Going to upgrade the General Grabber HTS60's on our '24 Limited. Looking at the Defender really hard, but have read that they don't offer the flared out protection around the rim. Does anyone have any photos of what this looks like on the '22-24, black Stealth 22" rims? Our other choice is the Pirelli Scorpion AS 3's and I have seen a few photos of those. Thank you in advance!
Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 rim protection?
- Thread starter ib_jigged
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I don't know what you mean by "flared out protection around the rim", but based on these pics of the defenders vs. wrangler SR-A's (which were OEM on older models) vs. pirelli scorpions's mentioned in another thread, that supposedly has it, but I don't see anything that looks "flared out" on either one, unless I'm just missing it....
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gotcha, that would come in handy, if you're prone to curb ridin, hehehe 
I'm not the curb rider in the family!gotcha, that would come in handy, if you're prone to curb ridin, hehehe
RazrM5
Active Member
I mean… fairly solid.
Those do look good, but I wish there was just a little more rubber at the edge of the rim...
ROBERT BONNER
Full Access Members
While I appreciate and sympathize with your appreciation of the rim protectors available on some tires......I have them on the GY F1 SC's on my GT500 Euro-flange wheels...they will NOT protect your wheel from a curb scuff. The physics and geometry are against you. If you drive close enough to a curb to touch the wheel, that little tire formation will deflect and allow the damage to occur as if it wasn't even there. I mean, it looks like it would work; but, the mass of the vehicle and the tire adhesion to the pavement is such that that formation will not "push" the vehicle away from the curb and prevent damage. I have a scuff to prove it (1 in 13 years...it only takes 1). The only solution is staying away from the curbs using cameras, etc. (which my GT500 does not have).
Get the Defenders, the road silence, all weather traction, wear, etc. will make you happy.
Just saying.
BSarchet
Full Access Members
Just out of curiosity, what differences did you notice in going from the 285’s to the 305’s? I have the 22’s with no CCD and the ride can be a little harsh sometimes. I’m going to need tires in the next 6 months to a year and want to get some more comfort in the ride.
Also any MPG degradation with the bigger tire?
I have CCD. No difference in mileage, ride is much better now, not sure if that’s from the size change or brand change. I attached a photo of the size difference. They are 3/4” taller and 3/4” wider. No rubbing at all. Much quieter on the road now too. I’ve ran defenders on 22’s for my last 4 suvs. I really like them. Great mileage warranty at 80,000 too. I have about 16,000 miles on these and they don’t look a day old.
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Did the calculator you used happen mention the difference in speedometer readings that this change will produce ?
It may or may not be significant, but still something to be aware of either way, especially if you go thru any areas that are regularly speed-trapped by the loco yoko's
DavidCola
Member
I had the Defenders and loved the tire. However, they never protected my rims.
Hi, fellow Expys! I don't know about rim protection, but we've had Michelin Defenders on our 2013 Escape, 2006 Expedition, 2017 Edge, and 2019 Expedition. We would not think of driving on anything else.
Grey ghost
Full Access Members
I don't have an issue with curbs but I have Bridgestone tires that I got at Costco. They ride fantastic compared to the garbage Ford put on this from the factory. And they wear well. I haven't had a Michelin tire in over 30 years because their wet weather handling and braking was always terrible to the point I will never buy them again. Hopefully they have improved.
Scooter455
Active Member
I have a 22 platinum Expedition in the same color. I bought 22" stealth's for mine and went with the BFG Trail Terrain TA in 285/45-22. They ride great - unfortunately no rim guard. I think the Continental Terrain Contact AT and HT have it. Great tire as well.
Scooter455
Active Member
Which Bridgestone?
Scooter455
Active Member
I have 305/45-22's in the Nitto Recons on 22" King Ranch wheels for my F1. They are huge. Make the truck look great
Dice Roll
Full Access Members
I would love to put Bridgestones on. I’ve never had a bad one. Some of their stuff rates poorly for snow on tirerack. Gives me hesitation. Michelin tires crack after four years, but people have reported fantastic results consistently. That’s what I’ll probably go with, but would like to research a specific Bridgestone somebody has liked on an expy.
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