The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM has proven and certainly surpassed its reputation. The LT315/75 that we're running is proof positive and continues to conquer ground with confidence.

IN CONTROL OF AGGRESSION: The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM is aggressive in appearance and performance, but its manners and overall handling characteristics are extremely tame and easy to take command of the terrain with. Piloting the truck amid the BFG Mud-Terrain is impressive and the best option if you're going to put your truck or SUV to the test.

Finicky when it comes to outfitting a big-buck truck, my standards and expectations are extremely high. When it's my hard-earned money at stake, I want it to work hard and work well. And I would guess that I am not alone here, as your investments must demand similarly rewarding returns. BFG does just that.

Humble Beginnings

The saga begins years back in a dusty and rock-riddled expanse of the Mojave Desert. Bouncing around in an old Jeep, learning to drive the dirt, and live the good life, I had not a worry in the world. That old Jeep took me there and brought me back - every time.

Sure, one time I was in over my head through some whoops and launched the J-10 over a berm to the demise of the steering column, but it was nothing that some spare pipe and speaker wire couldn't fix. It always brought me back.

Realizing What It's All Worth

It wasn't until years later that I realized the importance of sound investment. I was at an old SCORE Fireworks race in Barstow, watching a young Robby Gordon give the big boys a run for their money. Might I add, he was running BFGs, and I wasn't.

After the race, it was time to head home. But the new Jeep Wrangler I was then driving wasn't going anywhere fast. The tire was gouged through the sidewall and dead flat. A quick tire change and I was back thrashing through the desert and on the long road home.

I finally made it to Lucerne Valley, where I stopped for a spell and it was realized that the spare I was running was working on borrowed time. Suffering from a cactus in the sidewall, it was on its way down and in need of a tire plug.

Returning To My Roots

While pounding a tire plug into the sidewall, I then realized why that old Jeep that I had driven years before had well-worn tires all the way around but had a brand new and never-used spare in the truck bed. Well, that old Jeep wore BFGs. And through the years, those old All-Terrains did their job. It was time to return to my roots.

NOTORIOUSLY EFFECTIVE: At the time of this photo, the Mud-Terrain KM had little more than 10,000 miles on it. It is still looking good and attacking the terrain with prowess. Seen here, the DiggerLugz provide increased protection from punctures and bruising to the most vulnerable portion of the tire, the lower sidewall, which for BFG is already protected by the notoriously effective TriGard sidewall. The TriGard Sidewall is made of a single, three-ply polyester cord. This cord is continuously wrapped around the tire's sidewall multiple times, building uniform strength and providing stable lateral traction.

When I purchased my Jeep Cherokee, it was in need of rubber. I picked up a brand new set of BFG All-Terrains that triumphed to 60,000 miles without a flat. That included several runs down the back roads of the Baja Peninsula and prerunning portions of nearly every major off-road race for a two-year period.

Back When Times Were Tough

And when times were tough and one of the rigs needed a set of tires, we went downtown and paid visit to a tire shop in the heart of Los Angeles, Mexicana Tires off of 6th Street, where we'd pick up a set of used BFGs and run them until there was no tread to run on. As the Mexican dude that used to pull the tires off the rack would say, "Just because a BFGoodrich has outlived its truck, doesn't mean its job is done, señor."

Born For Super Duty

When the idea of spending big bucks on a diesel truck, the thought of outfitting it with thrifty hardware was out of the question. It is my opinion that when you short the cashier come checkout time, you get exactly the medicine that you pay for, which usually means a huge headache when you least expect it.

Which brings back memories of a guy at this year's SCORE San Felipe 250 off-road race. Blasting back from the race course, we stop off to help an older guy in his brand new Super Duty. After a day romping through the desert, chasing the race, he heads back to town for an ice cold Margarita. Just when the mere thought of the Margarita sent his head into a brain freeze, steering wheel strikes a sudden jolt to his wrist. After running on a low tire through the dirt and on the highway for a few miles, the thing finally blew, keeping him and his crew from a refreshing reward back at the cantina. To help ease his anger and frustration in the blistering San Felipe heat, we offered to change the carcass and serve him up some refreshments.

"Naaaaaah! I'll take care of it... Damn it. I just bought these damn things, too." Not one for words, it turns out he was upset with his recent purchase. He snapped when we offered him a spare BFG. "Hey, I know. I know. The damn things were on special. Got it? Damn. I'm kicking myself in the ass now, though, ain't I?"

UP AGAINST THE TURN: One of my favorite features to put into action is the BFG's cornering characteristics. The sturdy sidewall and corner bite offered by the outer tread pattern and DiggerLugz offer superior performance in such situations. There are cows who continue to roam the Baja Peninsula because of this tires performance in times of need.

I replied: "I hate to kick while you're down, but I'm thinking those tires aren't making you any better off than the stock tires. Heck, my first trip in my Super Duty was down here for last year's San Felipe 250. Some 2,000 miles into the truck I had myself a flat coming out of a silt bed. I was sweating bullets, praying that the cheap spare would make it back to town. Luckily, it did. But by the time I made home, I counted to flats for its maiden voyage."

He nodded his head in agreement.

The Tire of Choice

The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A has long been my first choice in tire. The notable feature of the tire has long been its TriGard Sidewall, which resist punctures extremely well, while maintaining excellent wear, superb handling and allowing the tire to conform well to the terrain for better traction.

When the company redesigned the tire a few years back and came up with the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO, they introduced another "knock out" to its competitors. The introduction of additional sipes gave the tire greater grabbing power on the asphalt, on the rocks and in the dirt. Those sipes also gave the tire better wear and a longer life. But one of the best things they did to the tire was the addition of the DiggerLugz.

What are DiggerLugz? They are like traction claws that extend from the foot of the tire, wrap around the corner and climb up the sidewall. I have learned they serve several purposes.

THE TIRE WITH BITE: Don't be bitten by cheap tires. Bite back with the superior traction of BFG. The DiggerLugz are effective in climbing out of ruts, scaling rocks, thwarting the danger of sharp obstacles and clawing its way through sand, silt and even mud.

THE PATH OF PERFORMANCE: The inner tread blocks and long pattern provide a smooth ride for the long road to and from. These also provide excellent flotation in the sand and mud. The outer blocks of the Mud-Terrain KM's symmetrical design are open and self-cleaning when in the mud and on the move. These blocks pull you through with tried and true traction, performing similarly to paddles in the sand. This overall package is unmatched and an excellent choice. My next set will be BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KMs, once again.

On the trail, they claw there way through to traction. Their design allows the sidewall of the tire to wrap around and grip the slick face of rocks for additional traction. In the same manner, the DiggerLugz also do their job in working your rig out of ruts. But perhaps the least exciting and likely most important purpose for the DiggerLugz is the increased protection for the most vulnerable part of the sidewall.

To take protection a step further, the brains at BFG added the Rim Protector, a thick rubber ring that guards the rim against rocks and other obstacles, which often cause dings, dents and burrs. Especially useful when you air down the tire, the Rim Protector provides extra protection against pinching the sidewall against the rim, where those dings, dents and burrs can chafe or tear into the tire. As simple as it is, it's a functionally sound idea whose time has come.

The Tire We Chose

With all the goods things we have to say about the All-Terrain, we just couldn't keep our eyes of the shot at testing the new Mud-Terrain T/A KM, which stands for "Key benefit Mud" in BFG speak.

Like the off-road legacy that has consistently driven BFGoodrich tires to the top, the Mud-Terrain style tire has earned its way to fame as a bonafide Baja champion since its inception. The tire, introduced in the '80s, has been winning off-road racing championships ever since. And with the introduction of the new BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM little more than a year ago, the victory streak still stands.

Like its older brother, the All-Terrain KO, the Mud-Terrain KM inherited the DiggerLugz, a Rim Protector and a redesigned tread pattern. Herein lies the greatest improvement in the Mud-Terrain KM. The tire was strategically engineered with a new rubber compound, and increased contact patch, which in my miles on the tire results in increased traction, a quieter ride and what has so far proved to be a longer tread life.

The Results

TUCKED IN, TIGHT, PROTECTED AND A CLEAN FINISH

Choosing to maintain the factory one-piece forged aluminum alloy rim, the truck keeps with a narrow platform to mount the new BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM. This keeps the sidewall tucked in tight and far from the danger of sharp rocks, tree stumps and other possibly fatal obstacles.

This keeps the turning radius of the truck tight and also keeps it cleaner than if a wider rim or wider offset was used, since it keeps debris picked up from the tire confined to the wheel wells rather than kicked up onto the paint job.

KEY FEATURES:

• Superior all-around off-road tire.
• Maintains excellent on-road manners.
• It's the best looking tire on the market.
• Improved handling and traction on wet road.
• The tires resists chunking on sharp obstacles.
• Corners very well on asphalt, hard packed dirt, silt, mud and sand.
• TriGard Sidewall construction resists punctures and bruising of the tire.
• The self-cleaning design of the Mud Terrain does an excellent job of preventing clogging of mud, increasing traction in such conditions.
• Two full-width steel belts allows the tire to mold itself to obstacles for optimal traction.

• Ensure Tires Are Inflated Properly - Follow the tire manufacturers air pressure rating rather than the vehicle manufacturer's air pressure rating.
• Rotate Tires Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles

From The Looks Of It

In a fashion show or, better yet, a beauty contest for tires, BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM is Miss America. It's just a great looking tire. In my opinion, it's the best. The crisp lines capture the eye and have the competition taking notes. You study the BFG and then glance at some other brand and you realize that the BFG Mud-Terrain is what other tires aspire to be.

But in the dirt and miles from the nearest pay phone, beauty can be little more than a snake oil salesman. With BFGoodrich, fashion could not possibly take the place of function. Being Baja champion is no beauty contest.

You'd be amazed at the kind of torture tire engage in when working their through the average off-road race. I've been covering races for years and am still impressed when I see a tire smack a rock dead on, at speed, only to forge its way to the finish line, unscathed.

The only draw back to using the OEM rim with 315 size tires is the slight rub on the front springs when making sharp turns on uneven ground. For me, I choose the benefits stated above over the minor drawback of an occasional tire rubbing on the spring. The photo above is the rear of the tire.

What Noise?

When you think of a mud-terrain type tire, you usually think of the noise factor. While the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain is a mud tire, it is completely redesigned and considerably quieter than its predecessor, which I have run for years.

Although its quite a different when comparing a diesel vehicle that is notoriously noisy, but several co-riders have gone so far to state that the tire is "amazingly quiet for a big mud-terrain." I would have to agree.

When compared to other Super Dutys around town, who run an assortment of other off-brand aggressive tires, the noise factor is extremely tame. Rather than knock those tires here, I simply leave it to your imagination. Take it for what it's worth, but if it ain't on my truck, it PROBABLY ain't worth running.

For The Wearing

For any tire, tire inflation and rotation is crucial to the life span of the tire. Underinflation, over inflation and the lack of regular rotation will result in uneven tire wear, uneven traction and increased noise. Larger and more aggressive tires seem especially prone to these effects because of the larger tread blocks, which is why it is important to adhere to 3,000 to 5,000 mile rotation intervals. Because a 3,000 rotation interval would mean rotating the tires every other trip, I am pushing the intervals to the 5,000 mile range, which is after each oil change.

CLEAN COMBINATION: The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM and the one-piece forged aluminum alloy rim are a tough combination. The word is that this rim is produced by another powerhouse in the industry, Alcoa Wheels.

The tires are wearing well. The Ford Super Duty weighs in at nearly 8,000 pound, nearly double that of any other vehicle in the driveway. As expected, the tires on the truck won't last as long as the BFGs on my 3,500 pound Jeep CJ or 4,000 pound Cherokee, but they have so far held their own.

Down Around Town

Everyday driving, the tires hook up well on the asphalt. They stick like gum to the street. Powering around corners, the tires remain tack sharp and full of traction. You've just got to love the feel of the tire, even if it isn't a street tire.

On The Highway

On the highway, the same holds true. The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain is a runner. Certainly, the tire isn't a highway tread. So if that's what you are looking for, look to a BFGoodrich Long Trail or even a more highway treaded tire.

We average about 50 to 100 miles of dirt for every 1000 miles of road we put on the truck. As I write this, I am anxious to load up the truck for a trip that will take us on the highway to Antelope Valley. From their, we plan to hit the dirt to Ridgecrest, California. From there, our objective is to seek out the path to the old Charles Manson Hideout and ultimately make our way up to Bishop by dirt.

Hard Pack

Probably the best test of the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM was the first 4,000 miles of its life. This took us down south to Baja, where we ran a lot of washboard road, which accounted for a good 300 or more miles.

Here, we got a good grip on how the Mud-Terrain KMs work, since the really is no speed limit to contend with. The sharp corners on the tires, which would also include the DiggerLugz, kept us tracking tight on the turns. Control was easy to maintain.

When the steering wheel turns, the truck turns. Previous to the BFGs, the truck's front end was push away from the turn. Now, it carves its way into it.

Our late night encounter with cows just north of Coco's Corner was a prime example of this. Doing about 45 MPH, several black cows jumped from the darkness. Before I had a chance to wet my pants, I yanked the wheel over and wove around them. Control is key with any tire and the Mud-Terrain KM takes control exceptionally well. I believe this is one reason why many off-road chase teams and support crews make use of the MT.

MOUNTING THE SPARE

Before we chose to run the 315 sized BFG Mud-Terrain KM, we did some investigative work. Under no circumstances do we go anywhere without a full-size spare tire. When traveling deep into Baja, we've been known to take two spares. Our biggest concern for the tire size was: "Would a full-size spare fit?" Well, of course. The only modification it took was the slight bending of a tab that holds the smaller stock spare in place. Once that's done, you're in business.

Above, you see that the tire butts up against the hitch nice and snug. We've never needed the spare, but have found that it is easy to maneuver the tire in and out of its position, if it was ever called upon for duty.

Above, you see how close the tire comes to the exhaust. After 15,000 miles, it has proved not to be a problem, especially since the exhaust doesn't get hot enough to effect the tire. If you look closely, you'll see that the nubs of the tires are still in tact. Want to go bigger? We have friends who run 37-inch BFGoodrich tires and have also managed to make their tires fit. One guy said he fit it without further modification, while another said he moved the exhaust over a nudge. Bottom line: It will fit.

Sand and Sand Washes

On the sand and in the sand washes, the height of the tire makes good for flotation purposes. I usually air down the big truck to 20 PSI or less when on the beach for any length of time.

On the stock 275s, I had a tough time making it through Northern Baja's Guadalupe Wash in 4WD and aired down to 15 PSI to barely make it. With the 315 BFG MTs at the recommended 50 PSI, there are portions where 2WD was not a problem. Any deeper, and we simply shifted into 4WD and didn't sweat it. If I were to run the beach or an extremely long and deep sand wash, I would air down anywhere from 18-30 PSI, depending on various factors.

Big Ruts

The DiggerLugz do not steer your wrong in the ruts. They climb right out on command. The DiggerLugz are the most appealing and certainly the most visible innovation to the Mud-Terrain tire.

Mud Running

Mud can come in a variety of consistencies. We'll divide them up into two types: soup and goo. Often times these two combine, the soup taking the surface and the goo taking the depth of the bog.

Although we have encountered some nasty mud in the mountains of Central Utah and Southern Colorado, nothing could match our encounter with the mud along the coast of Pacific Coast of Baja, the worst of it heading into El Rosario.

The rain preceded us the night before our arrival. So, mud was prevalent the entire way. But it really wasn't until we turned from the coast toward the town of El Rosario that the problem began. Other than back tracking a good 80 miles or so, there was only one way to town. Of the five miles left in our journey, there was a half-mile of potential misery. Two trucks lay stuck in the distance. One was abandoned. On the other, the driver was still hopelessly digging as the sun settled on the Pacific.

Having brought ample shovels, wooden planks and an assortment of lengthy tow straps, I was thinking it was worth a shot. With a stick in hand, I walked the area in order to best choose my plan of attack.

Bingo! Still sweating the outcome, I aired down to 18 and had at it. We were about to encounter the soggy high tide mark and the mud runoff from the storm.

My driving style is to maintain a balance between momentum, traction and just enough wheel spin to keep the tires clean and unclogged. Be as smooth as possible, feathering the throttle and allowing the wheel to find its way through the muck.

Our attempt was successful. Just about at the tail end, we nearly slowed to a stop but gratefully found traction in the nick of time. The tires took control. The DiggerLugz gnawed through the ruts. And the tread kept itself clean of the clogging and bogging mud.

Load Range

Although the BFG Mud-Terrain KMs are designated as a load range "D" and not the greater load range "E" that the truck was originally fitted with from the factory, the BFG Mud-Terrain KMs in the 315 size are rated to take on what is essentially a load range "E" at 3,195 pounds, which is more than many tires with the load range "E" designation are worth of handling anyway.

Sizing Up To The Terrain

When it comes to the size of a tire, I take a more practical approach. While a 40-inch tire might just be better in the mud, when on the road, towing, and stowing a spare, it is unreasonable. A 40-inch tire is just too high to make it practical for everyday driving. We're looking for functionality and not fashion.

For an all-purpose truck that gets worked throughout the week and abused on the weekend, the 315 (or 35-inch) BFG is practically the most effective tool to outfit your rig with. It is still low enough to the ground to keep from being a rollover hazard on the highway. It has enough height to keep from dragging axles in relatively deep mud. It has enough contact patch to keep you from sinking in the sand or mud and has enough length to keep the truck from pounding into the washboard road. Instead, the truck rolls over washboard road with ease.

Furthermore, unless you're consistently towing a heavy load, lower gears are not necessary on the Ford F-350 Power Stroke Diesel.

Fidel Gonzales