Michelin Defender LTX M/S

Recently got into a set of Michelin Defenders LTX M/S on my 2016 SR5. I went with the 265/70/16 and I am very happy with my tire choice.

 

They look great on your 3rd gen; I've actually come to love the classic, no-nonsense look of these.

 

Dittos on the Michelin Defender. Bought a set last month to replace my Michelin LTX. Costco had a great deal. $70 off + $60 if a Costco Visa is used. Beat Discount Tire’s best price.

What’s the optimal tire pressure to run? With the Michelin LTX I always ran with 35lb. Very little off road.
Toyota recommended 29lb for the OEM Tires.

 

The door jamb placard in mine says 26/29, but I'm running 35 front and 38 back and have even wear with no cupping. I rotate every 5k. 26psi may very well be able to support the light weight of this truck but man it handles like a fluffy marshmallow at that pressure.

 

My ‘08 SR5 door jamb placard says 29 fr/29 rear. At 35lbs all around my first set of Michelin LTX’s performed well. Great cornering and very good highway comfort.

 

What are folk's thoughts on this tire in LT245/75-17? I'd like to go a little narrower than stock and keep my same overall diameter of 31.5" (265/70-17), but not sure I'd want to go with an E rated tire. I don't need it, but it does have a little more tread depth than the P series (and 8 lbs of weight). I'm debating this vs 255/70-17.

 

Will soak up some mpg

 

Everyone I know that tried a LT tire hated them. Stiff, harsh ride and terrible handling due to the stiff sidewall.

 

Thanks for the replies. If only they made a P series in that size. Looks like the P255/70 will be my next tire.

 

Love them - truck driving on a sticky cloud

 

How are the AT2 in the rain? Are they close to the M/S in traction control in rain conditions? This will be my deciding factor. I have general grabbers on my truck currently and they are terrible in the rain. I feel like I’m constantly on the verge of hydroplaning or fishtailing. I don’t do much off-roading, but do appreciate the look of an ageesive tire. I’m open to either one to be honest. Thanks for the input!

 

When I had them on my second gen I thought they were excellent in the rain. The Falkens are also great in the rain.

 

I considered these, my brother and sister both have these on their vehicles and like them. But I found a deal on some Cooper at3 LT’s and they were offering a $70 rebate. I got them installed for $692 after all the old tire disposal fees and factoring in the rebate. I went with a load range E, everybody says they’re overkill on a Tacoma but I love them so far. I’ve punctured at least 1 tire on every set I’ve had on this truck, I’m hoping the heavier tires help with that. My only complaint is that they throw rocks pretty bad for a few miles after you’ve been on gravel. They clean out pretty quick once you get up to highway speed, but they won’t eject at lower speeds (relative to other less aggressive tires I’ve had).

 

I just got these last week and OOOMMMMGGGG! The ride is much better, super quite ride and smoother too. Previous tires were General Grabber AT2 with 40k miles. Sold my old tires to Discount tire and they also had a $70 mail-in rebate. I will be taking a 1500 miles in three weeks, i cannot wait!

 

Visit number 4 this past week at dealer to balance a new set of 265 65 17 defender ltx m/s.
Feels like a balance/bounce issue above 45mph. With minor steering wheel shake.
Yesterday was a fresh install on a different balancer. Did not ask the make, hunter etc...
Smooth rolling below 40mph breaking with hands off steering wheel truck stops straight.
Dealer removed worn OEM Tokyo’s 36K mikes, to install Michelins and performed front end alignment due to outside edge tire wear. No balance shaking issues with the OEMs.
Tomorrow they will swap tires with known good mounts to isolate, before claiming a replacement if tire(s) are found to be at fault.
They are genuinely committed to making this right.

 

I'm trying to get defenders in a p load , 265 75 16 . I have them on my truck now . They are almost toast. I'm having a problem as they ain't got any of them in p load . My tire guy is telling me he will know in a couple weeks how long it will be . He said they ain't got any in a p load , got them in e load . Anyone else having these problem.

 

It's probably too late since you were asking about this 4 months ago, but I've been doing way too much research on new tires and found two smoking deals on the Michelin LTX M/S2 in non-LT rated 245/75R17. This is the previous generation of this tire, but they are apparently still making it in a few sizes/load ratings, of which this is one.

Simpletire - $103.97/tire free shipping
Tire Rack - $108.86/tire free shipping

 

Thanks for all the posts. I think these are the tires I will get for my Tacoma. I considered the BFG A2 2 but 99.9% of the time me truck doesn’t go off-road. Just about any tire cab be good in rain and dry conditions. I am most concerned with their snow performance and these seem to do it.

Just checked, those things are pricey. Luckily I get them through my shop and will mount them myself.

 

Just put the Michelin’s on today. $693. I mounted and balanced them myself so didn’t have to pay for that. If I get the $70 rebate I will be $623!

They all balanced very well compared to the stock tires. I had well over five ounces on a couple of the tires! The Michelin’s didn’t require over 3 ounces. And most were an ounce or two. Nice ride so far. Not aggressive looking but I need a good road tire which by in large these seem to be one of the top choices.

 

Best tire I have ever owned, I have them in 275/60/20 on my Tundra and love them. GF has them on her highlander and has 40k on them and they look new. Great all season tire, I'm in CT and we get all sorts of weather here including a lot of snow and ice and rain as well as 100 degree days. Love these tires