Don't know if any tire can claim to be "the best," but BFG AT tires ride well
on and off road, are M+S rated, aren't too noisy, and wear well.  

Robert Bills
KG6LMV
Orange County CA

http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/home/jeep-l/billsr.htm
http://www.RobertBills.com

Your factory tires only lasted 15K??!!??  Are you running them without
air???
I *love* my general grabber ATs.  They have a flexible sidewall and a
slightly more open tread pattern than the BFGs.  They're good on sand, mud,
rocks (to a point) and very good on the street.  When I replace them,
though, I intend to get the Goodyear mt/r tires.  JP magazine rated them 3
out of 4 stars in all categories.  To me, that indicates a good all-around
tire.
TJim

I was able to squeeze 26,000 off the original Goodyear's on my XJ
myself...  I now have BFG All-Terrain KO's that are not pushing 47,000
miles.  They are wearing pretty even and the tread looks like I have at
least 5,000 more miles but they are showing age cracks in the tread
groves.

--
Taylor

'89 Audi 200
'03 Audi S6 Avant
'98 Jeep Cherokee Sport

My opinion is you want way too much out of one tire.  You need two sets.  I don't think there is a
good mud and ice tire that isn't a mud tire with studs.  Mud and ice are much different than mud and
snow rated, and even then mud and snow usually dictate different tires; and then you want it to do
well on road.  Not really going to happen in one tire.

The BFGoodrich AT is one of the best middle of the road off road tires that also got the RMA severe
weather rating (more than just M&S rated).  The BFG AT will suffice when some chain restrictions are
in force due to the RMA rating, meaning it does quite well in snow due to siping.  Ice of course
really dictates the use of studs.  If you want a good "ice" tire it needs to be studded, but at the
very least you want to find something with the RMA severe weather rating (look for a mountain with a
snowflake logo on the sidewall of the tire, AND the M&S).

The BFG AT, not having very wide "lugs" gets very packed in sticky mud and does not clean nearly as
well as a good mud tire.  But then, there are few mud tires that do well in ice (unless studded), or
wear well on road and are not too loud.

BFG ATs are probably a *good* choice, but understand they do almost nothing exceptionally well, but
do most things marginally well.  As an all-around tire they are great, but not really great at any
one thing.

BTW, I have used BFG ATs on more than one rig, and currently run them on my XJ.  I run them because
on dry dirt they work well, and I know they work well in snow/packed snow on the highway.  They also
seem to last forever.

Bottom line though, I'd buy a good snow tire for the winter, and if you really need an "ice" tire
you NEED a studded tire.  Then buy a second set for weekend off roading.

I live in Texas, so snow isn't too much of a concern but once or twice a
year.  I drive mostly on the road... the jeep is my only vehicle, but I do a
lot of outdoor stuff and have been down muddy trails.  The factory set did
great and not once was I stuck, even when 'regular' vehicles were, but I
assumed it was the 4wd rather than the tires.  I probably have another 5-7k
left on them.  I would just like some ideas of something with a little more
traction than the factory set that will wear well on the highway too.  I'm
sure there is a best choice for each situation. but out right road tires
look awfully funny on a wrangler... almost as bad as 28 inch tires.

Thanks again!!!

Billy

Here's the Nissan:

http://www.wheelingadventures.com/Northern4x4/iB_html/uploads/post-10-82173-Niss
an_2.jpg

"TJim" <jim@ranlet.nospam.com> wrote in message news:...