Help with new tire choice?

[JSanchez]

Hello all,

I am trying to decide between BFG ATKO or the Michelin LTX AT2. I have had the BFG ATKO for the past 3 years and they have been great (265/70 R17; load range E). I am looking into the Michelin (increased tire mileage?/ fuel economy?), but in searching this and other forums, I've heard some folks describe a "soft" or "squirmy" feeling with them, especially when new; I've never experienced this with the BFG.

I'd like to hear from members who've tried both of these, or gone from one to the other who can tell me of their experience. I'd greatly appreciate your feedback as I'll be replacing the tires this week with the size mentioned above.



Thanks in advance for all of your help,

J. S.

 

[jgillott]

I am probably the only one here that has had wear problems with the Michelin LTX At2's, But, we have had 3 sets, 2 on the '04. 5 and one on the '07 and they have been completely worn out at ~30K. The first set on the '04. 5 may have gone closer to 35K, but I would have to check for sure. The '04. 5 is now wearing a set of BFG's and the '07 has Firestones on it.



With that said, we've had very, very good luck with the original LTX AS tires. One set went to well over 100K and one to 85K. I completely understand that I wasn't going to see that mileage out of an AT tire, but there are others out there that have better tread life in my opinion than the LTX AT 2's.

 

[HBarlow]

I haven't experienced the soft casing or squirm previously described so cannot confirm or deny it.

BFG makes excellent tires. I consider them second to Michelin and better than most for light truck or heavy RV use.

The Michelin company owns BG Goodrich. I don't mean that like bs tire salesmen in retail stores do. BFGs are not made exactly like Michelins or in the same plants. Michelin simply owns the BFG company and stands behind their warranty.

If I wanted excellent tires for less money than a Michelin I would buy BFG.

 

[JSanchez]

Thanks for the replies. What sort of fuel economy did you all have with the Michelin AT2? I am trying to see if I can increase my fuel economy and still have a some what AT tire with the Michelin, and if I can get more tire life out the Michelin that would be great, especially since I am driving more these days.

Thanks again,
J. S.

 

[jgillott]

Thanks for the replies. What sort of fuel economy did you all have with the Michelin AT2? I am trying to see if I can increase my fuel economy and still have a some what AT tire with the Michelin, and if I can get more tire life out the Michelin that would be great, especially since I am driving more these days.

Thanks again,
J. S.

How many miles do you have on your current BFG's? The current set of BFG's on my '04. 5 have around 25K on them and I guessing they have around half tread left. I know they are going to go wear well beyond what I had with the Michelin At2's in my application.

 

[JSanchez]

I have just over 44k miles on them, but have not rotated them properly. I probably only rotated them 4-5 times, with mostly highway driving. JGillot, did you ever experience any of the "soft" or "squirmy" feeling some have mentioned with the Michelins?

-J. S.

 

[jgillott]

No, no squirm or bad road manners. Good traction too. My only complaint is very fast tread wear compared to other Michelin offerings I've had and other brands that I am using now.

 

[JSanchez]

jgillot, care to share which brands and your findings? You can PM if you prefer.

Thanks,
J. S.

 

[jgillott]

No, no problem sharing. The '04. 5 has the BFG AT's that you have. Again ~25K on them and approximately 50% tread left. The '07 has the Firestone Transforce AT's on it now. The ones that I have on it now are nearly new, maybe 2K on them. This is the second set. I pulled the first set of at 42K since I wasn't sure if there was enough tread for the snow. Sold them for a couple of $ to a guy at work who is running them on his GMC. Probably somewhere between 45K and 47K on them now I would guess. Zero complaints about either. I think the Firestone runs a little smoother with a little less noise. The BFG probably has better mud/snow traction, but as you know, make a little more noise.

 

[JSanchez]

Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated. Maybe I should stick with the BFG?

-J. S.

 

[jgillott]

I've been married long enough to know that my opinion doesn't count for anything, so please don't base your decision on me. But if it were my money, I would buy the BFG's again. If it were any other tire that Michelin offers other than the AT 2's, I'd probably have a different opinion. But, after 3 sets, I'm not going to recommend them. I just haven't been lucky with that model with our trucks.

 

[JSanchez]

Sounds good; if it isn't broken, I guess I should stay with what I know works. I have always had good luck with the BFG AT.

Thanks again,
J. S.

 

[MChrist]

What conditions do you drive in? Do you live closer to Canada or closer to Texas? Do you go off road? All these things need to be considered. Another good brand is Nitto. I have the Dura Grapplers now and have about 55,000 and 5/32" of tread left. I'll probably get 65,000 miles. They just came out last year with a tire called Crosstek HD in our size and LRE. I suggest taking a look at those as well.

 

[JSanchez]

Thanks for the reply. I drive mostly highway, with the occasional trek into snowy conditions. I have not been able to get off road as much as I'd like to, so very of that recently.

-J. S.