Tire replacement on tow vehicle

RichKitt · 03-04-2021, 01:51 PM

I am a newbie to the RV world; we just purchased a 2021 Jayco 265RLS.

I will be towing this with my 2013 Ford F-150 FX4 with Ecoboost and tow package.

My truck is in need of tires before I head out on the road with the TT.

I am looking at Michelin Defender LTX M/S LT275/65 R18 123R E1, but boy are they expensive. Does anyone using an F150 as a TV have experience with this tire or perhaps a less expensive recommendation?

Rich

jfk69 · 03-04-2021, 02:04 PM

No experience with that model Michelin, but I’d expect it to be a good tire. With that said, if you don’t mind an ATX style tire, take a look at the Falken Wildpeak AT3W. All, terrain and severe snow rated with the 3 mountains symbol. Very nice tire. Not the cheapest, but not Michelin price, and a 55k mileage rating.

PaulB12 · 03-04-2021, 02:33 PM

Michelin is all I use on my Excursion.
Ya a bit pricey but no problems and long tire wear for a truck tire.
PaulB12

crockettlarry · 03-04-2021, 04:31 PM

FWIW, I'm probably going to get Milestar Patagonia ATR tires for my 2002 Sierra 2500 HD. I've done a lot of research and this seems to fall in the middle of reviews versus price.

My truck is not a daily driver. It's mainly used for hauling and Towing so I don't necessarily need a long mileage Tire but it seems like people get pretty good results.

Lake Huron · 03-04-2021, 05:06 PM

My 11 dually had about 50k of towing miles on a set of Michelin LTX and I had to replace all 7 at the tune of $2300. 15k later I traded that truck for my 15 dually that came from the factory with the same LTX. My 01 Yukon XL came from the factory with Fiestone's and I got 70k out of them. I put the same exact tire back on it and barely got 30k. The next set was Cooper Discoverer and they were junk at 35k. What's on it now?? Michelin Defender. I got 15k on them as a daily driver and a little bit of towing and they are wearing very well. Rain and snow traction is great and very quiet going down the road. Yes, they are pricey, but the way I see it you get what you pay for.

GarlicDude · 03-04-2021, 06:11 PM

I have the Michelin Defender LTX M/S and so far have had zero problems. Went in for my second rotation at 10,000 miles on the tires and the little nubbies in the tread area were still very visible. IIRC they are a 60,000 mile tire and at this point I think they just might go that far. The tire guy at America's tire complemented me on my choice at the rotation.

RichKitt · 03-04-2021, 07:45 PM

Thanks to all for the great feedback!

**JFlightRisk** · 03-04-2021, 10:45 PM

I've put four sets of Defender LTX's on two different Tundras, and were extremely happy. We now have a 2016 F150, but it came with new tires, so I have to wait for them to wear out. Being retired, that may take a while.

curver900 · 03-05-2021, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfk69

No experience with that model Michelin, but I’d expect it to be a good tire. With that said, if you don’t mind an ATX style tire, take a look at the Falken Wildpeak AT3W. All, terrain and severe snow rated with the 3 mountains symbol. Very nice tire. Not the cheapest, but not Michelin price, and a 55k mileage rating.

I tried the AT3W and I ended up going with a different tire after running them for 200 miles... they didn't work for a GMC...

garyg23 · 03-05-2021, 09:00 PM

Main point is to make sure you have LT (light truck) tires at least on your rear axle. The "car tires" they put on most 1/2 ton pickups as original equipment are worthless.

EBCTrekker · 03-06-2021, 06:50 PM

Big fan of Michelins. Had the Michelin Defenders on my last F350. They were great, especially in mud / snow. As soon as the tires on my new truck wear down, I'll be switching them to Michelins.

K2tiger · 03-08-2021, 04:18 AM

I ran Michelin Defenders (LT285/60 R20 E) on my 150 for the last two years before I sold it. I was very pleased with them. The only negative I could say is that they rode a lot stiffer than the passenger tires...but that is point. Wet traction was fantastic as well as dry and they handled well, particularly under load. I found that I simply aired them down for daily driving and then back up for towing.

85vf500rr · 03-08-2021, 11:01 AM

I've got the 275/65/18SL Michelin Defender LTX M/S on my 2012 F-150, not the E rated tires. I already had them on the truck before I got our 29BHS and they have held up well. I air them up to 42psi cold before we take off on a trip and I monitor the tire temps and pressure at several stops along the way and have not had any issues. The E rated tires would probably be better for towing, but they would exceed the capacity of the truck anyway so I didn't see the need to swap tires just yet. The SL rated tires are listed as 116T on load range which equates to 2756lbs/tire. The E-rated tires are 123R and that equates to 3417lbs/tire. Certainly more heavy duty, but seems overkill for a half-ton pickup that only tows a couple of times a year. I might think differently if I was towing all the time, but then I might also have a larger truck too.

KCSA75 · 03-08-2021, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichKitt

I am a newbie to the RV world; we just purchased a 2021 Jayco 265RLS.

I will be towing this with my 2013 Ford F-150 FX4 with Ecoboost and tow package.

My truck is in need of tires before I head out on the road with the TT.

I am looking at Michelin Defender LTX M/S LT275/65 R18 123R E1, but boy are they expensive. Does anyone using an F150 as a TV have experience with this tire or perhaps a less expensive recommendation?

Rich

I recently replaced the Goodyear Wranglers on our F-150 with the exact same tire. Michelin is proud of them, but we hooked up to our 29-foot TT with in a couple days and the difference was noticeable immediately.

Discount tire gave me 9-months no-interest financing which made the overall cost a little easier to swallow, not to mention the outstanding service DT provides.

RichKitt · 03-11-2021, 07:30 PM

Thanks to all for your input,

Billandcarole · 03-13-2021, 01:41 PM

I replaced the stock "P" tires with Michelin Defender E-load 80 psi tires! Huge difference in towing my 2016 Whitehawk TT. I also have the Equal-i-zer hitch. Great combination. We live in Washington State. Camp here and Oregon. Always mountains and hills to negotiate. By the way "P" designation on the tire means "Passenger"vehicle tire. NOT recommended for my 29REKS Whitehawk. Good Luck, be safe and welcome to the forum!

Billandcarole · 03-13-2021, 01:55 PM

Michelin Defender E-Load tires are more expensive but you won't regret it! I bought all 5 of mine at Discount Tire in Tacoma, Wa. Great discount buying 5!

Wireman · 03-13-2021, 04:14 PM

Get the best tires you can afford. Tires are not the place to cut corners especially when towing.

Always had great luck with Michelin.

Fleetman · 03-13-2021, 04:50 PM

You're looking at the right tire. Was in the fleet business for 20+ years, can't beat Michelin for quality, ride, performance. Yes they are pricy, but well worth it.

SkipperD · 03-14-2021, 11:08 AM

I just finished a 2500 mile trip on new Michelin LTX Defenders on my GMC Yukon 4x4. We had rain, sleet, snow and highway and city driving. I really like these tires a lot. Solid feel, good traction in rain and snow, the sidewalls help hold you in corners, the ride is quiet and smooth. Worth every penny.

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