Michelin LT MS/2 on Sierra 1500

music · May 14, 2014

I had some Michelin MS/2 tires installed on Monday. LT265-70/17. That's the OEM size, but in a LT 10 ply (LT/E). My goal when buying these tires was that I wanted a tire that would handle towing duty better than the OEM Wrangler A/T, without beating me to death unloaded, or killing mpg. I tow a good sized camper, and I just didn't like the feel of the old tires under load (wallowing). The LT version is ~6 lbs heavier per tire than the p-metric, which in the scheme of things, isn't bad.

Right out of the gate, I have the following observations.

1. I can tell the tires weigh more from a standing stop, but can't really feel it when rolling. The steering is a little heavier. They have a slightly larger diameter than what I took off (new tire, and LT's have more tread), so that affects "gearing" a bit.

2. The ride is a bit more stiff than the (stock) Wrangler A/T tire that came off. If anything, I'd have to say it's smoother overall, though. It's firmer, but nothing like I expected. I currently have 40 psi in them, but will bump that to 50->60 when towing.

3. Much more quiet than the Wranglers. Runs "smooth as glass" on the highway.

4. I can't say what the mpg will be like, but so far, I'm going to guess lower in city driving (extra weight to get rolling), and no difference highway. For the little that I've driven, the mpg is actually almost exactly where it was before.

I will have much more peace of mind when towing w/ the family onboard w/ these tires vs the original p-metric Wranglers. I don't think they "look" as good, but that's not my main concern. I'm pretty sure I have exactly what I wanted. It was a tough choice between the MS/2 and the AT/2, but in the end, I had to accept that I never off-road, and the MS was the better fit for what I do.

I'll try to post back when I do a long camper tow in a few weeks.

kstruckcountry · May 14, 2014

Glad to hear they're working out so far.

music · May 18, 2014

I washed the truck today, and took a pic of the new tires. The truck is parked uphill in my driveway, so that the water could drain out of the bed (first time the bed's been cleaned out in a while). Very happy w/ this setup so far.

bizkit · June 9, 2014

Now that you have had tires for a few weeks how do you like them? What was the MPG hit if any?

music · June 15, 2014

Just returned from a long towing vacation with the camper and family (pushing 13k lbs total combined weight, fully loaded). Round trip was about 1000 mi. The stability was noticeably better, especially when following behind big trucks, or in windy conditions. That "riding on jello" feeling was gone. Hit plenty of pot holes and bad road joints along the way, and never worried about it like I used to. Ran 50 psi, but will try 60 next time. The tps system would warn when the pressures got over about 51 psi, which happens when the tires warm up. You only have to clear it once per key cycle, so it's no big deal.

That said, I'm starting to push the rest of the truck as the family grows, and they keep trying to add stuff. It's still fine overall, but the heavier springs on a HD would be nice on rough or uneven roads when towing, and I wouldn't mind a few more ponies (or an extra gear) . At this weight, I think that a well set up 1500 is the better fit, but mostly because I only tow long distance once per year. I wouldn't want a HD the rest of the year, and I *never* felt unsafe with this setup during the trip... even with high winds and heavy rain.

As for unloaded mpg, I don't have much data yet. It seems to be about the same hwy, and maybe 1 mpg less around town (maybe) . I've had afm disabled for a while though, so it may be worse if that were on.

Spurshot · June 23, 2014

Robert

Glad you like the tires. They're among the best of the high quality tires for the tread type. I wish the made a slightly more aggressive tread A/T.

kstruckcountry · June 23, 2014

Robert

Glad you like the tires. They're among the best of the high quality tires for the tread type. I wish the made a slightly more aggressive tread A/T.

That's exactly what I think. Although the Michelin AT2's are so good in the snow, I might get them someday anyways.

music · June 23, 2014

I agree 100% of the "look" of the tires. The Michelin A/T2 actually looks a bit less aggressive than the M/S2 imo, but the tread is tighter and won't pick up gravel as easily. Neither looks like a Toyo Open Country, Cooper Discover, BFG A/T, Destination A/T, etc. But... when it comes to towing and commuting, I think these MS tires would be hard to beat. I tried to run them up to ~90 mph one day, to check balance, and there was never even the slightest bit of feel in the steering... and they're quiet at all speeds (loaded or empty).

The only caveat is that I can't really compare to the p-metric MS tires I had years back, because I don't remember well enough. Those rode a little softer unloaded, but had that jello feeling when towing. So... for *my* use, I'm happy I went LT, even if it means a bit less mpg. Then again, if I didn't tow, I would probably have bought a little more aggressive tread tire just for the look.

One more comment is that I don't really notice much difference in the unloaded ride between 40 psi and 50 psi. I'm currently running ~48 psi cold, so that they can heat up without setting off the tps.

kstruckcountry · June 23, 2014

The only thing I don't like about the M/S tires is they can't handle the mud. The AT2's can. The tread voids are actually sort of aggressive if look closely. They just aren't a "cool" tire. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a set.

And as far as MPG, my truck didn't take much of a hit going to 10 ply. Not to mention I spent over $200 in patches for the half lifetime I had 4 ply's for. That and the waste of time makes the 10 ply 110% worth it.

music · June 24, 2014

The only thing I don't like about the M/S tires is they can't handle the mud. The AT2's can. The tread voids are actually sort of aggressive if look closely. They just aren't a "cool" tire. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a set.

And as far as MPG, my truck didn't take much of a hit going to 10 ply. Not to mention I spent over $200 in patches for the half lifetime I had 4 ply's for. That and the waste of time makes the 10 ply 110% worth it.

You keep it up, and you'll make me wish I'd tried the AT/2. Seriously, I liked them both, and don't offroad... so mud wasn't a question. I'm surprised that the MS would be worse in mud though, since the tread is very open and straight. The MS doesn't have an edge, so I guess they don't bite as well when buried? I know that they don't slip on dirt/grass, as I've backed down into a steep area of my yard, and pulled up w/o any slip in 2wd. Surprised me... but they're still new.