BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 — Field Review

Mud-terrain built to climb: Krawl-TEK compound for rock grip, Terrain-Attack mud lugs, and CoreGard Max sidewalls for serious abuse.

If your trips regularly dive past the trailhead into rock gardens, slick ledges, or axle-deep mud, the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 remains a benchmark. It’s tougher than the KM2 and sticks better on rock and mud, with road manners that are surprisingly civil for a true mud-terrain.

Key tech & what’s new vs KM2

  • Krawl-TEK compound for enhanced grip on rock and slick surfaces (notably better than KM2).
  • Terrain-Attack tread with massive blocks and notched shoulders for confident mud evacuation and lateral bite.
  • Linear Flex Zone helps the carcass envelop obstacles when aired down for extra climbing purchase.
  • CoreGard Max + Traction-Armor sidewall sculpture adds toughness to resist splits/punctures in the sidewall danger zone.
  • Mud-phobic bars & open voids promote self-cleaning in sticky soils so the lugs can keep biting.

Trail performance

Rocks & ledges

The soft-favouring Krawl-TEK compound and flexible carcass generate confident stick in the 12–18 PSI range. The tyre wraps edges instead of skipping across them, which builds traction and control on technical climbs.

Mud & soft soil

Terrain-Attack blocks shovel efficiently and clear quickly. Pronounced shoulder features add side bite when you’re clawing out of ruts or off-camber bogs where hybrid AT/MT patterns can stall.

Air-down starting points: 16–18 PSI (sand), 14–18 PSI (rock), 16–20 PSI (mud). Tune for vehicle weight, tyre construction, temperature, and bead security. Beadlocks safely extend the low-PSI envelope.

On-road manners

Noise is a controlled hum rather than a droning roar—quieter than older MT designs to many ears. Steering feel is predictable for a blocky mud-terrain. As with any MT, wet braking and emergency maneuvers require margin; drive accordingly.

Sizes, load ratings & pressure

The KM3 spans popular 15–20″ wheel diameters (plus specialty fitments) with LT load ranges and Q speed ratings. Many sizes carry 75–80 PSI max inflation with high load indexes suitable for overland builds—verify by your exact size and vehicle placard.

Example SizeLoad/SpeedMax PSIMax Load (single)
LT275/65R20/E126Q80 PSI3750 lbs
37×13.50R20127Q75 PSI3860 lbs

Photo gallery

KM3 tread close-up
Terrain-Attack tread blocks
KM3 on vehicle
Deep voids, fast self-cleaning
Sidewall detail
Traction-Armor sidewall sculpture
KM3 multiple sizes
Common LT sizes
KM3 in mud
Mud-phobic bars keep lugs clear
KM3 rock crawling
Krawl-TEK compound grips slick rock

Pros & cons

What we like

  • Excellent aired-down rock traction; compliant carcass wraps obstacles.
  • Confident mud clearing and strong shoulder bite.
  • Reinforced sidewalls resist splits and punctures in rough country.
  • Road noise is reasonable for a true MT.

Consider before buying

  • Heavier than ATs—expect small MPG and braking penalties.
  • Wet-pavement grip is MT-typical; allow extra stopping distance.
  • Price premium vs budget MTs, often offset by durability.

Manufacturer background

BFGoodrich is an American tyre brand founded in 1870 and now part of the Michelin Group. The company builds tyres for passenger cars, off-road vehicles, historic cars, light commercial vehicles and trucks.

BFGoodrich logo
BFGoodrich — a Michelin Group brand

© Overland Gear Guide — Independent overland skills & gear for the 4×4 community

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