Sinister
SILVER Star
Finally, a decent looking sidewall. Very interested in the reviews and an 18” release. If the reviews are very good, this just may get me to switch out my BFGs.
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So I think the Michelin Defender is the perfect all-terrain tire... (For most of us) (14 Viewers)
- Thread starter chriscosta416
- Start date
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bloc
SILVER Star
Pretty radical departure from every tire in the category. I don’t see how it’ll work to clear rain and mud from the road surface, but I’m not a tire engineer either.
On the Defender Platinum, If you zoom in there are a fair number of sipes in the center of the tire, similar to the LTX M/S. And two radial grooves around the tire, similar to some competing tires such as the Continental TerrainContact. I look forward to test reviews on this tire.
Interesting they came out with this, and also with the “LTX Trail”, and the Agilis Cross Climate, but still no update to the Michelin AT2. Lots of similar SUV/truck tires, with a dated design for their only true all terrain.
Interesting they came out with this, and also with the “LTX Trail”, and the Agilis Cross Climate, but still no update to the Michelin AT2. Lots of similar SUV/truck tires, with a dated design for their only true all terrain.
Given the fact that this is going to marketed as an alternative to an all-terrain tire, I find it odd that they elected to launch this in an exclusively 20 inch form factor. I would’ve expected 18 inch and 17 inch options as well.
Then again, what do I know about market research that Michelin doesn’t already know?
Then again, what do I know about market research that Michelin doesn’t already know?
were you able to fit the 295's on the LC200?
I’m still trying to figure out who thought 20s on 4x4s would be cool. Never understood the rubber band side walls. Gotta be a rough ride.
Still getting everything lined up!
Pskhaat
Tourer
Marketers thinking they can inspire Bro Truck owners. Frankly, they'll probably be successful. Which is a problem with us the consumer. Imma bet no 15s or 16s on these, and nothing for 75% aspect above. :-(
Pizza cutter fans in shambles.
The auto manufactures have been shifting towards 20" wheels for awhile now. Definitely a negative trend catering to looks vs function. My factory LX 570 wheels are 20's too. The two front rim faces look awful after one trip to the ORV park last year. Going off road isn't something I do often though, so I'm on the fence as to whether I want to swap to 18's for my next tire set.
Both the OEM 285/60R18 XL (Land Cruiser) 285/50R20 XL (LX 570) Defender LTX M/S has 10.5/32 tread depth on them currently. All the XL rated Defender LTX M/S series have 10.5/32 on them while the rest of the SL lineup has 12/32. Guessing in order to meet the XL rating, the engineers had to reduce the tread depth to meet the handling requirements back in the day.
Anyhow, fast forward to the new Defender LTX M/S2 tires currently available in limited sizes, the closest non LT size to the 285/60R18 and 285/50R20 OEM sizes is the 275/65R18 and 275/55R20. These now have the XL rating with 12.5/32 tread depth. In the marketing description, they specifically say the new tread design with more rigidity allowing for additional tread depth. All in all, this is great news being able to get 12.5/32 tread depth in the non LT but still XL rated versions.
For those looking for the LT version of the new tire, they are now 14/32 vs the prior generation's 13.5/32.
Definitely looking forward to Michelin releasing more sizes in both the Defender LTX M/S2 and Defender LTX Platinum series.
Both the OEM 285/60R18 XL (Land Cruiser) 285/50R20 XL (LX 570) Defender LTX M/S has 10.5/32 tread depth on them currently. All the XL rated Defender LTX M/S series have 10.5/32 on them while the rest of the SL lineup has 12/32. Guessing in order to meet the XL rating, the engineers had to reduce the tread depth to meet the handling requirements back in the day.
Anyhow, fast forward to the new Defender LTX M/S2 tires currently available in limited sizes, the closest non LT size to the 285/60R18 and 285/50R20 OEM sizes is the 275/65R18 and 275/55R20. These now have the XL rating with 12.5/32 tread depth. In the marketing description, they specifically say the new tread design with more rigidity allowing for additional tread depth. All in all, this is great news being able to get 12.5/32 tread depth in the non LT but still XL rated versions.
For those looking for the LT version of the new tire, they are now 14/32 vs the prior generation's 13.5/32.
Definitely looking forward to Michelin releasing more sizes in both the Defender LTX M/S2 and Defender LTX Platinum series.
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Pskhaat
Tourer
And I'm rarely happy with less than 85 or 80 too. Now gotta go tell some kids to get off my lawn.
I purchased these tires and ran them on my LX470 when I bought it for a short while. Smoothest tire I've ever had on any car. Actually just pulled them out of storage and listed them for sale. I wish I can still use them but I don't think they'll hold up to all the weight I added to the vehicle. It's a shame because KO2s ride like cement blocks in comparison.
Pskhaat
Tourer
carry that load way past GVWR.
bjowett
Supporting Vendor
I think I hear my Van Alstine G1000HL out on the shelf in the garage excitedly jumping up and down.
are you doing the front end tundra conversion?? Curious how these are going to fit
I’m doing the Westcott preload collar lift.
2008-2021 Land Cruiser (200 Series) Preload Collar Lift Kit - Westcott Designs
2008-2021 Westcott Designs preload collar lift kit for the 200 series Toyota Land Cruiser. This kit is fore the entirety of the vehicle, not the front only.
westcottdesigns.net
I have been really curious about these.I’m doing the Westcott preload collar lift.
2008-2021 Land Cruiser (200 Series) Preload Collar Lift Kit - Westcott Designs
2008-2021 Westcott Designs preload collar lift kit for the 200 series Toyota Land Cruiser. This kit is fore the entirety of the vehicle, not the front only.
It says spacers are required. Is that required even if OEM size wheels are run?
