Michelin Defenders LTX M/S2 Ride Quality?

[dheller1]

I just put Michelin Defenders LTX M/S2 on my 23 Powerboost and the impact harshness is worse then expected.

Size is 275/60/20 116H XL

I was running on the HankooK Dynopro AT2, these tires were quiet and absorbed small and large impacts well. Yes they sucked in the snow, rain, and wore like crap.

The suspension flutter over small road imperfections and harsh impact is very annoying.

I live in Michigan and all the roads are trashed, I get the heck beat out of me with these tires.

Am I the only one that thinks these tires are overrated and are very rough riding?

These get great reviews but I am not impressed. Any suggestions on a better riding tire for Michigan roads?

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[Beaux]

They have always been the best for me and what I replace mine with. I’m currently on the factory tires and I’m not impressed but gonna get my moneys worth before I replace them.

 

[INADAZE]

I recall reading that they changed the compound slightly in the last few years. I had similar set of Defenders on my Jeep Grand Cherokee. The first set I put on around 40k (2017?) were perfect and lasted 60k. The second set was put on a few years ago and didn't ride the same as the first set from the first mile. I traded the Jeep in around 126k and the second set was definitely more harsh than the first and clearly wasn't going to give me another 60k.

They were consistently great in the rain and snow so there's a trade-off I guess.

Not sure what I'll go with on my '24 XLT BAP+ wheels when it's time.

 

[dheller1]

My coworker has a different size on an older F150 and he said they are harsh and we drive the same roads everyday. He said he played with tire pressure and just gave up. He does travel highway to visit family down south so it made sense for him to deal with it for the mileage and traction.

I am looking for people the are running the 20s, maybe with more sidewall on 18s give a better ride?

 

[Popplemer]

If it makes you feel better, I find my truck rides a bit harshly even with the stock tires. I can't imagine buying nicer tires to find they ride worse. I drive different commercial trucks daily from 18k to 70k lbs. My F150 is worse over bumps than our F450 unloaded and some of our dump trucks. I don't think the harshness is in your head. I'm interested in seeing what others have to say about tires...good luck!

 

[Polo08816]

I just put Michelin Defenders LTX M/S2 on my 23 Powerboost and the impact harshness is worse then expected.

Size is 275/60/20 116T XL

I was running on the HankooK Dynopro AT2, these tires were quiet and absorbed small and large impacts well. Yes they sucked in the snow, rain, and wore like crap.

The suspension flutter over small road imperfections and harsh impact is very annoying.

I live in Michigan and all the roads are trashed, I get the heck beat out of me with these tires.

Am I the only one that thinks these tires are overrated and are very rough riding?

These get great reviews but I am not impressed. Any suggestions on a better riding tire for Michigan roads?

Are you sure you actually have the newer Michelin Defender LTX M/S2? I ask because there's a discrepancy with your speed rating on your sizing. The new M/S2 in that size should be 275/60R20 116H XL BSW. If I recall, the older Michelin Defender LTX M/S were T speed rated.

 

[dheller1]

BSW

My bad they are H, point still stands.

Michigan roads are shit, the hankooks took the bumps like a champ, that is the only thing that tire was good for.

I had the Hankook tires on my last three trucks. I was so excited to get the defenders and to me it was a huge let down. I have been driving through the same construction all summer, with the new defenders I am beat up when I get home… If you live in a state with smooth roads or long highway trips they make sense…

 

[Popplemer]

My bad they are H, point still stands.

Michigan roads are shit, the hankooks took the bumps like a champ, that is the only thing that tire was good for.

I had the Hankook tires on my last three trucks. I was so excited to get the defenders and to me it was a huge let down. I have been driving through the same construction all summer, with the new defenders I am beat up when I get home… If you live in a state with smooth roads or long highway trips they make sense…

What pressure are you running?

 

[dheller1]

If you think about it makes sense, my mpg went up 1.5 mpg because I am riding on stiff tread and sidewall less rolling resistance.

It has to have a hard tread for a 70K mileage warranty. I assume there is an under layer for impact absorption but how else are you going to get 70k best case out of that tire.

The Hankook that ford uses is an OEM spec for ride comfort etc that is why they wear like crap and have the characteristics they do and don’t last very long.

 

[dheller1]

What pressure are you running?

33

 

[Popplemer]

33

Woof. No place left to go with 33# in the tires. I was leaning toward those Michelins after my stock Pirellis are shot. Maybe not. Maybe someone else has a different experience

 

[Polo08816]

Woof. No place left to go with 33# in the tires. I was leaning toward those Michelins after my stock Pirellis are shot. Maybe not. Maybe someone else has a different experience

Maybe go with 18" wheels. More sidewall is really the only thing you can do to mitigate potholes.

 

[Popplemer]

Maybe go with 18" wheels. More sidewall is really the only thing you can do to mitigate potholes.

I have been waiting for some 18" stock wheels to hit the marketplace here that aren't halfway across the country. If I can snag some I'll let OP know about ride quality

 

[TopOMichXL]

I’m running the MS/2’s on my 24 RCSB 4x4. 275/65/18
I only have a few days on them and love them.
I drive Northern Michigan roads and I like them more than the Pirelli Scorpions that came on the truck, standard 17’s, that I’ll run in the winter.

I ran the LTX AT 2’s for six years and I like the MS/2’s better.

 

[dheller1]

What pressure are you running?

Woof. No place left to go with 33# in the tires. I was leaning toward those Michelins after my stock Pirellis are shot. Maybe not. Maybe someone else has a different experience

I have worked in NVH for the last 22 years at Ford so I know what I feel in my butt. I am probably more critical about these things than most people.

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