It won't be an issue. They will negotiate the size within reason (some claim 3%, but I've never been told this). Just last week I went with a non-OE size on my Sienna.
So I think the Michelin Defender is the perfect all-terrain tire... (For most of us)
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It won't be an issue. They will negotiate the size within reason (some claim 3%, but I've never been told this). Just last week I went with a non-OE size on my Sienna.
I've found it depends heavily on the location. Some will do it, others absolutely will not. And as to the 3% thing, this is a case of the speed rating not matching the factory.. that's lawyer speak for "no way in hell will we take that liability."
The locations that wouldn't were enough to prevent me doing business with them, as I didn't want to find out the one location that was convenient wouldn't help me out if I were on a roadtrip or something.
Yep ok, my location puts on what I ask for. Sienna went from V to H, no prob. Also it runs normal tires while speced for run-flat. Not an issue. Thanks.
Back to the question.....will these tires feel different? I'm wondering if the 275 (H) is going to have a noticeably stiffer casing? Anecdotally the T-rated LTX on my 4Runner are much softer than the H-rated LTX that came on my 200, both in OEM size. Different vehicles and sizes though, so maybe that means nothing. That same 200 does ride softer (better) on a replacement set of 275/65 LTX A/T2 and those are E-rated. Go figure.
On the 100 series, which would you go with? 265 is a tiny bit taller and offers 2/32 more tread. 275 is cheaper.
I think there are too many variables to really make a prediction without real-world experience with both on a given vehicle. All of it matters.. tread width, sidewall height, inflation pressure, wheel/tire mass, vehicle mass, suspension configuration..
As you point out, even E-loads can ride better depending on some of those variables. I absolutely hated the LT-E KO2s I put onto my 200 with stock suspension. Others here whose opinion I respect say the same tire improved ride quality.. which brings up subjectivity.
Personally I’d go with the 275 but that is partly my preference for wider tires when practical.
Post pics when they're on - I've been curious how this LC250 size looks on a 200.
Good thread, just in time to go down another rabbit hole lol.
Currently have the Toyo Open Country R/T Trail Extra Load in 275/65R18 on HE wheels
Thinking of switching to the Defender LTX M/S2. Maybe pickup a set of cheaper rims...
98% of the time I am going to be in town (typical city and mostly highway driving)
Main two reasons are for better MPG and steering response.
Currently have the Toyo Open Country R/T Trail Extra Load in 275/65R18 on HE wheels
Thinking of switching to the Defender LTX M/S2. Maybe pickup a set of cheaper rims...
98% of the time I am going to be in town (typical city and mostly highway driving)
Main two reasons are for better MPG and steering response.
Love to know your experience if you make this change...I have always run the Defenders on multiple Toyota's and been super please.
Been enticed by the look of the Toyo's and not sure if the "aesthetics" are enough to make the change!
I re-listed these for sale... willing to separate if someone wants to grab a spare at half the cost: For Sale - (MA/NH) Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 tires 285/65/18 XL - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ma-nh-michelin-defender-ltx-m-s2-tires-285-65-18-xl.1379499/#post-16287631
Curious if you used them on any trails and how they performed..
I used them on many a trail, as compared to K02’s, about the same on rock, Michelin’s were much better in sand on road, and better in the rain and snow. K02 were better in mud.
Not whole lot. Few rocky trails, one mud encounter. Mud was bad (obviously), rocks were fine but I did not like the 18" rims (which I scratched).... hence back to 17" RockWarriors and thus E-load tires (also LTX M/S2!). They were (still are in E load) indeed fantastic on pavement (with proper pressure), and would be just perfect for light offroad/forest roads (i.e. XL load). I agree with the premise in this thread that many (most) folks do not need anything more hard core than XL. Use dependent, of course.
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Did you air down when using these on trails?
When I had the defenders I aired them down all the time on trails, no lower then 10psi. No issues.
Pulled the trigger on the Defenders — 265/70/18 XL on 2008 LC wheels. My use case is long road trips with some mild trails and forest service roads, so I think the Defenders will fit the bill perfectly. Went with the stock tire size used on the latest LC/LX (LX700h OT, GX550 OT, etc.), not true 33 but close.
Did not notice much difference in ride/noise compare to stock 21s Dunlops, but I only drove about 15mi highway so will reserve judgment for now. I hope they handle potholes better as some roads near me can be crap
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Did not notice much difference in ride/noise compare to stock 21s Dunlops, but I only drove about 15mi highway so will reserve judgment for now. I hope they handle potholes better as some roads near me can be crap
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Currently my LC is lifted (~2.25 in), and it rides on 33" all terrains on 17" Method wheels. I'm very tempted to swap over to Defenders the next time I buy tires. Quietness, handling, mileage, and smooth ride are becoming more important to me as I get old (er). Not sure I want to go back to stock suspension just yet, although reducing the lift to 1" with some Bilstein 6112/5160s may be reasonable.
Anybody running Defenders with a 1-2" lift? If so, can you share a photo? I fear they will look ridiculous on a lifted truck, even in 285-70r17 or 285-65r18.
Anybody running Defenders with a 1-2" lift? If so, can you share a photo? I fear they will look ridiculous on a lifted truck, even in 285-70r17 or 285-65r18.
My 100 has Falken AT3s, my 200 has Defenders. I’m putting Defenders on my 100 asap. Just a way better tire unless you live off road and deal with jagged rocks or mud all the time.
New BFG Trail-Terrain T/A+ coming out in June. This seems like a good option for those looking for a street oriented tire that looks a bit more agressive than the Defender (which is a huge drawback for many). The sides look pretty close to the design of the K03.
Has anyone run an older version of these before? I looked it up on Discount Tire and they are quoting $260/tire in 285/70/17 SL. Extremely reasonable price.
Link to article on them
Pic of new version:
Has anyone run an older version of these before? I looked it up on Discount Tire and they are quoting $260/tire in 285/70/17 SL. Extremely reasonable price.
Link to article on them
Pic of new version:
IIRC the old version was on my list of options before I went with Defenders, but it just didn't do nearly as well in comparisons. No idea if that would still be the case after an update.
I wasn't willing to sacrifice that much function in pursuit of form.
bloc i didn't know you were running defenders...
I am running these and I am not a fan..
Toyo Open Country R/T Trail in 275/65R18