly advanced production called Flow Form Technology, which enhances the strength of the alloy while reducing overall weight. Similarly, the BFGoodrichs are engineered to endure. The tire company employs 50 years of motorsports and industry experience to instill superior build and performance techniques in its products. The process includes fresh, unique tread patterns and innovative all-terrain tread compound created for longevity and durability, including full-depth locking 3D sipes that wear evenly over time.

In comparison to the KO2s, the KO3’s attributes can be summarized in the following statements:

The All-Terrain KO3 tire’s new tread pattern design and all-terrain tread compound provide better snow traction than the All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire.
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tire has better wear performance than the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire.
The All-Terrain KO3 tire’s new tread pattern design and all-terrain tread compound provide better gravel road durability than the All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire.

Not only are KO3s impressive in both wet and dry conditions, but they aesthetically changed Soul Rebel’s demeanor to add more aggression. The RAM’s stance is also domineering with the BFs. What’s truly impressive about the all-terrain T/A KO3 tires are the stronger sidewalls due to CoreGard Technology, conceived for Baja racing. The severe snow-rated rubber also deflects projecting items like stones when trekking through the wild thanks to Advanced Deflection Design implementation. Specifically, it keeps these projectiles from splitting or snagging the sidewall. Moreover, KO3s are just as helpful when entering the potholed, riddled city of Washington, DC where we frequent for vehicle deliveries.

“We are our own competition, and we knew it was time to take the all-terrain tire to another level. It will be exciting to see what consumers will do – at work and at play – with the KO3 tire,” Phillips concluded.

Automotive Rhythms’ dream truck came to fruition after prolonged research and conversational enthusiasm with fellow 4×4 enthusiasts. Whether moving through traffic, hauling loads, or hitting the trails, we’re now ready for action and primed for RAM’s battle cry, “Guts, Glory, RAM” when teamed up with BFGoodrich’s Extreme Performance mantra. Let’s ride!