Anyone with Michelin Defender 285/65/18?

[Madtiger]

Anyone with this size Defender? Load Range E with weight of 51 lbs. How’s the ride and fuel economy?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnPW]

Also curious. I like this size but I would prefer a SL tire for ride and mpg (my off-road use is rare and tame). Curious as to the ride and mileage penalties on LT version of this tire.

 

[thammer62]

Bump

 

[Sandroad]

You’ll get a lot more information a lot faster if you search for LT Defender on this forum. Many have them and have posted their experience in the past, but are not on here frequently. However, few folks have had both and could offer a direct comparison on mpg and harsh ride. For that generic info, try contacting a place like the Tire Rack. My bottom line: buy for needs, not looks.

 

[bloc]

Isn’t a defender, but as for impact on mileage...

285/65r18 KO2s, stock other than the 10mm spacer in front, and I couldn’t average over 15mpg at ~73. Measured by hand over many roadtrip tanks.

Switched to a p-metric 285/70/17 AT tire which is actually a little taller, and went right back to the stock mileage of 18 at the same speed.

LT tires definitely impact mileage.

 

[2011er]

I have these Defenders. I rotate 5 wheels. Ride is good. They seem to last a long time. Fuel economy is bad as usual. Best mileage is on highway, best ever was just under 19 mpg, similar to what I had on Coopers previously.

 

[Madtiger]

I have these Defenders. I rotate 5 wheels. Ride is good. They seem to last a long time. Fuel economy is bad as usual. Best mileage is on highway, best ever was just under 19 mpg, similar to what I had on Coopers previously.

so fuel economy is worst than stock?

 

[2011er]

I do not think so. But I did not really scrutinize the differences.

 

[luke27617]

I run on Defenders but on the 20" wheels. Great tire. Night and day comparing to original junk Dunlops.

 

[Madtiger]

I run on Defenders but on the 20" wheels. Great tire. Night and day comparing to original junk Dunlops.

Is it P-metric or LT? If LT, then what is the load range?

How's the fuel economy and ride?

 

[thammer62]

I have these Defenders. I rotate 5 wheels. Ride is good. They seem to last a long time. Fuel economy is bad as usual. Best mileage is on highway, best ever was just under 19 mpg, similar to what I had on Coopers previously.

LT load? Or standard/P?

 

[bloc]

As far as I know ALL 285/65r18 tires are e-rated LT-metric.

 

[2011er]

LT load? Or standard/P?

LT.

 

[Borstar1]

They do make the defender in 285/60/18 xl rated , something to consider if you don’t like the weight of the 285/65 LT tire

 

[bloc]

Or if you want the larger diameter but to stay with p-metric mileage/weight/compliance (lower required pressure) there are some options in 285/70/17. Rock warriors look great in this combination.

(Edit:I had the width wrong)

 

[Madtiger]

Or if you want the larger diameter but to stay with p-metric mileage/weight/compliance (lower required pressure) there are some options in 275/70/17. Rock warriors look great in this combination.

this looks good:Michelin Agilis CrossClimate 275/65/18

But LT.

 

[bloc]

this looks good:Michelin Agilis CrossClimate 275/65/18

But LT.

I edited my post to fix the width. 285/70 keeps the same width as stock, which some of us want to maintain. Actually with the smaller wheel and larger sidewall there is more bulge there making them appear even wider than stock.