Help with Michelin Defender LTX Decision

[Lead-Foot]

I have followed this thread and others searching and trying to make a decision on which tire to buy.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...n-t-a-or-bridgestone-dueler-a-t-ascent.36484/

Background;
2021 F-150 XLT crew-cab, 6'-0 bed, FX4, max tow - Pro Truck Stage 2R Coilover Kit 4WD | 2021+ F150 from HotShot Offroad
I have run Michelin LTX tires on many vehicles for many years so I have a high degree of support for the Michelin tires!
I still have the original tires - Goodyear Territory 275/65R18 with 60K on original wheels.
My driving is 90+% road/highway. Some farm land low percentage. No off-roading/four-wheeling.

I have liked the original tires for the most part(ride, mileage, looks).
I have read the debates on E rated "LT" tires versus the XL tires pertaining to ride, tire weight, and mileage.
I would like a slightly larger tire so I am torn between;
the 285/65R18 "XL", 32.6" diameter, 42 pounds (largest I can find with this rating even though it isn't much larger than the original Goodyears)
and
the 275/70R18 which is a "LT" tire, 33.2" diameter, 52 pounds.

Will going with the "LT" tire upset ride and mileage?
(Full confession; II drove a Chevy 2500HD duramax for 15 years and then a Jeep Wrangler for 7 years prior to this F-150 so "rough ride" I know is very subjective.)

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[Envelopo]

I went straight to discount tire and traded the stock garbage ($300 trade in) on a set of XL rated Michelins. This is the 4 th set if these I have owned on various trucks. Looks are boring but an excellent tire for towing, daily driving, great in ice and snow, meh in mud, decent on gravel dirt, excellent on highway and real good for mpg and wear. II highly recommend these tires for our trucks. Personally I don’t want an LT for my use as they negatively affect ride and mpg. I too went back and forth on those two sizes but went 275 in the end as the 285s were shorter and not enough wider to look that much cooler.

 

[Lead-Foot]

Thanks for the comment!
I am definitely sold on Michelins from all my past experience with the LTX tires.

Dilemma - 33.2" LT at 52 pounds each or 32.6" XL at 42 pounds each. I would prefer a 33" XL.
Is this LT tire going to make that much difference vs this XL tire???

 

[Magellan]

I personally agree on the XL, I recently changed out my 275/60/20 Pirelli's for the Defenders. 295/55/22 trying to stay close to the stock height of the OEM tires. Approximately 33.5" tall. I'm very satisfied with the results. I did adjust the speedometer to match a GPS speed. I just didn't need the LT 10 Ply ride. I'm thinking of putting a set of 295/60/20s on my stock rims for winter here in Pittsburgh and selling the OEM Pirelli's with 1500 miles on them. I may have to go to an LT so I don't have to readjust the speedometer again. Don't misunderstand when i say go to the LT but I don't think Michelin makes a 295/60/20 in an XL.

 

[Kanuck]

I installed a set of Michelin Defender LTX MS2's late last year, just before I changed over to my winter tires. I have now switched back to the Michelins for summer and finally had the pleasurer of driving in a heavy rain. I am very impressed with how the tuck handled. It never felt like it was hydro-planing or about too. I also enjoy the ride and very low road noise from these tires. I would by them again.

 

[Lead-Foot]

Hey Kanuck,
What size and rating? E rated LT tire or XL rated?

 

[Kanuck]

Here are the spec from Kal Tire web site where I got them from...
Speed rating 118 MPH 190 KPH

 

[Lead-Foot]

Thanks! That is very similar to the 285/65R18, even lighter a few pounds.

 

[js312]

One of the only justifiable reasons for an LT tire on a 1/2 ton is off roading where you want the extra ply count.

Since you aren't doing that, I'd stick with XL - that's plenty and won't hurt your fuel economy or ride like LT tires will.

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