Best Tire option

[scottdm]

2018 XLT with Tow Package so 3.77 gears
20" hankook dynapro atm have 30K Miles on them.

Tires seem to have gotten loud and bouncy.

Looking for a quieter smoother ride. Leaning toward Michelin LTX M/S 2's I think is what they are called.

Wouldn't mind an AT since in Maryland we get pretty decent winters where. Travel up north for a good bit during the winter as well.

Keeping stock Rims. 275 55 20

What has everyone else gone with?

I have the Michelin LTX M/S 2's and have been pleased. I got rid of the Toyo tires that came on my Limited soon after I bought it due to tendency to flat spot, etc. The Michelins are smooth and quiet and have good tread depth and should last a long time.

 

[Rick Gilson]

I agree that the OEM dynapros suck, but they have come out with a new tire that is supposed to be very good and reasonable. The ratings for ride, traction, noise etc are excellent. Copied and pasted this from their website. Note 30 day free trial.
Dynapro AT2 (RF11)
The new standard for the All-Terrain segmentThe new Dynapro AT2 delivers a superior blend of all-around performance in the All-Terrain segment. Designed to strike a perfect balance between off-road traction and on-road manners. It is offered with a “660/A/B” UTQG rating and an optimized warranty program including 60,000 Mileage Warranty, 30-Day Free Trial, and Road Hazard Warranty.

 

[Artie]

We replaced the Hankooks with the Michelin Defender LTX M/S’s in 22” on our Expedition before it left the dealership. We really like the tire. Drives and rides nice, and handles mud roads as well or better then my pickup with the Michelin LTX A/T2. We don’t do any serious off roading tho, just typically use in a rural area in south central Kansas.

I’m looking at those Michelin tires right now and would like to know why you chose the Defenders over the premier? We are often on forest service roads and do want something a little more capable until I get a dedicated wheel and tire package for those weekend off pavement excursions. How are they on road noise? I’m replacing the stock Hankooks.

 

[2018ExpyPlatinum]

Ha! John Deere hasn't made lawn tractors in years, decades? Made by someone else (MTD?) with briggs and stratton engines. You're just over paying for green paint and the name. Sad state of affairs.

Anyway, I don't think the dynapros are that bad really. I have 12+k on mine and they don't really show any wear. But agreed, not sure what to do next. My wife's RAV4 is getting close. She has 50K on her Michelins and local tire guy suggested LTX's. She can probably get another 7-10k out of them.

 

[Fozzy]

I would recommend nitro terra grapplers g2. Best of both worlds with quietness and all terrain capability. Michelin’s are nice too though

X2 on the Nitto’s. I have the Nitto Terra Grappler G2’s and have been blown away by them. The ride is amazing and they are super quite for a pretty aggressive all terrain tire. My only complaint is the lugs are spaces out enough they pick up small rocks on the dirt and gravel roads. Keep in mind I have a larger 35x12.50x20. If you had a stock width tire this probably wouldn’t be a problem. They are so much better then their big brother the Toyo AT2’s. My last Toyo was the RT and they suck in the snow and rain. Only been on wet roads with the Nitto’s but they did amazing. Snow is coming.


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[Fozzy]

Ha! John Deere hasn't made lawn tractors in years, decades? Made by someone else (MTD?) with briggs and stratton engines. You're just over paying for green paint and the name. Sad state of affairs.

That’s only true on the non commercial mowers. MDT only make the ones you see at Home Depot and Lowe’s. John Deere builds all the rest and use Kawasaki engines in most. They also have a few diesel mowers now.




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[2018ExpyPlatinum]

Agreed, but I think most people go to HD or Lowes and see John Deere and think they're getting the "real thing", just saying.

 

[Mothnuts]

I’m looking at those Michelin tires right now and would like to know why you chose the Defenders over the premier? We are often on forest service roads and do want something a little more capable until I get a dedicated wheel and tire package for those weekend off pavement excursions. How are they on road noise? I’m replacing the stock Hankooks.

I replaced the Good Year Wranglers with the Defenders on my ‘16 F150 after 10,000 miles, and it totally transformed how the pickup handled on the highway and mud roads. So when we got the Expedition I looked at the Premiers, but I went back to my prior experience with the Defenders and decided that was the way to go. I compared the ratings, and for the mud roads we go down it seemed like it was a no brainer. We have 15,000 miles on them now, and I have no regrets. Very quiet and nice riding. My boss went with the Premiers, and he loves them, but he rarely gets off the pavement. The Defenders are really hard to beat, and rated #1 in their category by almost everyone. I’m working on trading my F250, and debating have them swap the Michelin AT2 for the Defenders before it leaves as well. Just worried they won’t look as good on the pickup.

 

[Artie]

I replaced the Good Year Wranglers with the Defenders on my ‘16 F150 after 10,000 miles, and it totally transformed how the pickup handled on the highway and mud roads. So when we got the Expedition I looked at the Premiers, but I went back to my prior experience with the Defenders and decided that was the way to go. I compared the ratings, and for the mud roads we go down it seemed like it was a no brainer. We have 15,000 miles on them now, and I have no regrets. Very quiet and nice riding. My boss went with the Premiers, and he loves them, but he rarely gets off the pavement. The Defenders are really hard to beat, and rated #1 in their category by almost everyone. I’m working on trading my F250, and debating have them swap the Michelin AT2 for the Defenders before it leaves as well. Just worried they won’t look as good on the pickup.

All very good to know, sounds like we have similar driving habits. However, at the tire shop this morning I found out their tire load rating of 110 wasn’t high enough for my Navigator, it requires a tire load measurement of 114. So I ordered the Yokohama YK-HTX instead. Hoping for good results as I have always rode on Michelins myself.

 

[Mothnuts]

All very good to know, sounds like we have similar driving habits. However, at the tire shop this morning I found out their tire load rating of 110 wasn’t high enough for my Navigator, it requires a tire load measurement of 114. So I ordered the Yokohama YK-HTX instead. Hoping for good results as I have always rode on Michelins myself.

Yeah, the Expedition is the same way. I decided to go with it anyway. We do not tow with ours, so I figured it’d be ok. ‍

 

[stricnine]

I got 56k miles out of my last set of Dynapro AT2’s. Rotated every 6k with my oil change. So count me in as a fan of Hankook.

 

[Artie]

I got 56k miles out of my last set of Dynapro AT2’s. Rotated every 6k with my oil change. So count me in as a fan of Hankook.

I didn’t mind mine either and would have kept them if it weren’t for a plug in one and a chunk of sidewall missing on another. Replacing at 21k miles.

 

[Adieu]

All very good to know, sounds like we have similar driving habits. However, at the tire shop this morning I found out their tire load rating of 110 wasn’t high enough for my Navigator, it requires a tire load measurement of 114. So I ordered the Yokohama YK-HTX instead. Hoping for good results as I have always rode on Michelins myself.

Yeah, the Expedition is the same way. I decided to go with it anyway. We do not tow with ours, so I figured it’d be ok. ‍

Depends on the size

My Defenders are 116T @ 265/70r18


PS note that load ratings are dependent on PSI, a lower rated tire inflated to 40 psi will have higher actual weight carrying capacity vs. a higher rated inflated to 32... and as to LT built for 60-70 psi, some may actually be dangerous if inflated to 30-something like a P tire

 

[Meeker]

I asked my tire guys today about the Michelin LTX AT/2 tires - I had the P version on my 2006 Expedition and really like them, especially in the winter. I am thinking of putting the LT version on my 2018 Expedition, but the guys there don't recommend it. I don't buy his explanation that the extra weight of a 10-ply tire will wear out or damage the Expy's undercarriage - what does he think this is, a RAV4?

But, now I'm undecided - I tow a 7000lb+ trailer maybe 10 times per year in the mountains, and I was thinking the stiffer LT tires would help control sway. I expect to lose a bit of quiet and ride quality, but I don't know how much. I didn't find the P version to be much louder but the 2006 wasn't nearly as quiet as the 2018...

Any opinions on putting LT tires on the Expy?

Tech Info on the difference between P and LT: rating 114T vs 123/120R, weight 41 lbs vs. 53 lbs, max load 2365@51psi vs. 3415@80psi

 

[AAOO]

I have a set of the Michelin Premier LTX’s sitting in the garage waiting for the factory set to wear out. Supposedly the best 22” for the vehicle though I’ve been satisfied with the Hankooks.

 

[Fozzy]

I asked my tire guys today about the Michelin LTX AT/2 tires - I had the P version on my 2006 Expedition and really like them, especially in the winter. I am thinking of putting the LT version on my 2018 Expedition, but the guys there don't recommend it. I don't buy his explanation that the extra weight of a 10-ply tire will wear out or damage the Expy's undercarriage - what does he think this is, a RAV4?

But, now I'm undecided - I tow a 7000lb+ trailer maybe 10 times per year in the mountains, and I was thinking the stiffer LT tires would help control sway. I expect to lose a bit of quiet and ride quality, but I don't know how much. I didn't find the P version to be much louder but the 2006 wasn't nearly as quiet as the 2018...

Any opinions on putting LT tires on the Expy?

Tech Info on the difference between P and LT: rating 114T vs 123/120R, weight 41 lbs vs. 53 lbs, max load 2365@51psi vs. 3415@80psi

I put E rated 10 ply LT tires on my 16’ F-150 and it drastically helped the sway pulling my 6.5K boat compared to the stock tires. The Expy is just an F-150 with a shell. I put LT tires on my 19’ and it also helped it out. It will never be as stable as a solid axle rear end. I also went to a 35” tire on 20” wheels on both vehicles. Ride and fuel mileage take a hit with the heavier tire. The 35” Nitto Terra Grappler G2’s On the Expedition are a 121R at 3195lbs@65PSI and weight 64lbs. They make the same tire in a F 125R that’s 3640@80PSI. Weighing almost 70lbs. We will see how the lighter duty fairs over the next few years. The ride is amazing on them so I hope they hold up.


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[MonkeyBrains]

Have really mixed feelings over the Hankook Dynapro HT2’’s that came on my ‘18 LTD Max. They have been great for fair weather use and still look really good after 30K miles. Unfortunately they absolutely suck with snow or ice. Have not been a fan of the 22” wheels that came stock either. Anyway, got some mildly sloppy winter weather the other day and decided I’ve got enough out of these Hankooks and want to move on.

Want to put 20’s on the Expy, looking at the Fuel Blitz wheel in 20x9 and probably the 20mm offset. It comes wither an offset of 20 or 1, so... A few of the tires I’m really considering are 305/55 R20 and I think they will fit just fine. Don’t want to do a lift/ level kit right now. Still exploring that option for the future. Really the tires are 1” larger diameter and 3/4” wider than what came stock, so I’m thinking they’ll be fine. Just not sure about the wheels and offset and I keep second guessing myself.

 

[pauldevz]

Replaced the Dynapros from my recent experience. Driving a 100km daily commute, halfway sudden weird vibration at 120km/hr. Slowed down to 100 and still vibrating. Immediately sent the truck to a tire shop. They found a lump from outside the thread area and told me to replace it as soon as possible. So I did. Done 63Tkms with them. Replaced with Pirelli STR. Noticed much smoother ride so far.

Here are some photos of the Dynapros.

 

[Rossue]

Have Toyo Open Country on new 2019 XLT. Had the Michelins on my 2013 Yukon to help with ride. They were a big improvement over the OEM Bridgestones, however the first set wore prematurely and I dis get some credit from Michelin for a new set. Thought about swapping them onto the new Expy yet found the rears were already at 6/32. I do tow a 21' Escape travel trailer, however keep inflation up and rotate. Am curious how the Toyos do as so far they are quiet and smooth.

 

[Rancidlunchmeat]

Have Toyo Open Country on new 2019 XLT.

Any pics?