Michelin Cross Terrain SUV vs LTX M/S

[archander]

I have a 2000 LC with the stock 16 wheels. The only mod i have is the Bilstein HD's . We drive 90 % pavement and only 10% in the snow on the paved higway to ski. I currenly have the LTX M/S (about 5 years old) and they have been great.

Im close to tire time and was wondering is anybody running the Cross Terrains and how are they holding up. They seem to be rated very close...

 

[Tinkerer]

I've had Cross Terrains for a while now;they seem to be wearing faster than the LTX M/S, which agrees with the relative diff. in Treadware Index between them.

Otherwise, the CTs have a more flexible sidewall, which might give a slightly softer ride, although I couldn't really tell a difference.

I was (and still am) seeking high-speed smoothness, primarily. Neither one of these tire models do well at this. The CTs measured very high Force Variation on 2 of the 4, around 35lb+ - this precludes high-speed smoothness regardless of balance. A real disappointment, being the expensive Michelins that they are.

On the last point: Would appreciate hearing of others' experiences with this aspect of different tires (16" for 100) - i.e., high-speed smoothness and/or measured Force Variation.

Thanks - T.

 

[Tinkerer]

[Edit: I had my tire models bass-ackward originally. Now corrected. -T]

I've had LTX M/S for a while now;they seem to be wearing faster than the Cross Terrains, which agrees with the relative diff. in Treadware Index between them (440 vs. 700).

Otherwise, the LTX M/S have a more flexible sidewall, which might give a slightly softer ride, although I couldn't really tell a difference.

I was (and still am) seeking high-speed smoothness, primarily. Neither one of these tire models do well at this. The LTX M/S measured very high Force Variation on 2 of the 4, around 35lb+ - this precludes high-speed smoothness regardless of balance. A real disappointment, being the expensive Michelins that they are.

On the last point: Would appreciate hearing of others' experiences with this aspect of different tires (16" for 100) - i.e., high-speed smoothness and/or measured Force Variation.

Thanks - T.

 

[LXPearl]

I have had the Dunlop TG35, Michelin LTX M/S-S, and LTX M/S-H rated tires on my LC/LX vehicles. I prefer the Michelins, and the H tire over the S tire. The H tire seems just as smooth yet more responsive than the S tire. Wear seems similar so far.

I have not used the cross terrains, but I have heard mixed reviews on them, so I have stuck with the LTX for a highway all around tire. The H rated LTX M/S tire is supposed to be designed for the LX470.

 

[MARCVS]

Thanks

Thanks a million for the LTX info. I've been researching tires for weeks. It looks like these in "H" will fit the bill. You've brought the quest to an end.

 

[archander]

My current LTX M/S "H" have been on the LC since i bought it 2 years ago and 30K miles. The only problem with them is they are not able to ballance correctly due to varations in the tires. I dont know how many miles the tires have on them, total. I have been getting a minor vibration inside at higway speeds. This was the main reason for giving the SUV CT a try over the LTX M/S.

 

[LXPearl]

It is best to have the tires installed at a place with a good balancing machine that does a road force balance. They will show whether the tire is good or not. One of my four new ones did not pass (runout), so it was replaced (free). It had a wobble at a medium speed - I drove on it until the replacement arrived. After the replacement the tires have riden and worn smoothly and evenly.

All tires in all brands have variations - therefore the need for good balancing equipment and knowlegeable technicians. Cheap shops can result in poor results even with premium tires.

 

[archander]

So is anybody running the Cross Terrains??

 

[ZJ2UZJ100]

Have the Cross Terrains. 18 months and pretty good on highway, beach sand, and in snow. Haven't had to go through snow deeper than 5 inches though.

We did have a vibration/wobble problem when we first put them on (Costco).
Ended up paying $100 to DirectTire for a RoadForce Balance and they greatly cured the problem. Still feel it a bit, but it's liveable.

Tread seems to be wearing extremely well.