Blitzkrieg
New member
I'd buy Michelin LTX M/S even if they cost 25% more than they do. Superb tire IMO.
Went with the GX 460 over the TP.......
- Thread starter Bruin1md
- Start date
I'd buy Michelin LTX M/S even if they cost 25% more than they do. Superb tire IMO.
Bruin1md
New member
If I go with an all season highway tire, that's the tire I'm getting-- no question. Is that what you have on your Trail premium?
I'm still leaning towards an AT tire, however, and the more I've read about the 'other' Michelin-- the LTX A/T2-- the more impressed I am with it as a choice over the Firestone Destination AT3 or the Nitto Terra Grappler
Bruin1md
New member
Good stuff--thanks.
the Nitto is out. I'm guessing you went from the stock Bridgestones (or Michelins in the previous models) directly to the KO2's? With the KO2's, you don't notice any vibrations at higher speeds on the city/highway? I guess I'm just trying to figure out how much of a loss in comfort there will be from the Bridgestone OEM's on there now if I switch to the KO2, for when I drive that 2+ hours on the interstate a couple of times of month. Standard load AT tires like the Firestone AT3 or the LTX A/T2 ALLEGEDLY ride a little more comfortable on the road than the E load tires do, but from your feedback, I'm not sure that's true.
For All terrains, I'm down to the Michelin LTX A/T2 vs the KO2.......if I stick with an all season highway/all purpose tire, I'll go with the Michelin LTX M/S2.
Oh, and I'm definitely changing out the wheels I decided, but keeping them at 18's (plus 1 size to accommodate the 275's)
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Jetboy
New member
Keep in mind a GX is really heavy for a midsize SUV. I think it'll be okay on LT tires. But the rolling resistance will be noticeable.
I'd consider Goodyear ATs - like the ATS or adventure AT. They are excellent tires for an all terrain. One other to look at would be the BFG Rugged Terrain. They're michelin's (owner of BFG) more aggressive looking street tire. Supposed to be very quiet.
I'd consider Goodyear ATs - like the ATS or adventure AT. They are excellent tires for an all terrain. One other to look at would be the BFG Rugged Terrain. They're michelin's (owner of BFG) more aggressive looking street tire. Supposed to be very quiet.
Bruin1md
New member
that was exactly what I said to the guys at Tire rack-- that the GX's curb weight of over 6000 lbs should off set putting on an E load tire-- they seemed dismissive of it in that they still said the KO2 would be much stiffer/rougher.
But from what Rod said, it doesn't seem to be a big issue, which is why I'm a bit confused.
I'll look up your recs-- do you know anything about the Michelin LTX A/T2? Seems to be a great 'compromise' AT tire.
You mentioned roll resistance will be noticeable with that stiffer sidewall-- what should I be looking for (ie-- what will that feel like in day to driving compared to what I have)?
hrod79
New member
No vibrations at hwy speeds. Just feels more like a truck. I will say with any LT tire (load range c-d-e) you will feel less tire roll on turns and more bumps will transfer through suspension to you. So if you want cushy ride there are several brands that offer P rated tires. We camp and routinely use dirt roads and i want the option to use the GX vs 4Runner for that.
FrontRange4Runner
New member
Cooper AT3 or ATP might be worth looking in to. They are both highly rated. The LTX (any model) is a very good tire, but more geared towards highway driving. Firestone AT is also good, not as aggressive as others, but many people like it. For maximum wet weather traction, you may consider the Cooper ATW. Its a hybrid between an AT and winter tire. I think Canadian tire said it had the highest hydroplaning resistance of any tire they tested and will preform better in snoy conditions than a regular AT. As with anything, there are trade-offs. The more aggressive off road tires will not be as good in wet weather and snow, but they will be better in off road scenarios. Be realistic about how much time you will be spending off road and chose from there.
-Almost forgot to add that going with an E rated tire will increase the harshness of the ride significantly. To preform properly, they need to be inflated to a higher PSI than a P rated tire, and they have stiffer sidewalls, which will lead to a much bumpier experience. Going from my E rated AT's to my P rated winter tires is a huge change.
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Blitzkrieg
New member
I do not. Yet.
Had them on the last four 4WD vehicles I owned however. They are superb tires. The stock tires on the TE don't annoy the hell out of me so I'll run them till they wear out.
The LTX M/S are definitely superior on ice and snow. They come siped from the factory now. Siping makes a huge difference.
Source: Me. I've driven in the worst weather on earth and also know that my 2002 T4R had 40K miles on the tires and they still looked like new.
I'd put the Michelins up for the Pepsi Challenge against any normal use SUV tire on the market any day of the week.
My .02
Peyto
New member
I use the LTX A/T2 (p-metric) in the non-winter season here and have been very happy. Definitely on the less aggressive side of the A/T spectrum and doesn't have the rugged looks of others, but performs really well on the road and has gotten me to any fishing hole or camping spot I've asked it to without any trouble. Only drawback I have found is that it likes to hold onto small rocks, but sheds them at highway speed.
The M/S2 is also a popular choice in Canada because it is probably the best all-season tire for winter conditions thanks to the siping, and like has been mentioned is an incredible highway ride. Pricey for a good reason IMO.
Bruin1md
New member
nice pic..........I think the advice to look into the Cooper AT3's was good by FrontRange above.My dad's GX with the AT3's
The more I read feedback about them, the more impressed I am. They might not be as well behaved as the Michelin LTX A/T2's on road or in wet weather , but they don't seem far off. I read a thread from a guy who replaced his Nitto Terra Grapplers with the Coopers and was much happier in almost every way.
And the Coopers look much better/more aggressive than the Michelins.
Plus mine are going on new wheels-- just haven't decided what. Not sure if many here have sprung for forged aluminum and whether it's worth the extra $$
