Another "what tire" thread

My 2013 Platinum has over 60k miles and the original tires are getting pretty worn. Looking to buy some new tires before winter hits. Started looking at options and for the life of me I cannot figure out what I want. That's where y'all come in!

My needs:
-275/60 R20s
-Mainly highway driving but also snow and occasional mud
-Pull a travel trailer frequently
-Not too aggressive looking sidewall, I don't think an aggressive tire would look good with the Plat Rims and my truck in general
-Warranty is fairly important - I put 15-20k miles a year on my truck so I'm looking for something in the 50-60k+ mile range.

What I've been looking at so far:
-Mickey Thompson STZs (had on my Tacoma and liked them but can't seem to find them in my size)
-Cooper Discoverer A/T3 (might be too aggressive)
-NITTO Terra Grappler G2
-Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT

 

I put a set of Micheline Defender LTX M/S on my wifes SUv and they have been great.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/d....do&fl=&pc=27008&counter=0&ar=60&rd=20&cs=275

I'm almost sold on the EXO Grappler and have heard great things about the Wildpeak AT3W. PLenty of options in the size you are looking at.

 

I think that's why I'm having trouble deciding

 

I hear ya. I'm stuck in that dilemma myself. Fortunately the size I decided on doesn't have much for options. For your stated use I'd look at the michelines.

 

+1 on Michelin's

 

50 to 60K?.......................+2 on Michelins' (LTX A/T2 @ 60K or the Defender @ 70K tredwear)

 

OK so maybe the 60k+ part is a pipe dream...

I know these are passenger tires but it is a truck and I would like something a little aggressive looking. Anyone running the Terra Grapplers? They have a 65k warranty and are pretty aggressive (so maybe 60+ isn't crazy).

 

Cooper at3 or atp. I had them in a 275/60/20 and they rode nice and quiet. They are a C-rated tire and weight about 54 lbs. They also have a 55k warranty.

 

I just put a set of LT (E-rated) Michelin Defender LTX M/S on mine last week. The stock P-rated Bridgestones were done at 21k miles. (What a joke)

I've got about 300 miles on the new Michelins now, and I am very happy with them. I even stepped up one tire size 275/65 to 275/70 (33" vs 32", same width). So far, no rubbing at all, and my mpg didn't really take a hit either for it being a heavier and taller tire. The truck handles and corners much, much better than before. As you may have already read, the E-rated tire does make the ride a bit "harsher", but "harsh" or "firm" isn't even an accurate term that I would use. "Stable" is a more accurate description.

Discount Tire set them to 37 psi all around. I drove them around like that for a day or two, and then bumped them up to 45 psi. I'm so glad I "upgraded" to the E-rated version. Now... you have 20" wheels, so your experience in a load range E might actually be different and potentially "harsher" than mine, since I'm rolling on 18" wheels and sidewall height is different.

I feel like I made the right choice amidst all of the good choices out there.

 

Thanks for the opinions. Luckily I have some time to decide.

 

I run 285/60/20's in Michelin LTX MS2 Defenders..not an aggressive look, but dam nice ride and very good read life. 99% of my driving is on road, so this is what I roll with. The reviews below are pretty accurate IMHO. They are really quiet. Review courtesy of tirerack.com

 

I was just looking at those from the other thread. Has a nice a 70k mi warranty, a little on the pricey side at ~$230/tire. I'm reading about some vibration issues folks are having though.

Thanks for sharing!

 

@SOB You will never see 65k on less you ride them until they are as slick as baloney skins Yes big pipe dream, you might/maybe see 40-45k, if you rotate and balance them regularly.

The Michelin 285/60/20's are 10 ply truck tires, not car or SUV. Never had a vibration issue, and that is usually a balancing issue. But ya gotta go with what you like it's your 1k large $$$$.

Good luck with your choice.

 

I had the original Terra Grapplers on my Jeep JK. I absolutely hate those things. Terrible wet ,mud, etc.. they were good on dry pavement, but that's about it.

For a split second I considered the G2, but am not convinced.

 

I've actually had pretty good success getting mileage out of tires. Now that I tow a TT that will probably change. At a minimum a 65k tire should give you more than a 50k tire. I have 65k on my stock tires (Bridgestone Alena's 65k warranty) and they aren't bald - but aren't great either. Granted I've only had them for the last 10-15k mi.

 

Yes, as you said "should". DCT prorated my last set at 43k which I balanced and rotated every 5k. After they prorated my tires, I paid for three and received the 4th free. As previously mentioned. It goes without saying driving habits, towing, alignment, roads, etc all play I into the wear mileage.

 

Cooper AT3 or Michelin defender.