21" Inch Coming down to the wire.... tire replacement

[VandalSibs]

I'm getting real close to needing to replace my 275/55/R21 tires on my truck, and while I've narrowed it down (not hard considering the limited options) to the Michelins and the Hankooks, I'm torn between the two and can't decide.

I feel like the Michelins are the more trusted brand (and they've had this particular size available for longer), but the bits of data I've seen from posts here, RivianRoamer & RivianTrackr suggest they aren't quite as efficient as the Hankooks. And they're more expensive.

But then I start thinking about the Hankooks and wonder if there is enough data on them, and with them being heavier are that actually as efficient as people are claiming.

Cost is gonna be a factor as well, since I'm getting five tires (to make sure that the spare that I just bought matches the new tires). The Michelins have gone up in price since even a month ago (were $395, now $405 per), while the Hankooks have been more stable and are quite a bit cheaper (currently $295).

Finally, my wife and I tow our camper with this truck so maintaining the pretty darn good range we already get with the OEM tires is a priority for me.

So I'm at that point where I'm locked in a "can't decide" spiral, and need input. Who wants to try to convince me one way or the other?

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[justinkitswa]

I've run Hankook trailer tires for many years and they've never given me any trouble.
Generally I feel Michelin's are overpriced for what they do.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I would say Hankooks and order as soon as possible to hedge against availability. They might have less grip (speculation) but they cost less, especially when you are replacing five at a time. If there are other alternatives that are less expensive than the Michelins... worth a gamble as long as specs meet requirements. Like the Geolandar H/T4 ksurfier posted about. I've never had a Yokohama tire that turned out to be a disappointment. If you end up hating them, you can blame him.

 

[CrazyOne]

From what I could find, Michelin is slightly softer and slightly more comfy. But it's all marginal.

After a lot of thinking, I decided that I will switch to msw 20 inch wheels and get Continental Terrain Contact HT tires.

 

[ksurfier]

Anything that fits on a 20” rim!

 

[VandalSibs]

Anything that fits on a 20” rim!

Har har har.

 

[mkhuffman]

I put heavier and bigger Hankook iON Evo SUV tires on my Mach-e and they were 7% more efficient than the OEM tires. They were smooth, quiet and handled well in the snow. I loved them.

I can't comment on the HT tires since I have not used them, but as a brand, I am a fan of Hankook.

 

[Proxy]

1,000 miles and so far I like the 21” Hankooks. Too soon to know how the efficiency will be. Early evidence leans towards similar or better efficiency than the OEM tires when new and better efficiency once the tread depth matches new OEM tires. The Hankooks have 1/32” more tread depth than the Michelins and 2/32” more than OEM which is important to me since I replace tires at 4/32”.

@ksurfier I have a spare set of 20” wheels with tires at 5/32” that I could have put any 20” tires on and I still choose the Hankooks.

 

[Carscott]

I am nearing 4/32 on my OEM 21” Pirellis and bought limited remaining stock of the Hankook ION HT. I am trusting Gemini which states that reduced rolling resistance will more than compensate for the increased weight of the tires due to the longer tread life. I hope my experience is the same as others who have posted.

 

[dradam]

I am nearing 4/32 on my OEM 21” Pirellis and bought limited remaining stock of the Hankook ION HT. I am trusting Gemini which states that reduced rolling resistance will more than compensate for the increased weight of the tires due to the longer tread life. I hope my experience is the same as others who have posted.

Is hankook discontinuing the 21'S ?

 

[dradam]

I'm getting real close to needing to replace my 275/55/R21 tires on my truck, and while I've narrowed it down (not hard considering the limited options) to the Michelins and the Hankooks, I'm torn between the two and can't decide.

I feel like the Michelins are the more trusted brand (and they've had this particular size available for longer), but the bits of data I've seen from posts here, RivianRoamer & RivianTrackr suggest they aren't quite as efficient as the Hankooks. And they're more expensive.

But then I start thinking about the Hankooks and wonder if there is enough data on them, and with them being heavier are that actually as efficient as people are claiming.

Cost is gonna be a factor as well, since I'm getting five tires (to make sure that the spare that I just bought matches the new tires). The Michelins have gone up in price since even a month ago (were $395, now $405 per), while the Hankooks have been more stable and are quite a bit cheaper (currently $295).

Finally, my wife and I tow our camper with this truck so maintaining the pretty darn good range we already get with the OEM tires is a priority for me.

So I'm at that point where I'm locked in a "can't decide" spiral, and need input. Who wants to try to convince me one way or the other?

I am in your shoes and will have to replace my 21's soon. Hoping you will get the Hankooks so that you can give us your feedback. I like the tread depth, warranty, price., and what I am hearing about the ride quality, but sample size does not convince me yet that the increaased weight over the Pirellis is more than offset by the efficiency. Looks good on rivian tracker, but the sample size was 10 vehicles last I checked. Keep us posted on your choice and results !

 

[MichaelT80550]

Just got the Hankook Ion HTs and couldn’t be happier. Don’t know about range yet, but appears similar. They do seem quieter. Got them through Discount Tire (Tire Rack) for $249/ea a few weeks ago.

 

[WorldComposting]

I'm in the same position and was leaning toward the Michelins but only because Costco carried them making it easier to get them than the Hankook.

But as I check the Michelins are now out of stock near me (at all stores) so I'm just going to get the Hankook tires which is what I wanted but are just more difficult to find in my area and pricing is comparable due to the installation costs (within $150).

I really don't think you can go wrong either way as long as you don't get the expensive OEM tires again!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Is hankook discontinuing the 21'S ?

Never seen that said anywhere. I think they mean supply is/was limited due to Hankook’s production and this size being a new offering from them.

 

[Riviot]

Anything that fits on a 20” rim!

Har har har.

But seriously, get away from those 21s. 20 is where its at! You go from 2 not great options to indecision paralysis over the volume of options between manufacturers, size, type, etc.

After a lot of thinking, I decided that I will switch to msw 20 inch wheels and get Continental Terrain Contact HT tires.

Had MSW been available when I was first looking for a spare (and now primary) set, I wouldn't gone this route. I'm very happy with my Ram 2363s and the offset, I just don't like the spacer rings.

I do recommend MSW, and for tires, I'm really liking the Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT 275/60R20 116.

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