Lots of talk on the Defenders...
I didn't change models because of the rock chips,....
I didn't either....ran several sets of the AT2s. I will admit, while they did have a longer life on a towing daily 1-ton, than other brands tried, they still didn't get close to the mileage warranty claim.
But while the road noise as they aged was annoying, it was the not holding a balance that did it. 7+oz of weight on a new tire, excessive IMO.
Luckily DT got me some $$ on the mileage warranty (because of inability to balance), applied to the new brand set. Instead of trying to run 'em down to the onion skin 2/32 Mich (fine print in warranty) requires for a warranty adjustment.
The R500s I switched to, exceed all of those issues with the Mich.
1-2oz to balance, and they hold balance and don't cup the edges of the front tires towing heavy (braking).
As a result, I forget and lapse on rotations.
Instead of 5k, I wind up at 12-15k before I notice a 'tremble' and head back to DT.
Had a road hazard take one, then the other out, replaced by new. But with 2 out of 6 new, too much of a mismatch on rotations....about 60k miles of wear.
So I started anew with another set (sold the used set), hoping for 80-100k miles on this 2nd set. :wink2: