[bbird]

Yup, got the new Defenders LTX/MS on, 245/75/16


First the difference in size alone, @70 MPH (gps) is actually 65 MPH speedo. Also @ 70 MPH my RPMS are spinning two hundred lower than stock size. I had to remove my front mud flaps they where rubbing, which is now big deal cause I got their for the winter, so when I put my winter tires on 235/65/16. I oringinally ran 70 PSI all around for a few day, but the ride was a little rough, so I lowered them back to 60, bingo


Now about the tires, I measured the tread depth which was exactly 11 MM, the Handkrapps where 10. I actually gained about 1.5 MPG over stock. This was based on a 600 mile ride I took today doing 65 MPH 95% Interstate, which I did numerous time with the Handkrapps. Michelin also rated this tire with a 50,000 mile warrenty so time will tell. Also these tires are quiet, but sensitive to bumps and Expansion joints. Well that's about it, so stay tuned for my 10,000 mile report, where I will address the wear rate

 

[bbird]

10,000 mile update

Well I am down to 9 MM, which concidering we just had the hottest summer on record is totally acceptable. The tires are wearing perfectly, no cupping. I did rotate them @ the 5,000 mile mark, and under furthure inspection no need for a rotation. I suspect the next 10,000 miles the wear rate will slow down slightly due to lot cooler temps. I suspect at this time they will last well over 40,000 miles. Time will tell

Next up 20,000 mile review

 

[vulf]

Thanks for the updates. Glad to hear that size is working out for you. Did you post any pictures of your setup by chance? That's the size I'd like to run so seeing all the other rigs with that size helps confirm that it would be a good choice.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[bbird]

Thanks for the updates. Glad to hear that size is working out for you. Did you post any pictures of your setup by chance? That's the size I'd like to run so seeing all the other rigs with that size helps confirm that it would be a good choice.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Sorry no pics, lots of room in the rear, about 3/16 in the front. Had to remove my front mud flaps

 

[NetDoc]

Did you calculate your MPG based on a GPS or are you using the one calculated by the Transit?

 

[bbird]

did you calculate your mpg based on a gps or are you using the one calculated by the transit?

gps

 

[Moot]

Did you purchase 5 defenders or just 4? I'm curious if one will fit in the spare well.

 

[bbird]

Did you purchase 5 defenders or just 4? I'm curious if one will fit in the spare well.

4, will not fit in spare comp.

 

[impatient]

I would love to swap tires to this size, and love Michelin LTX. BUT, I presume they wouldn't fit my van. The acid test is to turn the steering wheel slightly so that the shoulder of the tire is at its closest to that infamous pinch-weld piece of sheet metal inside the front wheel well. For instance, if you steer slightly left look at the left tire's clearance with the inner fender on the back side of the front left tire. Similarly, you could steer right, and check to right front tire. Pictures would be worth 1000 words. Just crank the steering wheel to get the MINIMUM clearance, then snap the picture. Bonus points for positioning a ruler or finger or something for scale in the picture.

It's possible my van has less clearance than most. My Michelin 225/75r16e's fit but are narrow, and stability is less than perfect.

 

[bbird]

​

UPDATE 20,000 MILE RIEVIEW

Down to 7 MM, so right on schedule for 50,000 miles, I will be posting my 30,000 review next spring, Winter is coming Nokians are going on

 

[bbird]

I hit some unexpected snow today. about 5 miles of 1-2"'s. The defenders did ok, lot better than the Hankraps

 

[bbird]

30,000 miles, 6 MM. Not bad. I will take it down to 1 MM (wearbars). May hit 60,000 miles Next up 40,000 guessing July

 

[bbird]

I just hit 40,000 miles @ 5 mm tread depth . Will make it to 60,000


Next up: 50,000 mile review

 

[lolwisper4321]

You do know that the Defender LTX is not able to carry the same load as the stock tires designed for this vehicle.

 

[bbird]

You do know that the Defender LTX is not able to carry the same load as the stock tires designed for this vehicle.

these are 245's not 235's, these tire can handle 12.000 #'s gross, I'm rated for 9,500

 

[lolwisper4321]

I am not sure how you came up with those load ratings.

The Defender LTX MS 245/75R16:

Load index is 111 = 2,403 lb per tire X 4 tires = 9,612 lb Max load


The VANCO 235/65/R16C: ( Ford factory stock tire )

Load index is 121 = 3,195 lb per tire X 4 = 12,780 lb Max load


Have I missed something or did I misunderstand your tire size or tire type?

 

[stockrex]

Good Report op,

Here is the skinny from a Michigan Michelin owner:
I have gone through 1 dozen or more sets of michelins.

1. Great snow/ice/cold handling cuz the rubber stays soft in extreme cold temps , around 0 F
2. Fantastic traction in wet
3. Very noisy when thread goes below 50%
4. Mucho expensive, I don't rotate but let my fronts wear out and buy 4 tires but change only the fronts, so I have 4 good tires for winter and after 2 winters the cycle starts again by changing out the fronts.

 

[lolwisper4321]

I had the Defender for years on my old 2007 E150 van before buying my Transit T250 and I loved the tires.
Michelin just does not make a tire yet for the Transit that can meet the correct size and load rating.

Maybe soon.

 

[bbird]

I am not sure how you came up with those load ratings.

The Defender LTX MS 245/75R16:

Load index is 111 = 2,403 lb per tire X 4 tires = 9,612 lb Max load


The VANCO 235/65/R16C: ( Ford factory stock tire )

Load index is 121 = 3,195 lb per tire X 4 = 12,780 lb Max load


Have I missed something or did I misunderstand your tire size or tire type?

load range for the E-ply is 3042 per tire x 4 = 12,168 max load

 

[bbird]

well, their done @ 57,000 miles down to 2 MM. Next up

Michelin XPS Rib, stay tuned:|