Overland Ready Tires? Michelin LTX M/S (1 Viewer)

[pinewatt]

Hello All,
This is my first post. Anyways, I'm outfitting my '96 LC and it currently has Michelin LTX M/S (2 ply) tires that look to be in good shape. Would you consider these tires capable of doing the Pan American Highway? My gf and I are leaving SF heading to Patagonia. We not going to be actively looking for off-road terrain, but I expect to encounter it. I'm just trying to figure out the priority of all the things I'd like to do to the rig before I leave. Would you say new tires are top priority or focus on other things, these tires will be sufficient? I'm interested in seeing everyone's thoughts!

 

[JohnPW]

My thread on the Michelin Defender (current version of the LTX) is below:

Michelin Defender off road

I found this link interesting: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/perfect-off-highway-tire-ltx-what.206567/ I don’t use my Land Cruiser hard core off road like so many on this site, and haven’t done much hard core off road stuff since my Jeep days 30 years ago...so I’m curious what...

forum.ih8mud.com

Whether yours are the LT or P rated version will impact sidewall durability vs ride and MPG. I’m no help on what is best for your trip.

 

[80t0ylc]

Hello All,
This is my first post. Anyways, I'm outfitting my '96 LC and it currently has Michelin LTX M/S (2 ply) tires that look to be in good shape. Would you consider these tires capable of doing the Pan American Highway? My gf and I are leaving SF heading to Patagonia. We not going to be actively looking for off-road terrain, but I expect to encounter it. I'm just trying to figure out the priority of all the things I'd like to do to the rig before I leave. Would you say new tires are top priority or focus on other things, these tires will be sufficient? I'm interested in seeing everyone's thoughts!

Tires are one of your top priorities. While they don't have to be brand new, they should be in excellent condition, starting a trip of that magnitude. @JohnPW mentioned "P" vs "LT" which is an important point. Sounds like those Michelins are "P" rated - P being passenger car, while LT is light truck. Sidewalls are a big consideration for tires used for off-road terrain. LT will hold up when aired down while the P rated sidewalls will be severely weakened by running aired down, not to mention susceptibility to road hazards with the thinner sidewalls. Also, don't be tempted to "upgrade" to 17" or 18" inch wheels and tires if traveling through 3rd world countries. 16" tires are the most common size used around the world for trucks and SUV's, so I would stick with your OEM wheels. You want to be able to easily replace a tire, if needed, wherever you're located. Also, your '96 - if it's a stock US spec 80 series - is full time 4WD and requires 4 same size tires on it. Make sure your spare is the same as your other 4 tires. Tires are easily identified with their size and type on the sidewalls. "LT" or "P" will proceed the size and define the type that the tire is. Happy and safe travels

Edit: I guess I couldn't see the obvious, which is....look at Michelin's product name. "LTX" .....this says they're "LT" rated or at least Michelin thinks they are and they make awesome tires. If you look at the EP link in @JohnPW 's link, they get a very good review. I'd just want to know how worn they are compared to new ones before heading out on a trip like that.

 

[CA Cruisin]

Sounds like an epic trip of a lifetime!
My '96 LC had the same tires on it. The Michelin LTX MS's are excellent touring and offroad tires. What you need to check however is how old they are. Look for the date on your tire sidewall and ask your local tire dealer if that date reflects the rubber is still viable for such a long trip. (I can't advise since I'm not a specialist!) But those are great tires. What is their current tread depth?