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

[crussell]

Just FYI… the tread depth on the LT version is as deep as an off road tire.

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[Kylechoffman]

What PSI are people running with these?

 

[crussell]

I'm running the same as stock since they were already at a LT PSI level

 

[C_Wills_SD]

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!!

These look really good. I'm going to put these on my R1T. Ordered through Costco, total with tax and install is ≈$1,600. I went with the thicker side wall index 119. Want the extra stability with the heavy trucks. Thanks for the photos and info!

 

[wicked2112]

These look really good. I'm going to put these on my R1T. Ordered through Costco, total with tax and install is ≈$1,600. I went with the thicker side wall index 119. Want the extra stability with the heavy trucks. Thanks for the photos and info!

Absolutely

 

[TollKeeper]

These look really good. I'm going to put these on my R1T. Ordered through Costco, total with tax and install is ≈$1,600. I went with the thicker side wall index 119. Want the extra stability with the heavy trucks. Thanks for the photos and info!

1600 plus taxes and ancillary fees. Its not bad. Michelin has been my goto brand for the last 24 years! But I have to admit, I am kinda torn on the Michelin LTX M/S and the Continental HT. I am not a off roader, but when it snows, and I am called, I gotta go.

 

[Angel2DaMax]

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.

Thank you for this excellent and thorough information!!!

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