Sgb020

I had the Michelin Ltx at2 on my last f150 they last forever but look plain. I currently have ko2’s and they ride ok and don’t make much nosie, when these wear out I think I’m going to try the wild peak at3w. They look good, have great reviews, and have a great price. My ko2 are 285/55/20 and are about 360 bucks a tire the falkens 275/60/20 are about 165 a tire.

Kingofwylietx

Michelin would be my first choice. They ride great and last a long time.
The Defender would be my choice, unless I could get a smoking deal on the LTX MS/2 to sway me that way.

The Defender version is essentially a slightly beefed up LTX MS/2.
In each identical size and load rating that will fit your truck, the Defender will have a slightly deeper tread. It will be a hair larger, due to the deeper tread. It will also weigh a tad more. Both will have the 70,000 mile warranty.

Example in 275/55R20 :
- tread depth: MS/2 is 10.5/32....Defender is 12/32
- diameter: MS/2 is 31.9" and Defender is 32.2"
- weight: MS/2 is 37.43# and Defender is 39.29#

In reality, all the tires you listed are decent choices. I don't think any of them are a bad choice. My #1 pick is the Defender for your particular scenario because you don't go off-roading.

TexasFording

iTrader: (14)

I'd never thought I'd say this, but... Hit your local dealer. I got quoted under 980 dlls for a full set of Michelin LTX MS/2, mounted/balanced *with a 4-wheel alignment*, shop fees/etc/etc and taxes. 275/55/20

They're running a buy 3 get fourth free and also have a 50 dlls mail-in-rebate which they happily credited right then and there.

After 2 years of running bridgestone aleza, I'm down to 4/32 so I may have to get tires in just a couple of months.

s1njin

I'm leaning towards the Defenders personally. And in all actuality the 'P' rated version. 2 'P' rated defenders can handle a max load of 5400 pounds total. My rear axle can only handle 3800 pounds, so I see no reason to jump to the 'E' load or LT variant of the tire. If I had a F250 maybe ...

ab46501

I have about 43,000 miles on my 2015 now and I replaced the stock Goodyears around 4000 miles with BFG KO2's in 275/60/20. Great looking tires with smooth ride on road and good handling. I probably have at least another 10-15000 left on them. They are stiffer than the P rated Goodyears but I knew that going in. I have to have an AT tire on my trucks so for me it was a good choice.


If you just travel on pavement most of the time and prefer ride over looks I would go with the Michelins. I have had multiple sets of Michelin on my other vehicles and they always have been great tires with a ride that is hard to beat.


As an alternative to those I have also run several sets of Cooper tires and have been very happy with those so you might want to give them a look.

LKN Cruiser

Defender LTX

I had them on my wife's Armada, and I put them on my son's Runner a couple years ago. GREAT highway ride. Like you, and many people with trucks and SUVs, the only "off-roading" my vehicles see is parking in a dirt lot at a soccer tournament.

My truck came with the factory Michelin tires (I can't remember which series off the top of my head) but I have 27,000 miles on them and they still look virtually new.

Defenders are top of my list for replacement tires.

idrive

iTrader: (3)

IF

You don't care about a beefier looking tire and are looking for max performance for pavement/don't offroad, the Premiere is your tire. If you want All Season performance then the M/S2. I would probably pass on the defender in favor of the M/S2.

If you want a more aggressive looking tire you generally pay with a heavier tire which is where you lose your gas mileage. My KO2's get almost 2mpg less per gal. than the Premiers and 1.5 mpg less than the M/S2's.

s1njin

I think the M/S2's were replaced by the Defender LTX.

Kingofwylietx

I would be interested to know your reasoning, as you suggest passing on a tire that is not just updated, but improved over the version you recommend to buy.

According to Michelin: Our Best Just Got Better. The MICHELIN® Defender® LTX® M/S combines the proven tread design of the LTX® M/S2 with Evertread™ compound to provide durable tread life

I have experience with both of these tires, they are both top choices...but the Defender is better for someone staying on pavement. The only advantage for the LTX M/S2 is that it is 3# lighter so may give the slightest edge of comfort over the 3# heavier tire....but I don't think it would be noticeable.

Pretty much. They still offer the M/S2's, but the Defender is the newest version of it.

idrive

iTrader: (3)

I was going from experience that dates back a year a go. If the Defender has been updated then perhaps it is the better tire of the two now.

OP is interested in gas mileage. The lighter tire will (almost) always give the better mileage.