Michelin LTX M/S 2 - Initial Thoughts (Now LTX Defender)

Looks like I'm going to get the updated version, in the Michelin Defender LTX M/S 265/70-16.

 

My 07 PreRunner DCLB had Dunlop Grandtrek AT20's which seemed OK to me. However last Nov. it looked like I would be driving to Colo. (it snows there) so I decided it was time for new rubber.

I thought about Goodrich, General and a few others but had Michelin M/S on the old truck (90 GMC 1500) and I loved them.

I ended up getting the Michelin A/T 2 on sale for less than the M/S. Most of my driving is on the road but I do get muddy sometimes. I was always able to get to where I was going with the AT20's but it is a no brainier with the A/T 2's. The ride is better too.

One thing I have noticed, the old AT20's would Hydroplane sometimes at high speeds, the A/T 2's might also but haven't yet. I really like them a lot.

 

ya have to goof up really bad to hydroplane with michelin LTX series

these tires should be mandatory imho

 

I picked up (4) of these the other day. They'll be installed tomorrow (Saturday). I can't wait.

 

They're on. Can't say I notice any difference the short distance home. In hoping for some snow or rain.

 

I just got the Defender MS and I was on MS2's before. Pretty sure the warranty on the Defender MS is 70k just as it was on the MS2's. They might have dropped the AT to 50k. (If i remember correctly).

 

How are you likeing them? I installed the Defender MS a month ago- I can't say that I notice any difference compared to the MS2's that came off.

(They're both awesome tires btw)

 

I have the Defenders and love them, especially compared to the rugged fails I had.

 

Just looked on Michelin's website. They site 50k and 70k. Apparently depends on the size...?

 

Maybe it is size dependent? Kinda weird, huh? I also noticed that that 265-70 has "decreased rolling resistance", while the 265-75 does not. Ha I'm not sure what's going on here. Sure seems to me if they're calling two tires "Defender MS", they'd have the same specs, regardless of size. But apparently not?

 

Usually the LT rated tires have less warranty or none at all because they tend to be used on high-torque heavy rigs doing heavy work. Can't expect the tires to last as long on a 8000 lb truck towing trailers all day.

 

So it's the LT's that have the 50k warranty. That makes more sense. Standard load Defender LTX MS should still be at 70k.

 

Just sold the BFG Rugged Trails.

 

I didn't research these Defender LTX M/S vs the LTX M/S2 too much, as they were supposed to be an upgrade/next generation of the tire.

 

I think they're the same tire for the most part. Just an effort from Michelin to consolidate their branding efforts. They say there was a slight update to the tread compound. But, I'm pretty sure if one was happy with the MS2, they'll also like the Defender MS. I'm more than content with my new defenders.

 

What pressure are you running in your Defender's? I started with 36-psi, since I was running that pressure in my BFG Rugged Trails. I understand they're two completely different tires.

 

I was running my 245-75-16 MS2's at 35 front, 32 rear. The installer (Costco) wouldn't fill my new 265-70 Defenders that high due to the larger size tire (I think he just didn't want to "disobey" the door sticker).

So he filled them all at 29psi. That felt REALLY soft to me. front end felt sloppy. So I'm now running 34 front, 31 rear. I'd like to go higher on all four, but I did the chalk test and I'm already pushing it, as far as starting to ride up on the centers of the tires. Afraid if I go higher I'll get uneven wear on the centers of the tires (especially the rears).

 

Looks like I can no longer get the AT/2's in 285/75/16 so I guess I'll be running the MS2s again when/if these ever wear out.

 

255/85/16? That's 33" tall/skinny if that's your goal. Dunno if they make that size either.

 

nope. looks like the only sizes they have for 16s are our stock size (and other sizes that don't matter)