285/70/17 BFG A/T KO vs. Michelin LTX AT2

[EArp]

I'm getting rid of the stock Michelin tires at the end of this month. I think I have my choices narrowed down between these two. I was hoping you guys could give me some pro's and con's of each one. I really like the look of the BFG's and the price, but I like the performance and treadwear of the Michelins. What do you guys think?

 

[pullya]

I think our trucks came with "E" rate tires for a reason. Many will disagree, but I have always stayed with E's. Currently have Michelin

AT2's. Only have about 4k on them but so far so good.

Jay

 

[seafish]

The LTX/AT2 in stock size and e rated has been an excellent tire for me. The whole set, on the stock forged aluminum wheels, took only 2 weights t balance. They ride smoothly and quietly, and handle extremely well in dry or WET conditions. The week of driving in Snow was also fine. I would love to go to a taller tire, but also want to stay with an "e" rated tire. You might want to search the threads for more comments on the LTX/AT2. I think that the only other tire that I would consider is the Toyo Open Country AT or even MT. They are available in 285/70/17 or even taller and have an e rating as well as VERY high load rating of (I think) 3950# per tire. People seem to be very happy with them generally, though some people get high mileage from them and other wear them out quickly, but that seems to be true with just about any tire. I have 17,000 miles on my at2's and have about half the tread left. I would buy them again definitely, or the Toyo, like I said.
Don't know about the BFG's.

 

[daytripper63]

i just put new tires on my 03 dually you might want to read my post https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ssions/209426-dually-tire-recommendation.html

 

[ssanders60]

AT2's

Just before Christmas I bought Mich. AT2's (set) for my

truck, perfect ride, no road noise at all, no vibration at 70 mph,

for $976. 00 drive out at Sam's club, this was with an $80 discount

on Michelin tires at that time. (265/70/17). Cheaper than BFG KO's.





'03 4x4 quad cab h/o

 

[EArp]

I really appreciate the feedback guys, keep 'em comin. I failed to mention that I tow rarely, so the load range is not as much of an issue for me. Living here in TX also rules out a great deal of snow/ice driving, the main performance characteristics i'm looking for would include, hydroplaning resistance, wet traction, mud, and sand traction.

 

[JDiepstra]

I am plowing with the BFG AT's in the size you mentioned. I expect they will be worn out completely after 4 winters, or less, or, a total of about 16 months. They are on the truck end of November thru end of March, so that's not so good. They wore great and lasted forever on my two door Tahoes though. Right now with the plow and ballast in the bed the Dodge is about 9250 lbs so obviously they would wear much faster. Plus I imagine they are working harder pushing all that snow and turning side to side more than normal driving as well.

 

[MRaynor]

I have had the BFG 285/70s on my truck for close to 52k miles and they are still in great shape. They have a lot of miles left on them. Like you, I rarely tow anything heavy.

 

[RDietze]

Michelin's low rolling resistance

I'm in a similar situation. I have new TOYO A/T 285/75 this winter that I plan to take off soon as they tend to wear faster than I'm used to -- will preserve the deep lugs for next years snowfall. The TOYO's drag noticable compared to my old OEM Michelin's = poorer fuel economy. I will be going with the Michelin LTX2s. I would like the 285/70s but they are D rated - same load rating as the 265/70s which are E rated. E rating gives you a level up on puncture resistance and all around toughness.

BFGs are great tires, they look like they would be great for snow - but I don't think they compare with the Michelin's on rolling resistance. I've also heard nothing but good things about how the LTX2s perform in the snow.

I got about 70k on my last set of Michelin A/S's.

I don't think you can go wrong with either tire.

 

[EArp]

I took the above advice and searched out the forums. It's so funny how opinions can vary SO GREATLY regarding the performance/treadlife characteristics, especially of the BFG AT KO's. It seems some people love them and get 50k or more while some people can't stand them and are lucky to get even 30k out of them. The Michelin's seem to have a much more even consensus though. Most people seem to be extremely satisfied with performance and treadwear. I'm also skeptical of buying at Sam's club due to information I found out in the forums. It seems that some people are suggesting that the reason tires are cheaper at Sam's is because even though they are the same type of tire, they are manufactured at a lower quality level. Drive out at Discount is $1058 for BFG AT's and $1145 for Michelin's (that's also including road hazard warranty).

 

[RDietze]

It seems that some people are suggesting that the reason tires are cheaper at Sam's is because even though they are the same type of tire, they are manufactured at a lower quality level.

The cost to "retool" and make a "lower grade" tire would be too expensive and would discredit a manufacture -- the above is a MYTH. I would ensure that you are buying an E rated tire, as some sizes from the same manufacture come in D rated and are cheaper.



compare at: treadepot.com



of note, my buddy has some BFG A/Ts and says he's gotten 60K on them - they look like they have 33% left on the tread - either PHENOMINAL or a miscalculation in his miles - I'm skeptical.



you will be happy with either tire

 

[EArp]

The cost to "retool" and make a "lower grade" tire would be too expensive and would discredit a manufacture -- the above is a MYTH. I would ensure that you are buying an E rated tire, as some sizes from the same manufacture come in D rated and are cheaper.



compare at: treadepot.com



of note, my buddy has some BFG A/Ts and says he's gotten 60K on them - they look like they have 33% left on the tread - either PHENOMINAL or a miscalculation in his miles - I'm skeptical.



you will be happy with either tire

RDietze, this is where I got this info.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...on-discussions/205906-tires-s-sam-s-club.html

 

[RDietze]

I see why you are apprehensive. Do they have COSTCO in your area -- although a competitor with SAM's, COSTCO is all about quality. If not, get a quote from SAM's and see if Discount will "horse-trade" with you -- they work out good deals all the time around here.

 

[EArp]

I see why you are apprehensive. Do they have COSTCO in your area -- although a competitor with SAM's, COSTCO is all about quality. If not, get a quote from SAM's and see if Discount will "horse-trade" with you -- they work out good deals all the time around here.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check all three to see whose gonna offer me the best deal. One thing that I really want is a road hazard warranty (it's come in handy several times to save me big $$). Does Costco/Sams offer that?

 

[seafish]

Costco does have a road hazard warranty, which I believe is included in their list price. HOWEVER, Costco's policy is to NOT mount a tire size that is not OEM, or listed as recommended on the door panel, IF the wheels are ON the truck. They WILL mount and balance an "oversized" tire if you bring the wheels in separately from the truck. You are left to figure out how to do that; Of course you will need access to a jack, safety stands for all 4 points, as well as another vehicle to bring the wheels in to Costco. Definitely a PIA, if you are not prepared to do that!!!

 

[EArp]

Update

Ok, I went with the Michelin's. I went into Discount and the price quoted to me at the counter was $1280 (road hazard, mount/balance, taxes all included). So, while I was still at Discount I called Sam's and got a quote over the phone $1123 (everything included). After I got off the phone, I told the guy at Discount thanks but no thanks. As I was about to leave he stops me and starts to work up a new deal for me on the computer. He said, how about $980 out the door? I said, put 'em on! After they got finished, as I was going to the counter to pick up my key, he mentioned that he had actually made a mistake and quoted me a price on a smaller tire, but that since I had already paid and 980 was what we agreed on that he was going to honor it. Anyway, i'll post some pics after bad weather clears out this weekend and I can clean it up.

 

[RDietze]

Tdr saves you money

Sounds like a happy customer to me! Discount still made money. What size and load rating did you get?

Let us know how the tread grips - we already know that they will last nearly forever.

 

[EArp]

I got the 285/70's in a load range "D". One thing I noticed is that the steering seems to wander slightly since I put the bigger tires on there. Discount informed me that they don't do front end alignments, so i'm wondering if either my front end needs to be aligned or I might have some other kind of issue? The truck drives in a straight line just fine, it just seems like when I turn the wheel slightly that it's not "tight" like it was before and it just seems to wander just a tad. I've only got 38k on the truck and I don't tow heavy or offroad that often. I might try posting this prob on the 3rd gen forum to see if anybody's got any ideas.

 

[pullya]

Well, where are the pictures. It was 84 yesterday and you should have been out cleaning your truck---I was--even had to do the "bosses" car. Can't beat weather like this---

Jay

 

[ssanders60]

AT 2's driving affect

EARP, I found that my '03 2500 steers differently, much easier in fact,

and my tires 265x70's much smaller than yours. However, it does not waunder

around, take your hands off of the steering wheel and it goes straight, I

did have the Dodge Dealer to tweak the front end a bit, since it has pulled

slightly to the right for 90,000 miles. the tweaking did the trick.



Remember these tires have 17/32nds of tread.