New LT tires on my Tow Vehicle

[Steve DCW]

So thanks to everyone who posted responses to my question about air bags, WDH's and such.
The common opinion was to change the factory tires on my F150 Supercrew 3.5 ecoboost with the tow package (Hankook 265/60R18 -110T) to some form of LT tire, to further help with trailer sway.
I went to my local Discount Tire, and they are recommending Michelin Defender LTX M/S 265/70 R18 LT. Total cost for four tires $1100, but they'll give me about $300 credit for the 4 Hankooks. (I may just step up to changing all five tires for safety reasons).
What I'd like to know is, does anyone have experience with these tires or have other recommendations? I'm in Georgia, and we don't have some of the "national" dealers. Someone recommended Big O Bigfoot tires, but we don't have those in GA.
For info, we're using a 1200# Centerline Husky WD Hitch
Again, any help/guidance appreciated - this will be a pretty big investment, and I want to get it right!
P.S. my WDH is doing great and both vehicles travel level.

[fonzie]

I have the Terra Grappler G2 and would recommend them for anyone towing...

Terra Grappler G2 All-Terrain Light Truck Radial Tires

[donniedu]

Have used Discount tire for years. They have always treated me very well. Michelins are good tires. You might want to spend some time on Discount tires web site and read reviews on different tires thst will fit your truck before purchase. Last summer when needing new tires I did some research online and found Yokahama Geloanders would be a better fit for my dually. Quiet smooth riding and so far I have not been disappointed.

[5picker]

I've run the Michelin M/S for years and now have a set of the newer Defender M/S on my truck.

They are great tires.
Michelin periodically runs a rebate when you buy 4 or more tires.
One was $100 and the last two were $125 I think.
I've been able to take advantage of this on the last three sets.
Check the Michelin web site to see if there is a current offer or you might call and see if something is coming soon.

[jtesta1]

I purchased Dextero dht2 tires from Walmart about 2years ago. I have them on my 2009 silverado 2500hd extended cab with 8 foot bed ,pull a 2012 Rockwood 8288ws 5th wheel. Tires have been great.no problem . Go to Walmart often for free rotation. 225/75/16 E rated were around 120.00 plus install. About 550.00 out the door

[5OHcampers]

My suburban had michelins (not lt) on it when i got it. I could tell by the way it handled they had way to weak of a side wall to tow with. I replaced them with general grabber at2 before we went and picked up our camper. Good thing i did. I put the michelins in the shed that fall then went to move them in the spring and found the tread separated from the sidewall on all of them just from sitting. Between that and them being worthless in the snow the best use i found for them was starting brush fires when we were taking out fence rows. Good idea replacing the p rated tires on your tv. I'm very happy with the grabbers I put on mine. My next pick would have been bfg at or Falkin if they make something in lt.

[uhduh camping]

I have Michelin LTX A\T2 P rated tires on my 4Runner. these tires have 85K miles with 15K left on them. My F250 has these tires as well (factory tire), LT's of course w\ 20K on them with little to no wear. I was just looking at a F250 diesel with 50K on these tires as well, still having half their tread life.

[ofishlbusiness]

Hi Steve DCW Did the tire shop make you aware of the fact that your OE 265/60R18 are 30.5 in Diameter, and that a LT 265/70R18 are 32.6 in diameter this will effect your odometer, speedometer, (you will be going slightly faster than it reads) and axle ratio. I would recommend a LT 255/65R 18 at 31" diameter as it is closer to your OE size, and the Michelin Defender LTX is available in that size and is an excellent tire for all-season use and that includes towing. Realize that a LT tire due to the heavier plys and load rating do require high than normal psi to help keep the tire cool and this can give a harsher ride when in normal use. Hope this helps you and happy trails

[rockertom]

Here is what I do anyways. I use Firestone Revo 2'so in a 265/70 R17 stock tire. I have found these are really good on wet grass for traction. I get about 50 to 60k out of them with regular rotation and alignment on my truck 05 F250 FX4. I paid for the lifetime alignment and rotations when I purchase the tires. The reason I use firestone and like them also for a fix garage is simple. As I had a tire go on me while traveling with my RV. There is a Firestone in most cases in and around most cities. I put my spare on and call to make sure they have my tire or tires in stock. If not how long or call the next nearest one. Drive there or get towed there. Use my account to pay. Same tires or repairs done. Keep moving on down the road. I don't like miss matched tires on my truck. Thought i'd share what I do. If it works for you too, great. If not, that's OK too. Best of luck in whatever you do. But agreed LT E rated is the way to go.

[jeffnick]

I have the Dextero 245/75/16 tires similar to jtesta1 both on the van and on the trailer.


No reason to consider anything else... unless I used the TV off road.

[Brewhedd]

Originally Posted by Steve DCW

I went to my local Discount Tire, and they are recommending Michelin Defender LTX M/S 265/70 R18 LT.

My '15 Silverado came with Bridgestone tires which have worn unevenly (not due to alignment), seems to be a common thing. I have always bought Michelins as they lasted the longest for me. I bought a set for a previous truck and found them to flex too much. When I buy them for this truck I am going up a tick or two in the load range. What load range are did they recommend?