Need tires, decision paralysis.

[onthebrake]

So, just to through a wrench in this thread. I went with the 20'' Pirelli Scorpion LT ( NOT EV tires )tires and they were only 270$ per tire from Americas tire in Socal. For 270$ a tire, 50,000 mile warranty, it was a no brainer for me.

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[TollKeeper]

I had looked at the Defender (I’m generally a big fan of Michelin!) but it seemed on paper to be more of a highway tire and not really what I was looking for. I’m far from an expert here though so I would happily be proven wrong.

I have been running the Michelin Defender LTX M/S on my vehicles since 2005(ish). On my 3rd set of them on my 218k mile GMC, which I do light off road with, and trailering while light off roading. Never had a case of want for traction. They are EV-Rated.

Will likely be installing these on my Riv this fall/winter. Trying to get some of my moneys worth out of the POS Pirelli.

 

[SamDoe1]

My gripe with the Defenders is that they aren't 3 peak rated for snow use. Being in MN, this is huge as I don't want to source, pay for, and store a whole different set of wheels/tires for winter use for the R1T.

I will likely go with the Nokians for my next tire unless someone finally comes out with a true competitor for the stock Pirellis in regards to load capacity, speed rating, and 3 peak rating.

Hoping goodyear puts out one of the new Rivian tires in the 275/65 sizing.

 

[TollKeeper]

When it comes to the Michelin Defenders, I dont put a lot of faith into the 3peaks. I have towed, off-road, in deep snow (like I couldnt open my doors), and not had an issue. Backing up a trailer, uphill, on snow pack, no issue. I know its important to some, but in regards to this specific tire, I have no issues.

I will grant you only one caveat. My GMC Envoy has a locking rear axle. Still has a open front axle thou.

Edit: Picture of truck with Michelin Defender LTX M/S, loaded trailer at the bottom of the mountain going up to the Grand Lake Dam..

 

[abram]

So, just to through a wrench in this thread. I went with the 20'' Pirelli Scorpion LT ( NOT EV tires )tires and they were only 270$ per tire from Americas tire in Socal. For 270$ a tire, 50,000 mile warranty, it was a no brainer for me.

I had thought about that, I’d be curious to hear your feedback after moving to the LT rated tire.

 

[onthebrake]

I had thought about that, I’d be curious to hear your feedback after moving to the LT rated tire.

I'm happy with them. I'm still trying to find the right tire pressure since the max pressure is much high than the EV version. Im running 54 psi cold now, but will bump it up higher to maybe closer to 60 in the coming days. I do get a little shaking steering wheel at higher speeds (70-80), but I'm hoping the higher PSI will help that. I do like that they are 10 ply so hopefully they will be more resistant to punctures, unlike the EV version tires.

 

[ironpig]

When it comes to the Michelin Defenders, I dont put a lot of faith into the 3peaks. I have towed, off-road, in deep snow (like I couldnt open my doors), and not had an issue. Backing up a trailer, uphill, on snow pack, no issue. I know its important to some, but in regards to this specific tire, I have no issues.

I will grant you only one caveat. My GMC Envoy has a locking rear axle. Still has a open front axle thou.

Edit: Picture of truck with Michelin Defender LTX M/S, loaded trailer at the bottom of the mountain going up to the Grand Lake Dam..

Love that setup in you picture! Great to hear your experience in snow. I'm in SoCal and only have to deal with snow if I go snowboarding for the weekend. I am leaning towards these Michelins as my next set of tires.

 

[NauticalSpiR1T]

I'm not as I have 21's as well(UGH)...Waiting for the one we're all waiting for or going to 20's myself for the 275/60-20 option Michelin Defender LTX M/S2

There isn't a 275/55-20 option.

Would the 275/60-20 option put our speedos even further off in the wrong direction?

 

[ndmiller]

275/60-20 is essentially identical to 275/55-21. Also don't need to have Rivian mess with anything.

 

[B Digs]

Have you looked at the Goodyear Wranglers? Here's the thread link:

Goodyear

Here is another thread on the Goodyear tire designed for Rivian.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/new-goodyear-20”-tire-option-available-when.28764/

 

[B Digs]

My gripe with the Defenders is that they aren't 3 peak rated for snow use. Being in MN, this is huge as I don't want to source, pay for, and store a whole different set of wheels/tires for winter use for the R1T.

I will likely go with the Nokians for my next tire unless someone finally comes out with a true competitor for the stock Pirellis in regards to load capacity, speed rating, and 3 peak rating.

Hoping goodyear puts out one of the new Rivian tires in the 275/65 sizing.

Goodyear does have other options that are 275/65R20, but I would recommend the Rivian specific 275/60R20 Territory AT for optimal performance on the R1. Hopefully America's Tire eventually carries these if they do not already.

I went from the stock 34" 275/65R20 to the 33" Goodyear 275/60R20. I am still working with the service center to update to the new OD. I would prefer to have the speedo, odometer and efficiency numbers be accurate, but I have gotten used to converting the values. I am very pleased with the tire and how they perform on my R1T!

 

[defcon888]

21” AT? There is no such thing

sorry.....mispoke.......21" Road

 

[Whataboykie!]

STOP! All of you. The only tire you should be considering is the new Michelin Defender LTX Platinum! Not the Defender LTX. The Platinum is a whole new and different tire.
I have the 285/60/20R and they fit well without rubbing even at the lowest setting. 275/60/20 also fit.
This tire is amazingly quiet and smooth riding, let alone they have a 70,000 mile warranty!
Not the best looking tire, but it will outlast most others out there.
Again, I cannot tell you how happy I am with these tires, do check them out.

 

[TollKeeper]

I keep forgetting about the Michelin Defender Platinum's... As they arent available in my size (22")..

But yes.. Look at those. I would be getting them if they were available in 22"

 

[abram]

They're still a highway tire though which is not what I'm looking for (good as they may be!)

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