Costco Tires: Firestone Destination A/T2 or something else?

[SJC4Runner]

I went to Costco to get tires. I was told that Destination A/T2's were too heavy to for my 4runner with a V6 by the tire tech. He claimed they would be too heavy. I can't figure out why this would be the case. Is there something I am missing, or did the guy make a mistake?

I am currently running Yokohama Geolander A/T G015's (265/70R16) which I have really liked. I would get them again, but they are more expensive to get by a couple of hundred dollars installed because Costco doesn't carry them.

I drive "spiritedly" so decent on road handling is something I would like. I would get the Michelin - Defender LTX M/S2, but they have a much higher braking distance on tire rack. I think the Destinations have better braking based on what I have seen.

Would anyone recommend something that is different than these from Costco? I really wish Costco had the Continental TerrainContact H/T. That seems to be the ideal choice for me, but not at 200 dollars more.

Thanks!

 

[T4R2014]

Are you trying to get P-rated or LT tires? Maybe he was looking at an LT size. Agreed LT tires are heavier but depending on you driving needs that may be worth the weight trade-off. I'd take the Michelin LTX over any tire for daily driving one of these. If you don't off road often I'd say an A/T is too much sacrifice. I never found Costco to be a great deal on tires. Too limited of selection and can be picky about what they want to install.

 

[SJC4Runner]

I was just going to get P rated. Yes, I would probably go with the Michelin if I hadn't see the tire rack performance with braking. I find myself coming into heavy traffic from 70-80 mph and having that extra 10 feet is a big difference.

 

[Hungryhawk]

I got a set of Pirelli Scorpion AT plus . Sams & Walmart had good pricing.
I got the XL (beefed up SL) in stock size. Weight 42 lbs. A well regarded tire in Australia.
Very smooth and 3 peak rated.

 

[Pyral]

Firestone at2 being too heavy is bs, I’ve put heavier on my 4 cylinder.

DONT get the Michelin LTX M/S2, while they’re good tires they don’t use full depth siping (sipes =little grooves in tread) which is something only budget tires do these days, unacceptable for a premium tire like a michelin Defender. This means the tire performance will degrade part way through its life because those grooves get worn away early.

Tldr: Michelin Defender is a bad value considering it cuts corners that you wouldn’t expect at the price.

 

[T4R2014]

I was just going to get P rated. Yes, I would probably go with the Michelin if I hadn't see the tire rack performance with braking. I find myself coming into heavy traffic from 70-80 mph and having that extra 10 feet is a big difference.

You do realize the extra rotating mass of a heavier tire could negate part of that ten feet right? And maybe it brakes better than a competing tire in the rain. Different choice in rubber compound could lead to different results in different temps. Not saying it as fact, but there's a lot more variables than the tire rack test can encompass. A tire rack test isn't a guarantee you are getting ten less feet of braking distance with a certain tire over another.