You might like the Defender M/S over the LTX A/T2 in this case. The M/S has better snow traction, role smoothly and quietly, and if you don't mash the pedal everywhere they do have decent off road traction for a road biased tire.

 

I've used a variety of tires over the years, usually what ever was cheapest. A few months ago I scored a really good deal on a set of used Cooper AT/3's with plenty of life left in them. I'll run those this winter and report back in the spring.
For a dedicated snow tire I've found the Firestone Winterforce to be one of the best around.
Whomever at Ford made the decision to use Hankook's as the OEM tire ought to be shot! Those d*#@ things wanted to slide around on dry pavement!

 

Here's my biased opinion, if it isn't Goodyear or BFG , and a distant thought of Michelin, it ain't good enough for me. I'll gladly pay the premium for top of the line tires.
Thought I'd try some Mastercrap AXT's on my Ranger, 265/75/16. They were great until I got around 30k on them, then the noise began. Then at about 35k, with quite a bit of tread left, they became next to useless in the snow. So much so, it was the first time my Ranger ever became stuck.
You do have to watch which model of tire you choose. I had Goodyear Silent Armors on the F150, great tire,but that is discontinued, can't recall which model it is now, but they added Kevlar, and changed the name.
Right now, I have BFG KO2s on the 150, and Goodyear DuraTracs on the Ranger, sort of my version of comparison testing. Both trucks got new tires within 5 months of each other, and have around 5k. Both ride great, quiet, and very smooth. I "almost" can't wait to see how they each are in the snow. Real snow that is, 6-8 inches.
Back in the day, Armstrong TruTracs were THE tire to have if ya had a 4X, but those days are decades gone.
How could anyone run a set of tires with a name like Kumho, with a straight face?!?!? No one ever visited a ghetto?,
Back to the OP's question, I can't say anything one way or the other about the Nittos. I did look quickly at them, they do look like they might be decent, but like I typed, I'm pretty biased.

On Edit:
Those are Goodyear Adventurers I mentioned, an All Season tire, but if they perform as well as what they replaced, they'd be great all year tires.

 

I like BFG, Michelin, Firestone, Cooper, Uniroyal comes in a bit lower on my top 10. Goodyear I've never had good luck with and won't buy again. The last set of tires I had on my 2006 truck were pretty good, and they were Pep Boys' specials. They never failed me in the snow and ice; and I got pretty good mileage out of them. When I sold the truck, they were still on there, but would not have passed inspection. I bought them out of desperation. I was broke and riding on 4 tires worn down to nothin' but the tread bars! That was 4 years ago that I bought them so I can't remember who makes Pep Boys' branded tires. They were branded as Dakota Difinity A/T's.
Mastercraft I've heard some pretty good things about. I have a friend who has an older 1997 Ford Explorer, and that's all he'll put on it. I priced them out for my F-150 and they wanted a fortune for them! Dunlop makes a pretty good car tire, but I don't think they make anything for our trucks. That's what I just had put on my wife's car.

 

UGH I am in need of some tires as well and have been eying the Michelin LTX AT/2's. I do a lot of commuting miles but wanted something in case I decide to go to the snow (every once in awhile).

I still have some tread left on my Bridgestone H/L Duelers and have about 61,000 miles on them so far.

 

If I didn't have to deal with muddy job sites and lots of gravel, I would likely have the new Michelin Defender's. They get great reviews and can be found for decent prices:
Michelin Defender LTX M/S tires | Michelin US

 

Rob, I'd go Defender M/S over the LTX A/T all day long based upon what I know about your needs. I had the older M/S2 in some gnarly east coast sloppy snow many times and they performed well. Even shed a bit of mud when needed at the deer lease. They look tame, but perform well. Give 'em a good look for sure.
I would have gone with them this time around, but I couldn't turn my eyes away from the aggressiveness of the KO2.

 

I wish I would have seen this earlier as I just bought some AT/2's today. I actually thought the Bridgestones wore very well and i still have tread left on them with 61,000 miles on them maybe like a 1/4 inch. They had to order them so maybe I can change it? As far as the KO2 is concerned I just don't have the need right now for that aggressive of a tire.

 

Either is fine, but the M/S has amazing highway manners and a ton more siping than the A/T2. The M/S is soooo quiet too. You shouldn't be disappointed with either.

 

I have the Michelin A/T 2s on my 2013 and when they're ready to come off I'll most likely go to the Michelin M/S2. I've had the M/S2s on my 01 F150, and put a set on my wifes 08 Escape. Fantastic tire

 

Well I went into the tire store and switched my order to the Defender M/S and they actually had them in stock! I hope I like them..but honestly I am a big Michelin fan so I am sure I will. I need to get an alignment done too as the outer edge of my left tire was wearing oddly enough. This will be the second alignment I have done on the truck in 61,000 miles which is very odd. I am not off roading or anything!

 

Nice, what size did you go with? Let us know how you like them. I'm interested in how bad they pick up gravel. thanks

 

I just replaced them with the 275/50 R20 stock size...I was debating on whether to go bigger but I didn't want to lose MPG's due to commuting a lot. The first impression driving away was a WOW feeling! I cannot get past how soft the ride feels now with new rubber on the truck!! Quiet and smooth for sure! (Thanks Chandler!)

 

Well done Rob, but you know we need pics.

 

Oh ok...lol