With the XMLs mounted to the deuce's original 20-inch wheels, we ran them at nearly single-digit air pressure off-road. A=nd though the deuce uses 6.72 gears to turn the 46-inch Michelins, the 200-pound-plus tire and wheel combo is a noticeable weight gain.With the XMLs mounted to the deuce's original 20-inch wheels, we ran them at nearly single From U.S. military service trucks to Mercedes-Benz Unimogs around the globe, the Michelin XML has for years been the go-to mud-terrain tire for medium-duty trucks. Along with the XL and XZL, the Michelin XML is designed to handle extreme weight and conditions both on- and off-road. Available in diameters from 38 to 54 inches, the XML is one of the largest and heaviest mud-terrains on the market. What makes these mega MTs even better is that they can be bought used for a low price. From military surplus yards, eBay auctions, and even Craigslist ads, there's an abundance of the ex-military cleats just waiting to find a new home. A little over a year ago we picked up a used set of 395/85R20 (46x15) XMLs for a song that still had over 85 percent tread left. Since the XMLs are heavy-duty in every sense, it seemed fitting to place them on an equally HD truck. We found our buddy's bobbed ex-military 21/2-ton deuce-and- a half truck the perfect platform since neither tire nor truck was designed for excessive speed and weight would not be a concern. Though the bobbed deuce hasn't seen too many long jaunts where it resides (the South), it has made for a great local parts runner, light wheeler, and deep-woods recovery vehicle. In loose dirt and mud the XML shines. With an excellent tread stagger and spacing between the lugs, it doesn't take much to spin dirt free.In loose dirt and mud the XML shines. With an excellent tread stagger and spacing between Complied here are a few XML things we've learned over the past 12 months. Specs Michelin XML Size: 395/85/20 (46x15) Load Range: G (9,645 lb @ 95 psi) The tread blocks on the XML are simply massive. Even though we picked up these tires used and have put roughly a year of use on them ourselves, the lugs barely show signs of wear.The tread blocks on the XML are simply massive. Even though we picked up these tires used Though the bobbed deuce isn't much of a rockcrawler, the tires flex and grab surprisingly well in the rocks. And considering that the load-range-G tire is capable of upholding just over 9,600 pounds, we'd say the sidewalls are plenty strong.Though the bobbed deuce isn't much of a rockcrawler, the tires flex and grab surprisingly On the road these tires work extremely well for their size. While we don't suggest exceedingly fast highway speeds with the heavy rubber, they work fine for cruising around town and making quick trips to the trailhead.On the road these tires work extremely well for their size. While we don't suggest exceedi SOURCES Boyce Equipment 2893 So. American Way Ogden UT 84401 800-748-4269 www.boyceequipment.com Red River Parts & Equipment 903-547-2226 www.redriverparts.com Michelin Tire Greenville AK _____ 866-866-6605 www.michelinman.com 100 Dollar Man 760-248-6214 www.100dollarman.com Clark Truck Parts Route 62 - Black Betsy Rd PO Box 1089 Poca WV 25159 304-755-8811 www.clarktruck.com By Ali Mansour Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
