2013 Express 3500 Ext.

Currently live in FL but moving to IL soon. I’m buying tires based on being in IL by the winter.

I’m looking at the Michelin LTX AT2 and the Bridgestone Dueler Revo AT 3. I don’t plan to go off pavement but would like to be prepared for gravel/dirt if necessary for work. I have zero intention of heavy off-road use. 90% of my driving will be city/highway. I don’t currently do any towing but I may need to in the future. I’ve been lost down the Tirerack rabbit hole for days now reading reviews and comparing and I’m leaning towards the Bridgestone tires. Just wondering if anyone has first hand experience with these two tires and can give me some different perspectives.

 

Your tastes and interests are similar to mine. I am in the same boat. I bet they are both good tires and you will not go wrong with either of them. Others may have different opinions. In my case, I would need to double check that those are ten ply. I have already had those in mind myself.

 

At first glance, the Revos look more aggressive. They'll probably fair better in the snow, but they'll be louder on the highway.
They also seem to have more tread on them (15/32" versus 12.5). But it depends on your size, so you'll need to double check yours.

Ignore all the marketing jingo in the descriptions, and focus on the Department of Transportation mandated ratings. The classification, load index etc. I can't seem to find them online, but it should be stamped right into the side of the tire. Look for the Mud & Snow (M+S) symbol. If cold weather snow and ice traction is really important to you, then get tires that meet the "Severe Snow Service" standard. This is indicated by the mountain snowflake symbol. Just be aware that these tiers will be manufactured with a softer rubber compound which will wear down noticeably quicker. If you think you might need it, some tires come with holes for studding. There is also some new "all weather" rating, but I don't know much about it.

Alternatively, you could buy tires for a comfortable ride, but carry some basic tires chains in case you get into a bad situation. I have no idea what roads are like in IL, so maybe ask some locals.

Heavier duty tires may have a better load/speed ratings, and be more puncture resistant, but they will give a harsher ride on pavement.

 

I am not doing any research on this right now, there's many factors to consider when buying anything, but for me I want a certain look. Something like the factory tires I have, or these Michelins, or the Good Years I bought so many years ago, I forget if they were Wrangleror what they were, and they might be too aggressive - I'm not sure. Last year I was "off pavement" for a month pulling into a cabin way up in the middle of now where, but I could go ten years without ever doing that. I want a varying mixture of quiet, quality, smooth, duration, style with milder winter capability - but I should really invest in snow tires and keep two sets. They can be found appropriately priced on Craigslist.

 

According to the specs, they are 10 ply. I’ve looked at countless tires and read hundreds of reviews and keep being pointed back to this tire, even over the Michelin. It’s a tough decision.

 

I thought about the noise factor. But I’ve found a lot of reviews that say they are surprisingly quiet. The noise and appearance of the tire are last on my list when I’m researching. As long as they are not annoyingly loud I can deal with it. I’d much rather have safety, handling, and durability over noise and/or comfort. It’s a cargo van that I use for my DD, it’s only going to be so comfortable. Always driven pickups and big vehicles so I’m kind of used to it at this point. I just can’t seem to find any negative reviews about this Bridgestone. The Michelin seems to be a great tire but I’ve found enough negative reviews to make me second guess them.

 

I don't put too much stock into those reviews. There are a lot of variables that influence the individual experience a person will have, not to mention personal bias.

I'm sure they're both safe enough. If durability is a priority then go for tread depth. Maybe even compare the weight of the tires to see which one has more rubber in it.

 

Go with a 10 ply mud tire on rear and hwy tread commercial T/A on front. It will ride harder than a p class tire but ad up tire load limit and subtract weight of van. Weigh it at truck stop to be accurate. I got 30 inch tires on 17 rims. Mostly did it for hwy driving

 

First let me say I've never driven on a Bridgestone tire. Well, not that I know of. I've never bought Bridgestone.

I have bought three sets of Michelin LTXs; a 2500HD pickup, a 3/4 ton Suburban, a 3/4 ton G van. And I would have bought a set for my little Transit Connect but they didn't have the size I wanted. The Michelins are the best tire going, in my opinion, Quiet, wear well, drive nice.

 

Update: Got the Revo 3’s. Happy with them so far but time will tell. Super quiet and comfortable up to and at 70mph. They are an AT tire but do well on the highway also. Will be interesting to see how they do in the snow/ice/rain in a few months.