Cooper Discovery ATR's

[Disco4SE]

I read an article in the latest 4 x 4 Australia magazine about the Cooper Discovery ATR's. They rate them fairly high.
Just wondering what everyone else thinks of them?
Cheers, Craig

[Duck's Guts]

That article accessed the 18" passenger tyre construction ATR's. Much lighter construction than the LT construction.

I have used LT ATR's in 17" size. Great for sand and smooth rounded gravel & excellent on road in wet or dry But found them wanting on rock, shale, rough angular gravel, and of course clay & mud.
So, they performed just as recommended by Cooper.

[Watpub]

I read an article in the latest 4 x 4 Australia magazine about the Cooper Discovery ATR's. They rate them fairly high.
Just wondering what everyone else thinks of them?
Cheers, Craig

Craig,

I had them on my previous Cruiser. They came with a 80,000k "guarantee" which I thought was a tall order seeing the original tyres clagged it at 45,000k. When I sold the Cruiser the 80,000k was just about up on the tyres - I went to the tyre store and they told me the tyres would be good for another 10-15,000k! I was impressed! They were rotated regularly though. I didn't do much off-road stuff so I can't comment here. But highway wise they were very quiet.

Regards, Ron

[waynep]

I think the correct name is Discoverer ATR

I have used them in the past but have gone to BFG ATs now. I just think for an AT rated tyre the Coopers are not really aggressive enough and they are more road tyre biased. They perform and wear well enough but so do the BFG. Not sure of price difference with the BFG.

[DJC]

Hi - I had them on my old Patrol - got about 75k out of them but were regulalry rotated. Great tyre overall - only problem I had was in the wet that i had to be careful about losing my back end even at fairly slow speeds round corners.

Switched to Pirelli Scorpions ATR just before I changed over to the Disco and were a notcieably quieter and gripped better in the wet. however, didn't ever really test them off road - suspect they are more road biased than the Coopers

Cheers
Darren

[Disco4SE]

I too have had the Cooper Discovery tyres (the older type) on a Landcruiser, like Ron, and have had good wear out of them. I found them great in the wet and dry, but not so good in the mud. Its the same old debate. You cant expect a good on road tyre to do well off road and vice versa.
My local tyre dealer has come up with the following options and prices for 18" tyres: -

Cooper LTZ 285/60/18 - $425.00 each
Pirelli ATR 255/60/18 - $400.00 each
Cooper Discovery 285/60/18- $360.00 each
Mickey Thompson ATZ 275/65/18- $500.00 each
BFG 265/65/18 - $485.00 each
Yokahama Geolander - Didn't quote or recommend.
Cooper ATR - 275/65/18 - $480.00
I have ordered a set of GMAX rims through Gordon and at this stage, tending to go with the higher profile and wider tyre.
I am interested to know others opinions based on the above choices.

Cheers, Craig

[Duck's Guts]

From a NSW legal view point (maximum 15mm larger diameter), only the Pirelli's are OK.
The 285/60/18 Coopers are 36mm larger diameter than std fitment.
The BFG's are 39mm larger diameter.
And the Micky T's & Cooper 275/65/18's are a massive 52mm larger than std fitment.

Check legality in your state.
Also, will the larger widths & diameters cause rubbing on full lock or even on the guard?

Ignoring the legalities then:
Personally, I've used Cooper ATR's (see earlier post in this thread), BFG A/T's & The MickyT ATZ's (5 rib design).
The BFG's are great all rounder in every sense. Recommended
The 5 rib design ATZ's were disappointing due to chipping & cracking at the base of the tread blocks.

[Jesse B]

Good work sussing out those 18" options, Craig - I guess all of us contemplating the switch to Gordon's GMAX rims are wondering what tyre we might fit - and what it might cost. I'm a bit bemused about the legal sizes, though I do know (as Ducks Guts has pointed out) it varies from state to state. Interested to see Gordon plans to go to the BFG ATKOs in 265/65 size - I know he's moving from MTRs and would be heading for something pretty sturdy, but I thought he'd indicated earlier that this is the largest legal size that won't rub. Maybe that (legality of size) only applies to WA? Pity he's in Kenya at present, or I bet he'd have some light to throw on things.

[Disco4SE]

Good work sussing out those 18" options, Craig - I guess all of us contemplating the switch to Gordon's GMAX rims are wondering what tyre we might fit - and what it might cost. I'm a bit bemused about the legal sizes, though I do know (as Ducks Guts has pointed out) it varies from state to state. Interested to see Gordon plans to go to the BFG ATKOs in 265/65 size - I know he's moving from MTRs and would be heading for something pretty sturdy, but I thought he'd indicated earlier that this is the largest legal size that won't rub. Maybe that (legality of size) only applies to WA? Pity he's in Kenya at present, or I bet he'd have some light to throw on things.
Will be interesting to hear Gordons comments on this post when he returns.
Cheers, Craig

[Graeme]

but I thought he'd indicated earlier that this is the largest legal size that won't rub.
The BFG rub at the front of the rear wheel but it can be fixed if the vehicle doesn't have rear a/c by flattening the protective flange behind the liner with a sledge hammer then slitting and plastic welding the bump in the liner. I'm still wondering if I should get the Gmax rims and fit the BFGs.

[Disco4SE]

The BFG rub at the front of the rear wheel but it can be fixed if the vehicle doesn't have rear a/c by flattening the protective flange behind the liner with a sledge hammer then slitting and plastic welding the bump in the liner. I'm still wondering if I should get the Gmax rims and fit the BFGs.
Hi Graeme,
I have had 4wd's for around 25 years and only ever had one set of BFG's. They were on an older Range Rover. I had to pull up in a hurry at a round a bout in the rain with a trailer on and they let go big time. After that I was always weary when driving in the rain.
The Discovery's on the other hand are the best I have had as far as on road handling and wear.
FYI: My tyre guy recommended (in order) the Pirelli ATR, then BFG, then Cooper ATR.
Still interested on others comments.

Regards, Craig

[Graeme]

I'm no particular fan of BFGs but I wonder if they last too long and the compound gets too hard. I've seen several with tread buldges and one exploded but they were all quite old. I do 40K a year so they wouldn't get old on my vehicle but the only real point in their favour is their LT construction.
The Pirelli ATRs are not LT in the 18" size and I've been turned-off Coopers through personal experience but perhaps dismissing them too readily.

[WhiteD3]

I've done 26000km on my Pirelli ATR's now and am very happy with them. Great on the road and so far, no issues off road. Not the best in mud but then they're not muddies.

On top of that, they're quiet on the road, legal and fit in the spare well.

[Disco4SE]

Mmmmmmmmm......my decision gets harder. I am willing to try the Pirelli ATR's as they get good write ups everywhere.
Not sure how they will look (or fit) on Gordons GMAX rims, being 8.5" wide.
Like Graeme, I do 40,000Klm's a year mainly on road, so I have to consider this.
I don't think there is an AT tyre that will perform well in mud.
Thanks for advice so far. Keep it coming.
Cheers, Craig

[Jesse B]

I've done 26000km on my Pirelli ATR's now and am very happy with them. Great on the road and so far, no issues off road. Not the best in mud but then they're not muddies.

On top of that, they're quiet on the road, legal and fit in the spare well.

Perhaps this is an opportunity to relate a potentially salient story re the Pirelli's - I've done 20k on my 19's thus far, and like WhiteD3 am very happy with them, both on and off road. Having said that, I have yet to do much serious bush-bashing, which may well find them out. However, on Saturday night (cold, dark & drizzling) I had a flat, which I did not discover until on the side of a long steep hill. Had to drive +/- 300 metres to get someplace flat enough to change it - drove very slowly, gritting teeth all the way.

Not surprisingly, when I took the offending tyre in to the local Pirelli place on Monday morning they told me it was stuffed - the inside of the sidewall was pretty thoroughly chewed up. This is when the fun really started - as many of you will know, the 19" Pirelli's are "sold out" right across Oz! To my great good fortune, we found 2 at a tyre shop in Perth - but they would not sell me just 1 of them! Had to buy both, making that one mighty expensive ($930) allen key - for that is what caused the flat!

I don't know if this really says anything about the "strength" or otherwise of the Pirellis - I think most tyres would have suffered in those circumstances. But I'm certainly interested to know what others think. At least now I have a spare spare sitting in the shed!

[DiscoWeb]

From a NSW legal view point (maximum 15mm larger diameter), only the Pirelli's are OK.
The 285/60/18 Coopers are 36mm larger diameter than std fitment.
The BFG's are 39mm larger diameter.
And the Micky T's & Cooper 275/65/18's are a massive 52mm larger than std fitment.

Check legality in your state.


In some previous threads there has been some discussion about the impending adoption of a national system, rather than state based. This would result in a uniformed legal allowable increase in tyre diameter (for 4wd's) of up to 50mm. I am sure someone with much greater knowledge can advise provide input.

The other consideration is the possible impact on insurance, might be handy to check with your insurer that changing tyres size is acceptable as you would not want to give anyone an excuse to void insurances due to changing tyre sizes.

Disco4SE,

Just to confuse you more, another tyre that does not appear to have been mentioned is the the Continental Cross Contact AT which comes in the the correct size in 18.

A few on the forum have them and seem to like them, check out the Continental Global website (they are not listed on the Aust. one) for some information. Being an AT they are more aggressive than the Pirelli' but from most reports appear to go well on the road as well.


Regards,

George

[Duck's Guts]

Pirelli ATR 255/60/18 - $400.00 each


Just looked at a spreadsheet I keep & 4 weeks ago I got a quote for the Pirelli ATR 255/60/18 from Tempe Tyres in Sydney for $320.
Of course, it's still no good to you if there are none left in the country (as per Jesse B's post above) & they need to order them in.

[Jesse B]

Of course, it's still no good to you if there are none left in the country (as per Jesse B's post above) & they need to order them in.

I think it might only be the 19 inchers that are in short supply - all been bought by D4 owners!! Not sure if the same applies to the 18s. But $320 seems a mighty fine price, given I just paid $465 ea for the two 19s. It would be really interesting to know what the real gain in sidewall height is, going from the 255/55 x 19s to the 255/60 x 18s - or for that matter to the 265/65 BFGs - but my maths ain't that good! I know there is the whole matter of better choice involved with the 18s (hence this thread!), but sidewall height or lack of it does seem to be one of the main issues with the 19s. But I'd better be careful here, or the wrath of RMP / site mods will come down on me for dragging up the old 19" drama again...:eek:

[Duck's Guts]

It would be really interesting to know what the real gain in sidewall height is, going from the 255/55 x 19s to the 255/60 x 18s - or for that matter to the 265/65 BFGs


255/55-19 have 140mm side wall height, 763mm total wheel diameter (0mm larger than std), 2397mm circumference, 417 revolutions/km, & 0% speed difference to std fitment rims/tyres.
255/60-18 have 153mm side wall height, 763mm total wheel diameter(0mm larger than std), 2398mm circumference, 417 revolutions/km, & 0% speed difference to std fitment rims/tyres.
265/65-18 BFG's have 172mm side wall height, 802mm total wheel diameter (+39mm larger than std), 2519mm circumference, 397 revolutions/km, & 4.8% speed difference to std fitment rims/tyres.

[Disco4SE]

255/55-19 have 140mm side wall height, 763mm total wheel diameter (0mm larger than std), 2397mm circumference, 417 revolutions/km, & 0% speed difference to std fitment rims/tyres.
255/60-18 have 153mm side wall height, 763mm total wheel diameter(0mm larger than std), 2398mm circumference, 417 revolutions/km, & 0% speed difference to std fitment rims/tyres.
265/65-18 BFG's have 172mm side wall height, 802mm total wheel diameter (+39mm larger than std), 2519mm circumference, 397 revolutions/km, & 4.8% speed difference to std fitment rims/tyres.

Thanks for the info.
I'm sure it will come in handy for others as well.
Cheers, Craig

[Jesse B]

255/55-19 have 140mm side wall height, 763mm total wheel diameter (0mm larger than std), 2397mm circumference, 417 revolutions/km, & 0% speed difference to std fitment rims/tyres.
255/60-18 have 153mm side wall height, 763mm total wheel diameter(0mm larger than std), 2398mm circumference, 417 revolutions/km, & 0% speed difference to std fitment rims/tyres.
265/65-18 BFG's have 172mm side wall height, 802mm total wheel diameter (+39mm larger than std), 2519mm circumference, 397 revolutions/km, & 4.8% speed difference to std fitment rims/tyres.



And thanks from me too - excellent work! :clap2:

[DiscoWeb]

[QUOTE=DiscoWeb;1288300] Continental Cross Contact AT which comes in the the correct size in 18.

A few on the forum have them and seem to like them, check out the Continental Global website (they are not listed on the Aust. one) for some information. Being an AT they are more aggressive than the Pirelli' but from most reports appear to go well on the road as well.
/QUOTE]

Sorry to quote myself but I have just been ringing around getting some pricing on the Cross Contact AT and am astounded to have pricing ranging from $475 per tyre to $365 per tyre, a $440 total difference in 45 mins, amazing.

As an aside Pirelli are out of stock of the 255/60 18 and it will be at least a 6-8 week wait i have been told. Was quoted as low as $300 per tyre for these.

Best quotes for both were Tempe Tyres.

Looks like I just found my new rubber.

George

[Disco4SE]

E
[QUOTE=DiscoWeb;1288300] Continental Cross Contact AT which comes in the the correct size in 18.

A few on the forum have them and seem to like them, check out the Continental Global website (they are not listed on the Aust. one) for some information. Being an AT they are more aggressive than the Pirelli' but from most reports appear to go well on the road as well.
/QUOTE]

Sorry to quote myself but I have just been ringing around getting some pricing on the Cross Contact AT and am astounded to have pricing ranging from $475 per tyre to $365 per tyre, a $440 total difference in 45 mins, amazing.

As an aside Pirelli are out of stock of the 255/60 18 and it will be at least a 6-8 week wait i have been told. Was quoted as low as $300 per tyre for these.

Best quotes for both were Tempe Tyres.

Looks like I just found my new rubber.

George
Hi George, what are the dimensions of the Conti tyre?
Cheers, Craig

[gps-au]

E[quote=DiscoWeb;1291295]
Hi George, what are the dimensions of the Conti tyre?
Cheers, Craig

Just be aware that Continental NEVER makes a faulty tyre.

(In simple words, they refuse to standby their product, no matter how faulty it is/was).

[DiscoWeb]

E[quote=DiscoWeb;1291295]
Hi George, what are the dimensions of the Conti tyre?
Cheers, Craig



Craig,

It is 255/60 R18, with a 112 load rating and a T speed rating. Size is the the same as the OEM so no problems with rubbing, legality, insurance etc, load and rating comply.

As I note in an earlier post they are an (AT) All Terrain so the tread pattern is more aggressive than than the Cooper ATR, but if that is what you want they are one to consider.

I am booked in to get them changed over on Friday and away over the weekend testing them out, so will provide some feedback next week.

Regards,

George

[Disco4SE]

[quote=Disco4SE;1291328]E



Craig,

It is 255/60 R18, with a 112 load rating and a T speed rating. Size is the the same as the OEM so no problems with rubbing, legality, insurance etc, load and rating comply.

As I note in an earlier post they are an (AT) All Terrain so the tread pattern is more aggressive than than the Cooper ATR, but if that is what you want they are one to consider.

I am booked in to get them changed over on Friday and away over the weekend testing them out, so will provide some feedback next week.

Regards,

George
Thanks George,
Let me know how they go. I am interested about road noise as well.
Cheers, Craig