Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 rim protection?

[ib_jigged]

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!

 

[BigOleFordFan]

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....

 

[ib_jigged]

It is this section of the tire. It sticks out farther than the rim to protect the edge.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

gotcha, that would come in handy, if you're prone to curb ridin, hehehe

 

[ib_jigged]

gotcha, that would come in handy, if you're prone to curb ridin, hehehe

I'm not the curb rider in the family!

 

[RazrM5]

I mean… fairly solid.

 

[ib_jigged]

I mean… fairly solid.

View attachment 81927

Those do look good, but I wish there was just a little more rubber at the edge of the rim...

 

[ROBERT BONNER]

It is this section of the tire. It sticks out farther than the rim to protect the edge.View attachment 81926

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.

 

[SVThound]

I went a size up on the defenders to 305/45/22 when I powder coated the stealth 22’s all black (had to get rid of the silver ring on top). The bigger tire gives a bit more rim protection.

 

[BSarchet]

I went a size up on the defenders to 305/45/22 when I powder coated the stealth 22’s all black (had to get rid of the silver ring on top). The bigger tire gives a bit more rim protection.

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?