Episode 2 of the 2017 Ford Raptor Web Video Series is Where Rubber Meets Dirt

2017 ford raptor bfgoodrich tires ko2 all-terrain

Episode 2 of the 2017 Ford Raptor web video series is all about tires. After all, the tires are the most important element of any vehicle. You can have the most well designed truck, but if the tires are not up to the task, then all the effort is for naught.

In the case of the 2017 Raptor, the tires are the BFGoodrich All-terrain T/A KO2. The original Raptor rolled on the previous generation of the BFGoodrich tires. A redesigned truck deserves a redesigned set of tires.

Ford worked closely with BFGoodrich during the design phase. The Raptor and the KO2 tires were developed in parallel to ensure the tires match the performance requirements of the truck. Ford says that the result is a Raptor that is more comfortable to drive on-road and more capable off-road.

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The KO2 tires have a new tread pattern with a larger surface area and stronger sidewall construction with new sidewall lugs design. Off-road performance and tread wear life are improved over the old all-terrain tire, according to the company. Steel and nylon belts within the tire offer a more compliant on-road ride. We cannot wait to drive the 2017 Raptor to see exactly how it – and the tires – perform.

While you can already purchase BFGoodrich All-terrain T/A KO2 tires in different sizes for many popular SUVs, light duty, and heavy duty trucks; Ford says the KO2 tires that are on the 2017 Raptor have a unique design that is specific to the Raptor. We are checking into the specific tire model number and we’ll update this information.

This episode is the second in a series of six monthly videos that will culminate in October of 2016 with a video titled “Ultimate off-road capability”. Ford did not release any engine, payload, or towing specifications with this video.

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Here is the video series schedule, according to Ford.

  • May: Video 1: F-150 Raptor’s jaw-dropping off-road agility and capability
  • Jun:  Video 2: All-new BF Goodrich KO2 Tires
  • Jul:   Video 3: Six preset driving modes that optimize F-150 Raptor’s performance for virtually every terrain
  • Aug: Video 4: Long-travel suspension that is the crown jewel of F-150 Raptor
  • Sep:  Video 5: How great design enhances F-150 Raptor’s capability
  • Oct:  Video 6: Ultimate off-road capability

Here is “Episode 2”.

Here is our latest interview that features the 2017 Ford Raptor and 2017 Ford F-150 next generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and the 10-speed automatic transmission.