Just put a new set of Michelin Defenders on the TV. They replaced a set of Firestone TransForce. The problem I had with the Firestones was they would break traction on wet surfaces even when new. They had 48000 mi. on them so no complaint on the wear or never had a flat with them. The compound was just too hard and they lacked sufficient siping. Coming home turning the corner to my neighborhood my truck always broke traction with the Firestones so I gunned the gas pedal and the Michelins did not break traction one bit. I also noticed on the 40 mile trip home the gas mileage went up about 1 MPG. I am very impressed with the Michelins. You get what you pay for I guess is the moral of this story.

ken56 wrote:Just put a new set of Michelin Defenders on the TV. They replaced a set of Firestone TransForce. The problem I had with the Firestones was they would break traction on wet surfaces even when new. They had 48000 mi. on them so no complaint on the wear or never had a flat with them. The compound was just too hard and they lacked sufficient siping. Coming home turning the corner to my neighborhood my truck always broke traction with the Firestones so I gunned the gas pedal and the Michelins did not break traction one bit. I also noticed on the 40 mile trip home the gas mileage went up about 1 MPG. I am very impressed with the Michelins. You get what you pay for I guess is the moral of this story.Wondering. Are the new tires LT tires like the old ones?

gas mileage has a lot of things that impact it, to do a true measurement, need to calculate it over time.Did you go with the higher load defenders? I found it made a huge difference in trailer towing stability. So much so, I no longer bother tightening down the sway bar

That's interesting to hear because I have the same problem with the Transforce tires on my truck. I have gotten great wear out of them (replaced the first set at about 70K miles and have 45K on the second set with life left in them) but I usually end up putting the truck into the all-wheel drive mode when the roads are wet so it doesn't slip. I'll have to look at the Defenders next year when I replace the current set.

When I put the Michelin Defenders on the 2001 2500 I noticed better grip over the Toyo’s that came off, I had the Toyo’s sipped to help, but Michelin were much better.

Of course they were the 10 ply E1 load rating they went on a 2500HD GMC. I have yet to tow the trailer with them but I have had Defenders before on my 1500 before I upgraded both truck and trailer but I am confident they will be quite stable while towing. I never had a compliant with the Firestones sidewall stability either so I am not trash talking them, I just like the Defenders better for the better traction and stopping grip. Just my opinion but reading testimonials like this may help out some people in deciding.

Just repllaced TV tires | Good Sam Community

rhagfo
Explorer III
Feb 14, 2020
When I put the Michelin Defenders on the 2001 2500 I noticed better grip over the Toyo’s that came off, I had the Toyo’s sipped to help, but Michelin were much better.
Draggo
Explorer
Feb 14, 2020
That's interesting to hear because I have the same problem with the Transforce tires on my truck. I have gotten great wear out of them (replaced the first set at about 70K miles and have 45K on the second set with life left in them) but I usually end up putting the truck into the all-wheel drive mode when the roads are wet so it doesn't slip. I'll have to look at the Defenders next year when I replace the current set.
philh
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2020
gas mileage has a lot of things that impact it, to do a true measurement, need to calculate it over time.

Did you go with the higher load defenders? I found it made a huge difference in trailer towing stability. So much so, I no longer bother tightening down the sway bar
Terryallan
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2020
ken56 wrote:
Just put a new set of Michelin Defenders on the TV. They replaced a set of Firestone TransForce. The problem I had with the Firestones was they would break traction on wet surfaces even when new. They had 48000 mi. on them so no complaint on the wear or never had a flat with them. The compound was just too hard and they lacked sufficient siping. Coming home turning the corner to my neighborhood my truck always broke traction with the Firestones so I gunned the gas pedal and the Michelins did not break traction one bit. I also noticed on the 40 mile trip home the gas mileage went up about 1 MPG. I am very impressed with the Michelins. You get what you pay for I guess is the moral of this story.

Wondering. Are the new tires LT tires like the old ones?

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