I am very curious how do these Michelin Defenders compare to the Michelin LTX AT2 tires? They are both AT tires as far as i know. The LTX AT2 seem to have a more aggressive tread but I had them on my 100 series and they rode really excellent. How do the two tires compare?
So I think the Michelin Defender is the perfect all-terrain tire... (For most of us) (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter chriscosta416
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I had both on my old full sized truck. At2 tread definitely aggressive comparatively. Also, didn’t last more than 30-35k miles. Off road traction good, but maybe not quite as stark of a comparison as you’d imagine to the defenders. Overall, I’d go with defenders knowing this. This was my experience anyways.
They are not both AT tires. The AT2 is an All Terrain and the Defender LTX MS2 is an all season tire. Ran the AT2s for about 3 years and the MS2s for nearly a year, I prefer the MS2s, They handle better, are quieter and I haven't found an instance where the AT2 took me offroad that the MS2 couldn't. Just ran several trails in SW Colorado with very sharp shale rocks and came back unscathed on the MS2s.
The AT2 is a good tire that wears and handles well. Its reputation is that it’s not as good in on-road rain and especially snow versus the Defender LTX M/S. It also has a reputation for trapping rocks off road and throwing them when you are back on the pavement. They may be similar off road in terms of capability.
Just had a set of the MS2's mounted up yesterday, 285/70R17 on RW wheels. Much much quieter and smoother than the worn out KO2s that they replaced. Wondering what you guys are running for pressure? @gaijin any recommendations? I tried searching your past posts but couldn't find anything on this specific tire & size. TPMS reported the cold pressure was about 35 psi as I was leaving the shop.
Thank you! Sorry for not being more specific, but that is the correct Service & Load Range for my tires. OK, will bump them all up to 40 psi tonight. I also pulled all the rings off the RW wheels for the install, will be re-installing today as well.
Did 1000 miles over the past couple days, we're in Hatteras NC now. Wow these tires are so much quieter than the KO2s they replaced, now I can hear every little air whistle and squeak. Never knew the radar cruise had a faint squeak when it would apply the brakes.
Hitting the beach tomorrow, I have Staun deflators calibrated for 18 psi. Suggestions welcome...
Hitting the beach tomorrow, I have Staun deflators calibrated for 18 psi. Suggestions welcome...
Sinister
SILVER Star
We actually went today, since it was so nice. Truck did great, it was easier than I expected. Setup the canopy/awning too.
What is the general opinion on this thread of the relative merits of the XL version of this tire versus the LT-E load version? I like the extra tread depth and what I assume is extra rubber in the tire of the LT, but at that weight, I begin to think that I might as well run a KO3 or equivalent. Or, in other words, like the benefits of the XL version of this tire really hit the sweet spot. Opinions?
I agree, If you’re needing a more heavy duty tire for off-roading, there’s better options out there, but for your pavement princesses (with some easy occasional off-roading), the XL is the answer due to the exceptional ride quality.
Hahaha, I’ll have you know I’m a pavement prince!!
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bloc
SILVER Star
There would be a mileage difference as well. Though not as big of a hit as the usual jump to more aggressive tires.
Page one of this thread deals with using the LT-E version of the Defender for hard core off road use. There are multiple links to people who maintain the Defender is as good or better than most AT tires in anything other than mud. Your mileage may vary.
I believe the XL version is basically a P rated tire in terms of sidewall toughness. It will absolutely work for mild off road use but if sharp rocks are in the cards the LT-E version is the right choice. You will give up some of the ride comfort, it will require higher pressures, and mileage and acceleration will suffer. But the users linked on page one believe the LT-E Defender’s ride is still smoother and quieter on road (and better in rain and snow) than equivalent LT-E rated AT tires.
I just purchased a set of 17" M/S2s to replace my KO2s.
The M/S2 LTX w/E load rating is 7lbs lighter than the KO3s w/E rating (52lbs vs 59lbs). For comparison the 6-ply C-rated KO3 is 56lbs. Not sure how that math comes out on the stock 18" rims though.
7lbs per corner saved in rotational mass, moderate wheeling performance -- plus better highway manners sounds like a big win for how we use this truck. We'll see...
The M/S2 LTX w/E load rating is 7lbs lighter than the KO3s w/E rating (52lbs vs 59lbs). For comparison the 6-ply C-rated KO3 is 56lbs. Not sure how that math comes out on the stock 18" rims though.
7lbs per corner saved in rotational mass, moderate wheeling performance -- plus better highway manners sounds like a big win for how we use this truck. We'll see...
Very happy so far with mine. Pretty sure I'm getting almost 2 mpg increase in gas mileage.
Edit. Found the answer
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Man, I just picked up some Rock Warriors and I'm bummed to learn now that the Defender only comes in E-load in 17" (285/70). The XL would be probably be perfect for my needs. Maybe blasphemy in this thread but should I consider the C-load BFGs instead? I've run E-load BFGs on other vehicles and they were unpleasant but I have no other experience with E tires. I assume there's little hope the M/S 2 will come out in new configs in a 17" at this point.
