best 17" AT for D3 ??

[Steve223]

hello gent's,

After my 245/70/17 Cooper AT3 LT have been declared illegal by DP due to the sidewall damage after only 20000k (nothing structural according to the tyre place) I don't necessary want to have another set of Coopers as they seem to be a bit weak on the site.

I also would like to go a size up 265/70/17 and tossing between

GG AT2 265/70/17 or
MTZ 265/70/17

or

Cooper ST Maxx 265/70R17

As I still need to drive on the road to get to our trips it needs to be handling reasonably well on the road as well.

I someone driving any of them would be great to get some feedback.

Thanks a lot

Steve




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[TerryO]

Hi Steve,

What about considering the new Bridgestone D697's as a thought?

http://www.bridgestone.com.au/tyres/treads/d697.aspx

[Redback]

For one thing the Cooper AT3 is not an LT(Light Truck) tyre.

Same goes for the GG AT2, they are not an LT tyre.

If it was me, I would go with either of these,

BFG AT

Kumho KL78

Bridgestone D697 as Terry has mentioned

MTZ 4 Rib

Maxxis 751

Couragia A/T the tyre in this brand comes in two types LT265/70/17(Light Truck) and P265/70/17(not light truck)

Any of these will do, but make sure they are LT.

Baz.

[Disco4SE]

Hi Steve,
You can get the Cooper AT3 in a LT. Check out this link Cooper Tires - Tyres (http://www.coopertires.com.au/index.php?page=tyres&tyre_id=14). If you scroll down, you will see what LT tyres are available.

If your tyres are a LT tyre, it surprises me that they have blown out.
I have covered 10K on my Cooper AT3 265/70/17 LT tyres are are very happy with them.
Part of the reason for me buying this particular tyre is the fact that my tyre dealer (have known them for 15 years) strongly recommended them for their strength and reliability.

Cheers, Craig

[Steve223]

For one thing the Cooper AT3 is not an LT(Light Truck) tyre.

Baz.

Hi Baz my ones are LT actually you get certain sizes especially the smaller rim sizes in LT I have 245/70/17 LT but thanks for all the other suggestions.
cheers

steve

[Steve223]

Hi Steve,

What about considering the new Bridgestone D697's as a thought?

Bridgestone Dueler D697 (http://www.bridgestone.com.au/tyres/treads/d697.aspx)

The Bridgestone tyres look pretty good do you have them on your car Terry?
Any cheap place to purchase in Sydney?

I also spoke to the importer of the Cooper tires and I just emailed him pictures of the tyres as well as my invoice will be interesting to see whether Cooper will do something about it. Happy to try the MAXI ST if they give them to me for free.

I probably also get a second set of steel rims I heard you can order them with different offsets? What what offset would you guy's recommend for 265/70/17?

[Steve223]

Hi Steve,
You can get the Cooper AT3 in a LT. Check out this link Cooper Tires - Tyres (http://www.coopertires.com.au/index.php?page=tyres&tyre_id=14). If you scroll down, you will see what LT tyres are available.

If your tyres are a LT tyre, it surprises me that they have blown out.
I have covered 10K on my Cooper AT3 265/70/17 LT tyres are are very happy with them.
Part of the reason for me buying this particular tyre is the fact that my tyre dealer (have known them for 15 years) strongly recommended them for their strength and reliability.

Cheers, Craig

yes I'm also quite happy in regards to handling and puncture resistance however all of my side wall's show the same wear and tear after only 20.000k's and Bruce from Davies Performance told me yesterday he has seen a lot of Cooper tires with the same wear and tear and he would not recommend them.

[Graeme]

I don't see that the damage to your tyres is any indication of weakness of the carcase as they have been damaged by rocks and its to the top one's credit that its still holding air.

[Steve223]

Fair enough Graham, the only thing that baffles me is that I'm the only one with the damage all other club members with different tyres and a lot of them driving the same lines do not display the wear. And it's certainly not that I'm deliberately trying to damage the tires rather the opposite.

[Yorkie]

is bruce davis selling tyres now? ;)

i went out first time with new bfg km2 and put knicks like that in the sidewall, expect they will be there when i get rid of the tyres in a year or two. :)

[Graeme]

Did the other vehicles have 245 on 7" rims or a wider tyre? Were your tyres at higher pressures than the others? Pressures too high make sidewalls less flexible and therefore less able to slip past sharp rocks. Did the other vehicles take exactly the same line at the same speed? There are lots of reasons why scrapes can occur but if a particular brand always gets damaged when others don't then perhaps their sidewalls could be more prone to damage.

Edit: Is the cut in the top tyre a scrape or a pinch? I thought a scrape but another look has me thinking its a pinch between a rock and the rim suggesting the pressure was too low.

[Steve223]

I have to say I have the smallest tires but the images I have put up are not the most descriptive as the cuts probably come from rocks but all 5 tires show the white of carcass all around 5930959310 overall many cars have been on the same trips and quite often would have taken same lines. I just think that the overall wear is not consistent with anyone else on the club

[Graeme]

Yes I see what you mean with the outer black layer coming off the white under layer that's there for the raised white lettering.

[Blue C]

Hi Steve
I have the Cooper ST Maxx in 265/70/17 on Performance Wheels alloys 17x8. I have done numerous trips to Flinders Ranges; the High Country last April and the Outback Loop (Birdsville - Innamincka) last Oct towing 1800kg camper and have had no issues like you. Indeed they are excellent offroad and handle fine on road- my only comment is that they are a bit noisy around town but I have kept the OE 19" rims and tyres for city use and keep the ST Maxx for mainly Offroad. Oh and the fuel consumption is higher with the more aggressive tread and larger size~ 1-1.5L/100km depending on all the usual variables!

Previously I had 245/70/17 STT's which were loud on bitumen! I lost a single lug on a rear tyre in Kakadu probably because I had the pressure abit high on a track that became unexpededly very rocky with a heavy load. Fortunately I have a really good relationship with my tyre agent who rang Coopers and recommended they replace my tyre with a new one- which Coopers agreed to without question. So I couldn't really complain about that!

So I agree with Graeme re tyre pressures to avoid damage and regularly adjust them according to weight & terrain. However the ST Maxx have stronger sidewall than the AT3. I think having a good rapport with your tyre agent is just as good as the brand as I have always been well looked after and see no reason to change from Coopers as I am very happy with them and never had a flat tyre. Indeed I once hit a rock (in a Jeep!) on a track near Dalhousie Springs and damaged L front alloy rim (new alloy required!) but the Cooper STT at 26 psi was undamaged. So my experience has been positive with them in contrast to others on Coopers- but I have always had LT tyres offroad and regularly adjust pressures which no doubt helps. Regards, David

[Steve223]

Hello David,

What tyre pressure are you running, I consistently run higher pressure then the rest of club members on road full loaded around 55 psi, of road around 32 in the back and 29 in the front ( if I go down to 24 PSI on the back like rest of guys it looks like I'm running flats) though in sand I have been down to 12 psi which was ok.

I have seen a couple of ST MAXX around the tracks and again never have seen the kind of wear in have on my tires. If it was only one tire I put it down to scraping a rock etc but all 4 seems strange.

Cheers

Steve

[Redback]

Hello David,

What tyre pressure are you running, I consistently run higher pressure then the rest of club members on road full loaded around 55 psi, of road around 32 in the back and 29 in the front ( if I go down to 24 PSI on the back like rest of guys it looks like I'm running flats) though in sand I have been down to 12 psi which was ok.

I have seen a couple of ST MAXX around the tracks and again never have seen the kind of wear in have on my tires. If it was only one tire I put it down to scraping a rock etc but all 4 seems strange.

Cheers

Steve

55psi is way too high Steve, I run 44psi back and 36 front touring with the camper on.

I run 28 off road back and front, 15psi in the one and only time I've been on sand.

Baz.

[Steve223]

same tires baz? When I picked it up from Tyre place they had 60 psi in Which was reasonably hard and I went down to 55 PSI Which provides a good ride on the road. the lt are rated to 80 psi

[Steve223]

is bruce davis selling tyres now? ;)

i went out first time with new bfg km2 and put knicks like that in the sidewall, expect they will be there when i get rid of the tyres in a year or two. :)

that gives me comfort :D still strange that it seems to be only me....

I guess the next set will show whether it's the tires or me...

Scott from Cooper Tyres comes tomorrow and inspects the tires lets see what he says...

[Graeme]

the lt are rated to 80 psi80 psi is only for the short duration max speed max load rating test, not meant for general use. Somewhere within a few psi of placard pressure is about the limit for highway fully loaded.

[Redback]

same tires baz? When I picked it up from Tyre place they had 60 psi in Which was reasonably hard and I went down to 55 PSI Which provides a good ride on the road. the lt are rated to 80 psi

No but same type Steve, a tyre place would be the place I'd take pressure advice from.

I run what feels good for grip and handling, I run a few pressures until I find what feels the best, might take me a few trips to get it right, but it's worth it.

I use the tyre plachard as a starting point and go up from there 2psi at a time and that's pretty much for all types of tyres, I run 36 front, 40 rear around town on both my Mud and AT tyres and 36F, 44R for the same tyres when touring, I wouldn't even think of running anything over 44psi unless I had the max ball weight and a big load on the back, I find that when I run my touring pressures when not loaded way to harsh, can't imagine what 55psi would feel like:eek:

Baz.

[Steve223]

not sure what is the difference with my tyres and car but 55 psi (that is fully loaded) or 50 psi empty feels the best pressure for my circumstances.

did a bit more research in Bridgestone 697 Dueler A/T and it has excellent reviews wherever I look so if Copper does not replace my tires I will be buying them on some King Steel Rims on Monday

[Disco4SE]

I'd be interested to know what sort of warranty Bridgestone are providing for their 697 AT.
The AT3 in LT have a 90,000 Klm warranty. Not too many tyre companies will offer that.

Cheers, Craig

[TerryO]

Not so sure I'd get that excited about Cooper Tires amazing mega kilometre warranty Craig. Plenty on here will tell of their experiences trying to claim on it.

[Blue C]

Hello David,

What tyre pressure are you running, I consistently run higher pressure then the rest of club members on road full loaded around 55 psi, of road around 32 in the back and 29 in the front ( if I go down to 24 PSI on the back like rest of guys it looks like I'm running flats) though in sand I have been down to 12 psi which was ok.

I have seen a couple of ST MAXX around the tracks and again never have seen the kind of wear in have on my tires. If it was only one tire I put it down to scraping a rock etc but all 4 seems strange.

Cheers

Steve

Hi Steve
I agree that 55 psi is abit high (is that hot or cold?)
I run the following pressures: 36 front & 40 rear (cold) fully loaded and towing camper- pretty much at GVM including camper ball weight.
Off road fast good quality gravel road I drop them to around 34-36 rear and 30-32 front (tyres now hot so that would be say 26 front & 30 rear cold).
For Offroad rough/sharp rocks 24-26 rear & 20-22 front "hot" (but dropped to 18psi all round for last tricky part of Billy Goat Bluff track in Vic HC). For sand I use 15psi (=11-12psi after a cold night!).

I agree the Bridgestone 697 is a very good tyre from all reports and I would consider them for 18" GOE rims on my future D4! However if your main concern is the risk of sidewall damage then I have no hesitation recommending the ST Maxx as it has the Armor-Tek3 technology (same 3 ply construction as for STT's and also "Powerply" in Micky Thompson MTZ).

Just as an aside during our trip to Vic HC last year the D4 travelling with us was on 265/65/18 BFG AT's and it had the rear e-diff (I do not-unfortunately!). He got chips in his sidewalls and I did not despite my TC working harder than his for the tough rocky bits- he had his tyres at 26-28psi & I had mine at 22-24psi. I still went everywhere he did though not as effortlessly! Regards, David

[TerryO]

I have a set of STT's that I use off road on our D3, the 3 ply side walls have numerous cuts in them.

[Disco4SE]

Not so sure I'd get that excited about Cooper Tires amazing mega kilometre warranty Craig. Plenty on here will tell of their experiences trying to claim on it.According to my local Tyre guys, Cooper have a great record for backing up their tyres. With that in mind and the 90,000 Klm warranty, I am comfortable with my choice of the AT3's.
I do know that Gordon (GOE) has had good experiences with them.

Cheers, Craig

[Steve223]

Thanks a lot for the tips, if Cooper is willing to replace I will go with he STMaxx and next time will put tyre pressure down to 24-25 on rocks and see what difference it makes it just looks so damm flat.

[Steve223]

Just had a visit from Scott Roper from NTW and while he says it does not fall under the mileage warranty which only covers tyres thread (makes sense) and the tire itself is not faulty they offered me half price for a set of S/TMAXX and mentioned they probably would be better suited for the kind of driving I do which is nearly every second weekend somewhere in the Bush.

He is an friendly guy and I'm impressed by the service and outcome.

He mentioned though the S/T Maxx is officially not suited for the Discovery but David is running them.

David did you have to make any moods to have them on your Disco?

[~Rich~]

Just had a visit from Scott Roper from NTW and while he says it does not fall under the mileage warranty which only covers tyres thread (makes sense) and the tire itself is not faulty they offered me half price for a set of S/TMAXX and mentioned they probably would be better suited for the kind of driving I do which is nearly every second weekend somewhere in the Bush.

He is an friendly guy and I'm impressed by the service and outcome.

He mentioned though the S/T Maxx is officially not suited for the Discovery but David is running them.

David did you have to make any "moods" to have them on your Disco?

Thats a great offer on their part. :)
David was probably "Happy" when he fitted them. :wasntme:

[Blue C]

Thats a great offer on their part. :)
David was probably "Happy" when he fitted them. :wasntme:
Yes I was happy when I had them fitted!! :)
No mods required as such but on full lock at normal and access height they do rub alittle on inner front guard-actually on inner aspect of my after market mud flaps (from Opp Lock). However now that I have done ~25,000km they no longer rub at normal height- only at access height on full lock. Gordon has previously posted that 265/70/17 tyres may rub on passenger side rear at full articulation at front of wheel arch- I haven't been aware of that - at least it hasn't mattered. They don't rub on my ARB bullbar at all. I have LLAMS too but only use it when necessary for deep ruts and faster than 40km/hr offroad (+30) but I don't need too just for larger tyres.
Also agree Cooper's offer of 1/2 price is very good. Re officially not suited to D3- that is probably because the OD is 808mm and thus outside legal increase in some states. They will be louder than Bridgestone and GG AT's but if that doesn't bother you then they should be fine. Good luck, David

[Steve223]

Great I will get the new Tyres fitted today on steel King rims

[Steve223]

Great I will get the new Tyres fitted today on steel King rims

59387

[Yorkie]

is there a centre cap for those, looks odd without?

[Runnadude]

Is the car at standard height in that pic?

[Steve223]

Is the car at standard height in that pic?

Yes standard height LAMS switched off

[Runnadude]

They look awesome mate :)

[Steve223]

just drove 35k's in to Sydney with them and like it, slightly noisier but control feels good. Parking in backwards I heard a slight rub so will have a look but so far very happy, just need some hub caps they did not come with the wheels unfortunately.

Next Wednesday off to NSW tableland for 4 days good chance to test them off road....

[Blue C]

Looks good Steve. I think you will really like them Offroad - enjoy! Regards, David

[BBlue_D3]

Hi all

I know I am more of a viewer on this site than poster, but this discussion had me intrigued.

Lots of tyre brands were proposed, however I did not notice any discussion regarding Yokohama.

In the near future I'll be looking for replacement tyres for the stock standard 17" rims on my D3, and was really looking for a close size match to the OEM Goodyear tyres. I came across the Yokohama Geolandar A/T 255/65 r17.

This is about the closest size match to OEM (little speedo error and hopefully no rubbing on lock like some of the 265 tyres seem to do) and given the type/limited off-road driving I do I was seriously considering these.

Does anyone have any experience with these?

TIA
BBlue_D3

[Graeme]

I have the Yokos in LT245/70-17 which are about the same dia as 265/65-17. I've found them robust on gravel roads and farm where there's bits of old fencing wire everywhere, have good wet bitumen adhesion, good steering and handling and good wear rate. Being a LT version they may be different to the 255/65 size (eg 255/65 probably have 2 ply sidewalls) but there are people on this forum who have been repeat buyers in the 18" 265/60 size so they may not be very different. I have considered trying them in 265/65-17 next time to get a slightly softer ride with the same dia. I also have Duratracs in LT245/70-17 so will stick with the same overall dia. No rubbing with 245/70-17s.

[gghaggis]

Also consider that 245/70R17 is an easier size to source than the 255/65R17 when outside of a capital city. 265/70R17 even more so.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Steve223]

follow up picture with hub caps 59492

if you ever purchase the king steel rims just keep in mind they come without wheel nuts and caps

[discoberry]

follow up picture with hub caps 59492

if you ever purchase the king steel rims just keep in mind they come without wheel nuts and caps

Hey mate,
I read through this post a couple of times, so, sorry if I missed it, but exactly what size tyre did you fit, Thanks.

[Steve223]

265/70/17

[minibloodhound]

I didn't see your thread earlier, otherwise I would have given you my thoughts as I run the STMAXX on my disco. Now that you've had them fitted, you'll definitely have to come up for a run with us!

[Fatso]

Also consider that 245/70R17 is an easier size to source than the 255/65R17 when outside of a capital city. 265/70R17 even more so.

Cheers,

Gordon

Gordon , Do you know if the 245/ 70r/ 17 tyres fit in the RRS spare wheel well , also if there would be any rubbing at stop block height ?? if one was unfourtinate enough to be at that height !! Thanks Al

[chuck]

Fatso

They will it in the spare wheel well - I managed to squeeze in 265/70 17's on my D3.

[Steve223]

I didn't see your thread earlier, otherwise I would have given you my thoughts as I run the STMAXX on my disco. Now that you've had them fitted, you'll definitely have to come up for a run with us!

Any time just let me know when you guys are going, if I'm free I'm in

[Steve223]

Like my STMAXX but noticed that my fuel consumption went up by at least 1.5l per 100k is hat due to the size difference or thread but quite a difference I did not expect

[Blue C]

Steve I noticed the same thing with my ST Maxx- around 1-1.5L/100 km more- I suspect it is a combination of both increased size and more aggressive tread. Regards, David