My love affair with land cruisers started the day after buying my 100. The biggest storm to hit Chicago for years hit and I was driving my LX470 with mismatched tires like a bat out of hell. When all the cars were stuck on the shoulder and side of the road I was driving 70-80 mph through the torrential rains with lightning flashing around me and only cars on the highway being semi-trucks (I could have gone faster but didn't feel the need). I had an elder friend with me who was clenching his fist on the hand guard and looking at me like I was some possessed demon. No cars were able to move due to a foot plus of water accumulation on the ground, even the highway had many inches of accumulation. My neighbors Porsche SUV got water in the engine in that storm and had to be totaled. But nothing could stop me!
That was the day I knew I was a Cruiser head for the rest of my life. Coming from high powered rear wheel drive germans and living in fear of major thunderstorm and snowstorm days were over. I had stock 16" wheels with 275/70 R17 tires that I eventually changed out for Michelins LTX M/S.
So after owning my LC 200 for 2 weeks, I finally found my first storm to chase tonight. It wasn't horrendous but it was dangerous at points (flash flooding with water accumulating 1-2.5"). I was able to drive at 70 mph but I wasn't maniacally happy like I was in my 100. I have stock 18" wheels with practically new Cooper Discover tires (not familiar with them). The vehicle was pretty planted but I didn't like how the water was lifting the lower profile tires (275/60 R18) once in awhile (low ground clearance could be felt). I couldn't plow through the roads with as much gusto as I'd like. It could be that the 200 has more power which makes me more demanding.
I feel like tires really make the difference so I purchased a set of Rock Warrior Wheels to allow for more rubber and softer ride. I know everyone goes BFG but being a Michelin man all my life, settling for second best has not been my creed when it comes to tires. Unfortunately, Michelin doesn't make 275/70 in the LTX MS2's. They make some sizes that are close but a bit smaller in width. They make a few with higher aspect ratios but it doesn't sound like they will fit on the LC. I can't imagine the BFG's being better than Michelins for 95% highway use. I don't mind that the Michelin's aren't aggressive looking but I want tires that perform, especially in rain, snow, sleet and dry. I live in Chicago, we see all four seasons in a day.
That was the day I knew I was a Cruiser head for the rest of my life. Coming from high powered rear wheel drive germans and living in fear of major thunderstorm and snowstorm days were over. I had stock 16" wheels with 275/70 R17 tires that I eventually changed out for Michelins LTX M/S.
So after owning my LC 200 for 2 weeks, I finally found my first storm to chase tonight. It wasn't horrendous but it was dangerous at points (flash flooding with water accumulating 1-2.5"). I was able to drive at 70 mph but I wasn't maniacally happy like I was in my 100. I have stock 18" wheels with practically new Cooper Discover tires (not familiar with them). The vehicle was pretty planted but I didn't like how the water was lifting the lower profile tires (275/60 R18) once in awhile (low ground clearance could be felt). I couldn't plow through the roads with as much gusto as I'd like. It could be that the 200 has more power which makes me more demanding.
I feel like tires really make the difference so I purchased a set of Rock Warrior Wheels to allow for more rubber and softer ride. I know everyone goes BFG but being a Michelin man all my life, settling for second best has not been my creed when it comes to tires. Unfortunately, Michelin doesn't make 275/70 in the LTX MS2's. They make some sizes that are close but a bit smaller in width. They make a few with higher aspect ratios but it doesn't sound like they will fit on the LC. I can't imagine the BFG's being better than Michelins for 95% highway use. I don't mind that the Michelin's aren't aggressive looking but I want tires that perform, especially in rain, snow, sleet and dry. I live in Chicago, we see all four seasons in a day.
