Michelin Defender LTX MS replaced BFG KO2's

P rated tire - hands down. As in. Not even close. I went with p265/70/16 and I will NEVeR go back to an AT. Excellent gas mileage on the highway (19-20 4.0L) and they are grippy and give you a very confidence inducing ride.

I looked for months for p265/75/16 but Michelin has stopped making them. Combined with 3rd gen takeoffs the stock size 265/70/16’s looks great. Wheels do a far better job of helping the look of the truck that tire tread.

 

I’m running Michelin LTX AT2’s on my 4Runner and Tacoma. They are very nice so far.

 

nice! I may do little bit of driving on the beach or off-roading too.

 

Still go p rated. I take mine all over the Sierras and the desert - no problems. Buy tires for the 99% of driving that is on road - buy a winch for the one percent (if you even need it).

 

Ok,

It’s down Michelin defender ltx ms or Cooper discoverer AT3 4S

 

How it handles with lot stuffs in the bed?

 

Been running these on an 06 sequoia for a few years now. Great tire and still look new.

 

Which tires?

 

Defender LTX.

 

Fine - air up if you want. Tacoma’s suffer from rear end sag regardless of tire - I’d suggest airbag if you were going to tow a lot or carry heavy payloads constantly. P-rated will still be fine.

Heck - p-rated come standard on my half ton trucks. The thought of an LT tire on a midsize is laughable for 99% of users.

 

This is the question I've wondered too. Michelin says rim width on 265/65/17 tire is 7.5" - 9.5" and the TRD Pro 4Runner wheel is 7.0". I heard certain shops won't mount it. Anyone chime in?

 

What is the difference between the Michelin Defender LTX M/S and the Michelin LT X A/S ? Even the Michelin site doesn't really explain it and all the specs are so very similar.

 

I’m in the same boat as many I currently have Toyo open country r/t and they fit the bill looks wise and have been great so far but the defenders would be smooth as butter on the highway which is where 90-95 percent of my driving takes place.

 

I am making this same decision right now. Just got a 99 Tacoma (it’s amazing) and it needs new tires. Currently has 30x9.5 r15 BFG A/T’s that are great but worn out. I spend 99% of the time on roads in a city. BUT, we got the truck as an additional car for adventuring. Do I replace the BFG’s with another set, or do I go to 31x10.5 r15 Michelin LTX M/S? I’m apprehensive about the larger size because it can hurt the mpg and turning radius, not to mention power for the 2.7l (and I like the look of the 30”—I know some people will say they’re too small). But I would also appreciate the comfort and quiet of a road tire, and I have read lots of good reviews about the M/S going off road. Both are great tires, and I know many people on here drive 31” tires with no issues. They’re just so dang expensive you don’t want to make the wrong choice!

I ordered the Michelins so we’ll see how it goes. I think it’s the conservative choice—they’re probably safer and better suited for what I do most often. But, the BFG’s look so good and it’s nice to know you have that extra capability under you. Would have looked hard at the Michelin LTX A/T but 16” is the smallest they go.

Update: I just added a picture of what she looks like with the new 31x10.5 Michelin’s. Keep in mind the BFG’s were old and worn so they’re smaller than when they were new. Regarding the new driving experience: probably slightly quieter and slightly more sluggish acceleration, but not enough to worry about, and I might just be imagining it. TBD on fuel mileage, off-road driving, and wet/snowy conditions.

 

I have both the Michelin defenders and the the BFG KO2s on my trucks
but the michelins on my tacoma and the KO2s on my jeep
they work as intended on each one.