Tire Help 2019 LX570 (6 Viewers)

[jonesadventures]

It's time for new tires and after reviewing the database I'd love some input on which direction to go. YES, I reviewed the database before making this post.

My use case:
2019 LX570 with factory LC200 18" rims.
Driving mix: 75% kid hauler/commuter 15% snow (weekly trips to the Sierra's for skiing) and 10% off road. The off-road trails are moderate with no intention to push the limits of a stock vehicle, but challenging enough to take us to more remote locations throughout California and Nevada.
Towing: Tow a small camping trailer (Patriot) once a month and is likely to join us on most of our trail adventures.
Loads: Fully packed and gassed, the vehicle weighs 6900 lbs and 7200 lbs with tongue weight. Trailer weighs 3000lbs when attached to vehicle.

Questions:
1: Tire size: It appears from the database either a 275/70R18 or 285/65/R18 should fit with little to no modifications. Pro's cons to either size?
2: Tire type: E-Rated vs XL. There are numerous options with both of the above stated sizes and this is the question I am really struggling with. I am partial to the Michelin defender and have ran them on everything from a minivan to an F150 with success, but they were all P rated and did not see anything more than rough fire roads. Knowing this truck will see more trails, do I need to go with an e-rated tire? I've historically stayed away from E tires due to the added rotational/unsprung weight and the associated degradation of on-road performance. BUT, because I am now adventuring with family 5 in a loaded down vehicle I am open to the potential benefit of an E tire.
I know this is a lot of information, but trying to put it all out there for some good feedback. THANK YOU!

 

[ravencr]

I’d go with the Toyo open country at III. It’s the best snow tire I’ve ever run and if had other snowflake rated bfgs and these are substantially better. They’re quiet and yet do well Offroad aired down properly. Plus the e rating is more resistant to punctures.

Chris

 

[dudemancool1904]

Read the Michelin defender thread. I really think that’s the right tire for your application. However if you’re not sold on it, you can pick up Terra grapplers in 275/70/18 SL rated. The main difference is they are three peak rated and in California that could be the difference between chains and no chains depending on which CHP officer you get. I don’t believe any of the defender offerings are 3PMS rated.

 

[TeCKis300]

It's time for new tires and after reviewing the database I'd love some input on which direction to go. YES, I reviewed the database before making this post.

My use case:
2019 LX570 with factory LC200 18" rims.
Driving mix: 75% kid hauler/commuter 15% snow (weekly trips to the Sierra's for skiing) and 10% off road. The off-road trails are moderate with no intention to push the limits of a stock vehicle, but challenging enough to take us to more remote locations throughout California and Nevada.
Towing: Tow a small camping trailer (Patriot) once a month and is likely to join us on most of our trail adventures.
Loads: Fully packed and gassed, the vehicle weighs 6900 lbs and 7200 lbs with tongue weight. Trailer weighs 3000lbs when attached to vehicle.

Questions:
1: Tire size: It appears from the database either a 275/70R18 or 285/65/R18 should fit with little to no modifications. Pro's cons to either size?
2: Tire type: E-Rated vs XL. There are numerous options with both of the above stated sizes and this is the question I am really struggling with. I am partial to the Michelin defender and have ran them on everything from a minivan to an F150 with success, but they were all P rated and did not see anything more than rough fire roads. Knowing this truck will see more trails, do I need to go with an e-rated tire? I've historically stayed away from E tires due to the added rotational/unsprung weight and the associated degradation of on-road performance. BUT, because I am now adventuring with family 5 in a loaded down vehicle I am open to the potential benefit of an E tire.
I know this is a lot of information, but trying to put it all out there for some good feedback. THANK YOU!

Do yourself a favor and don't limit tire sizes to what LCs can fit. Your LX has the capacity to fit larger and wider sizes for better ride, braking, and handling, as it is a heavier vehicle than the LC.

Yes, LTs can ride relatively harsher but there are things that can be done that don't exacerbate that quality. Namely 275/70R18 are not a great size as it needs relatively more inflation pressure for a given load.

1. Look outside the LC box. IMO, better tire sizes for ride, handling, and performance are 295/70R18, 33x12.5R18, 305/60R18, 305/65R18.
2. The wider fitments create a more curved sidewall profile. That in combination with lower inflation requirements, can make an LT possibly ride better than the high inflation requirement of 275s. AHC also does great work here as possibly one of the finest riding suspensions. I mean if it can make a factory 21" wheel ride well, it'll make an LT on 18s ride great too.

Here's a couple really great comparison tests of the competitive set. Choose what qualities you prioritize, that let that help find your answer.

 

[jonesadventures]

Do yourself a favor and don't limit tire sizes to what LCs can fit. Your LX has the capacity to fit larger and wider sizes for better ride, braking, and handling, as it is a heavier vehicle than the LC.

Yes, LTs can ride relatively harsher but there are things that can be done that don't exacerbate that quality. Namely 275/70R18 are not a great size as it needs relatively more inflation pressure for a given load.

1. Look outside the LC box. IMO, better tire sizes for ride, handling, and performance are 295/70R18, 33x12.5R18, 305/60R18, 305/65R18.
2. The wider fitments create a more curved sidewall profile. That in combination with lower inflation requirements, can make an LT possibly ride better than the high inflation requirement of 275s. AHC also does great work here as possibly one of the finest riding suspensions. I mean if it can make a factory 21" wheel ride well, it'll make an LT on 18s ride great too.

Here's a couple really great comparison tests of the competitive set. Choose what qualities you prioritize, that let that help find your answer.

This is fantastic, thank you! I'm absolutely open to other sizes, but would like to limit modifications to accommodate them. Would these other sizes fit without having to use spacers or major modifications to the wheel well?

 

[pvchaitanya]

watching as I am in the same spot. time to replace my tires, thinking if I can replace with something different than stock. currently has 20" with pirelli

 

[94SRUNNER]

I second the Michelin Defenders. I've ran them on my LX470 and as soon as it is time to I will get a set for our LX570

A very good comprehensive thread on them here on Mud.

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

I wanted to talk about function over form and my opinions on why I think the Michelin Defender LTX is one of the best "all-terrain" tires out these for a majority of 4wd enthusiast/Overlanders... Before I begin let me cite a few sources on why I have these opinions. Sources/References - My use...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[jonesadventures]

I second the Michelin Defenders. I've ran them on my LX470 and as soon as it is time to I will get a set for our LX570

A very good comprehensive thread on them here on Mud.

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

I wanted to talk about function over form and my opinions on why I think the Michelin Defender LTX is one of the best "all-terrain" tires out these for a majority of 4wd enthusiast/Overlanders... Before I begin let me cite a few sources on why I have these opinions. Sources/References - My use...

forum.ih8mud.com

Thank you. I read through this last week and it’s hard to argue against, but it’s been my go to tire for years, and I’m genuinely wanting some feedback on if going to a more aggressive tire could bring benefits. The Vredestein Pinza AT looks very promising.
Question comes back to size and E vs P rated. I’d like to go up in size without using spacers or removing/cutting in the well. A little heat gun massaging is as far as I’d like to go.

 

[jonesadventures]

Do yourself a favor and don't limit tire sizes to what LCs can fit. Your LX has the capacity to fit larger and wider sizes for better ride, braking, and handling, as it is a heavier vehicle than the LC.

Yes, LTs can ride relatively harsher but there are things that can be done that don't exacerbate that quality. Namely 275/70R18 are not a great size as it needs relatively more inflation pressure for a given load.

1. Look outside the LC box. IMO, better tire sizes for ride, handling, and performance are 295/70R18, 33x12.5R18, 305/60R18, 305/65R18.
2. The wider fitments create a more curved sidewall profile. That in combination with lower inflation requirements, can make an LT possibly ride better than the high inflation requirement of 275s. AHC also does great work here as possibly one of the finest riding suspensions. I mean if it can make a factory 21" wheel ride well, it'll make an LT on 18s ride great too.

Here's a couple really great comparison tests of the competitive set. Choose what qualities you prioritize, that let that help find your answer.

Will these any of these wider sizes fit with a stock LC wheel and w/o any cutting or removing of plastic in the wheel well?

 

[urinalcake]

Reading the OP sounds much like my usage and priorities. Here is my feedback on General Grabber ATX size 275/70R18 SL: Tire & Wheel size database post

53k miles later, I have about one more year of tread remaining. I plan to buy another set of the same tires.

 

[gasman4u]

Michelin Defender vote here. But I've only run 99% on road at this point.

 

[K Idaho]

OP, I noticed you said you ski. I went with Falcon Wildpeak AT4W 275/60/20 SL. They are 3 Peak rated. I struggled with whether to go with a heavier load rating but wanted to maintain a compliant ride and reasonable tire weight and I already had the 20” rims. The WPs were impressive in the snow in Idaho last season. I ski 30+ days per season and drive up a windy mountain road to our local resort and road trip to Utah, etc. I will say the car does not love high speed mountain road corners. It will do it but leans a bit like the big boat that it is. Maybe a wider or stiffer tire would perform better in that aspect. (I was driving a BMW 325 wagon before, so that might affect my perspective.). Otherwise, very happy with these tires in town, snow, dirt roads, etc.

 

[jonesadventures]

OP, I noticed you said you ski. I went with Falcon Wildpeak AT4W 275/60/20 SL. They are 3 Peak rated. I struggled with whether to go with a heavier load rating but wanted to maintain a compliant ride and reasonable tire weight and I already had the 20” rims. The WPs were impressive in the snow in Idaho last season. I ski 30+ days per season and drive up a windy mountain road to our local resort and road trip to Utah, etc. I will say the car does not love high speed mountain road corners. It will do it but leans a bit like the big boat that it is. Maybe a wider or stiffer tire would perform better in that aspect. (I was driving a BMW 325 wagon before, so that might affect my perspective.). Otherwise, very happy with these tires in town, snow, dirt roads, etc.
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This is very helpful, thank you!