The Continental Tire has the same criteria that when you get a screw or nail in the face edge of the tire it is not plugable! It's a New Tire, these tires have a 3 year warranty for the price you pay for them!😊
i had a nail in almost the same spot.....i plugged a tire with the auto parts store home kit and its been fine......holds air works just fine....i was worried at first but ive done this one other time 20 years ago with the same result....
I'm on my second set of Michelin Defender LTX MS on my 2015 Silverado 1500 4x4 Crew Cab and have 110K on this set. Still not even close to the wear bars. Most of my driving is highway and I maintain air pressure. I've used these on my past three of my 1/2 ton GM trucks and get great performance and wear. Worth every penny.
Thanks again Marion. You really do a great job with your videos. I've learned so much from you and others with comments. My 2016 3500 (SRW) came with the Transforce highway tread. They were incredibly smooth. Then one day with only 17,000, I got a big 1/2" bolt through one of them. Replacing one tire would (to me) have felt lopsided. So I bought (4) new Michelin A/T. In 10,000 miles I've been back two times to have them balanced. The first time one, wheel threw a weight. They're those stick on things that go on the inside of the rim. When it started vibrating again, I sent away for "Centramatic Wheel Balancers". These are the ones that mount between the wheel and the hub. I thought for sure this would be $200- well spent. NOT! I went back to tire store and had them balanced again, and returned the Centramatics. Vibration is still driving me freakin crazy. Maybe there's something else going on. But at only 27,000, I can't imagine what it is. On the positive side, the vibration doesn't really kick in until 70 mph, and I rarely get that fast pulling the TT.
Thanks, glad to here about the Centramatic, they were popular on motorcycles for a while but always used a static balance and never had issues. There's a thread on the Cummins forum about wobble so you are not alone. I guess you've checked the recall for the drag link issue.
I really feel much better about myself and the State of Texas after seeing your problems! 😁 Yet another informative *and* entertaining video. Thank you for taking the time to make them!
I have Michelin Defenders on my 4x4 Excursion and love them. I have 68k on them and have not rotated them, which you can tell by looking at them. If i had rotated them a few times i would have easily gotten 80k out of them. At 40k on the firestones, I decided to go with Cooper AT3 XLT 295x75x18's on my 17' Ram, and I have been very impressed with their ride, and they are very quiet. I was expecting the same noise level as BFG's but to my surprise they are as quiet as the stock FS were. They are excellent on wet streets as well. I'm hearing mixed reviews about their longevity, so i'll be surprised if I get the 60k they advertise. Love your truck and your videos Marion.
I’ve fixed suv tires in a “unfixable spot” so many times, the handle well that kind of repairs, better reinforcements than car tires 50,000kms without issues or air leaking
I used the slime tire plugs from autozone, ive been thinking they can handle better through time than the inside patches I used to low down pressure while driving offroad and inside patches get to leak while tire plugs wont even on years
Thanks Marion. I plan to put the Michelin Defender LTX's on my 2016 Ram too and am glad to hear that you like them. I'm currently at 20,000 miles and the Firestones are showing wear. Hope to make it to 30,000 miles with them, but I am watching them closely since we tow a 13,000 lb. 5th wheel trailer with this truck
Yea, when my firestones had 29K on them, I had my water pump recall done. My gopro was running the entire time. When I played it back, I could see the mechanics laughing at how worn out my tires were, kinda funny.
I've been running my old Michelin LTX M/S2 tires for TWELVE years. Just about to put new Michelin Defenders on my 4x4 SUV. They just last and last, and ride great!
Marion, I also have a 2014 Ram 2500 with the great Cummins engine. It's a great truck and I always really look forward to watching your excellent videos! Keep them coming, I love them!
I got a nail on one of my tires in the same spot as you did. And the technician told me, he could fix it if I wanted to, but that it wasn't recommended to do so.
Thanks for this video, excellent information. I did not know about the garbage in the gravel piles, I got a screw in my Truck's tire driving down to Florida from Canada last November, I will be more aware in the future. They said they put a plug and a patch, I did not see what they did at Discount tire, free repair. I also Just got Michelin Defender LTX 16" Load E on my travel trailer. Love them, much smoother ride than the 15" Goodyear Endurance I had.
Great video. I've had 2 sets of these - back when they were called Michelin LTX M/S2 tires. Loved both sets. They're surprisingly great in the snow up here in PA. #purplecollarlife
I drove a Sprinter van for an expedited delivery company and the Owner used Michelin Defenders exclusively on all his trucks because he always got over 100k out of a set. I have them on my Dodge Ram I deliver RVs with and they're wearing like iron and the truck handles very solid while towing heavy trailers.
I remember years back when I was a tire adjuster for a company, I saw a memo from Michelin, stating their tires could be repaired anywhere from bead to bead, Guess I'll have to check with Michelin tires to see if they have changed that fact. Yes, I did question that location of your screw, But was told years ago, it too was fixable. I also question the wear bars? I used to drive a school bus, and when we would measure tire tread depth we were told by our Highway Patrol NOT to measure from the wear bars, but to measure from between the bars?
Great vid. My son works at SAMS and I put the same tires on my Ram 1500 which we use to pull our small camper. They ride nice. I need to review the wear on mine.
Keep em coming Marion, your videos have taught me a lot about my truck. Purchased a 2018 2500 with the 6.7 cummins last September. Just broke 15k miles on the stock files (firestone transforce A/T). From what i've read online the stock tires are pretty crappy. I get some vibration at times at highway speeds around 70-75 not towing anything. Have had them rotated and balanced with not much improvement. One dealer said they were out of round. Did you notice an improvement in ride quality with the Michelins? I'm thinking of just replacing mine early.
I wore the firestone our at 29,000 miles. Had ther same wobble at 70 mph. Got the Michelin defender's from Sam's and no wobble up to 85 which is as fast as I've gone. I ride is amazing. Highly recommend. Sam's will have to order them most likely but just takes a few days. They had the best price and they rotate and balance every 7500 miles and free flat fix.
Mr. Blair, your 2014 Ram fits as snug in the garage as my 2018 does. I have to use packing blankets on the wall as a cushion to prevent hitch receiver marks.
Yes, it's a garage full. I back in till my tires bump the 4" step up which puts me very close in the front but enough to walk around the back. I used to pull in front ways but I had to jump the step up and take a chance on going thru the wall, ha. Glad I got a back up camera, even with that I've clipped my mirrors and hit the side wall once, ha.
@@MarionBlair Small price to pay for owning an awesome trucking (at least I tell myself that when I "love tap" my garage wall with my 2018 Ram 2500 receiver).
Thank you for your videos!! I have learned, and my daughter has a Subaru, so learned there also. Anyway, I now know my ram 2500 can possibly go in the garage. I didn't think It would squeeze. Looks like you have 1". Thanks!
Yea, backing in, it's perfect because the 4" step up stocks me with plenty of room to walk around the back of the truck and I don't have to worry about running into the wall, ha
I'm getting these tires installed on my truck in the next few weeks. My stock firestones only have 13,000 miles on them and they are at half tread. Worst wearing tires I have ever had and they feel like I am riding on cement blocks. In addition to all the other great features of these Michelins I'm hoping to get a lot less bumpy ride.
You will get a much less bumpy ride with the Michelin. It'll be day and night the minute you drive off with them. I had a high speed wobble on about 70 miles an hour which I couldn't get rid of. The wobble is gone with the Michelin and I've been all the way up close to 90 mph.
Another nice video. Interested to see how long these last you. I have not had a tire that lasted me more than 27k miles. I tow but not all the time. I just hit 90K miles yesterday on mine on the way back from New Orleans on my 3rd set of Goodyear ATs, about 16k mikes total towing. I stayed with the Goodyear because they have been covering 55%+ of the new ones. If this current set does not do any better I may switch to the Michelin so I will keep an eye on your reviews. 👍
Yes it is repairable if it went all the way through. I've patched tires with punctures near the edge like that and they lasted the whole life of the tire.
Any one running cooper discover xlts? Up to 36000 and my stock tires will need replace soon. Looking for interstate quiet and interstate mpg loss. I have the 6.7 Cummings 3.42, 68rfe transmission. I enjoy getting 20mpg at 70 to 80 mph. I can get the coopers for 980 bucks, unable to get deal on the Michelins. Input appreciated. Marion, your videos help me learn how to maintenance my first diesel very quickly. Thank you.
Thanks that's a good price, I paid 1328 for the michelins (out the door). The AT were Wranglers were more expensive and I wanted a highway tire. I didn't realie the Cooper were that inexpensive but I've heard some good things about them. Money aside, I don't thing you'll find a better riding less noisy tire than these Defenders but coming off of the FS OEM's anything is going to be better, ha.
I enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for putting so much thought and care into each one. Have you explored % bio diesel blend and how that effects performance compared to traditional #2?
Mr. Blair great video again. My 2014 has new bf Goodrich all terrain tires and the truck vibrates some between 65-75 mph. Does your truck vibrate at that speed? Tire press. 65 front, 80 rear. I just did the first oil change since purchasing the truck in October and the oil filter removal is ridiculous. Also I watched your video on the oil change and it was extremely helpful. Thank you sir
I wouldn’t have a problem using a plug in that location. Long ago I worked at my Dad’s service station and we used plugs just about all the time. We just wouldn’t do it on or near the sidewall. Interestingly enough, I found a video of some guy that mounted a GoPro inside his tire and got to see what really happens inside as he drove around and hit some potholes.
I buying a set now for my 2010 Dodge Ram Laramie with 27,640 miles. Bought it brand new in July 2010 and had to replace 3 tires same one twice and 5 flats. Hate those old BF Goodrich. How many cold pounds pressure do u put in your tires?
@@MarionBlair Yes they are so quiet and ride is so smooth and it handles curves in rain beautiful! Scary part I thought this truck is going slow, looked down and I was doing 80 ! Yikes 👍
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, detailed and wise explanations on these tires. I just put a new set on my Toyota I am certain that we are of like mind.... "MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPMENT PROPER"...lol .You jestingly called it "anal", but we both know it is proper repair and maintenance. Keep up.
I have a 16 2500 with a g56. I smoked my stock set of tires in 35k. i hated the firestones that came on my truck.Im sure 80psi in the rear didnt help for wear. i did buy the alfa app on my phone and lowered my tire pressures for the new set. Have you looked in to that program or heard of it?
Yea the Transforce were crap for me also. I run 80 all the time out of laziness (and my air compressor's low regulator) but I have seen a lot of folks use the Alfa to reprogram the sensors. Never have done it. What pressures are you run now that you have them reprogrammed? When I had my tires rotated, the tech didn't adjust the pressures so I had 65 in the back and 80 in the front so I lowered the front to 65. It did ride nice with 65 in the back.
@@MarionBlair I had stock 285/70r18 i went up to a 35x12.5r18 inch tire. the problem i was having is most of the 35inch tall tires have a max psi rating of 60 or 65 i forgot. i keep all 4 at 55psi and when i want to tow something i bump them back up to the max psi on the tire so 60/65. I know on the 11s and 12s rams they have a light load button. With these new trucks able to tow so much i think ram doesnt want a lawsuit when some moron put a loaded trailer on and has his tires at 50psi. then has a blow out and ends up hurting someone. keep the viedos comming. i enjoy all the stuff with the idash.
@@mustang4321 thanks, I've been down to 65 with the stock sensors without a low pressue alarm but usually just keep 80 because my air compressor takes forever to put 80. thanks for the comment.
Yea, I don't think Sam's stocks them. It took 3 or 4 days for them to get them. The nice thing about Sam's is the free flat fix and balance and rotation every 7500. On my 1st rotation, I had a nail on the cure part and they replaced the tire free. So can't complain, but I'm bought from tire rack also. Love the tires.
Hey Marion, Thanks for what you do. I have a 2009 2500 Cummins. Just bought it cuz a friend needed money bad but I’m not knowledgeable. I did have to drive it 2500 miles home towing 6-7 thousand pounds and it was fine. Now I wont use it much but will tow 5000 pounds once in a while. The only issue is that manual shift deal on the shift lever does nothing but for my purposes I don’t think it really matters does it? It seems to know when to shift just fine. Thanks in advance
I run the same tires (mine are 275/65-20's) on my 2016 dually towing a 41' 5th wheel with 4 more of them on the 5ver (18's on the 5ver). LOVE the tires.
If you removed the screw and there was still no leak it would seem that the screw did not go all the way through and everything would be OK. Does a partial penetration weaken the tire?
Hello Marion, I have a 2018 "3500" with the Aisin trans. My FS on 20" stock wheels are just about ready for replacement. I'm leaning towards the Cooper At3 XLT's. My question is, whats your opinion on a larger tire, like a 285/65/20 or 290/60/20 ? I will be towing a 16000 lb. 5th wheel. Will a bigger tire effect trans or engine power? Thanks
No if you're taking off 20 inch and putting 20 inch back on it should be fine even though the tires have more rubber on them. Diameter should be very close but I would check it and also make sure that it won't hit the wheel wells
I don't know. These defender's are highway tires. Beest ride I've had. I used to go looking for mud and it's not hard to fine in the swamp. I avoid it now. I'm a snow virgin however.
@@MarionBlair thank you for the reply. Im a snow virgin as well but im planning a trip to Colorado. I should keep an AT tire on my 4x4 but those Michelin are just really comfortable.
Great video on the tires. What are you thoughts on the Michelin primacy tires? I have a Toyota. Tundra 4x4 crewmax and do tow a 5000 lb camper here and there but are these good tires for this truck?
I'm not sure if you mentioned it so I may have missed it but what air pressures are you running. I do not run the recommended there pressure because I do not tow often. I currently have 20k miles on my firestone's and they are at 9-10/32s
No I didn't mention it, should have. I've run 65 front, 80 rear. My air compressor has to get a running start to get to 80 or I'd probably run less when not towing. I can drop the rear to 70 and it makes quit a smoother ride.
Mr Blair I watch tons of video on UA-cam on many subjects but if I may say so I think you are one of the best. I have owned many diesel trucks mainly Fords and even a Nissan Titan xd diesel. I traded my Titan for my new Ram 2500 Cummins 2018 you have been so helpful I just want to thank you.
My Firestone transforce tires, which came stock on my ram, are wearing very unevenly. I’m shopping for the longest lasting all terrain tire to put on my 2500. Any ideas?
Good Video Marion so GOOD BUY ? what tire was on the RAM before ? my tahoe came with bridgestone ALENZA 285/45R22 JUNK !!!! now at 30,000 km almost to the WEAR BARS !!!!!!! WTF Looking at Either Contintal Contact LX20 or This one ??? now Winter Downsized to 275/55R20 Sailin ICE BLAZER - Made in China Rides Amazing also DEEP TREAD MY IDIOT Next door Neighbor had their CAR Window BROKEN and just LEFT the GLASS on the GROUND !!!! I Went OVER and SWEEPED it on His Side of the ROAD !!!!!!!!!!!! HE STILL has not PICKED up the DEBRIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF
the original Rams come with transverse Firestone Tires which are piece of junk unbelievable how much better these Michelin ride it isn't even comparable. The best tires I've ever owned this is my first set of Michelin and I won't have anything else
Hi Marion. Last year I bought a 2016 Ram 2500 diesel and your videos have been a great help. I am very happy with the truck but did not like the Firestone transforce tires. While shopping for Michelin Defenders, one tire shop suggested I put on 275/65/20 instead of the stock 285/60/20. They are a little taller and a little narrower. I am curious what your thoughts are about changing the size. We tow a travel trailer that is about 6500 pounds and I don't want to do anything that would have an adverse effect on towing stability/dynamics. Your reply will be greatly appreciated.
Marion, you mentioned you only got 29K on your FS Transforce tires. I've got 52k on mine (20" wheels, rotated regularly) and 12500 miles of that was towing a fifth wheel. I'm very happy with 52k life as I'm sure anyone would be especially towing frequently. Anyhow, I'm getting ready to purchase new tires BUT am getting cold feet to stay with Transforce only because of the inconsistency people are experiencing with them, mostly from my research of reviews on Tirerack's website, and now hearing your experience with them as well. Can you share your experience concerning the life of your FS tires vs. the Michelins? Such as, did you tow frequently, did you work them hard. Were the FS tires stock when you bought the truck? (many folks reviewing on tirerack blame tires installed on factory-new trucks as less than optimum quality, almost like they have a conspiracy attitude towards them) Do you have any additional data beyond the tread forecast on your video that suggests Michelin will last longer, withstand frequent towing of heavy loads, including heavy payload over the rear axle? Maybe I just got lucky with the FS tires on my truck now but won't be so lucky with a second set if you know what I mean. Appreciate your thoughts and insight you care to share about this. R/, Steve
I got about 50k on my transforce a/t tires on the same year/make/model truck as well. I bought a second set off a guy w a new truck that put mud tires on. I’m happy with them.
Steve, I babied the FS's. I'm amazed at your mileage. Most people I've talked to had about the same luck I had. Maybe they improved the tire? I had about 40% towing with a TT with 860 lbs tongue weight. Rotated every 7500. They were AT vs the Michelin strictly highway tires but the ride is much less noisy and so much smoother. The Michelin's with 7500 have mostly towing so far. I guess if I got 52K out of the FS's, I probably would have put FS's back on but I'm really, really happy with the Michelin's superior ride. I do carry 65/80 100% of the time. Oh, yes I bought the truck new with the FS's.
Steve Vennerbeck , I have the FS (275-70R18) as well and at 30k they have left on them 9/32 and 8/32. I rotate them every 7500. They did pretty good on the snow this winter. They got me out of muddy situations few times, I have no complaints about them so far. I do two as well. Will see if I can reach 50k 🤔
Haha this dude worships his truck. There is more to life than just a vehicle. Don't take much of an accident for the Insurance company to label it as a 100% loss. Then they come and pick up your pretty little truck even though you'd rather have it repaired. Lol
Just got these for my Tundra.
The Continental Tire has the same criteria that when you get a screw or nail in the face edge of the tire it is not plugable! It's a New Tire, these tires have a 3 year warranty for the price you pay for them!😊
You can buy repair kits on Amazon. I’ve used them and they work fine. But $18 for a new tire is a no brainer
i had a nail in almost the same spot.....i plugged a tire with the auto parts store home kit and its been fine......holds air works just fine....i was worried at first but ive done this one other time 20 years ago with the same result....
Yea, CYA and lawyers is why they won't do it.
Put a plug into it & forget about it ! Done it many times even on a motorcycle. Never a issue ever .
I'm on my second set of Michelin Defender LTX MS on my 2015 Silverado 1500 4x4 Crew Cab and have 110K on this set. Still not even close to the wear bars. Most of my driving is highway and I maintain air pressure. I've used these on my past three of my 1/2 ton GM trucks and get great performance and wear. Worth every penny.
Thanks again Marion. You really do a great job with your videos. I've learned so much from you and others with comments.
My 2016 3500 (SRW) came with the Transforce highway tread. They were incredibly smooth. Then one day with only 17,000, I got a big 1/2" bolt through one of them. Replacing one tire would (to me) have felt lopsided. So I bought (4) new Michelin A/T. In 10,000 miles I've been back two times to have them balanced. The first time one, wheel threw a weight. They're those stick on things that go on the inside of the rim. When it started vibrating again, I sent away for "Centramatic Wheel Balancers". These are the ones that mount between the wheel and the hub. I thought for sure this would be $200- well spent. NOT! I went back to tire store and had them balanced again, and returned the Centramatics. Vibration is still driving me freakin crazy.
Maybe there's something else going on. But at only 27,000, I can't imagine what it is. On the positive side, the vibration doesn't really kick in until 70 mph, and I rarely get that fast pulling the TT.
Thanks, glad to here about the Centramatic, they were popular on motorcycles for a while but always used a static balance and never had issues. There's a thread on the Cummins forum about wobble so you are not alone. I guess you've checked the recall for the drag link issue.
I really feel much better about myself and the State of Texas after seeing your problems! 😁 Yet another informative *and* entertaining video. Thank you for taking the time to make them!
Appreciate that. Yea, these streets are a mess. They let the prisoners out once in a while to pick up trash but that's about it.
Just ordered a set for myLexus GX this week. Thanks for the video
I have Michelin Defenders on my 4x4 Excursion and love them. I have 68k on them and have not rotated them, which you can tell by looking at them. If i had rotated them a few times i would have easily gotten 80k out of them. At 40k on the firestones, I decided to go with Cooper AT3 XLT 295x75x18's on my 17' Ram, and I have been very impressed with their ride, and they are very quiet. I was expecting the same noise level as BFG's but to my surprise they are as quiet as the stock FS were. They are excellent on wet streets as well. I'm hearing mixed reviews about their longevity, so i'll be surprised if I get the 60k they advertise. Love your truck and your videos Marion.
thank you
Thanks for you videos. I dont have anyone with mechanical knowledge in my family so these help me a lot with my truck.
Thank you.
I’ve fixed suv tires in a “unfixable spot” so many times, the handle well that kind of repairs, better reinforcements than car tires
50,000kms without issues or air leaking
Yes, CYA I think.
I used the slime tire plugs from autozone, ive been thinking they can handle better through time than the inside patches
I used to low down pressure while driving offroad and inside patches get to leak while tire plugs wont even on years
@@Eli-kr5bm thanks for the info I didn't know that about the tire plugs
Thanks Marion. I plan to put the Michelin Defender LTX's on my 2016 Ram too and am glad to hear that you like them. I'm currently at 20,000 miles and the Firestones are showing wear. Hope to make it to 30,000 miles with them, but I am watching them closely since we tow a 13,000 lb. 5th wheel trailer with this truck
Yea, when my firestones had 29K on them, I had my water pump recall done. My gopro was running the entire time. When I played it back, I could see the mechanics laughing at how worn out my tires were, kinda funny.
I've been running my old Michelin LTX M/S2 tires for TWELVE years. Just about to put new Michelin Defenders on my 4x4 SUV. They just last and last, and ride great!
Marion, I also have a 2014 Ram 2500 with the great Cummins engine. It's a great truck and I always really look forward to watching your excellent videos! Keep them coming, I love them!
Thank you!
Appreciate!
Thanks so much Marion, the roads in Florida aren't any different, there's debris everywhere.
Thank you, much appreciated
I got a nail on one of my tires in the same spot as you did.
And the technician told me, he could fix it if I wanted to, but that it wasn't recommended to do so.
Yea, did you patch it?
@@MarionBlair no, I replaced it.
Safety comes first to me, specially because it was my wife's car.
Why not go with an at tire?
Why this ht tire?
On this channel you leave CUMMINTS not COMMENTS..Great video
Thanks for this video, excellent information. I did not know about the garbage in the gravel piles, I got a screw in my Truck's tire driving down to Florida from Canada last November, I will be more aware in the future. They said they put a plug and a patch, I did not see what they did at Discount tire, free repair. I also Just got Michelin Defender LTX 16" Load E on my travel trailer. Love them, much smoother ride than the 15" Goodyear Endurance I had.
Great video. I've had 2 sets of these - back when they were called Michelin LTX M/S2 tires. Loved both sets. They're surprisingly great in the snow up here in PA. #purplecollarlife
I drove a Sprinter van for an expedited delivery company and the Owner used Michelin Defenders exclusively on all his trucks because he always got over 100k out of a set. I have them on my Dodge Ram I deliver RVs with and they're wearing like iron and the truck handles very solid while towing heavy trailers.
Thanks Terry, it's good to know that, and also that my first impression on wear is so great. No luck with the FS Transforce OEM's.
I bought a tire and two days later it had a piece of metal in the same spot yours did. They replaced the tire without any charge.
That patch would be to close to the sidewall. Getting a new one was the best course of action. Keep up with the videos. thanks.
Yea, agree.
I remember years back when I was a tire adjuster for a company, I saw a memo from Michelin, stating their tires could be repaired anywhere from bead to bead, Guess I'll have to check with Michelin tires to see if they have changed that fact. Yes, I did question that location of your screw, But was told years ago, it too was fixable. I also question the wear bars? I used to drive a school bus, and when we would measure tire tread depth we were told by our Highway Patrol NOT to measure from the wear bars, but to measure from between the bars?
Great vid. My son works at SAMS and I put the same tires on my Ram 1500 which we use to pull our small camper. They ride nice. I need to review the wear on mine.
Thanks, I love Sam's
Keep em coming Marion, your videos have taught me a lot about my truck. Purchased a 2018 2500 with the 6.7 cummins last September. Just broke 15k miles on the stock files (firestone transforce A/T). From what i've read online the stock tires are pretty crappy. I get some vibration at times at highway speeds around 70-75 not towing anything. Have had them rotated and balanced with not much improvement. One dealer said they were out of round. Did you notice an improvement in ride quality with the Michelins? I'm thinking of just replacing mine early.
I wore the firestone our at 29,000 miles. Had ther same wobble at 70 mph. Got the Michelin defender's from Sam's and no wobble up to 85 which is as fast as I've gone. I ride is amazing. Highly recommend. Sam's will have to order them most likely but just takes a few days. They had the best price and they rotate and balance every 7500 miles and free flat fix.
Mr. Blair, your 2014 Ram fits as snug in the garage as my 2018 does. I have to use packing blankets on the wall as a cushion to prevent hitch receiver marks.
Yes, it's a garage full. I back in till my tires bump the 4" step up which puts me very close in the front but enough to walk around the back. I used to pull in front ways but I had to jump the step up and take a chance on going thru the wall, ha. Glad I got a back up camera, even with that I've clipped my mirrors and hit the side wall once, ha.
@@MarionBlair Small price to pay for owning an awesome trucking (at least I tell myself that when I "love tap" my garage wall with my 2018 Ram 2500 receiver).
Thank you for your videos!! I have learned, and my daughter has a Subaru, so learned there also. Anyway, I now know my ram 2500 can possibly go in the garage. I didn't think It would squeeze. Looks like you have 1". Thanks!
Yea, backing in, it's perfect because the 4" step up stocks me with plenty of room to walk around the back of the truck and I don't have to worry about running into the wall, ha
I'm getting these tires installed on my truck in the next few weeks. My stock firestones only have 13,000 miles on them and they are at half tread. Worst wearing tires I have ever had and they feel like I am riding on cement blocks. In addition to all the other great features of these Michelins I'm hoping to get a lot less bumpy ride.
You will get a much less bumpy ride with the Michelin. It'll be day and night the minute you drive off with them. I had a high speed wobble on about 70 miles an hour which I couldn't get rid of. The wobble is gone with the Michelin and I've been all the way up close to 90 mph.
@@MarionBlair Thanks, I think I may even do it sooner now.
Another nice video. Interested to see how long these last you. I have not had a tire that lasted me more than 27k miles. I tow but not all the time. I just hit 90K miles yesterday on mine on the way back from New Orleans on my 3rd set of Goodyear ATs, about 16k mikes total towing. I stayed with the Goodyear because they have been covering 55%+ of the new ones. If this current set does not do any better I may switch to the Michelin so I will keep an eye on your reviews. 👍
My Firestone transforce have 26k on them and will definitely have to be replaced by or before 30k on my 2017 Ram. Thanks for the good info.
Yea, at 29,000 mine were the laughing stock of the dealership mechanics they were so ugly.
37570 on my trans force tires guess I'm lucky!!
Good video man .. thanks for the info
Good video sir 👍
thank you
How are you General!🤚
I hope you are doing great and good health.
Hope to see you soon!
Doing well thanks, working on my next boring video, ha
Yes it is repairable if it went all the way through. I've patched tires with punctures near the edge like that and they lasted the whole life of the tire.
Yes, same here, I think it's CYA. Can hardly get anyone to patch a tire now days.
Hi Marion,
I love your videos, even though I have 2017 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel.
thanks much
Sometimes I think the tire shops deliberately spread nails and screws over the roads.
Any one running cooper discover xlts? Up to 36000 and my stock tires will need replace soon. Looking for interstate quiet and interstate mpg loss. I have the 6.7 Cummings 3.42, 68rfe transmission. I enjoy getting 20mpg at 70 to 80 mph. I can get the coopers for 980 bucks, unable to get deal on the Michelins. Input appreciated.
Marion, your videos help me learn how to maintenance my first diesel very quickly.
Thank you.
Thanks that's a good price, I paid 1328 for the michelins (out the door). The AT were Wranglers were more expensive and I wanted a highway tire. I didn't realie the Cooper were that inexpensive but I've heard some good things about them. Money aside, I don't thing you'll find a better riding less noisy tire than these Defenders but coming off of the FS OEM's anything is going to be better, ha.
@@MarionBlair I certainly hope there better then factory Firestone! Thank you for the response.
I wanted to also clarify, they are a expensive tire. Its all about having friends in the right places.
how much tire pressure in tire.
65 front, 80 rear
Love to see ur truck from the side profile show me those Michelins👍
Coming soon!
I enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for putting so much thought and care into each one.
Have you explored % bio diesel blend and how that effects performance compared to traditional #2?
Thank you. Not yet but great idea for a video.
Mr. Blair great video again. My 2014 has new bf Goodrich all terrain tires and the truck vibrates some between 65-75 mph. Does your truck vibrate at that speed? Tire press. 65 front, 80 rear.
I just did the first oil change since purchasing the truck in October and the oil filter removal is ridiculous. Also I watched your video on the oil change and it was extremely helpful. Thank you sir
Used to do patches, but now I just stick a plug in there and let er rip!
Agree I've never had any issues even
I wouldn’t have a problem using a plug in that location. Long ago I worked at my Dad’s service station and we used plugs just about all the time. We just wouldn’t do it on or near the sidewall. Interestingly enough, I found a video of some guy that mounted a GoPro inside his tire and got to see what really happens inside as he drove around and hit some potholes.
Plugs work great. I plugged a tire when it was 30F below zero and that plug lasted the life of the tire.
Good information
Thanks
I buying a set now for my 2010 Dodge Ram Laramie with 27,640 miles. Bought it brand new in July 2010 and had to replace 3 tires same one twice and 5 flats. Hate those old BF Goodrich. How many cold pounds pressure do u put in your tires?
You'll love the Michelins.
@@MarionBlair Yes they are so quiet and ride is so smooth and it handles curves in rain beautiful! Scary part I thought this truck is going slow, looked down and I was doing 80 ! Yikes 👍
Wow. We have 20k on our 2500 and we need new tires soon. Those transforce tires wear very quickly.
Yea, I got 29,000 out of my transforce. The dealer mechanic was laughing at them they were so bald. Michelin defenders!
I have 37570 on my factory tires.. trans force at. Guess I'm lucky on tread life
Thank you very much for your thoughtful, detailed and wise explanations on these tires. I just put a new set on my Toyota I am certain that we are of like mind.... "MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPMENT PROPER"...lol .You jestingly called it "anal", but we both know it is proper repair and maintenance. Keep up.
Very welcome!
The worker at Costco kept saying "thread" over and over because he doesn't know its called TREAD.
he must be from Louisiana, ha
I have a 16 2500 with a g56. I smoked my stock set of tires in 35k. i hated the firestones that came on my truck.Im sure 80psi in the rear didnt help for wear. i did buy the alfa app on my phone and lowered my tire pressures for the new set. Have you looked in to that program or heard of it?
Yea the Transforce were crap for me also. I run 80 all the time out of laziness (and my air compressor's low regulator) but I have seen a lot of folks use the Alfa to reprogram the sensors. Never have done it. What pressures are you run now that you have them reprogrammed? When I had my tires rotated, the tech didn't adjust the pressures so I had 65 in the back and 80 in the front so I lowered the front to 65. It did ride nice with 65 in the back.
@@MarionBlair I had stock 285/70r18 i went up to a 35x12.5r18 inch tire. the problem i was having is most of the 35inch tall tires have a max psi rating of 60 or 65 i forgot. i keep all 4 at 55psi and when i want to tow something i bump them back up to the max psi on the tire so 60/65. I know on the 11s and 12s rams they have a light load button. With these new trucks able to tow so much i think ram doesnt want a lawsuit when some moron put a loaded trailer on and has his tires at 50psi. then has a blow out and ends up hurting someone. keep the viedos comming. i enjoy all the stuff with the idash.
@@mustang4321 thanks, I've been down to 65 with the stock sensors without a low pressue alarm but usually just keep 80 because my air compressor takes forever to put 80. thanks for the comment.
I really like these tires. Are these E rated or ten ply tires?
E rated, 10 ply
@@MarionBlair I’m looking at them on Tirerack.com. I also found them on Sam’s club but they are out of stock right now.
Yea, I don't think Sam's stocks them. It took 3 or 4 days for them to get them. The nice thing about Sam's is the free flat fix and balance and rotation every 7500. On my 1st rotation, I had a nail on the cure part and they replaced the tire free. So can't complain, but I'm bought from tire rack also. Love the tires.
They use plugs not patches.
Hey Marion, Thanks for what you do. I have a 2009 2500 Cummins. Just bought it cuz a friend needed money bad but I’m not knowledgeable. I did have to drive it 2500 miles home towing 6-7 thousand pounds and it was fine.
Now I wont use it much but will tow 5000 pounds once in a while. The only issue is that manual shift deal on the shift lever does nothing but for my purposes I don’t think it really matters does it? It seems to know when to shift just fine. Thanks in advance
I like to lock it in a gear that doesn't downshift at every little incline.
I run the same tires (mine are 275/65-20's) on my 2016 dually towing a 41' 5th wheel with 4 more of them on the 5ver (18's on the 5ver). LOVE the tires.
Yes. That is The best I've had.. thanks
If you removed the screw and there was still no leak it would seem that the screw did not go all the way through and everything would be OK. Does a partial penetration weaken the tire?
Hi, I don''t think it weakens the tire. That was my next option but I figured I'd go the new route since it was only costing $18 for the new itre.
Just order Defenders for my diesel BMW X5!
will not regret it
Can’t go wrong with Cooper AT3s as well. Running them on my 2012 2500 Outdoorsman with the Cummins. Thanks for another informative vid, Marion.
Thanks, they are pretty popular.
Hello Marion, I have a 2018 "3500" with the Aisin trans. My FS on 20" stock wheels are just about ready for replacement. I'm leaning towards the Cooper At3 XLT's. My question is, whats your opinion on a larger tire, like a 285/65/20 or 290/60/20 ? I will be towing a 16000 lb. 5th wheel. Will a bigger tire effect trans or engine power? Thanks
No if you're taking off 20 inch and putting 20 inch back on it should be fine even though the tires have more rubber on them. Diameter should be very close but I would check it and also make sure that it won't hit the wheel wells
@@MarionBlair Thanks Marion, Love your videos!
@@michaellaky2046 Thanks for that!
I know Michelin is king of the road. How does it do in Snow?Sand? Little Mud? I have a 2500 4x4 cummins
I don't know. These defender's are highway tires. Beest ride I've had. I used to go looking for mud and it's not hard to fine in the swamp. I avoid it now. I'm a snow virgin however.
@@MarionBlair thank you for the reply. Im a snow virgin as well but im planning a trip to Colorado. I should keep an AT tire on my 4x4 but those Michelin are just really comfortable.
Great video on the tires. What are you thoughts on the Michelin primacy tires? I have a Toyota. Tundra 4x4 crewmax and do tow a 5000 lb camper here and there but are these good tires for this truck?
Do they throw rocks bad?
No, I haven't noticed any issues with rocks
I'm not sure if you mentioned it so I may have missed it but what air pressures are you running. I do not run the recommended there pressure because I do not tow often. I currently have 20k miles on my firestone's and they are at 9-10/32s
No I didn't mention it, should have. I've run 65 front, 80 rear. My air compressor has to get a running start to get to 80 or I'd probably run less when not towing. I can drop the rear to 70 and it makes quit a smoother ride.
Good morning Mr Blair? What air pressure do you run when not towing
Found your answer thanks
Mr Blair I watch tons of video on UA-cam on many subjects but if I may say so I think you are one of the best. I have owned many diesel trucks mainly Fords and even a Nissan Titan xd diesel. I traded my Titan for my new Ram 2500 Cummins 2018 you have been so helpful I just want to thank you.
My Firestone transforce tires, which came stock on my ram, are wearing very unevenly. I’m shopping for the longest lasting all terrain tire to put on my 2500. Any ideas?
No but I would put the Transforce back on ha. Sam's sells the Wranglers but don't know anything about them other than good price and service.
Have you had any noise issues with defenders? I see alot of complaints about road noise
Quietest tires I've had on a truck.
Good Video Marion
so GOOD BUY ? what tire was on the RAM before ?
my tahoe came with bridgestone ALENZA 285/45R22 JUNK !!!! now at 30,000 km almost to the WEAR BARS !!!!!!! WTF
Looking at Either Contintal Contact LX20 or This one ???
now Winter Downsized to 275/55R20 Sailin ICE BLAZER - Made in China Rides Amazing also DEEP TREAD
MY IDIOT Next door Neighbor had their CAR Window BROKEN and just LEFT the GLASS on the GROUND !!!!
I Went OVER and SWEEPED it on His Side of the ROAD !!!!!!!!!!!! HE STILL has not PICKED up the DEBRIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF
the original Rams come with transverse Firestone Tires which are piece of junk unbelievable how much better these Michelin ride it isn't even comparable. The best tires I've ever owned this is my first set of Michelin and I won't have anything else
@@MarionBlair Thinking of this or Continental Crosscontact LX2
@@jonienglish3231 continental's are good
Hi Marion. Last year I bought a 2016 Ram 2500 diesel and your videos have been a great help. I am very happy with the truck but did not like the Firestone transforce tires. While shopping for Michelin Defenders, one tire shop suggested I put on 275/65/20 instead of the stock 285/60/20. They are a little taller and a little narrower. I am curious what your thoughts are about changing the size. We tow a travel trailer that is about 6500 pounds and I don't want to do anything that would have an adverse effect on towing stability/dynamics. Your reply will be greatly appreciated.
Never considered that but as long as the load rating is the same. I'd tow in 5th with the taller tires.
Marion, you mentioned you only got 29K on your FS Transforce tires. I've got 52k on mine (20" wheels, rotated regularly) and 12500 miles of that was towing a fifth wheel. I'm very happy with 52k life as I'm sure anyone would be especially towing frequently. Anyhow, I'm getting ready to purchase new tires BUT am getting cold feet to stay with Transforce only because of the inconsistency people are experiencing with them, mostly from my research of reviews on Tirerack's website, and now hearing your experience with them as well. Can you share your experience concerning the life of your FS tires vs. the Michelins? Such as, did you tow frequently, did you work them hard. Were the FS tires stock when you bought the truck? (many folks reviewing on tirerack blame tires installed on factory-new trucks as less than optimum quality, almost like they have a conspiracy attitude towards them) Do you have any additional data beyond the tread forecast on your video that suggests Michelin will last longer, withstand frequent towing of heavy loads, including heavy payload over the rear axle? Maybe I just got lucky with the FS tires on my truck now but won't be so lucky with a second set if you know what I mean. Appreciate your thoughts and insight you care to share about this. R/, Steve
I got about 50k on my transforce a/t tires on the same year/make/model truck as well. I bought a second set off a guy w a new truck that put mud tires on. I’m happy with them.
Forgot to mention I do a lot of towing w the gooseneck. Farm equipment and stock trailer.
Steve, I babied the FS's. I'm amazed at your mileage. Most people I've talked to had about the same luck I had. Maybe they improved the tire? I had about 40% towing with a TT with 860 lbs tongue weight. Rotated every 7500. They were AT vs the Michelin strictly highway tires but the ride is much less noisy and so much smoother. The Michelin's with 7500 have mostly towing so far. I guess if I got 52K out of the FS's, I probably would have put FS's back on but I'm really, really happy with the Michelin's superior ride. I do carry 65/80 100% of the time. Oh, yes I bought the truck new with the FS's.
Steve Vennerbeck , I have the FS (275-70R18) as well and at 30k they have left on them 9/32 and 8/32. I rotate them every 7500. They did pretty good on the snow this winter. They got me out of muddy situations few times, I have no complaints about them so far. I do two as well. Will see if I can reach 50k 🤔
Good morning Marion,
Do you plan to delete ?
Probably eventually
I agree with the not being able to fix the screw is a bunch of B.S..
Haha this dude worships his truck. There is more to life than just a vehicle. Don't take much of an accident for the Insurance company to label it as a 100% loss. Then they come and pick up your pretty little truck even though you'd rather have it repaired. Lol
No Brian, that's when you go buy a new 2020 RAM.
Caught your racial slur at 1:48
Down here, it's a term of endearment. ha
I like your sense of humor "Too Tall". : )
thanks, I'm an idiot, ha