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

Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 19, 2020
kellertx5er wrote:
Funny, I have had three sets of TransForce over the years and never experienced a lack of traction. :h

Take a drive in the snow and get back to us.

They’re fine for what they are, but traction isn’t one of their strong suits. Not supposed to be. They’re pavement pounder tires. Smooth and quiet and slicker n snot on a doorknob.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2020
kellertx5er wrote:
Funny, I have had three sets of TransForce over the years and never experienced a lack of traction. :h

Need enough power to turn the tires first. :B
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2020
"Hey Cummins, you better stay off those curbs....lol"

So true!
kellertx5er
Explorer
Feb 18, 2020
Funny, I have had three sets of TransForce over the years and never experienced a lack of traction. :h
Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 18, 2020
I'd expect brand new HT tires to grip wet roads much better than worn out anything, or even half worn out HT (highway tread) tires.

But don't ever confuse the "MS" designation on Michelin tires to mean Mud Snow. It actually means "May to September" if you live above the Mason Dixon line.

Enjoy the new shoes!
Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 18, 2020
cross21114 wrote:
Sorry, I gota say it. I've never had to replace the tires on my TV.

Heck, I've never even had a TV with tires on it. But I'm sure I wouldn't have worn them out if it did have tires. Had one once that sat on a cart with wheels, but I wouldn't call them tires really, more like casters...
LOL!
Arcamper
Explorer
Feb 18, 2020
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Took these pics last night at 32k. Truck tows at FULL RAWR of 9,750# and a bit more for at least 1/3 of those miles.

Hey Cummins, you better stay off those curbs....lol
blofgren
Explorer
Feb 16, 2020
ken56 wrote:
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.

Thanks for the report. I'm in need of tires on my truck and have been leaning towards the Michelins but it's good to hear real world experience. I have Defenders on my Yukon and like them, but they're not Load Range E, which is what will go on the Ram.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Feb 16, 2020
Took these pics last night at 32k. Truck tows at FULL RAWR of 9,750# and a bit more for at least 1/3 of those miles.
blt2ski
Moderator
Feb 16, 2020
I would swag the Firestone has an older design casing than the Michilen tires. I just took off a set of Discount house brand tires, put on Cooper AT3's and yes, after 8000 miles, I can say I too have gained an MPG. So the case design can make up a difference. Many manufactures like Cooper, Michelin have one case design, but put different tread and rubber compounds on them to work in different situations better.

I do believe what the OP is saying, as this has happened to me other times in the past too.

Marty

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