So I think the Michelin Defender is the perfect all-terrain tire... (For most of us) (9 Viewers)

[JohnPW]

I've been running the 275/65/18 XL for 50k miles on my LX570. Perfect tire and bonus is speedo is dead on accurate with this 32.07" Dia tire.

Good point. The speedometer is more accurate with 275/65r18 than it is with stock size tires, which will overestimate your speed.

 

[KLF]

Not sure about the reservation with Tire Rack, I've ordered several sets of tires from them (including my Defenders) and had them delivered directly to my favorite local installer. Never an issue.

 

[Brakish]

Hi folks,

I greatly appreciate the replies and support. This'll be my first time replacing tires on a vehicle with such a depth and breadth of research from the community. In the past I have always just stuck with dealer recommendations, but excited to give these Michelin tires a shot.

America's Tire / Discount Tire is now Tire Rack - same company. The Tire Rack site certainly shows the tire you want and should be no problem ordering through your local America's Tire / Discount Tire store:

View attachment 3978260

HTH

Fantastic, thank you @gaijin .

As noted you can find Michelin Defender in stock size via Tire Rack. But many here pick the Defenders in alternative sizes with a bit more sidewall, such as 275/65r18 or XL285/65r18, both of which will fit your truck with no modifications.

Okay understood. I'll look back through the thread to understand the benefits of these different tire sizes. TheXL285/65r18 seems to be most interesting as it is similar width, and I'll double/triple check the tire database to confirm this won't cause any rubbing issues on a bone stock 2020 model. Thanks again @JohnPW

I've been running the 275/65/18 XL for 50k miles on my LX570. Perfect tire and bonus is speedo is dead on accurate with this 32.07" Dia tire.

Great to hear @Cycletroll . Maybe we could get these speedometers certified like the police cruisers at this size, lol

Not sure about the reservation with Tire Rack, I've ordered several sets of tires from them (including my Defenders) and had them delivered directly to my favorite local installer. Never an issue.

Thanks for this comment @KLF . I don't have past experience with Tire Rack and the process/logistics of ordering, then having them delivered / installed at a local tire shop or America's Tire. More generally I was a bit confused/concerned as any online tool I had used through Costco, America's Tire, etc. did not show the Defender as an available model for the LC200. Of course, I trust you all more than these web-tools but I'm glad you all have been so helpful to verify and provide insights.

 

[bloc]

Hi everyone,

This weekend I purchased a 2020 Land Cruiser that has about 55k miles. The tires included on the vehicle are some Open Range (Les Schwab?) AT Tires. I'd like to move back to a more moderate tire for mainly highway driving some dirt travel to get to rock climbing spots.

My LC has the stock 18" wheels, calling for a 285/60R18 tire.

My preference would be to purchase the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 based on the reviews I've seen on the site. The only problem I have is all of my local dealers seem to not show this as an option on their website for ordering.

I have checked Americas Tire (Discount Tire), Costco, and my local Toyota Dealership.

The dealership is of course recommending Duelers, or they offer a Geolander H/T G056.

Does anyone have more information here? I don't have a trusted installer to work with, and I don't want to risk a tire rack purchase.

I'm leaning towards just having my dealer install the Geolandars. Any advice?

Call discount tire and tell them that size is on the tire rack website and you understand they can acquire them. They’ll need to call corporate to get a quote but they absolutely can get them, that’s what I just had done for mine three weeks ago.

I personally dislike the idea of going down in tread width between potential for reduced traction on-road and reduced floatation in soft terrain off-road. Also the narrower size will cause the wheel on your spare to make more solid contact with the subframe and damage it more quickly.

285/65R18 is an option but they are a lot more expensive.

 

[Brakish]

Call discount tire and tell them that size is on the tire rack website and you understand they can acquire them. They’ll need to call corporate to get a quote but they absolutely can get them, that’s what I just had done for mine three weeks ago.

I personally dislike the idea of going down in tread width between potential for reduced traction on-road and reduced floatation in soft terrain off-road. Also the narrower size will cause the wheel on your spare to make more solid contact with the subframe and damage it more quickly.

285/65R18 is an option but they are a lot more expensive.

Thank you!

Im sticking with the original 285/60r18, thanks for the additional info on the 65s.

I was able to buy from the tire rack website and have them shipped to my local America’s tire. Will be getting them installed this Friday.