Highway/Sand tire: Michelin Defender LTX (M/S) or Continental Terrain Contact A/T

I'm a kiteboarder who primarily does commuting/highway driving and then beach driving. I need to replace my tires and want to get something quieter on the highway and better in the sand then the stock Firestones. I'm also considering sizing up to a 265/70/17 instead of the stock 265/65/17. In case it matters I live on Long Island in NY.

Anyone have any experiences with these. I've seen both tires highly recommended. Should I size up my tires? From what I've read I won't have to do any modifications to fit a 265/70/17 on a stock TRD Sport, but is it worth it?

 

Many people have good results going up to a 265/70R-17 size on the forums. All tires are a product of compromise, there is not one tire that does everything the best. That being said the Michelin Defender LTX M/S has better winter traction and sto[s shorter in wet weather than the Continental Terrain Contact A/T should perform better off-road in the sand being, an all-terrain tire.

Both tires are solid choices depending on your needs.

Please let us know if we can be of assistance helping you narrow down your choice. Discount Tire Direct guarantees the lowest delivered price on the internet.

 

perhaps consider a air pump so you can air down.

 

I do airdown a lot when the sand is really soft and car a powertank with me if there isn't a compressor at the beach I'm at. I really haven't any issues getting stuck, but since I need new tires it's an opportunity to upgrade.

Since it's my everyday driver I think comfort and milage is probably the most important for me. Is the Conti going to be that much noiser and have that much worse mileage then the Michelin?

 

Welcome to the forum Ben.
If the Firestone’s served you well then I’d say the Michelin’s will be a nice upgrade.

 

Thank you. It's what I'm leaning towards. Though I absolutely love the price of the conti's. They are considerably cheaper.

 

Buy once
Cry once

 

Best response I've heard. That's how I felt about the leer cap. Best thing I've bought besides the truck.

 

Michelin.

Check out Costco pricing. In addition to several manuf sales per year they periodically offer up 1cent per tire installation.