I’m getting ready to replace my truck tires with Michelin Defenders. I’ve read on this forum, and others, that the LTX M/S2’s are the way to go. Is there any reason to consider (or not) the Michelin Defenders AT 2’s? We tow with a 3500 Ram DRW pulling an 18,000 pound Landmark.
Also, is it necessary to replace all six tires - or can I replace just the rear tires? Any impact on towing performance?
Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Frank
Cummins12V98 said
12:24 PM Sep 6, 2018
VERY impressed with these. 20k in pic.
As long as they are the exact same size in diameter no problem.
I don't know if things are still the same, but back when I was a kid, if my dad only bought two tires for our motor vehicles, they were always put on the front steering axle, not on the drivers. His philosophy was that in the event of a blowout, he would rather it be on the rear tires than on the front. I'm of the same philosophy, thus, I'd recommend replacing all 6 tires at once.
Terry
Cummins12V98 said
07:53 AM Sep 7, 2018
It is very normal to replace the fronts or rears separately on a Dually. Terry yes I would always put the best tires forward on a 4 wheeled vehicle.
Team Murc said
06:12 PM Sep 7, 2018
We are also in the market for our rear duallies. I have spoken to several tire dealers here and they don’t recommend the Michelin ms/2 as they have soft side walls. Anyone using these or had experience with them?
Mike
Cummins12V98 said
07:50 AM Sep 8, 2018
I carry 9,750# on my rear axle with tires in pic above. They ride GREAT! I think the soft sidewall comment is irrelevant. I have ran Michelins at least 1/2 million miles with "soft sidewalls" NEVER an issue.
Go to Discount tire. I paid $1,300 out the door for 6.
Barb and Frank said
09:44 AM Sep 8, 2018
Cummins - thanks for all your input re Michelin Defender tires. This will be our first time replacing tires on our tow vehicle and we wanted the insight from those that have lots of experience towing a fifth wheel and who have replaced tires. I don’t trust the tire dealers to understand the needs of towing a big rig. In the end, it seems likely we will buy the Michelin Defenders LTX M/S2’s rather than the AT’s.
Thanks to eveyone for their input and opinions.
Frank
-- Edited by Barb and Frank on Saturday 8th of September 2018 09:44:43 AM
arcaguy said
05:59 PM Sep 8, 2018
Just a little information on "soft sidewalls". Since I don't think "handling", in the sense that is talked about in this article, is important to this discussion I'm thinking that soft sidewalls would be a plus. Read and enjoy. automotivethinker.com/tires/tires-sidewalls-vs-air-pressure/
-- Edited by arcaguy on Saturday 8th of September 2018 06:00:34 PM
dovenson said
08:15 PM Oct 4, 2018
Had a set of LTX M/S2. Good grip on dry and wet roads. These michelin tires offer a smooth ride and are not noisy on the highway. The only con I can say is that they have a tendency to spin easily on gravel.
Barb and Frank said
09:19 AM Oct 5, 2018
We purchased the Michelin Defenders LTX M/S2 tires about three weeks ago. So far, so good. The ride of these tires is much improved over the original tires. Although we have only towed the RV once since getting the tires, we have no complaints. The true test will be in the long term.
Thanks again for all the comments.
Frank
RonC said
03:21 PM Oct 9, 2018
Just out of curiosity, since you say that your new tires ride is much improved over the originals ... what were the originals?
Barb and Frank said
04:07 PM Oct 9, 2018
RonC wrote:
Just out of curiosity, since you say that your new tires ride is much improved over the originals ... what were the originals?
The original tires were Nexen Roadian HTX.
Cummins12V98 said
06:28 AM Oct 10, 2018
Barb and Frank wrote:
We purchased the Michelin Defenders LTX M/S2 tires about three weeks ago. So far, so good. The ride of these tires is much improved over the original tires. Although we have only towed the RV once since getting the tires, we have no complaints. The true test will be in the long term.
Thanks again for all the comments.
Frank
Have you changed your front end alignment toe setting from the factory 1/4 to 1/64-1/32?
-- Edited by Cummins12V98 on Wednesday 10th of October 2018 06:29:38 AM
I’m getting ready to replace my truck tires with Michelin Defenders. I’ve read on this forum, and others, that the LTX M/S2’s are the way to go. Is there any reason to consider (or not) the Michelin Defenders AT 2’s? We tow with a 3500 Ram DRW pulling an 18,000 pound Landmark.
Also, is it necessary to replace all six tires - or can I replace just the rear tires? Any impact on towing performance?
Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Frank
As long as they are the exact same size in diameter no problem.
Have you had your toe set to 1/32-1/64?
Frank,
I don't know if things are still the same, but back when I was a kid, if my dad only bought two tires for our motor vehicles, they were always put on the front steering axle, not on the drivers. His philosophy was that in the event of a blowout, he would rather it be on the rear tires than on the front. I'm of the same philosophy, thus, I'd recommend replacing all 6 tires at once.
Terry
Mike
Go to Discount tire. I paid $1,300 out the door for 6.
Cummins - thanks for all your input re Michelin Defender tires. This will be our first time replacing tires on our tow vehicle and we wanted the insight from those that have lots of experience towing a fifth wheel and who have replaced tires. I don’t trust the tire dealers to understand the needs of towing a big rig. In the end, it seems likely we will buy the Michelin Defenders LTX M/S2’s rather than the AT’s.
Thanks to eveyone for their input and opinions.
Frank
-- Edited by Barb and Frank on Saturday 8th of September 2018 09:44:43 AM
Just a little information on "soft sidewalls". Since I don't think "handling", in the sense that is talked about in this article, is important to this discussion I'm thinking that soft sidewalls would be a plus. Read and enjoy. automotivethinker.com/tires/tires-sidewalls-vs-air-pressure/
-- Edited by arcaguy on Saturday 8th of September 2018 06:00:34 PM
Had a set of LTX M/S2. Good grip on dry and wet roads. These michelin tires offer a smooth ride and are not noisy on the highway. The only con I can say is that they have a tendency to spin easily on gravel.
We purchased the Michelin Defenders LTX M/S2 tires about three weeks ago. So far, so good. The ride of these tires is much improved over the original tires. Although we have only towed the RV once since getting the tires, we have no complaints. The true test will be in the long term.
Thanks again for all the comments.
Frank
The original tires were Nexen Roadian HTX.
Have you changed your front end alignment toe setting from the factory 1/4 to 1/64-1/32?
-- Edited by Cummins12V98 on Wednesday 10th of October 2018 06:29:38 AM