TRD OR: OEM Goodyear Wrangler All Terrain vs Michelin LTX A/T2 vs Michelin Defender M/S

My TRD OR should arrive at the dealership right around this time next month and after quite a bit of reading here (this is my first truck in decades) I think the initial tire upgrade I'll do is going one inch taller (265/70 to 265/75) with a Michelin tire.

My use for the truck will be primarily road trips with the wife and dogs and maybe a little light off roading; no serious rock crawling or anything beyond what the stock suspension set up is good for. Michelin makes two tires I would be interested in with a 75 series sideways - the LTX A/T2 all terrain tire and the Defender M/S all season highway tire. The A/T2 is rated at an E Load so obviously a bit heavier than the stock Goodyear or Defender. If the A/T2 was rated at an SL or even C rating it would be a no brainer but it is almost 14lbs heavier than the stock Goodyear.

My main question for the use case I described above, could I get away with the Defender? More specifically, how would the Defender compare in light off road ability to the stock Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain. Comparing the LTX A/T2, has anyone went from the stock Goodyear Wrangler to the A/T2? If so, what are your thoughts?

 

The stock Goodyear’s I had to crank my psi up to 38 cold to get the nervous feeling out of the truck. I thought I might have to buy new tires right away also but found that solution. 2021 pro is my truck.

 

I've used all 3 tires types and the two brands that you've listed.The Defender is an excellent performer for the uses you described. I currently have Defenders on my Tacoma and 4Runner. Nice ride and handling on and off the highway.

 

Did you get the Defenders? I’ve still got a lot of tread left on my stock SR5 tires but I’m thinking of moving to these when it’s time. Been reading a lot of good things about them.