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St Maxx vs AT3 XLT

Discussion in 'Wheels & Tires' started by NorthWoodsTundra, Aug 8, 2019.

  1. Aug 8, 2019 at 10:18 PM
    #1
    NorthWoodsTundra

    NorthWoodsTundra [OP] Hehehe, you said 'member'...hehehe

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    It’s time to replace the soccer mom tires on my stock ‘18 CM TRD Offroad and I have it narrowed down to either the St Maxx or AT3 XLT in 275/70/18. The truck is stock and is going to stay that way for now.

    Being one that over-analyzes the crap out of everything, I have researched both of these tires ad nauseam and am leaning slightly towards the Maxx’s although I know I won’t go wrong with either one. I’ve had an earlier AT3 previously on an ‘05 Expedition and they were impressive on the winter roads of the U.P. of MI but they did get noisy with mileage.

    My local dealer quoted me $1070 for the Maxx’s and $1000 for the XLT’s, out the door. I also have a $320 credit due to a warranty claim on my Siena’s Michelins, $70 rebate for it’s replacement tires, and there will be another $70 rebate for the Coops, so I can get this done for relatively cheap. Also hoping to sell the Michelin’s, though dont expect much for them at 20k miles and 8/32’s.

    The Maxx’s get me 3-ply sidewalls, deeper treads, better off-road performance, and great looks in exchange for the better road manners and slightly better on-road winter performance of the XLT’s. While the XLT’s are no slouch off road, they only have a 2-ply side wall.

    I do mostly highway driving but plan on venturing further off-road in Northern WI/U.P. MI once I have tires that I can rely on. Lot’s of ATV trails and forrest roads up here. I also need a tire that will put up with dragging a 10k rated trailer throughout my property when cutting wood with lot’s of fallen trees, rocks, and some swamp to contend with. Finally, we also tow a 7500# Jayco trailer several times per summer staying within a couple hundred miles of home.

    I’m leaning toward the Maxx’s but am curious as to how much winter road performance I give up with them vs how much abuse I can give the XLT’s off road with what I’ll use them for? Or should I quit over thinking it and just get the Maxx’s?

    I know it’s hard to find an opinion here but would someone who has run both tires care to comment?
     
  2. Aug 9, 2019 at 7:13 AM
    #2
    tommyl8586

    tommyl8586 New Member

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    I am on the UP/WI border, and looking to get tires before winter, so I am interested in the answer to this too.
     
  3. Aug 16, 2019 at 8:30 AM
    #3
    NorthWoodsTundra

    NorthWoodsTundra [OP] Hehehe, you said 'member'...hehehe

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    Had the ST Maxx’s installed this morning and so far very happy I went with them over the AT3’s.

    275/70/18 on stock TRD OR suspension with no rub whatsoever. I did remove the front spats earlier after reading that they will rub at full lock in reverse but who needs those anyway? Aerodynamics went out the window the minute bigger tires went on.

    They are more well mannered on road than I anticipated. A little more pronounced hum at highway speed with a deeper tone but nothing I’d consider loud. Sounds like a truck with proper tires! The ride is a bit stiffer and the front seems to float slightly more on uneven pavement but the shop also set them at 50psi and I will adjust those down via a chalk test next week.


    E9E5C850-C674-4715-8699-85AF45FD3FC9.jpg
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    F2683FE1-2025-457C-92F3-490152C70601.jpg
     

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  4. Aug 16, 2019 at 8:30 AM
    #4
    NorthWoodsTundra

    NorthWoodsTundra [OP] Hehehe, you said 'member'...hehehe

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    If you’re anywhere near Iron Mountain I’d be willing to meet up with you so you can check out the Maxx’s.
     
  5. Aug 16, 2019 at 8:43 AM
    #5
    tommyl8586

    tommyl8586 New Member

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    I am in Pembine, but work in Iron Mountain M-F. I'd definitely like to check them out. They look good on your truck. Having to drive daily from Pembine, I am debating if I should go with the AT3s for winter performance.
     
  6. Aug 16, 2019 at 1:09 PM
    #6
    Tzvia

    Tzvia Just an old woman in a pickup truck.

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    Just a Bed Rug and Snugtop XTRA Vision
    Looks good! I had been torn between my previous fave (that had it's warts but was ok) BFGs; or doing the MAXXs or the XLTs. I fell on the side of the XLTs, as it's my daily driver and was concerned with gas mileage and road manners. Also wanted 3 peak rated. I'm not rock crawling or doing anything too serious off road but do go on off road trails, mostly desert sand and sand over hardpack, and take winter vacations where I end up in snow. Stock TRD-OR suspension, did 275x70-18 as well. They work very well off road, been impressed so far. I sometimes wish I went with the MAXX but then remind myself that what I got fits what I am doing. That's the $64,000 question. Do they fit what you are doing.

    If you had the stock Michelins before, yea you will find the ride a bit stiffer (but not bad) and the steering I found felt firm and precise, unlike before where it seemed to wallow a bit.

    It sounds like the MAXXs should fit your needs well, the towing, the off road trails, the work, while still not being too off-road centric for general use.
     

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