First hand experience with Cooper ST's and STT's

[PCH]

As some will know I had my Cooper ST's were replaced under warranty Monday week ago with STT's.

I had a chance to try out my STT's on Sunday in the Big River area and I can say they are quite good compared to the ST's. The tracks in there can get pretty greasy and there were a few bog holes getting a top up after the few showers we had on Friday and Saturday.

So far the tread blocks have shown no signs of chipping and we had a mix of surfaces - loose dirt, rutted, rocky, smelly mud holes through to freeway style gravel. The tread cleared of mud really quickly and you could hear the mud flick out at slow speed. The ST's I had tended to hold the mud. Traction was pretty good and helped me get out of a deep rut I got stuck in without the need to winch.

On the twisty bitumen the STT's gripped pretty well (the road was dry) and there was no scuffing on the tread blocks from all of this cornering.

One of the other guys with us has a D3 with STT's and they have been on for a few months now and the tread blocks are showing no sign of damage.

So at least I can now say the STT's are better than the ST's.

Chris

[charliebrisbane]

Good to know Chris, what size did you put on?

Charlie

[Redback]

Well thats good to hear, we have an appointment with the Cooper Rep on wednesday to show the damage to my new ST/Cs, they have done 20,000ks and look like they've done 80,000ks 8O with chips and tread blocks cracked and coming off.

Baz.

[NOZ]

Well you are in front of me PCH. Got mine replaced a week before you but have not come close to getting off the bitumen.

I hope I have a good report when I come back from Rover park in early May

[PCH]

Charliebrisbane, the size is LT245/70/17".

Baz, I reckon your ST-C's are a good case to be replaced as they shouldn't be cracking. Hopefully your Cooper Rep is easy to deal with like mine was. My recommendation would be to change to STT's - cost diff should be minimal. Why would you want to continue with another set of the same because they may only want to change a couple of the tyres which isn't going to acheive as much as changing all 5 (if you have 5).

Noz, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how they perform.

Chris

[RichardK]

Well I've read all the reports and fitted the D3 with 265 70 17 BFG AT's, I just wouldn't have been happy with Coopers.

[PCH]

Originally posted by RichardK
Well I've read all the reports and fitted the D3 with 265 70 17 BFG AT's, I just wouldn't have been happy with Coopers.

Richard,

These are just over 5% or 4cm taller than the 255/60/18. Any trouble with fitting the spare?

Your report would be most interesting.

Thanks

Chris

[NOZ]

You wont go wrong with BFG's :wink:

[tombraider]

Originally posted by NOZ
You wont go wrong with BFG's :wink:

I'd suggest you take a long hard look at the BFG near the tread edge.
Those little "dots" are cords breaking and heading for the surface.

A large number of BFGs have these dimples from the factory and they are becoming a wonderful source of failure.

BFG and Coopers - Two of the worst performing tyres there are nowadays.

They've both lost the plot!!!

Coopers are a rolling death warrant - Do a google search for lawsuits against coopers atm. Even the new STTs are delaminating treads.

Cheers
Mike

[NOZ]

Originally posted by tombraider+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tombraider)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-NOZ
You wont go wrong with BFG's :wink:


Coopers are a rolling death warrant - Do a google search for lawsuits against coopers atm. Even the new STTs are delaminating treads.

Cheers
Mike[/b][/quote]

You are just full of good news :wink:

[abaddonxi]

Originally posted by tombraider+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tombraider)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-NOZ
You wont go wrong with BFG's :wink:

I'd suggest you take a long hard look at the BFG near the tread edge.
Those little "dots" are cords breaking and heading for the surface.

A large number of BFGs have these dimples from the factory and they are becoming a wonderful source of failure.

BFG and Coopers - Two of the worst performing tyres there are nowadays.

They've both lost the plot!!!

Coopers are a rolling death warrant - Do a google search for lawsuits against coopers atm. Even the new STTs are delaminating treads.

Cheers
Mike[/b][/quote]

Well?

Don't leave us all hanging, what's the alternative, aside from the monsters that you run. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Cheers
Simon

[tombraider]

Mickey T do less "monsterous" sizes....

They have the MTZ coming out soon.... Next month to be exact. Very nice muddie without the Claw agressiveness.

Pirelli do a nice Muddie
Procomp Muds work well and last well - Fitted a set to a mates 4wd a couple of months ago. He's tested them and their darn good.

MTRs arent too shabby either, but you must rotate regularly to prevent them getting a hum!

But considering the 2 key factors on a vehicle...
Brakes and Tyres

I'd go for the best/better stuff every time.

Afterall, rattles etc.. wont kill you....

Tyre failure or Brake failure certainly can!

Cheers
Mike

[tombraider]

Oh yeah, Mickey T are bringing out a 17" and 18" tyre too...

And MTRs in Disco sizes....

$70k vehicle, I wouldnt want tyre delamination etc..... :twisted:

Just my opinion...

Cheers
Mike

[tombraider]

Originally posted by abaddonxi
Don't leave us all hanging, what's the alternative, aside from the monsters that you run. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Cheers
Simon

So my plans to upgrade to 37x15.5x16s is considered Monsters? https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Gotta see how the budget goes there!!!!

Cheers
Mike

[PCH]

Originally posted by tombraider
Oh yeah, Mickey T are bringing out a 17" and 18" tyre too...

And MTRs in Disco sizes....

$70k vehicle, I wouldnt want tyre delamination etc..... :twisted:

Just my opinion...

Cheers
Mike

Tombraider,

Did you know Mickey T's are made in the same factory as Cooper Tires? Procomp, Dick Cepek and proabably a number of others we don't see here come out of the same factory as the Coopers.

MTR's would be a nice choice but they are only available in the UK in the 18" size for the D3. USA don't even get them and they have a huge market unlike Australia. So the chances to see other brands of tyres in Australia in the right size for the D3 will be limited I think.

Chris

[NOZ]

Goodyear will bring the 18" in for you but I imagine the $$$ would be an issue :roll:

[tombraider]

Originally posted by PCH
Tombraider,

Did you know Mickey T's are made in the same factory as Cooper Tires? Procomp, d**k Cepek and proabably a number of others we don't see here come out of the same factory as the Coopers.

Chris

No, from the importer (and emails to MT and Coopers) I was informed they're owned by the umbrella corp of Coopers but have their own facility.

Coopers has over 3 factories for tyre manufacture.

The one that does Coopers is in deep ****! A worker there turned whistle blower in the US regarding manufacturing procedures etc...

Cheers
Mike

[RichardK]

Originally posted by PCH+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PCH)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-RichardK
Well I've read all the reports and fitted the D3 with 265 70 17 BFG AT's, I just wouldn't have been happy with Coopers.

Richard,

These are just over 5% or 4cm taller than the 255/60/18. Any trouble with fitting the spare?

Your report would be most interesting.

Thanks

Chris[/b][/quote]

Well, prior to purchase I measured up the space for the spare and concluded that if I removed the fibreglass protective cover it may fit in, however I wasn't worried as I will fit a rear wheel carrier as soon as they are available.
As it was it didn't fit, need another 6 mm, I could fit it in flat or low pressure but as I said it is not a major concern I will get a RWC. (which is where it should have been in the first place)
The extra height makes a lot of difference in deep rut travel, GGhaggis D3 went into extended mode on some of the tracks we took on the weekend but mine stayed at the off road level.
I preferred the BFG as I have had 2 other sets on the RR and never a spot of trouble, in fact over 130K's not even a puncture and that includes trips on the CSR, High Country and Gibb River Road. Hopefully these nwill be just as good.

[Jamo]

Well, I haven't had any problems with my STT's yet!

So, until I do, the glass is still half full!

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:indigo">well...its wednesday.....



whats the latest...?</span>

[gghaggis]

My Cooper STTs are still too new to report on - so far (1700km) no issues at all. Grip in mud/rocks is excellent, and surprisingly good in deep sand too.

Cheers,

Gordon

[KiwiSteve]

If any of you have a spare moment check out the d2au.com site for story and damage done when COOPER TYRES delaminated Some great photos showig ttyres that failed and the damage done!!!!!

[Redback]

Well yesterday we had an appointment with the Cooper rep about the chipping on our ST/Cs, and he said that our chipping albeit looking pretty bad was normal 8O as we didn't have block cracking and lifting only partial lifting.

He said that for our type of driving, which is outback touring and weekend offroad, the STTs would suit us better as they are more suited for gravel road and rocks.

Now correct me if i'm wrong but aren't the STs and ST/Cs an AT and 60% offroad 40% onroad and the STTs a 80%offroad 20%onroad, does he mean that the STT is better because it's more suited to a more varied terrain, as in rocks, mud, gravel, stones, rocky terrain and so on, and the ST and ST/Cs are for your basic gravel road and tar.

Baz.

[seqfisho]

And the moral of the story is dont touch Coopers with a toyota :oops: oops

I meant to say barge pole https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[PCH]

Originally posted by Redback
Well yesterday we had an appointment with the Cooper rep about the chipping on our ST/Cs, and he said that our chipping albeit looking pretty bad was normal 8O as we didn't have block cracking and lifting only partial lifting.

He said that for our type of driving, which is outback touring and weekend offroad, the STTs would suit us better as they are more suited for gravel road and rocks.

Now correct me if i'm wrong but aren't the STs and ST/Cs an AT and 60% offroad 40% onroad and the STTs a 80%offroad 20%onroad, does he mean that the STT is better because it's more suited to a more varied terrain, as in rocks, mud, gravel, stones, rocky terrain and so on, and the ST and ST/Cs are for your basic gravel road and tar.

Baz.

Baz,

I had the same comment from the Cooper Rep but he was willing to warranty them and let me upgrade to STT's since I had cracking blocks.

So when your blocks start to show cracking get them inspected again. I'm sure they will replace them then.

Chris

[Redback]

Originally posted by PCH+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PCH)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Redback
Well yesterday we had an appointment with the Cooper rep about the chipping on our ST/Cs, and he said that our chipping albeit looking pretty bad was normal 8O as we didn't have block cracking and lifting only partial lifting.

He said that for our type of driving, which is outback touring and weekend offroad, the STTs would suit us better as they are more suited for gravel road and rocks.

Now correct me if i'm wrong but aren't the STs and ST/Cs an AT and 60% offroad 40% onroad and the STTs a 80%offroad 20%onroad, does he mean that the STT is better because it's more suited to a more varied terrain, as in rocks, mud, gravel, stones, rocky terrain and so on, and the ST and ST/Cs are for your basic gravel road and tar.

Baz.

Baz,

I had the same comment from the Cooper Rep but he was willing to warranty them and let me upgrade to STT's since I had cracking blocks.

So when your blocks start to show cracking get them inspected again. I'm sure they will replace them then.

Chris[/b][/quote]

We will indeed, the rep actually said the same thing, so i'll be inspecting them after easter when we come back from our little getway.

Bens really happy with his new tyres

Baz.

[NOZ]

I know of 3 guys on this site alone and as I am 1 I would be happy to through my support behind you.

Dont let it rest keep on their case.

[hiline]

i'm getting STT's fitted this afternoon 8O :? https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ :wink:

[NOZ]

What size you going for ?

[hiline]

Originally posted by NOZ
What size you going for ?

standard defender size

[NOZ]

Not sure what that is but my 245/75/16 have been great thus far. Hope you have good luck with them

[hiline]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Hope you have good luck with them
[/b][/quote]

i hope so https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[NOZ]

So hiline what are your thoughts on your tyres?

[DEFENDERZOOK]

Originally posted by hiline
i'm getting STT's fitted this afternoon 8O :? https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ :wink:




<span style="color:blue">why....?</span>

[hiline]

Originally posted by NOZ
So hiline what are your thoughts on your tyres?


way to hard for everyday road driving :? :?

but not bad in all other area's :wink:


at this stage i wouldn't buy them again,but time will tell

[hiline]

[quote=hiline]i'm getting STT's fitted this afternoon 8O :? https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ :wink:




<span style="color:blue">why....?</span>

i wanted new rubber for towing the new van around the high country https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

something with a little more traction than my road tyres

[Jamo]

I've found they don't hold as well on the bitumen as 'm used to, but then they are primarily off road tyres.

Not much noise, but then the D3 is well insulated.

Took them onto the sand on Sunday (with LandyAndy, CraigE and Graz following - pics to come later), deflated to 16psi, and they were fantastic. A vast improvements on the wranglers. It was almost like driving on bitumen, even thought the sand was soft in places.

[RR5L]

Ok guys you have had a few more months to drive around on your STT's and I would appreciate your thoughts. What are the like on the various surfaces and are you happy with them?

Im forced now to buy 5 new tires (sold my ST's) and looking at the STT in 235x85x16.

[CraigE]

So far I am happy with mine except for the one that a bolt went straight through. Good on road, great off road. A bit annoyed that I was told I was getting the new type STT but after seeing Jamo's realised I had got stuck with the old type.

[mr_sav]

I am running S/T's 255/85/R16's and I can't complain.

Running them all around on Speedy Rims including on my off-road Trailer.

They have traversed some series crap, though I personally am not a beach runner. I would go wider otherwise.

[jake]

G'day Guy's,

Ive been running the new type STT for over a year now, happy to say that so far have not had any problems. Wear is good and very little chipping. Running 235/85/16.
Have previosly had old style muddies (coopers) and found that these chipped and showed wear a n early stage. Once tried MTR's and found these to be good but poor on side ways slip. Prefer the Coopers.