Looking at Michelin Defender LTX M/S vs Cooper Discovery AT3 4s vs Toyo Open Country AT2

FYI It looks like the Defenders are back in stock/production. I've been waiting MONTHS for some to be in stock 245/75/r16 and they are finally in at BJ's and Sullivan tire.
BJ's Tire is running a sale right now...4 installed w/ insurance $760...That's LESS than I paid for the same set 90,000 miles ago...That's right I got 90K out of defenders with rotation and alignment...

 

The problem with big box stores for me (I'm a Costco member and they sell Michelin) was they won't install a tire larger than stock spec. I was going a couple of sizes bigger so they wouldn't do it. I called around my area and Mavis was the best price, out the door. There can be stupid markups, fees and services on tires. They wanted $3.99 per plastic valve cap. Lol.

They called me into the shop like "hey, these tires are the wrong size!" I looked and said "no, that's exactly what I ordered". They did a decent job. Truck rides so smooth at speed. (70-80 mph). Had an alignment done at the same time because I did 2" leveling spacers a few weeks earlier.

 

Commuting 75 miles a day in a tacoma...last thing I need is BIGGER tires...squeeking out 17.5 winter mpg 20 summer...

 

With Costco I purchased a slightly over sized Michelin PS4S performance tires for my sports car. BUT I brought the wheels in off the car and they mounted them up no questions asked.

 

I know the Michelin are the number one recommendation here but I would at least consider the Continental terrain contact HT. They get nearly identical ratings on most sites and are at least $30 cheaper per tire.

 

I believe Consumer Reports recently ranked them equivalent or one up over the Michelin Defender as the top pavement tire.

Michelin has discontinued the 265/75-16 except in load range E.. heavy weights

 

Just bought a set of Micheline Defender LTX M/S's this morning. Size was 245/75/16 to go with some 16-hole steelies I just had powder coated. Discount Tire Direct has a $110.00 discount on a set of four right now case'n any of you cat's interested.

 

I have the coopers, I think they slide too much ,lugs to big ?