Looking for opinions/experiences... Michelin Defender LTX M/S vs Toyo Open Country AT3 vs (something else?)

[MissouriLC]

(Cross posting this in the 80-series Tech Forum as well)

I am currently daily driving my 80 series, stock suspension, stock pretty much everything else. As detailed in this thread (Bad news… engine possibly blown and looking for advice. - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/bad-news-engine-possibly-blown-and-looking-for-advice.1373155/) and this thread (Stormtrooper FZJ80... little projects and keeping it nice. - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/stormtrooper-fzj80-little-projects-and-keeping-it-nice.1372080/), I purchased this from my brother-in-law in AZ. No plans to do anything else but preserve and drive it. Unfortunately, it is currently fitted with E-rated Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 (LT265/75-16 size), which are NOT a daily-driver tire! They are practically new--about 3,000 miles on them--and are totally impractical for my needs. 98% of the time, she is a pavement princess, and my off-pavement needs are pretty mild. I think that the Michelin Defender LTX M/S in the same size (265/75-16) would probably be perfect for my needs. Here's what I am looking for:

• Wet pavement and snow traction are my biggest traction needs;
• I want a durable, damage resistant tire that's long-lasting;
• Off-road is going to be limited to dirt, grass, and gravel (camping, stuff like that);
• Low noise on pavement is a must;
• Reducing rolling resistance and improving gas mileage is welcome.

I realize anything is going to be better than a 55-lb, E-rated mud terrain. Based on other reviews, I'm sure the Michelins will exceed my needs. I am also considering the Toyos because we have those on my wife's Sequoia, and they have proven to be really good. We first had a set of SL-rated AT2s that we got about 70,000 miles out of, and then replaced them with the AT3s. I liked the discontinued AT2s better (they were quieter), but the AT3 in SL-load rating have been great. So, I have experience with these. I'm mainly considering these because of cost, as they are almost $100 less per tire.

Regarding the Defender LTX, the E-rated LT tire is actually less money (by about $20 per tire) than the SL version, so...

• I've heard the E-rated Defender LTXs are smoother-riding than many SL tires. Is there any advantage (durability, tread life, etc.) to getting the E-rated over the SL-rated, or do you think the SL-rated tire is a better choice for my intended use?
• For anyone whose run the Defenders, any regrets? (It seems like virtually everyone whose run them has loved them.)
• Any other tires I should consider?
• Any idea on the value of a set of 3,000 mile Yok G003s? I'd like to sell them if possible.

Thanks, all, for the input!

 

[coleAK]

I’m in Alaska and the LTX m/s is the top tire for those that chose to not run winters. Another great option to look at nokian outposts.

I ran the LTX m/s on my 200 for 3 summers, they were great! Only reason I don’t still have them is late COVID supply chain shortages, I couldn’t get the size I needed when I was due summers.