18" Michelin Defenders on 2022 Lightning Pro wheels

[NoCharge]

Pics for reference.

The OE Primacy’s were done at 33k and went with Defender LTX MS2’s. Replaced with same 275/65/18 size.

So far these have offered a smoother ride as they soak up small bumps better. They do feel “heavier” and steering and feedback is a bit vague due to softer sidewalls. Overall I like them but I miss the old Defender Ltx’s.

No noticeable range loss thus far. Maybe .1-.2, but it’s hard to tell as it’s been cold.

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[roddiaz1]

I just got that same tire (in a 20” for my Lariat) also at 33,450 miles. I had the OE Hankooks. Those did not wear well! The outside edges wore off super fast.
I’m hoping I made a good choice with the new Defenders. I was really conflicted on which tire to go with. I was at first looking at tire with more aggressive treads, but was afraid I’s compromise too much on road-noise and lost “mileage”. I thought this would be a good compromise.
Time will tell.

 

[Grumpy2]

Keep us posted on the Defenders, I have 12k on the Primacy's and they are wearing evenly.

 

[Tom Jensen]

Pics for reference.

The OE Primacy’s were done at 33k and went with Defender LTX MS2’s. Replaced with same 275/65/18 size.

So far these have offered a smoother ride as they soak up small bumps better. They do feel “heavier” and steering and feedback is a bit vague due to softer sidewalls. Overall I like them but I miss the old Defender Ltx’s.

No noticeable range loss thus far. Maybe .1-.2, but it’s hard to tell as it’s been cold.

The Defenders have been my go-to for years on large ICE SUVs. I’ve been expecting to replace my OE Goodyears with them. But I’m curious whether there is any info suggesting that their performance on EVs differs from performance on an ICE. I assume the wear would be a bit faster on an EV because of regenerative braking, but does the additional weight of a Lightning compared to an ICE F-150 have any meaningful impact?

 

[21st Century Truck]

The Defenders have been my go-to for years on large ICE SUVs.

+1.

 

[CRAIGC540]

Do you both notice anymore road noise?

 

[Tom Jensen]

Do you both notice anymore road noise?

I did not on my previous vehicles. But none were as quiet as the Lightning, so it may be a different experience in a very quiet vehicle.

 

[NoCharge]

The Defenders have been my go-to for years on large ICE SUVs. I’ve been expecting to replace my OE Goodyears with them. But I’m curious whether there is any info suggesting that their performance on EVs differs from performance on an ICE. I assume the wear would be a bit faster on an EV because of regenerative braking, but does the additional weight of a Lightning compared to an ICE F-150 have any meaningful impact?

All things being equal, I’d guess I’ll get closer to 50-60k out of these. I had Primacy’s on my ‘18 F-150 and looked the same at 38k miles as the one I just replaced with 33k. The Primacy’s are quiet when new but don’t last long (400+_ tread wear) , aren’t great in snow, and cup on the edges. Plus, they’re almost the same price as Defenders.

 

[roddiaz1]

Do you both notice anymore road noise?

I find them to be as quiet as the OE Hankooks. That’s all I have to go by (For now).

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Pics for reference.

The OE Primacy’s were done at 33k and went with Defender LTX MS2’s. Replaced with same 275/65/18 size.

So far these have offered a smoother ride as they soak up small bumps better. They do feel “heavier” and steering and feedback is a bit vague due to softer sidewalls. Overall I like them but I miss the old Defender Ltx’s.

No noticeable range loss thus far. Maybe .1-.2, but it’s hard to tell as it’s been cold.

Those look great, and that is a beautiful F-150 Lightning!

 

[jlferg0509]

I just got that same tire (in a 20” for my Lariat) also at 33,450 miles. I had the OE Hankooks. Those did not wear well! The outside edges wore off super fast.
I’m hoping I made a good choice with the new Defenders. I was really conflicted on which tire to go with. I was at first looking at tire with more aggressive treads, but was afraid I’s compromise too much on road-noise and lost “mileage”. I thought this would be a good compromise.
Time will tell.

You would have sacrificed on efficiency at minimum, I went with the Cooper Discover Road and Trial AT. Nice tire, looks great on the truck, minimal road noise BUT major loss in efficiency. Plus add the cold weather now and uuugh!

I'm monitoring for tires because I've come to the conclusion that these will be my winter tires (didn't want to be that guy) and will have to get new tires when its time to tow the rv.

 

[Mike G]

I have the Defenders on my ICE Expedition now and they are a good tire.

I did replace the Primacy's I had at 15k with Toyo AT III EVs and they do make noise, but at least I'd be able to get some traction this winter if needed.

It's good to know somebody is using the Defenders on the Lightning. I hadn't actually considered that but probably should have. Maybe next time.

 

[Shawnson]

The Defenders have been my go-to for years on large ICE SUVs. I’ve been expecting to replace my OE Goodyears with them. But I’m curious whether there is any info suggesting that their performance on EVs differs from performance on an ICE. I assume the wear would be a bit faster on an EV because of regenerative braking, but does the additional weight of a Lightning compared to an ICE F-150 have any meaningful impact?

Why would regenerative braking wear the tires any more noticeably than just having gobs of torque available. Who brakes lighter than regen?

 

[Tom Jensen]

Why would regenerative braking wear the tires any more noticeably than just having gobs of torque available. Who brakes lighter than regen?

Here is a quote from an article that itself is quoting a Michelin official:

“Torque to me: EV tires wear down faster

Electric vehicles also exert more torque, or rotational force, than equivalent gas-powered cars.

This happens for two reasons: The highly efficient electric drivetrains deliver sports-car-like acceleration, even in a boxy little compact. That means EVs put more pressure on tires than vehicles that accelerate more slowly.

EVs also exert torque in reverse through regenerative braking. This is the feature that takes energy from a car slowing down and converts it into a little extra charge for the battery.

Any type of braking applies torque on the tires, Shepherd said. But EVs do this more often, and they skip the coasting period between acceleration and braking, jumping straight from propulsion to regenerative braking.

“That additional braking does contribute to the faster wear of the tires,” Shepherd said.

This leaves an EV driver with two options: mentally prepare to replace EV tires more frequently, or invest in tires with greater “wear” or longevity.”

 

[Shawnson]

Here is a quote from an article that itself is quoting a Michelin official:

“Torque to me: EV tires wear down faster

Electric vehicles also exert more torque, or rotational force, than equivalent gas-powered cars.

This happens for two reasons: The highly efficient electric drivetrains deliver sports-car-like acceleration, even in a boxy little compact. That means EVs put more pressure on tires than vehicles that accelerate more slowly.

EVs also exert torque in reverse through regenerative braking. This is the feature that takes energy from a car slowing down and converts it into a little extra charge for the battery.

Any type of braking applies torque on the tires, Shepherd said. But EVs do this more often, and they skip the coasting period between acceleration and braking, jumping straight from propulsion to regenerative braking.

“That additional braking does contribute to the faster wear of the tires,” Shepherd said.

This leaves an EV driver with two options: mentally prepare to replace EV tires more frequently, or invest in tires with greater “wear” or longevity.”

seems like an argument in logic vs practice to me. If you regen slowly (smoothly) then it shouldn’t be different than braking smoothly at the same rate. If you’re one of those EV drivers making your passengers want to puke because you fully jump off the accelerator, then I doubt you’re also smooth at braking with friction brakes…. I fully get the logic, but I don’t see it being meaningful in practice.

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