We're ready to replace the tires on our 2017 MB. The current tires are Michelin LTX, and several people have mentioned the CrossClimate. Any significant differences to be aware of?
Thanks,
George & Jo Ann
2017 MB
Both are good choices. I have crossclimates on my RV and Defender LTXs on 2 other vehicles I own.
Crossclimates have slightly better performance across wet and cold conditions. The Defender LTXs will probably last longer (miles).
I went with CrossClimates on my RV because I'm not likely to drive enough miles to benefit from the longevity. The RV tires will time out before they wear out.
If you want the technical details, watch this. Most people will probably be very happy with either choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5V7sK-WfR0&ab_channel=MichelinUSA
There are 2 different versions of the crossclimate - regular and C-metric.
Rich
Rich is correct, the Crossclimate is optimized for bad weather performance at the expense of tread life and rolling resistance (fuel economy).
Since I want the best performance possible if I get caught in bad weather, the crossclimate makes sense to me. LTX make more sense on your car, where you have more of an option to stay home when weather gets nasty.
I wore out my first set of crossclimates in 40,000 miles over 2.5 years. Could I have gotten another 5,000 miles or more out of them? Probably, but I was near a tire shop I trusted with fresh new crossclimates, heading into winter weather in the Rockies, decided it was a good time to replace.
I expect this next set to age out.
Dave,
I would absolutely love to put that many miles on our LD in such a short amount of time. We barely get an average of 3500 miles a year. Our Crossclimates probably have 3000 since new 1 1/2 years ago.
Good on ya mate.
Kent
Here is another point of view. The Crosclimates are a good tire but cannot be rotated conventionally, especially when equipped with stem extenders, since the tire is designed to rotate in only one direction. They cannot be run backwards.
Rotation is important to get even wear, and it's even more important to rotate the rear inner tire on the passenger side. It is exposed to high heat from the exhaust pipe that runs very close to the tire. The rear inner passenger tire is the one that most commonly blows out from heat, unless rotated periodically to spread the heat damage over several tires.
We suffered from a rear inner tire blowout and the resulting damage to the coach. I had not rotated the rear tires befores since theyn wore evenly, I now rotate the tires every 5,000-7,000 miles, along with installing heat shields on the exhaust where it is close to the tire to limit heat exposure.
Blown rear tire damage | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/albums/72157685899755355/)
Exhaust heat shields | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157693074909430/)
Having run Michelin LTXs, and their variations over the last 30 years and 220,000 miles, all I have to say is that they are great tires in all weather conditions. You name it, we've driven in it.
Larry
I second Larry's recommendation for a heat shield. I fabricated one with a scrap piece of aluminum and a couple of muffler clamps. No one wants a blown tire!
Agreed! Do you have a photo of the heat shield you fabricated, Rich?
Agreed! Do you have a photo of the heat shield you fabricated, Rich?
It's basically the same as what Larry posted above. Only difference is I used muffler clamps to attach (I don't recall what size).
Amazon.com: Walker 35336 2 1/4 Inch Heavy Duty Clamp : Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Walker-35336-Inch-Heavy-Clamp/dp/B005VYS0EI/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.D5mutotn4RjzDHZ-6Cu8g6PtP2bxjk8ywfHjH1UwB911Q5T8bstBxShNedFkpLygUQcJfiFipRQf8lpWdqYt4rvi2ErubOOEawatLvcT99r0mOlBY0SG8l1GJS2S6IB0-90bTGG1NwKxR7HnC9SAOqFSSHg-dtk2a35PtLoXq9WaOCF0k2OGOSjbbvjFsQmoSA9HbrlrztfQQmXq0xOheYQzrZV1zKTn0oIMVfhxoSs.Mw9opjOHaXaEVyN-cGQvZYNt8qEG0tYQDeSa1h8iNRQ&dib_tag=se&hvadid=667349791369&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9198685&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=3194403198049552299--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3194403198049552299&hvtargid=kwd-2081779943911&hydadcr=19202_13473138&keywords=muffler+clamps+amazon&mcid=fcdc4710997e3e3cba2d778bd3c9b24f&qid=1752862628&sr=8-3)
I deleted my last message b/c I had some info about inflation tables that might not be true anymore.
Here is a great brochure explaining the difference between the 2 tire choices:
https://www.michelinb2b.com/wps/b2bcontent/PDF/Agilis_CrossClimate_Flyer_E.pdf
I think most owners would be very satisfied with either choice.
Rich
Agreed! Do you have a photo of the heat shield you fabricated, Rich?
I posted the link in my last message.
Larry
,
I would absolutely love to put that many miles on our LD in such a short amount of time. We barely get an average of 3500 miles a year. Our Crossclimates probably have 3000 since new 1 1/2 years ago.
Alaska & Newfoundland account for majority of the miles, both one and done if I want to stay married.
2-3 months a year are her limit
Looking at the Michelin fitment chart, the only tire available in 225/75/R16 size is the Crossclimate in either LT or C-metric. The LTX is available only in larger sizes??
George & Jo Ann