Michelin Defender LTX M/S

[HTX1811]

Looking at getting the Michelin Defender LTX M/S size 285/70/R17.
Anyone running these tires?

The Nitto TG 255/80/R17 I’m currently running have not impressed me enough to buy again for as much highway driving I do. The Michelin’s will be about .4” shorter but 1.2”wider.
I had zero rub with the Nittos with my set up. Pretty sure I’ll be good with the wider tire being it is shorter.
I’m willing to give up the off road performance of the Nittos for the highway performance of the Michelin’s. Pretty sure they will be adequate for my off road/beach needs.

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[Frenchy]

Will it fit? I'm sure it will since I figure you have already done a leveing kit already. Depending on the actual dimensions of the tire(it changes with brand and model) you may or may not have to worry about rubbing. I myself have the Firestone Destination XT in 285/70-17 and it only grases the frame on full lock and no it doesnt bother me.

 

[Racecityranger]

I ran 2 sets of Michelin LTX on my 4G and got about 100K on both sets. They were a great highway tire. The 5G is at least a thousand pounds heavier but I think they will still wear very well. I'll probably use them when the original set wears out.

 

[RecoilOperated]

I ran through two sets of the LTX on an '04 Explorer back in the day, I was very pleased with both their highway manners and their snow performance considering they aren't dedicated winter tires.

 

[HTX1811]

Will it fit? I'm sure it will since I figure you have already done a leveing kit already. Depending on the actual dimensions of the tire(it changes with brand and model) you may or may not have to worry about rubbing. I myself have the Firestone Destination XT in 285/70-17 and it only grases the frame on full lock and no it doesnt bother me.

Yes, 2.5" leveling kit and, dare I say it, no crash bars with my ADD aftermarket bumper. I am pretty sure based on what others have posted, I should be good with zero rub.

Thanks for in input from everyone BTW.

I have always had great results running Michelin tires but I wanted a more aggressive looking tire and better off road capability. Now that I have done that, the look I can live without and the better off road performance, well, it was not really needed for my application to justify the cool factor of the Nitto aggressive look.

Back to the LTXs it is.

If I get stuck my first time out at the beach with the Michelin tires, I may rethink that decision. LOL. With the Nitto tires, the sand was no issue even in very loose soft flour like sand.

 

[Frenchy]

Yes, 2.5" leveling kit and, dare I say it, no crash bars with my ADD aftermarket bumper. I am pretty sure based on what others have posted, I should be good with zero rub.

Thanks for in input from everyone BTW.

I have always had great results running Michelin tires but I wanted a more aggressive looking tire and better off road capability. Now that I have done that, the look I can live without and the better off road performance, well, it was not really needed for my application to justify the cool factor of the Nitto aggressive look.

Back to the LTXs it is.

If I get stuck my first time out at the beach with the Michelin tires, I may rethink that decision. LOL. With the Nitto tires, the sand was no issue even in very loose soft flour like sand.

If you simply air down sand should not be an issue. That is the big key there!! As for Nittos I would suggest staying away. Why you ask? Well I have seen plenty just get used up too much and not really last for what you get. If you decide to go back to the All-Terrain I would suggest the Firestone Destination XT. I run it on my Truck, Service Van and soon my 93 Pathfinder.

 

[HTX1811]

In doing a tire comparison on Discount Tire's site, I just realized the LTX have a speed rating of 106 mph. Firestone 112 and Continental Terrain Contact A/T is 112.

The Firestone tire is the cheapest and lightest tire. Warranty falls between the Conti, 60,000, and Michelin at 50,000.. I was looking at the Conti tires as well.

My tune on the Ranger allows for much greater than 106 mph. I don't run that fast very often, but on occasion it will exceed that speed but not for long durations. The Nitto RG is only 100 mph. Maybe that's why the are cupping????? Dunno.

 

[Frenchy]

In doing a tire comparison on Discount Tire's site, I just realized the LTX have a speed rating of 106 mph. Firestone 112 and Continental Terrain Contact A/T is 112.

The Firestone tire is the cheapest and lightest tire. Warranty falls between the Conti, 60,000, and Michelin at 50,000.. I was looking at the Conti tires as well.

My tune on the Ranger allows for much greater than 106 mph. I don't run that fast very often, but on occasion it will exceed that speed but not for long durations. The Nitto RG is only 100 mph. Maybe that's why the are cupping????? Dunno.

Cupping could be due to lack of tire rotation or other things.

Speed rating is definitely an important deal. If I remember correctly stock the trucks are capable of 109-110 and even with the Livernois tune I still hit the same speed. With that being acounted for it is something to keep in mind. Also the Firestone Destination XT is rated at 112 MPH.

 

[RecoilOperated]

In doing a tire comparison on Discount Tire's site, I just realized the LTX have a speed rating of 106 mph. Firestone 112 and Continental Terrain Contact A/T is 112.

The Firestone tire is the cheapest and lightest tire. Warranty falls between the Conti, 60,000, and Michelin at 50,000.. I was looking at the Conti tires as well.

My tune on the Ranger allows for much greater than 106 mph. I don't run that fast very often, but on occasion it will exceed that speed but not for long durations. The Nitto RG is only 100 mph. Maybe that's why the are cupping????? Dunno.

Cupping usually has more to do with your suspension than your tires themselves. The only thing I would be cautious with here is that while your tires and tune may allow for higher than factory speeds, don't forget about your driveshaft, bearings, differential, etc. that aren't made to spin past a certain speed.

 

[got3fords]

Reviving this thread because I didn't want to start a new one with same title. I am considering the Michelins. I do mostly on-road with the occasional snow storm. I have to plow three short driveways and the stock Duelers did ok. I also run into occasional mud when going kayaking. How do the LTX's do in snow and mud? Also considering the Firestone Destination A/T2's.

 

[RedDakooter05]

Reviving this thread because I didn't want to start a new one with same title. I am considering the Michelins. I do mostly on-road with the occasional snow storm. I have to plow three short driveways and the stock Duelers did ok. I also run into occasional mud when going kayaking. How do the LTX's do in snow and mud?.

Do. Just do.
Stop considering. Do.



Snow performance is fine, better than duelers.. But it's not a snow tire by any means.

 

[Frenchy]

Reviving this thread because I didn't want to start a new one with same title. I am considering the Michelins. I do mostly on-road with the occasional snow storm. I have to plow three short driveways and the stock Duelers did ok. I also run into occasional mud when going kayaking. How do the LTX's do in snow and mud? Also considering the Firestone Destination A/T2's.

Had a set of the Michelin LTX and M&S on a Dodge Dakota and a Chevy Express van while out in Michigan years ago. Both did very well in the snow. The Firestone Destination at2 should also do very well in the snow but as we know as an all-terrain tire. If you're not planning to go off road I would stick with the michelin. If you want to go off-road I would go with the Firestone

 

[dtech]

In doing a tire comparison on Discount Tire's site, I just realized the LTX have a speed rating of 106 mph. Firestone 112 and Continental Terrain Contact A/T is 112.

The Firestone tire is the cheapest and lightest tire. Warranty falls between the Conti, 60,000, and Michelin at 50,000.. I was looking at the Conti tires as well.

My tune on the Ranger allows for much greater than 106 mph. I don't run that fast very often, but on occasion it will exceed that speed but not for long durations. The Nitto RG is only 100 mph. Maybe that's why the are cupping????? Dunno.

I've found Michelins to be a well constructed tire and maybe the only tires I've ever used that came close to their milage rating - and how tires are rated brings up another point - they are self rated by the mfg, they are only investigated by Feds if they are a lot of complaints and/or failures. For me the tire load rating is more important than the speed rating. Michelin may be heavier than some competing tires - it could well be in the sidewall construction, Contis I've owned are a bit lighter there .

 

[got3fords]

If you're not planning to go off road I would stick with the michelin. If you want to go off-road I would go with the Firestone

I don't plan to go off-road, but I occasionally find myself driving through some dirt, grass and worst, mud accessing a kayak put-in.

 

[Frenchy]

I don't plan to go off-road, but I occasionally find myself driving through some dirt, grass and worst, mud accessing a kayak put-in.

In that case the Firestone would be helpful but chances are the Michelin would do just fine

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