Michelin Defender 245/75 R16 E Tires

[sandy43]

I have used mostly Michelin XPS Rib tires for many years and they did the job, no complaints. I decided to try the Michelin Defenders this time around. Why: According to Discount Tire and Tire Track, they have the exact same stats and ratings (which I checked), except, the Defenders have a much higher heat rating. When traveling in the south and desert areas, that got my attention. So far they appear to be working great, we'll see over the long run. Anyone else tried these tires? Would like your opinion. My RV is a 2012 Alpine 3200.
Many Thanks, Sandy

[JIMNLIN]

Why: According to Discount Tire and Tire Track, they have the exact same stats and ratings (which I checked), except, the Defenders have a much higher heat rating. When traveling in the south and desert areas, that got my attention. So far they appear to be working great, we'll see over the long run. Anyone else tried these tires? Would like your opinion. My RV is a 2012 Alpine 3200.
Many Thanks, Sandy

That is simply bad advise but not surprising coming from a DT store.
I would let Michelin determine which tire is better suited for trailer service although the Ribs is the only LT tire Michelin recommends for commercial trailers. Makes good cents/sense for rv trailers.

Most quality 16" LT E 80 psi tires will make a better tire for trailer use than a ST E 80 psi on 5.2k-6k axles so you should have no reliability issues with them although that type tread pattern won't track like a tire tread with one or more solid rib.

[noteven]

My R250's are cool cats in hot weather. Have never run them at over 100F though. Speed rating Q = 99mph. My Cummings has quite a time getting the 5ver going that fast...

[Me_Again]

IF you are talking about your trailer the Defender M&S is not as good of a choice as the Rib.

1. Steel ply sidewall rib vs poly ply sidewall Defender
2. Closed outer rib on XPS Rib vs breaks in outer ribs and sipes of the Defender that grips the pavemnet to much in tight maneuvers. This puts extra strains of the suspension, wheel bearings etc.

Next time go back to Rib and BS R250. The steel ply carcass will run cooler do to less flex and has a lower rolling resistance. If you had got to a commercial tire shop vs a retain consumer store, they would be steered to to the Rib vs the Defender.

Chris