New Michelin tires...

Just made a trip from California to seattle, washington and decided to get new tires before coming back. Went from the stock bfg's, 265/70r16, to the Michelin defenders, 245/75r16. The 245's are the same heighth but about an inch narrower and four lbs less per tire. The bfg's had about 40,000 miles. I probably could have squeezed another 5,000 out of them but I wanted to be on the safe side. I'm sure they would have lasted longer if i would have rotated them more. Coming back I had about six hundred pounds in the bed and one passenger. Mileage ranged from 23 to 24 mpg. That is the best mileage I have ever seen from this truck, usually average 20 to 22 mpg empty. Don't know if this increase in mpg is from the new tires or from the truck getting broke in because it has been about ten thousand miles since I last checked the mileage before getting these tires. So far I'm very happy with these defenders, ride smooth and have a lot of weight capacity without going to a E rated tire. Also have Michelin at2's on my dodge diesel, excellent tires.

 

Update, these tires are sweet, so much better than my OEM tires. They ride smoother, brake quicker and rebound less in chuck holes. Not to mention less wear and tear on my suspension and a mileage guarantee. I do admit that the larger size would have looked better with a lift, but I have no intention of lifting my truck. Plus the OEM tires were an inch wider, which to me was too balloon like for a non-lifted truck, just my opinion.

 

I have roughly 23,000 on my stock tires. When I buy new they will definetly be Michelins.

 

I have 5k on my Defenders 265/70R16. Upgraded from the 245's. About 22-23 mpg.

 

We just put Defender LTX MS/2's on the girlfriend's CX-5. After 4 flats in under 6K miles, the paper-thin OEM Yokohamas had to go. I immediately noticed the difference in ride quality. And since she treats her CX-5 like it's a 4runner, I have a little more peace of mind when she's out in the middle of nowhere bouncing down crappy forest roads. Even though she went up a size and they are heavier than the OEM tires, she hasn't noticed a hit in mileage.

So yes, echoing the OP - they are good tires.

 

They are great tires. But for those shopping for that style of tire, cross shop Bridgestone Duelers.

Looking at Tire Rack ratings I found them to be very close to the Michelins in all categories but winter. (which doesn't matter to me, but may matter to others)

But normal pricing, topped by a sale, they were significantly less cost. And with an 80k treadwear and Costco's road hazard package, these things will rot before I wear them out in my low mileage use.

BTW, both tires are available at Costco. You might find a great deal there on either brand. Their prices lined up with Tire Rack, but there is no shipping charge when they are ordered into the store. Their $15 dismount/mount/balance/nitrogen package includes the the road hazard warranty, lifetime rotation and balancing. The techs at the store I use were pretty neat and did a great job on the balance.

 

That's my next tire too. Have them on my wifes Pilot.