jkenprice1

I had a set of the previous model Geolander A/Ts. I had a really good experience with them. They were very quite, rode well, and lasted forever. I had 80,000 miles on mine and still had half tread. I finally had to get new ones because the rubber cracks around the lugs. Also, I started noticing a vibration when braking about 75,000.

TexasEd

Tread

Full view of dirty truck with new tires

GMC to Ford

First review, the tires perform much better than the Goodyear Wrangler Adventure in the rain. I measured the sound in my truck on a 10 mile drive on highway and back roads (35 - 55 mph), saved the file and analyzed the differences on my computer. A noticeable improvement in road noise.

Goodyear: 62.1 dB average Yokohama: 59.3 dB average

For a general reference, 3 dB reduction equates to approximately a 50% reduction in Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and ~ 20% in perceived noise reduction by the human ear. The ride is much better on the highway. It is a little stiffer driving over bumps, railroad tracks, etc. The P-rated Goodyear tires (275/55R20) were set at 35 PSI (cold) and the Yokahama tires (LT285/55R20) are set at 48 PSI (cold). The load index table recommends 45 PSI to match the factory tires

GMC to Ford

After several weeks of driving, my opinion of the Yokohama G015 LT285/R20 (Load Range E) tires has changed drastically. I developed a serious bed bounce problem on segmented interstate highway, especially in curves or at slower speeds over railroad tracks in a curve. The interstate hop issue resulted in being unable to stop the truck from walking (bouncing) into the adjacent lane.

Discount Tire is replacing the tires with BFG KO2 LT275/60R20 (Load Range D). It has a larger sidewall and lower load rating, but still retains a somewhat stiffer sidewall.

Mfitz

Did you consider just replacing the tires with a set of new G015's? I can't imagine this was not due to some flaw in that particular set rather than something inherent to the design/ manufacturing. That said, something like that might make me want to switch brands as well. Please let us know how the KO2's compare, at least to the Yokohamas before they self destructed. I haven't bought my set yet, but I might look harder at the KO2's and the Cooper AT3's now.

GMC to Ford

No, the tires seem to be fine. I think a combination of load range E, low profile and aluminum truck created the problem. The tires were great in all other aspects of driving (i.e. extremely quiet, great wet weather traction and smooth as a passenger tire on new pavement. They became unsettled on rougher roads and highway driving was scary in a few instances. All four tires balanced with less than 1.5 ounces of weight.

I thought of going to the 275/60R20 in the same brand, but Yokohama's tire manufacturing process is not uniform by any stretch of the imagination. The LT285/75R20 was 1.2" wider in tread (9.4" tread / 11.4 section width) compared to the 275/60R20 (8.2" tread / 10.9 section width) For comparison, the BFG LT275/60R20 is 9" tread / 10.9 section width and the stock Goodyear Wrangler 275/55R20 is 9" tread / 11.2 section width).

No one could explain why some of Yokohama's tires varied so much from the industry standard (over 3/4" more narrow in tread) so I opted for BFG. The LT285/55R20 was 0.3" bigger in diameter than any other brand too.

Mfitz

Low profile could be part of it, 55 is a pretty short sidewall and load range E would make it really stiff. I would want a 275/70 18, which is only available in an E range, but it would have much taller sidewalls.

GMC to Ford

Discount Tire changed my order for BFG LT275/60R20 back to the size being replaced LT285/55R20 without calling me. They called today to tell me the wrong size tires were ready to install. Now, I am waiting another week for right tire size.

GMC to Ford

Well.. after figuring out my bed bounce issue on the interstate was caused by the springs I am switching back to the Yokohama Geolandar G015. Back in May, Discount Tire swapped them out under the 30 day ride guarantee with BFG KO2. The BFG KO2 rides much worse but seemed to fix the bed bounce issue until I traveled back to the airport in the same lane that I experienced the first issue with Yokohama. The bed bounce returned. Since that time, I installed the Timbren SES Suspension in the rear and the bed bounce problem is solved. I can immediately tell when the suspension engages before the axle starts to hop.

The Yokohama rides so much better than the BFG KO2, with exception of the earlier issue that is resolved, so I am biting the bullet and buying a new set. My BFG KO2 will go up for sale soon.

Mfitz

I installed Geolandar G015's this June in LT285/75/17 size on Raptor takeoff wheels, and really like them. I wanted to go up a bit in size (although in hindsight I think I would have been just as happy with 70's instead of 75's), and wanted LT's for extra towing stability. They tow my 5000lb travel trailer much better, no squirm, and I pulled it 8500 miles across the country and back with no problem. Without the trailer they definitely give a firmer ride, better in some ways and worse in others, but that was the tradeoff I knew I would be getting. Super quiet, smooth on good roads. MPG's went down a little with a much heavier tire, but I don't put on that many miles outside of the summer towing. I hoped they would be a happy medium between KO2's and Cooper AT3's, in terms of aggressiveness and cost, and that seems to have been a good choice for me. I would definitely buy again, but hopefully I won't have to for a while!