22" Inch 22" Michelin DEFENDER LTX M/S2 LT275 /50 R22 119S E1 BSW tires installed photos & review impressions

[wicked2112]

Are the ones Pictured the E or the XL?

E's! I liked what I read and researched concerning these and super happy with our choice.

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[wicked2112]

Curious why you chose to go with the E vs the XL load?

What I researched, available and what I thought would work well for us moving forward.

 

[BigE]

What I researched, available and what I thought would work well for us moving forward.

Wow, you got a lot out of your Pirelli's. We only managed 19K. I went with the Continental Terrain Contact HT's which have been great (Michelins weren't out yet). I'm curious since you went with the LT's which are very heavy, it would be great to hear what your hit on efficiency is vs OEM tires.

 

[snowboarder777]

Sexy tires! I cannot wait for them to release the 21 inch size. I hate these pirellis on my R1S. Harsh and just unrefined compared to my other cars on Michelin

 

[Crazyrivianenthu.]

I was told that we are not supposed to use E rating tires on these passenger vehicles. Is that not true ?

 

[Scotsol]

I have the same tires I bought through Costco on my R1T a month or so ago. They look great, ride nice and are quiet. What PSI are you running?

 

[Schroederhc]

They look great! Is the ride quality any better than the OEM? The Pirelli’s ride a bit harsh IMO on 22’s.

Agreed. I'm putting the defenders on mine this weekend.

 

[Christos]

Can you chime in on the efficiency compared to the Pirelli. I noticed that these tires are significantly heavier than the OE. Shopping for tires and I am between these and the new Pirelli that Rivian just released.

 

[Redline]

Aren’t the 119s extremely heavy?

I thought Michelin was working on a 116.

 

[TampaR1T]

Forgive me for not starting a new post, and also if I'm wrong...but I'll address this to the R1T owners ONLY since we both use these threads and people sometime get confused.

The standard (SL) VS XL vs HL. For the weight and use of the R1S, the XL (more weight/load handled vs standard), is acceptable. The standard is never recommended. As for the E, I believe that's the LOAD RANGE as opposed to the LOAD INDEX The range is an older measure of weight and durability (by ply rating) which is somewhat outdated, but an E rating is the equivalent of a "10 ply" sidewall and doesn't reflect weight capacity.

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/load-range-load-index

The load index is the newer rating that isn't based on plys and will tell you weight capacity. The weight is more important for the heavier EVs and especially the R1T and R1S due to weight, power, etc. However, for most R1S owners, I believe the XL version with a minimum 115 load index is acceptable, but the HL version is preferred. I think the reason for this is because most R1S owners aren't going to haul like a loaded bed in a pickup like an R1T. Still, if you're towing, the weight capacity/load index is still VERY important.

For those who either haul or tow, then the HL (high load, which can carry more weight at the same size as an XL) is absolutely recommended because of the extra weight you're adding to your vehicle's gross weight. For R1T owners who are going to maybe haul heavy stuff in the bed OR for R1T or R1S owners who haul/tow, HL is the recommended choice...which for the 22-inch wheels, really limits our non-all-terrain options. This is true, at least for my 22 inch wheels on my R1T.

With that said, the load index still applies.

https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/what-is-load-index?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt4a2BhD6ARIsALgH7DrJ_uRAiyjRzohvemID3x9UaDxVWRYKQAABc3kuW-uHm-wsG8-jf_UaAs7fEALw_wcB&ef_id=Cj0KCQjwt4a2BhD6ARIsALgH7DrJ_uRAiyjRzohvemID3x9UaDxVWRYKQAABc3kuW-uHm-wsG8-jf_UaAs7fEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3756!3!354820920365!e!!g!!tire load index&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1

So, as the previous post stated, there are two versions of this tire, one with a 115 load index, which is the minimum recommended by Rivian Service--see previous post--for either an R1S or R1T. However, this tire is also available in the heavier 119 load index--which is the one @wicked2112 purchased--see title of this thread. In this case, the HL Pirelli Scorpion Zeros that came with my R1T from the factory have a load index rating of 2760 lbs per tire. Okay, so... the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 275/50/R22 has the following load weights...
115 load index -- 2679 lbs (81 lbs less per tire than the stock Scorpions)
119 load index -- 2998 lbs (238 lbs MORE per tire than the stock Scorpions)

Yes, the 119s are heavier, but in terms of safety with hauling or towing, the 119 would be the choice...and a whole lot cheaper than the Pirellis...and with a mileage warranty, unlike the Pirellis.

NOTE: the 115 does have an H speed rating -- 130 mph, while the 119 version has an S rating -- 112 mph. So if you're racing top end, then...

ALSO NOTE: on many websites, the tire will be described as 119 / 116S in the same line. Can't say I've figured this out if someone can clarify this. It almost seems like they're listing both, but if you order, I guess you have to make sure you're getting the right one. (Unless it's a subset of the speed rating saying 116 mph, which I doubt.)

Finally, the 119 appears available at places like Tire Rack--however, with the weird dual listing of 119/116S. But, you can also find both versions at Costco--you just have to make sure to search by tire size. If you search by vehicle, the 119 version may not come up.

That's a deep dive into everything, and I hope that helps someone else figure out which tires are right for their needs. I'll be getting the 119 version through Costco (currently $397 each)--waiting for them to have a periodic discount on a 4-tire Michelin purchase. The 119s will have more load capacity, a long treadwear warranty (through Costco or Michelin), are is cheaper than the short-lived stock Pirellis. IFCOSTCO WILL INSTALL THEM...they might not because of Costco policy--they have a lower speed rating than the stock Pirellis. Ugh.

 

[TampaR1T]

Forgive me for not starting a new post, and also if I'm wrong...but I'll address this to the R1T owners ONLY since we both use these threads and people sometime get confused.

The standard (SL) VS XL vs HL. For the weight and use of the R1S, the XL (more weight/load handled vs standard), is acceptable. The standard is never recommended. As for the E, I believe that's the LOAD RANGE as opposed to the LOAD INDEX The range is an older measure of weight and durability (by ply rating) which is somewhat outdated, but an E rating is the equivalent of a "10 ply" sidewall and doesn't reflect weight capacity.

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/load-range-load-index

The load index is the newer rating that isn't based on plys and will tell you weight capacity. The weight is more important for the heavier EVs and especially the R1T and R1S due to weight, power, etc. However, for most R1S owners, I believe the XL version with a minimum 115 load index is acceptable, but the HL version is preferred. I think the reason for this is because most R1S owners aren't going to haul like a loaded bed in a pickup like an R1T. Still, if you're towing, the weight capacity/load index is still VERY important.

For those who either haul or tow, then the HL (high load, which can carry more weight at the same size as an XL) is absolutely recommended because of the extra weight you're adding to your vehicle's gross weight. For R1T owners who are going to maybe haul heavy stuff in the bed OR for R1T or R1S owners who haul/tow, HL is the recommended choice...which for the 22-inch wheels, really limits our non-all-terrain options. This is true, at least for my 22 inch wheels on my R1T.

With that said, the load index still applies.

https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/what-is-load-index?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt4a2BhD6ARIsALgH7DrJ_uRAiyjRzohvemID3x9UaDxVWRYKQAABc3kuW-uHm-wsG8-jf_UaAs7fEALw_wcB&ef_id=Cj0KCQjwt4a2BhD6ARIsALgH7DrJ_uRAiyjRzohvemID3x9UaDxVWRYKQAABc3kuW-uHm-wsG8-jf_UaAs7fEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3756!3!354820920365!e!!g!!tire load index&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1

So, as the previous post stated, there are two versions of this tire, one with a 115 load index, which is the minimum recommended by Rivian Service--see previous post--for either an R1S or R1T. However, this tire is also available in the heavier 119 load index--which is the one @wicked2112 purchased--see title of this thread. In this case, the HL Pirelli Scorpion Zeros that came with my R1T from the factory have a load index rating of 2760 lbs per tire. Okay, so... the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 275/50/R22 has the following load weights...
115 load index -- 2679 lbs (81 lbs less per tire than the stock Scorpions)
119 load index -- 2998 lbs (238 lbs MORE per tire than the stock Scorpions)

Yes, the 119s are heavier, but in terms of safety with hauling or towing, the 119 would be the choice...and a whole lot cheaper than the Pirellis...and with a mileage warranty, unlike the Pirellis.

NOTE: the 115 does have an H speed rating -- 130 mph, while the 119 version has an S rating -- 112 mph. So if you're racing top end, then...

ALSO NOTE: on many websites, the tire will be described as 119 / 116S in the same line. Can't say I've figured this out if someone can clarify this. It almost seems like they're listing both, but if you order, I guess you have to make sure you're getting the right one. (Unless it's a subset of the speed rating saying 116 mph, which I doubt.)

Finally, the 119 appears available at places like Tire Rack--however, with the weird dual listing of 119/116S. But, you can also find both versions at Costco--you just have to make sure to search by tire size. If you search by vehicle, the 119 version may not come up.

That's a deep dive into everything, and I hope that helps someone else figure out which tires are right for their needs. I'll be getting the 119 version through Costco (currently $397 each)--waiting for them to have a periodic discount on a 4-tire Michelin purchase. The 119s will have more load capacity, a long treadwear warranty (through Costco or Michelin), are is cheaper than the short-lived stock Pirellis. IFCOSTCO WILL INSTALL THEM...they might not because of Costco policy--they have a lower speed rating than the stock Pirellis. Ugh.

I got a reply from this on another thread, will good insight / points...

Just three things:

1) Rivian originally shipped R1 vehicles w/115 load rating tire, then changed it to 116 today. Unless you plan to exceed 10,716 lbs of total load, or concentrated load of more than 5,358 lbs on a single axle, 115 load index is more than adequate.

2) 119 load index tires weighs 80 lbs vs 39 lbs for 115. Will significantly impact the range as tire mass and moment of inertia is a range driver (think of figure skater with arms extended vs tucked in to the body as they spin - much faster spin with the same energy).

3) 115 load index tire is much lower cost than 119.

Over spec'ing the requirements is rarely a good thing...

That's great info and a great reminder!! Thank you!! Tough to decide. They originally shipped with 115, then changed. but now, only 116? Hmm, but as you said, how much are we really going to exceed the payload capacity? Granted, I guess if the bed is full and you're towing?? The weight will certainly be greater because of the tires. Granted, the total weight capacity of the 119s would be around 12000 lbs, minus the 8532 for the R1t = 3468 capacity, but the bed wouldn't hold that structurally anyway. So again, maybe it's only if full and towing. For like 50 miles before you run out of juice. Thanks @mkg3 !!!!

 

[TampaR1T]

So with them changing to the 116 today, what would you get?? I'm tempted to go for the Defenders, but the 115 version through Costco for $305 each plus tax which includes installation, warranty, etc...

https://tires.costco.com/product?ItemNo=1764204&added=success

 

[crussell]

I had the MICHELIN® DEFENDER LTX M/S 2 LT275/50R22/E 119/116S installed today. Seems like it eliminated the dreaded right hand pull. I do notice that my R1s doesn’t accelerate at the same rate. Anyone else notice this?

the LT has much deeper treads then the H. I believe it’s 3/32 deeper new.

 

[Kachook]

I got the 119S variety about a month and a half ago. So, about 1300 miles in, the ride is smoother - still not great, but better than before. My efficiency is down to 2.11 although I am driving with less A/C now so that may improver. Previously, I was around 2.33.

 

[SANZC02]

Just had new Michelin Defenders LTX M/S2 LT275/50 R22's installed on my RIVIAN R1S at Discount Tire in Salem Oregon! Discount Tire was AWESOME! Thank you Josh and Jose for all you help and support on this purchase! They are awesome tires, quiet, look aggressive and handle extremely well. The OEM Pirelli 22's that came with the vehicle were ok, but I only got 30K miles on them and suffered two blowouts. We have a couple trips planned to Walla Walla and Sonoma soon, so I will update the drive experience once they have completed.

Enjoy!!

Looks like you have had these around 6 months. Can we get an update on your experience?

How many miles do you have on them and how are they wearing?

How does the efficiency hold up compared to the original Perrillis?

How is the ride and noise compared to originals?

Getting close to replacing the originals on my R1S, would be good t have this additional data to ponder.

Thanks

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