Stock XLT tires...not impressed.

[duneslider]

So, thus far I have not had any real complaints with the XLT tires (Michelin Primacy) however, this last week in Moab I woke up to a really low tire. Luckily I had a small compressor and pumped it up. Gave it a quick check to see if I had picked up a nail or something. Nothing was found. Prior to this I have had to give this tire a little air every 2-3 weeks as it would dip a little. Temps have been up and down, so I sort of chocked it up to that but figured I would get it looked at eventually.

After having to fill the tire up every morning while out camping (20+ PSI drop over night) I made an appointment at the local tire place today to have it looked at. Turns out a small little rock had punctured the tire and I am assuming has been working its way further and further into the tire hence the increase in pressure loss. Pretty much smack dab in the middle of the tread. Really makes me question the quality of a tire like this on an SUV this big. I certainly wouldn't accept them as the "All-Terrain" tire on the FX4!

The tires rides really nice due to the super soft sidewalls and apparently soft belting too! I am still going to run them until they wear out but I was pretty surprised by the little rock making it through the belting!

This also made me more anxious to get a nice onboard air system installed. I currently just carry one of those cheap 12v compressors in the trailer when we go out.

 

[2018ExpyPlatinum]

Wow! Sorry to hear that. Freaky things find their way into tires. I remember once my wife got a ball point pen in her tire! You'd think a 3000 lb car would crush a plastic pen, but no. Anyway, I think overall, Michelin tires are among the best you can buy. Granted, Primacy aren't a really good off road tires, but they should last a long time. Good thing you had your compressor.

 

[Rancidlunchmeat]

This also made me more anxious to get a nice onboard air system installed. I currently just carry one of those cheap 12v compressors in the trailer when we go out.

Which are you using now? Keep us posted as to what onboard systems you're looking at.

 

[shane_th_ee]

I yelled and screamed about the primary's not being the "all-terrain" tires I was promised when I ordered my FX4. Eventually Ford gave up and had the dealer put on a set of Goodyear Wrangler Adventures on it. Michelin doesn't even consider the primacy an all-terrain tire, but markets it as an "off road tire". It's a highway all-season tire with the edge siping pattern from the LTX AT/2 which promises a little better performance on gravel.
When the time comes to spend my own money, I'm thinking I'll go with E rated Duratracs or KO/2s...

 

[duneslider]

I yelled and screamed about the primary's not being the "all-terrain" tires I was promised when I ordered my FX4. Eventually Ford gave up and had the dealer put on a set of Goodyear Wrangler Adventures on it. Michelin doesn't even consider the primacy an all-terrain tire, but markets it as an "off road tire". It's a highway all-season tire with the edge siping pattern from the LTX AT/2 which promises a little better performance on gravel.
When the time comes to spend my own money, I'm thinking I'll go with E rated Duratracs or KO/2s...

I loved the Duratracs I had on my jeep, might be my favorite tire I have ever owned. The new KO's look good and I might consider them but I absolutely hated all three sets of the previous gen KO's, so I am super hesitant to use the new version. I had the KM's and they were fine.

I was pretty surprised how much sidewall flex the Michelins had even at 37psi! They are a very soft tire! I haven't looked into them at all but I do not feel they are a good offroad tire when it comes to durability. They stick like glue to slickrock though! I have had michelins on work trucks and liked them a lot but I have never owned a set since I usually need a more aggressive tire than michelin makes. Goodyear has a newer AT that is slightly less aggressive looking than the duratrac, I need to do a little looking into it and see what it looks like.

 

[duneslider]

Which are you using now? Keep us posted as to what onboard systems you're looking at.

It is just some craftsman 12v pump I was given like 6 years ago, keep it in the trailer for emergencies. This was the first time I had used it. It was loud and slow but got me from 18-20psi to 39psi 4 days in a row so I was happy.

I have an ARB compressor in my jeep so I am looking at something like that for the expedition. I need to find time to figure out where to mount it in the engine compartment. I would like to find room for the ARB twin, it will run some air tools if needed. I have the single in my jeep and it is fine for pumping up tires.

 

[shane_th_ee]

Goodyear has a newer AT that is slightly less aggressive looking than the duratrac, I need to do a little looking into it and see what it looks like.

Are you thinking of the Goodyear Wrangler Adventure ATs or something else? My only complaint with them is that the snow/ice performance is non-awesome. They're not horrible but the LT versions are rated for severe snow/ice (with reviews to prove it).

 

[Flexpedition]

Michelins have a reputation of long tread life, so if you do off road often, why wait until they are worn out to replace them if not happy? That could be 5-6 years from now.

There is a market for low-mileage used tires. Yours are worth more now more than they'll ever be, so that will offset the cost of what you really want.

 

[KSC 2019 XLT]

The non FX4 XLT 4WD comes with Hankook Dynapro ATm. These are AT tires (or they look it). So far so good.

 

[shane_th_ee]

The non FX4 XLT 4WD comes with Hankook Dynapro ATm. These are AT tires (or they look it). So far so good.

Is that with 20" wheels or the 18" wheels?

 

[Plati]

Wow! Sorry to hear that. Freaky things find their way into tires. I remember once my wife got a ball point pen in her tire! You'd think a 3000 lb car would crush a plastic pen, but no. Anyway, I think overall, Michelin tires are among the best you can buy. Granted, Primacy aren't a really good off road tires, but they should last a long time. Good thing you had your compressor.

Was is a Bic pen?

 

[Deadman]

I've had corn stalks thru the sidewalls and they ruined the tire because its like splinters and they can't be repaired.

 

[duneslider]

I've had corn stalks thru the sidewalls and they ruined the tire because its like splinters and they can't be repaired.

You really shouldn't repair sidewall damage no matter what went through it.

 

[Backinblack]

My 2018 XLT 4WD came with the Michelins and I showed the sales manager the window sticker that said A/T.
I ended up with Goodyear Wrangler Adventures with Kevlar. I had to pay for install but I get life time rotations.
They are an improvement off road and on packed snow. Note: I was able to sell the Michelins to a used tire wholesaler.

 

[KSC 2019 XLT]

Is that with 20" wheels or the 18" wheels?

20 inch wheels (was an option $995 option)

 

[duneslider]

Well, had the expedition into the tire store again this morning for the other rear tire. Same thing, slow leak, another small pebble had pierced the tire. I have had great luck with michelins on work trucks but so far these aren't holding up well for me.

 

[duneslider]

Well, I have now had 4 repairs made to the stock tires, all have been the result of small pebbles that pierced the tire resulting in slow leaks.

I am completely shocked by this and can't believe I have had to go in 4 times with these tires. I think I will definitely be looking at new tires before camping season gets going (if it ever does at this point)!

Anyone run the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W They have an SL load range tire so I wouldn't have to bump up to Load Range E tires which should keep the ride nice but still be enough tire for me. They would still exceed the GVWR by 3500ish lbs.

 

[Plati]

Well, I have now had 4 repairs made to the stock tires, all have been the result of small pebbles that pierced the tire resulting in slow leaks.

I am completely shocked by this and can't believe I have had to go in 4 times with these tires. I think I will definitely be looking at new tires before camping season gets going (if it ever does at this point)!

Anyone run the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W They have an SL load range tire so I wouldn't have to bump up to Load Range E tires which should keep the ride nice but still be enough tire for me. They would still exceed the GVWR by 3500ish lbs.

You must have sharp rocks out there. I've had that happen (in Florida) but caught it before it compromised the tire since I sometimes go through the tire and pick all the rocks that are trapped between treads. Different parts of the country are higher risk for that. Never an issue in NYS.

I run those Falkens on both my 2003 & 2014. Like them a lot. I went with LT tires to get deeper tread. Good tires IMHO, but heavy! I have a set of Kumho Road Venture AT51's also for my 2014EL (summer rubber now since 50% worn down tread). Nice tires but the Falken's are an upgrade I think.

 

[Adieu]

For outings, you might wanna buy a set of takeoff BFGs on steelies instead

 

[duneslider]

For outings, you might wanna buy a set of takeoff BFGs on steelies instead

Yeah, not changing wheels every time I go camping or drive off a paved road.