Tires - Michelin - Latitude Tour HP

[seattle]

2011 35d with 3rd row (no spare), running on Conti DWS 18" for past 45K miles. A really great (best?) all-season non-rft tire.
Due to no-spare, had patch kit and compressor in the trunk, good for most situation.

However, on several occasions, found myself a bit off-roading (Jeep'ers don't laugh!) with wife and kids on forest roads and such. Honestly, never felt comfortable having no spare tire and a measly patch kit. Any sharp rock or branch will leave a huge gash in the tire, no hopes to patch up. We are talking no cell service either, so by the time I am off the mountain, it will be all but rims. Then we have the drive-train..

Long story short, ard convinced me to try Latitude Tour HP ZP. Have been reading a lot of comparison and there may not be such a big tradeoff going going from Conti DWS non-rft to these RFTs. Certainly good tradeoff in safety, given my inclination to go off the beaten path.

Looked them up on tirerack.com, they had the RFT 109H model at $234 (HP ZP). 109 as load is adequate (2,271 lbs) and H-speed rating (130mph) is fine, too, since my vehicle will never exceed that (limited to 132 mph I think) nor do I see myself driving that fast. Next price point is $300 for higher speed rating, not justifiable in my case.

Called local Discount store and got them to price match. After installation and taxes, $1,153 out of the door (ordered to ship).

Will have them installed some time after December 17th when back from vacation.

Will report my findings.