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I got the SL. At the time, the LT was not offered in the size I needed. Note, the Vredestein SL has a load index of 116 and is rated for a heavier load than OEM XL tire (Perelli 255/65R19). Also, the SL has the same construction as the LT - Belt: 2 POLYESTER + 2 STEEL, Reinforcement: 2 POLYAMIDE / Sidewall: 2 POLYESTER. (I can confirm that's what is embossed on my sidewall, the LT spec comes from TireRack support.) In my opinion, the tire construction and load rating is the driving factor, not SL, XL or LT designator when it comes to finding a tire sturdy enough for the trail.
I got the SL. At the time, the LT was not offered in the size I needed. Note, the Vredestein SL has a load index of 116 and is rated for a heavier load than OEM XL tire (Perelli 255/65R19). Also, the SL has the same construction as the LT - Belt: 2 POLYESTER + 2 STEEL, Reinforcement: 2 POLYAMIDE / Sidewall: 2 POLYESTER. (I can confirm that's what is embossed on my sidewall, the LT spec comes from TireRack support.) In my opinion, the tire construction and load rating is the driving factor, not SL, XL or LT designator when it comes to finding a tire sturdy enough for the trail.
This is great information, and consistent with the info I've been getting from Tuffant and Falken on the SL vs LT's (E). The load index on the Falkens is also 116 (more than the stock tires). I'm still leaning towards the Falkens, but it's encouraging to know someone has been using the SL's with rating at or above the OE tires and had no issues. Regarding the construction, seems the Falkens have similar robustness, according to this review made by a tire engineer: https://tiredriver.com/falken-wildpeak-at3w-review/ Quote from the review: "When you open up these tires, you are going to see 2 polymaide layers under the rubber, under those you’ll find 2 steel belts, and under those belts, you’ll find a hard casing of 2 more layers of polyester. This last layer of polyester also covers the sidewalls and that’s why the tire is considered “2 ply” sidewall. But let me tell you it’s actually 4 ply if you think about it, as the tire also has 2 additional layers which are dedicated to just sidewalls. These layers are also made out of polyamide and they run around the rim protector of the tire. In my experience I have even seen these sidewalls tearing open, and I have owned a couple of sets and test them out frequently."
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The stock Wrangler tires are the worst tire I have seen. Blew out 2 in less than 2000 miles offroad. I warned a buddy and her put some on his LR4 and has blown 4! the past 2 years. Total crap unless u live only only on pavement.
I like my General XE3s but they may be too aggressive for you. I have 25k miles on them now and the road noise is more noticeable. But I will sacrifice some onroad comfort for not being stuck offroad. They are great offroad and dont require trimming. 265/70 R18s.
The stock Wrangler tires are the worst tire I have seen. Blew out 2 in less than 2000 miles offroad. I warned a buddy and her put some on his LR4 and has blown 4! the past 2 years. Total crap unless u live only only on pavement.
I like my General XE3s but they may be too aggressive for you. I have 25k miles on them now and the road noise is more noticeable. But I will sacrifice some onroad comfort for not being stuck offroad. They are great offroad and dont require trimming. 265/70 R18s.
could you record a clip of the tire noise at highway speeds. I am considering buying these. Im inbetween the geolander mt 003s and these
The stock Wrangler tires are the worst tire I have seen. Blew out 2 in less than 2000 miles offroad. I warned a buddy and her put some on his LR4 and has blown 4! the past 2 years. Total crap unless u live only only on pavement.
I like my General XE3s but they may be too aggressive for you. I have 25k miles on them now and the road noise is more noticeable. But I will sacrifice some onroad comfort for not being stuck offroad. They are great offroad and dont require trimming. 265/70 R18s.