tire recommendation

[luke27617]

Defenders is the way to go based on your description (had them) but if you want up size to 285/55 (recommend as 285/50 is too skinny) defenders are not available in that size. LTX by Michelin will be the only Michelin choice and reviews are mixed there You can as well go with 275/60 defenders which is what I did at the time. Please note that you will get a slight rub on inside arm on driver size at the full lock but no rubbing from mudflats, etc... Now I am on K02. Love the look but miss Defenders handling and how quiet those were.

 

[Samuraj]

And now part #2 of my search questions...
Why no one likes Michelin Lattitude
I have them now , just don’t fill like going down Shaffer Trail

 

[Angelo1]

I would like to stay around a 11.5” width and at least a 33.5” tire.

 

[luke27617]

I would like to stay around a 11.5” width and at least a 33.5” tire.

you will get rubbing over 33"

 

[Angelo1]

you will get rubbing over 33"

I have a 35/12.5r18. Only rubbing i have is in full turn reverse.

 

[grinchy]

And now part #2 of my search questions...
Why no one likes Michelin Lattitude
I have them now , just don’t fill like going down Shaffer Trail

They aren’t quiet and they are expensive. That’s why.

 

[Samuraj]

Still have hard time to pick
#1 Michelin ltx at2
#2 Michelin defender ltx
#3 nitro terra grappler G2
99% highway miles

 

[CruiserFan88]

if 99% highway, pass on an LT tire, IMO...give up comfort/handling and MPG for not much in return. I was in this boat a week ago, glad I stayed with the ISO version, for my purposes at least.

 

[coleAK]

And now part #2 of my search questions...
Why no one likes Michelin Lattitude
I have them now , just don’t fill like going down Shaffer Trail

I actuelly had latitudes as the OEM tire on my g wagon. I ran them for 2 summers. They were very quiet and stable and fairly capable off road, great in the sand. Tread life was terrible and they weren’t great in the rain past 50% life. You will get longer life and better wet out of the defender. And contrary to what others say you don’t need an AT tire.

 

[coleAK]

Just doesn’t fit the look of the LC but they are more practical

What is the “look” of an LC? Jumping the curb to park on the grass At kids at soccer/lacrosse practice? Crushing it at Whole Foods? Running over a cone at school car pick up?

 

[Angelo1]

What is the “look” of an LC? Jumping the curb to park on the grass At kids at soccer/lacrosse practice? Crushing it at Whole Foods? Running over a cone at school car pick up?

Do you know me? Are you my neighbor??? All three things you mentioned are exactly what it’s used for. Well that and fire trails to sweet hiking spots in the Smokies.

 

[coleAK]

Do you know me? Are you my neighbor??? All three things you mentioned are exactly what it’s used for. Well that and fire trails to sweet hiking spots in the Smokies.

There are sweet hiking trails in the smokies. We spent 3 years in Cherokee.

 

[Angelo1]

There are sweet hiking trails in the smokies. We spent 3 years in Cherokee.

Nice. That’s a very small town and surrounded by beautiful terrain. It’s like stepping back in time. Did you work at the hospital? Not much else there.

 

[coleAK]

Nice. That’s a very small town and surrounded by beautiful terrain. It’s like stepping back in time. Did you work at the hospital? Not much else there.

My wife did. We lived in Maggie Valley. And It was like going back in time.

 

[Samuraj]

I'm getting latitude .... no wait ! .....defenders, eh maybe nitto is better ?
just kidding
for real , I'm staying with michelin latitude
thanx for all responses .

 

[Samuraj]

2 more questions ...
can i do shaffer trail in michelin latitude ?
how loud will be nitto terra grappler on highway ? from Chicago to Moab ?

 

[grinchy]

You’ll be fine with a mild at. My newish at are quieter than the latitudes

 

[Samuraj]

I like the look of the nitro , and overall opinions, and I like to discover some dirt roads , the only think holding me down is ;
Closest dirt road is 1000 miles west (from Chicago)
So , mostly highway miles for my LX
If some tell me Lattitudes will be fine ( Shaffer trail , valley of the goods ) I go with Michelin.
I got one vote for nitto (grinchy)
I’m 50/50 right now ,

 

[grinchy]

If your question is can you drive around in Moab on stock tires the answer is yes. Moab has tons of grip.
where those latitudes will get you is sidewall protection and mud. They aren’t equipped for those conditions. Potentially peace of mind will suffer as you’ll be incented to drive very cautiously?
my personal experience with the latitudes was not positive, but they were used and maybe the previous owner hadn’t rotated and balanced appropriately

 

[BAY2MTN]

Late to the party, but if you are considering the Michelin Defender LTX, then check out the Kumho Crugen HT51 (though I use them in an “LT” size; E load range). Capable, quiet, additionally has the three-peak mountain snowflake (i.e. “severe snow”) rating, and are less expensive than Michelin’s... So far no issues.