Kenda Klever M/T question.

[sycofrontier]

Hey folks, I'm looking to buy new tires. I want a mud tire that does well in rain, snow, and Ice. To be honest, I'd love to get the Firestone Destination M/T, but they are out of my price range. I don't care about the noise, because my audio system would drown it out. I read so many threads on tires here that I am completely confused. In fact, this post may ramble a bit, and I apologize for that. I've found these Kenda Klever M/T tires on e-bay for $592, for a set of four, with free shipping. They are the stock 265/75R16 size. There is also a set of 285/75R16 of the same tire for $736. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find many reviews on these tires, but the ones I did find seem pretty good. My questions are as follows:

!. Has anyone here seen, heard of, or used these tires, and what did you think?

2. What would I need to do, if anything, in order to use the 285s vice the 265s?

3. Is it worth about $150 to buy the 285s vice the 265s?

That covers the questions, for now. Also, I have a 2005 Nismo KC, no lift. Thanks for any and all input!

Here is a link to the 285s on e-bay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Kenda-Klev...p1703086.m1253

[JSutter]

Mud tire and snow don't mix. Mud tires don't have siping, which is what you need for rain and snow.

Do you really need an m/t? Sounds like you want a nice aggressive all terrain tire.


As for the sizing, it all depends on your truck, wheels, and the model tire. To fit a 33" sometimes minor melting is required. Sometimes you need to cut metal. Be prepared to make some changes in the fender wells.

[sycofrontier]

I get what you mean about the siping, however, I'm not sure it will be needed. Like I have said, I've read many threads on tires now, and from what I have seen, there are many M/T that do well in snow and ice. Obviously not as well as a winter tire, but still decent. Take the Firestone Destination M/Ts for example, they were nick named the black ice tire, and do very well in snow.

I do need/want a M/T, I will be playing in the mud a good bit. Work is only 14 miles round trip, so that's another reason I want M/T, I won't be on the pavement all that much. It might also help to let you know that I am in the Cincinnati Ohio area. This will be my first winter here, so I don't know how much snow and ice to expect. I do know that it rains a lot here, so playing in mud will happen plenty.

One other question I thought of... Is it possible/alright to link this thread into a new thread in the off road section, or is that considered a double thread post? I'd like to have the off roaders input as well, but they may not look in here. Thanks again!

[noob]

def dont have to worry about snow ... ice on the other hand ...

[BCBrian]

1. Never heard of them. I like 3 Ply sidewalls. Now I've seen them, not impressed.

2. For 285s you will need at least 2.5" of lift and some trimming and melting.

3. I like the 265s because I can stuff the tire into the wheel well, they are cheaper, the speedo reads correctly and all I had to do was pull the mud flaps and lower valence from the bumper.

[tholmes]

They have a significant presence in the motorsports industry with motorcycle/dirtbike tires and atv tires....

[sycofrontier]

Bcbrian, what is it about them that is unimpressize to you? I think I will go with the 265 due to lower price, and no funds to install a lift kit. Right now I am thinking that I will buy these tires, just to see how they do. I'd still like any input from others though!

[09eq]

No experience but my guess is bad on dry pavement and ice. Looks to be heavy tire also - 60# for 285 - hit on mileage, road feel, susp. wear, and possible balancing problems. Should handle mud well. Weigh the compromises carefully.

[sycofrontier]

I thought I would post a couple links to the few reviews I have found on these tires. I'm not trying to argue with what anyone has said here, and I appreciate your input, however, I wanted you guys to see what people who have used them say.

My new Kenda Klever M/T's

Kenda Klever M/T KR29 255/75 R17 111/108Q 6PR OWL All season tires - Compare Prices and Reviews on Kenda R228938 Auto Tires at PriceGrabber

I sent messages to a few of the people who bought these tires on e-bay, and will let you guys know what they have to say about them as well. Thanks for reading!

[zoomzoom]

you seem pretty set on buying them. you want the forum to give you the ok?