Michelin LTX M/S or Defender LTX for LIGHT Off Road . . .

Hey everyone,

For those of you running the LTX M/S or Defender LTX, can you tell me how they handle LIGHT off road duties?

I'm currently running LTX AT2s and they need replaced this spring. I'm leaning heavily towards the Defenders, based on the reviews and the fact that 95% of my driving is on road. I'll run these tires year round and we get it all as far as weather is concerned.

My only "concern" is whether they will be okay at the boat launch and/or mild off road. I do pull a boat and at times have to deal with the odd gravel/dirt launch or slicked up concrete ramp. As far as off road goes, it would only be dirt or gravel roads, nothing crazy.

I've never had an issue with my AT2's, but from what I've read, the Defenders will provide a better ride, better mileage and better snow and rain performance. Seems like a no-brainer as long as I don't get stuck in a lake, LOL.

 

For light off-road, they will all do just fine. I currently run AT2's, and really like them. Even though mine are P-rated (better and quieter highway ride), I've taken them offroad (snow, mud, gravel, rock-crawling, etc) in the nearby Sierras, and they do really well. Excellent traction in all situations except maybe deep sand and deep mud. I have no experience with the LTX tires, though. You really can't go wrong with Michelin.

 

michelin ltx ms will handle hard off road too

don't just look for 'oh it looks tough' in a tire

they won't paddle you out of deep goopy mud easily (I've have been up to the gas tank skid in wet spring loamy mud and still gotten out)
but ltx ms has not left me stranded in mud holes, on rocks, or otherwise and I have shoved my 4runner into lots of crap and abandoned trails
and the sidewalls will take a decent amount of scuffing and abuse w/o ripping

 

I've been running MS2's for years and they are just fine for light off road (corn fields, hunting, cattle pastures) and boat launching. My boat isn't huge, but I've never had a problem. I just replaced them with the Defender LTX MS in 265-70-16. I can't tell a difference so far. They seem like the same great tire. Super quiet, almost silent at city speeds compared to other tires I've run. Great on snow/wet roads. All around fabulous tire. I doubt you'd be disappointed.

My old MS2's still had 8/32 tread left at 4 years/48k miles. This in itself is impressive. That's 60% of the usable tread left. I wanted 265 instead of 245- that's the reason I got new. Managed to get $325 for the tires on Craigslist. The way I see it, that's nearly half the cost of the new tires. Not quite put pretty darn close. Not bad for driving on near new tires all the time. I plan to repeat the process when I get up around 45k again. Might as well. The extra cost isn't much more than the difference between original and sale prices.

FYI Costco has the Miches for $70 off every couple of months. Watch for sales if you have one close by.

 

Awesome, thanks for the feedback!

 

X2 on this.
I'm in some nasty stuff on job sites regularly. I'm always impressed that such a conservative looking tire does so well in the shit.

 

I went from AT20s to Goodyear Armor Trac to MS2s. The MS2s are great on highway,especially shine on wet pavement. But when mud gets to 6inchs the MS2s spin and slide. The Goodyears are only better in mud.

 

Sweet, I'm sold on them! Based on the feedback, they'll absolutely handle the conditions I'll typically be in.

 

You gonna get the new Defenders or the MS2? FYI the MS2 is still available in some sizes in some areas. In other areas you might have to go with the Defender. They're rolling out the Defender update in different tire sizes over a period of months. So, it seems to be hit and miss, depending on your region and what your preference is.

 

Michelin LTX MS2 off road...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/400-000-miles.404359/

I have had several sets of LTX MS2. Great tires. They do not look like off road tires, but the siping for snow also works well to grip off road. Not great in mud, but otherwise great tires.

 

Wow, that's awesome qnyla! I've no doubt they'll meet my needs after seeing your pics, LOL.

harpolith, I suspect I'll wind up getting the Defenders. I'm going to stick with P265/65R17s and based on the Michelin website, it doesn't look like that size is still available in the MS2s. That said, if I can find them in some local stock at a good price, I've no problem going that route.

I picked up some 17 inch 4 Runner black steelies to mount them on, so I'm just waiting for spring to officially arrive!

 

My new Defender LTX MS

 

I put 265/75/15 LTX MS2's on about a week ago and love them. I drive about 50 miles/day and in pastures several times a week. Totally stock SR5 and keeping it that way.

Road ride is awesome and it handles light off road just fine. A lil momentum goes a long ways.

 

Just wanted to post a quick update, as I got my Defender LTX M/S's put on today, mounted on FJ Cruiser 17 inch black steelies. They are P265/65 17s. Sorry for the bad angle picture, it's all I could snap in the driveway. I think they look awesome

I only have a few miles on the tires, but thus far the ride is great and very smooth. In fairness, I'm coming from 7 year old LTX AT2's and they were quite worn and in need of replacement.