Good point. The speedometer is more accurate with 275/65r18 than it is with stock size tires, which will overestimate your speed.
So I think the Michelin Defender is the perfect all-terrain tire... (For most of us)
- Thread starter chriscosta416
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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.
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.
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.
Fantastic, thank you @gaijin .
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
Great to hear @Cycletroll . Maybe we could get these speedometers certified like the police cruisers at this size, lol
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.
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.
If anyone is interested I am selling a lightly used set of these tires in 285/65/18 in the XL variant, posted in classifieds.
Now that I have an opportunity to spend more time off road I went back to LT 17" tires... need more sidewall!
Now that I have an opportunity to spend more time off road I went back to LT 17" tires... need more sidewall!
I went with 265/65 R18 LTX M/S2, and I really like the size and feel.
Just called my shop to have them order me a set of the Defender LTX M/S 2’s in 275/65/R18 116T XL. They called me back just a bit later to tell me that this tire has been discontinued in this size. Odd -- because I can't find any real evidence of that when looking at Michelin's website.
This is driving me a bit nuts because I have been agonizing over a tire choice for the last 6 months knowing that the Michelin LTX A/T 2’s I have on my 2017 LX 570 were getting close to being worn. Also, I’m usually an AT tire guy, but that's admittedly just because I like the look. I am mostly on the highway, but usually not very long distances. My work commute is only 12 miles each way. I did have Falken Wildpeak AT3s on my Tacoma and absolutely loved them.
Anyone want to steer me in a good direction on what to do here? I convinced myself after reading every page of this thread that the Defenders were the way to go. Should I go with a different size? Will 285/65/18's work without rubbing? My shop (which is owned by a guy who seems to really know his cruisers very well --- a total LC enthusiast for sure) is trying to convince me to just get a set of Toyo Open County. Seems that would be cheaper than trying for the defenders in 285/65/18.
This is driving me a bit nuts because I have been agonizing over a tire choice for the last 6 months knowing that the Michelin LTX A/T 2’s I have on my 2017 LX 570 were getting close to being worn. Also, I’m usually an AT tire guy, but that's admittedly just because I like the look. I am mostly on the highway, but usually not very long distances. My work commute is only 12 miles each way. I did have Falken Wildpeak AT3s on my Tacoma and absolutely loved them.
Anyone want to steer me in a good direction on what to do here? I convinced myself after reading every page of this thread that the Defenders were the way to go. Should I go with a different size? Will 285/65/18's work without rubbing? My shop (which is owned by a guy who seems to really know his cruisers very well --- a total LC enthusiast for sure) is trying to convince me to just get a set of Toyo Open County. Seems that would be cheaper than trying for the defenders in 285/65/18.
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Just order them from the Tire Rack and have them installed locally.
I believe something is up with Michelin Defender tires right now (as far as ordering them).
I’m upgrading from 275/65/R18 to 285/65/R18 which should in theory fit stock on a LC 200, but it took a month for them to arrive at the Toyota dealer for the buy three get one for $1 sale. I’m getting them installed tomorrow.
The 275’s look a bit too skinny on these rigs compared to the 285’s (imo). I realize there are benefits to a skinnier tire though.
The 285/65/R18 XL is my new favorite tire for my LC. I’m glad Michelin came out with that size. When my current Defenders wear out, that’s what I’ll get. I’m not surprised the dealer took so long. Tire shops are much faster, in my family’s experience.
The 275/70r18 Defender is only available in LT. If you’re buying LT for off road durability, that size makes sense. But for those of us who don’t need the extra durability of LT, the Defenders in 285/65r18 XL is a great choice.
True on the LT. The sidewalls of these however are NOT that robust. They flex well, they are shockingly puncture resistant, and can handle off-highway situations with ease and grace.
But they're nothing like an MT-strength sidewall, the ride is plush. These 200s are hefty enough, the LT rides like a car tire.
I ended up just going with the 285/65r18 size. My shop was able to get those for only $20 more each than Tire Rack was showing the 275/65r18. From what I understand, these should fit my LX 570 with the TRD Pro wheels with no issue. Worse case my shop is just going to have a do some heat gun work I guess. They are used to that sort of thing.
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CactusHopper
aka PapaCruiser
Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 285/65 R18 XL fits perfect on my 2013 LX. No rubbing, no modifications.
I just had Michelin Defender M/S 2 285/65/R18 116T (XL rating) tires installed on my stock 200, and oh boy is this a treat. The 200 rides like a Cadillac now, and that’s coming from somebody who had Michelin Defender M/S in 275/65/R18 previously on.
Not sure what magic Michelin did, but these new tires absorb most of the small undulations in the road, and they are perfectly balanced with no weird vibrations at high speeds.
I would definitely recommend the 285/65/R18 tire size, but make sure to get the 116T rating for a much more plush ride (assuming you’re not doing a ton of off-roading of course, as there are better options than the defenders for that).
Not sure what magic Michelin did, but these new tires absorb most of the small undulations in the road, and they are perfectly balanced with no weird vibrations at high speeds.
I would definitely recommend the 285/65/R18 tire size, but make sure to get the 116T rating for a much more plush ride (assuming you’re not doing a ton of off-roading of course, as there are better options than the defenders for that).
“Better options”?!?!?!?
I just had Michelin Defender M/S 2 285/65/R18 116T (XL rating) tires installed on my stock 200, and oh boy is this a treat. The 200 rides like a Cadillac now, and that’s coming from somebody who had Michelin Defender M/S in 275/65/R18 previously on.
Not sure what magic Michelin did, but these new tires absorb most of the small undulations in the road, and they are perfectly balanced with no weird vibrations at high speeds.
I would definitely recommend the 285/65/R18 tire size, but make sure to get the 116T rating for a much more plush ride (assuming you’re not doing a ton of off-roading of courseo, as there are better options than the defenders for that).