Michelin Defenders

[Sebass85]

Is anyone running 275/60R20 Michelin Defenders LTX M/S2 or LTX AT2 on a leveled setup? Just looking for some opinions on real world ride quality, noise, looks etc. My current Pirelli Scorpions, 275/65/R20s are shot out, just wondering if the Michelins ride quality are worth giving up the looks of a more aggressive AT tire. Or if anyone has any suggestions on some AT tires that are quiet and won’t murder my gas mileage too much. TIA

 

[Scram1500]

Defenders are super quiet. Your mpg will increase from the smooth tread pattern and slightly less weight. I lost 3 highway mpg going from Defenders to all terrain Coopers

 

[Sebass85]

Defenders are super quiet. Your mpg will increase from the smooth tread pattern and slightly less weight. I lost 3 highway mpg going from Defenders to all terrain Coopers

Thanks. Did you have the XL load rating by chance or tow anything with them?

 

[Oldphart]

I was very happy to get rid of the stock Bridgestones. The Michelin Defender is an order of magnitude better. I'm using the 275-55x20 LTX M/S2 (stock) size though. I run 38lbs front & rear but when towing a 5.5k trailer I bump up to 44/48. No issues when towing.

 

[Scram1500]

Thanks. Did you have the XL load rating by chance or tow anything with them?

I had E rated LTX M/S in 275/70 r18. Did not tow but did have ~1000lbs in the bed several times, never felt unstable or any squirm. I also have Bilstein shocks and Hellwig sway bar for reference

 

[Gren71]

I ran the defenders for 15 to 20,000 miles in the XL rating on 18 inch rims. Super quiet very capable in all weather conditions and i always felt well and control of the vehicle.

I wish I had bought them in an E rating because I told pretty often and had a bit of wobble even with them inflated higher. After going to a different rated tire, I won’t be getting anything other than 10 ply again

Bear in mind the 18 inch wheel has more sidewall than the 20 inch wheel and will have more wiggle with wind while towing. So the XL may do just fine for you, but if you can get them in an E rating, I would say they are the absolute best possible all season Tire you can get for a general purpose truck

 

[Sebass85]

I ran the defenders for 15 to 20,000 miles in the XL rating on 18 inch rims. Super quiet very capable in all weather conditions and i always felt well and control of the vehicle.

I wish I had bought them in an E rating because I told pretty often and had a bit of wobble even with them inflated higher. After going to a different rated tire, I won’t be getting anything other than 10 ply again

Bear in mind the 18 inch wheel has more sidewall than the 20 inch wheel and will have more wiggle with wind while towing. So the XL may do just fine for you, but if you can get them in an E rating, I would say they are the absolute best possible all season Tire you can get for a general purpose truck

Thanks for the info

 

[Rebellion is Duty]

I got 75k out of a set. Loved them.