Cooper Discoverer ATR 235/70/R16 - not another tire thread [Archive]

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landyprincess

24th January 2009, 01:41 PM

BigJon

24th January 2009, 01:52 PM

I have seen lots of those tyres with sever chipping issues. I wouldn't touch them.

For my vehicle (with similar driving) I recently fitted Pirelli Scorpion ATRs. Seem OK after 5000km.

landyprincess

24th January 2009, 03:06 PM

sever chipping issues.

Hi. Could you pleas elaborate on what you mean by the above.

thx

Lp

Thommo

24th January 2009, 03:39 PM

To answer your question I have that exact same size on my D1 and have had NO problems including a reasonable amount of off road including a couple of trips to the Northern Flinders on sharp rocky tracks with little or no chipping or side wall damage. (any tyre can have a chunk taken out of it when driving on sharp rocky terrain)
I have about 20K on them now and they look good for at least another 40+K.

Spiked one with a screw (picked up around town). Plugged it 10K ago and no probs.

Don't notice any extra noise compared to what you would expect from ATR's of any brand.

Not ideal in loose sand (have always managed to self recover though) but they are a ATR and not a dedicated muddy, knobby tyre. (Drop pressure before getting into the soft stuff)

Handling/braking all seem fine to me on the bitumen, off road they seem to work well with the ABS (Now that I am familiar with the D1 ABS) bit scary the first time I planted the anchors on the loose stuff but I think that is the ABS doing it's thing and not a tyre issue

Value for money they seem to be in the same ball park if not better than other "brand names" but a bit more than some of the "discount brands".

I to would like to hear from other users (that is users not people who have observed tyres after other peoples tales of terror)

Thommo
D1V8ESman

BigJon

24th January 2009, 04:11 PM

Hi. Could you pleas elaborate on what you mean by the above.

thx

Lp

Small to medium size pieces of tread block separating from the rest of the tyre.

Peppercorn

24th January 2009, 11:09 PM

I have them on the back of my Disco and they're good. What can I say??

I have just bought 2 same size Maxxis and they're a bit louder on the road, but not too loud at all. They are also cheaper.

To me, tyres are good if I forget that they are there and they don't keep reminding me.

Dorko

25th January 2009, 11:24 PM

I've got a set of Coopers ATR. They are a top tyre. Heaps of grip and is very good in the sand. I've done 5000kms all 4wding in this tyre, both gravel, bush and sand. Not a single mark or chip!

These are my tireses which i only use for 4wding and the only thing i hate is my fuel econ goes up to 8-9L rather than my week day highway tyres at 6-8L

But overall, very happy!

Dorko

Pedro_The_Swift

25th January 2009, 11:29 PM

Have done around 50,000 kays on my set,, should get another 20 so,,,

Fusion

26th January 2009, 10:41 AM

How cool would it be to have a tyre section :D:angel: .... nudge nudge wink wink :D;):p:angel::wasntme:

BigJon

26th January 2009, 10:43 AM

I to would like to hear from other users (that is users not people who have observed tyres after other peoples tales of terror)

Thommo
D1V8ESman

Do you mean I would have to waste $1400 getting a set, then be dissapointed with how they lasted before my experiences would be valid?

I know what I have seen first hand. I know the trouble that the tyre purchaser (friend and customer) went through with Coopers trying to get some satisfaction after his ATRs were almost unserviceable within 5000km. I know that he fitted one BFG All Terrain and used it in the same conditions with NO issues whatsoever.

I know that it is possible to learn from other peoples misfortunes.
I am trying to help someone else make an informed decision. I am not saying buy / don't buy, I am just offering up experience.

Chucaro

26th January 2009, 10:57 AM

Do you mean I would have to waste $1400 getting a set, then be dissapointed with how they lasted before my experiences would be valid?

I know what I have seen first hand. I know the trouble that the tyre purchaser (friend and customer) went through with Coopers trying to get some satisfaction after his ATRs were almost unserviceable within 5000km. I know that he fitted one BFG All Terrain and used it in the same conditions with NO issues whatsoever.

I know that it is possible to learn from other peoples misfortunes.
I am trying to help someone else make an informed decision. I am not saying buy / don't buy, I am just offering up experience.

Well said mate, I am the same and share your views about "I know that it is possible to learn from other peoples misfortunes"

Just wonder if this is because I am over 60's :angel:

big guy

26th January 2009, 11:18 AM

Hmm

Touchy.

The above question was in regards the meaning of sever(should be Severe?).
Suddenly make more sense.

I believe the question raised is one of facts versus fiction.
I love my facts, I had above tyre on my RRC and had no problems at all, good price, quiet, good tyre wear and temperature variations in hot and cold.
Off road however they were just O.K, as they are more a road tyre but we all know that.

I run Michelin XPC which I truly believe are a great compromise. My main driving is on-road and for that they are brilliant, off road fine and when things get very tricky, I turn back as I know that's not what they are intended for.

When a member is offering his advice, it is often not just personnal experience but through a 3rd person or so.
I find it still very valid and always listen, when the facts get clouded by the hunt of a higher post count, I do begin to wonder why.

On tyres again though and in my experince and what I have been told is that most modern tyres are pretty good these days, punctures and chunks can happen on any tyre, its just bad luck sometimes.
A lot of research goes into rubber these days, so a quality brand will often be exactly that, a quality tyre. They may not be everyones idea of that but thats life.

We`are all different.

Tombie

26th January 2009, 11:41 AM

I love facts too...

Fact... My good friend of many years nearly died along with his entire family when one of his new Coopers suddenly BLEW the tread off (delaminated completely) at 100km/h on the highway between Adelaide and Melbourne.

Fact... When he fitted the spare it lasted only 50km before doing exactly the same thing again...

Fact... Friend with a Prado had his new 17" coopers delaminate an entire tread belt at speed, luckily he managed to slow safely with his camper attached.

Fact... Coopers is under multiple law suits in the USA for similar incidents up to and including death....

Fact... Coopers had a couple of insiders testify to bad manufacturing practices...

Fact... Coopers on friends vehicles show drastic chipping after a run to Innaminka that other brands on same model vehicles do not...

Fact... Several people who have ran Coopers on THIS BOARD have had chunks ripped out of their Coopers tread...

Fact... Coopers seem like value for money with the warranty.. Until you read the bit that states "once used offroad the warranty is void"

Fact... There are better tyres out there!

FACT... 4 pi$$y bits of rubber are all that keeps you, your family etc safe on the road... Why would ANYONE risk their lives or those of loved ones on tyres with a known history of failure?

Fact... After 7 years you shouldnt be running ANY tyre really... Tyres age... Unless your doing 80,000km in under 7 years the extra tyre life is a moot point.... And a tyre below 5mm tread is useless on and offroad.. Especially in the wet... Even if it is still considered 'legal'

Tombie

26th January 2009, 11:44 AM

Quality Brand?

Who told you that story! :cool:

Coopers are not a quality brand, rather just a 'brand'...

To raise their profile, Coopers went and purchased a "Quality Brand" they still manufacture that brand in its own independent factory to maintain quality and sell those tyres as such (with prices to suit)

Chucaro

26th January 2009, 12:04 PM

I remember more than 30 years ago I used (for a very short time) work as a maintenance fitter on Firestone @ Parramatta rd , NSW

If we like to have a set of new tyres for our cars we used to let the chargehand on the molds section and he will cook the set just for a few minutes longer.
The result..... long lasting tyres with a good grip ;)

Just wonder if the trouble tyres of today are from a bad batch made on Monday morning or the last before a long weekend :angel:

Chucaro

26th January 2009, 12:07 PM

Tombie, in Firestone, on the tyre assembly line if the operator used the wrong soap to wash his hands he will lost the job on the spot.
Wrong soap and delimatation will be for sure!

big guy

26th January 2009, 12:51 PM

Tombie

26th January 2009, 01:32 PM

Wow

How about all those facts!!!!

You did your research?

Did you ever search the history on Pirelli scorpions, Yokahamas and BFG's?

I swore by BFG and so did my mate who had 3 blow outs going up through the flinders, I had none, not even a cut in my coopers.
I admit mine were almost new and his had 20,000km's on them.
Bad batch, who knows but thats what happened.

Oh and why is someone getting so worked up?

Its just another tyre comparison is it not?

BFG had a very bad run for a while actually, with the belt edges breaking away and causing damage resulting in blow outs....

Considering my significant involvement with guys in the tyre industry I actually have a very good knowledge of issues, etc...

I have even been given tyres to test on occasion... As well as been involved in other development work for LR specific product with other manufacturers (not relevant to this thread)

So yes, I'm aware of those other issues.... Nice argument attempt.

As for worked up... Whatever you think....

For the record, in ALL the offroading I've ever done, I have never had a blow out, tread let go, puncture... Nothing....
Does that make my tyres exceptional? No.... In fact on a trip where 3 vehicles destroyed tyres I was one of 2 others with no damage at all...
Funny how I was running the same brand as 2 others....

And yes, once again... A thread on freakin tyres... Yet another one....

Considering at the end of the day almost all threads like this end up with...
"I got these 'cause they were the best price"

It shows how much of a total waste of bandwidth these recurring threads actually are.

Heres some advice from a tyre store mate of mine...

Pick the terrain you'd like to go on for your annual trips...
Buy tyres to suit that terrain...

Eg.. AT if you go Beach / Touring
MT if you go mud plugging...
HT if you never leave the black top

Better to have a tyre that will perform in those situations than to have a ruined holiday every year due to poor tyre selection.

How about either of the following:
225-75-16 Mickey T ATZ (29.4")
245-75-16 Mickey T ATZ (30.5")
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
Far superior tyre for both life and quality / handling.

scarry

26th January 2009, 01:59 PM

Considering at the end of the day almost all threads like this end up with...
"I got these 'cause they were the best price"

So true.............

And how many people actually look after their tyres,check pressures regularly,and rotate every5 to 10 k,not many.

B92 8NW

26th January 2009, 02:57 PM

Tombie

26th January 2009, 03:20 PM

Hey Tombie is your friend that Will guy, administrates on D2AU?

I'd ordered five of the same Coopers in the same size. The day before I went to have them fitted I saw that thread. Nasty photos:eek::eek:

Went elsewhere bought something different:)

Yeah, thats Will...

Another good mate had 17's go on his Prado towing a camper...
Wasnt a pleasant sight to see.... (I was behind him when it happened)

Kandy

26th January 2009, 05:11 PM

Sorry - yep.... and still looking *lol*

Hi All,
I'm just after some useful feedback from those who have actually had EXPERIENCE with the above mentioned tyre. I don't plan on doing any hardcore off road stuff (hubby has his FJ40 for that!) and would predominantly do freeway, with a little pebbly/rocky maybe some sandy stuff and gravel.

I know some folk have bagged cooper, however.. given how I will be driving, any useful feedback from anyone out there who have used this particular type of tyre would be great.

Thaaaaanks

Lp

As you describe what type of driving you will be doing I suggest Cooper H/T --- I purchased a full set Oct. last year to replace the Mich. XPCs despite the possible issues others have experienced. I researched as much as I could and found that the "Cooper issue" was a bit old though no real facts to support that they have lifted their game except no recent negative reports.
I thought they had the best tread pattern and build for what I wanted so went ahead --- a very quiet ride (for the freeway), great in sand (as they advertise) excellent grip in the wet ( recent rains have proven that) and also great grip and control in the gravel (some clown decided to stop on a gravel road, blind corner AND reverse so much braking and aversive action followed with the tyres AND the ABS doing a great job of avoiding a nasty impact), also no chipping. Most of my driving is touring freeway so HT was my choice.
Hope this helps.
Steve
Steve

rangy01

26th January 2009, 05:25 PM

Have a full set of cooper a/t's on my 300 Disco tdi. Went from central vic to Kalgoorlie, up the canning stock route, halls creek, alice, oodnadatta to flinders then home. Not one puncture, good wear, excellent in sand, steers well on the dirt and bitumen. No unusual wear and I was probably overloaded for most of the trip. My companion had cooper m/t's on his 100 series cruiser, he had no punctures, but did suffer 3-4 lugs partially chipping. Perhaps the chipping problem is mostly on the m/t's, not sure, just basing that on the one experience.
However, if you are doing mostly highway work, try the h/t's as someone else suggested.
Regards
Andy.

waynep

27th January 2009, 08:35 AM

I run Cooper ATRs as my road tyre. They've done 40,000k and are just at half tread now. Nice and quiet. And for medium offroad/sand etc they are excellent. I personally think they are a good tyre. No sign of chipping or tread delamination - I think that was the STTs ( their mud tyre ) had some problem.

Has anyone any actual evidence the the specific Cooper ATR model has any inherent problems ? ( as opposed to just lumping all Cooper tyres into one big bucket ).

BigJon

27th January 2009, 09:30 AM

Has anyone any actual evidence the the specific Cooper ATR model has any inherent problems ? ( as opposed to just lumping all Cooper tyres into one big bucket ).

The tyres I was talking about in my earlier post were ATRs, not STs.
My Dad also has ATRs (he didn't consult me prior to purchase:eek:). His are almost 100% bitumen use and still have some tread chipping:(.

big guy

27th January 2009, 09:20 PM

Tombie2
Nice argument attempt!!!

Where are you coming from?

Sure you work in industry where you hear and speak about tyres but have you ever thought that people mostly talk about their tyres when something happens to them.
They never even occur to mention they have tyres on their car until they fail.

Lets not slang at each other but help the bloke with tyre questions or we are also just post hunters.

I have read many of your posts and agree with much of what you say but defaming a brand is just not right especially since so many people swear by them.

Thats my opinion with some facts attached out of my own experince for good measure.

And yes, at the end of the day most people do buy the cheapest.

landyprincess

7th February 2009, 09:49 PM

Gosh - almighty! It's NOT like opening a can of worms eh, but rather, unleashing a school of piranahs - yaiks!!!

Why are tyres such a touchy subject? I value the facts as well as opinions of folk who have had GOOD and BAD experiences with all facets of tyres... I'm mid 30 and respect everyone's opinion whether younger or older than me :-)

Oooookay... that out of the way....

I've been keeping my eye out and looking at so many darn 4wd's of every conceivable make (apart from those city wanna be 4wd's) and the bulk of tyres that I see are BF Goodrich and Coopers - mind you - BF Goodrich outruns the Coopers by a mile (this is ONLY what I have SEEN in my area).

I've also seen a few SIMEX branded tyres and a couple of others that I have not heard of or never seen before apart from those one off occassions - can't remember what they are but have seen them parked at Olivers Hill Boat Ramp and they have predominantly been for the UTE type flavour.

Hubby has BFGoodrich All Terrain on his FJ40 and they are awesome looking tyres w/ his 2" lift kit! *dreams for my landy w/ a mini tramp *lol* - ONEDAY...

I love facts and know that a few folk have posted to the like - for me, it would be interesting to know on a sliding scale of 1 - 5 WHO and WHAT the TOP selling brand/make of tyres for REAL 4wd's are in Australia (1 being top).

Of course you would then need to drill down by state as I believe the driving in QLD would be far different in VIC AS AN example. I'm not asking for this, although it would be great and think probably solve 'some' problems of what's the best tyre to go with based on terrain - and of course any insider knowledge helps but know that manufacturers are not that willing to dispose of that information publicly *lol*.... - CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG PLEASE :-) Maybe it's plastered everywhere over the net *shrug*

Anyhooo - aside from being offered a job at Bridgestone *lol*... after my research I rambled off to the sales manager... I was recommended Bridestone D683 @ 245 ea / tyre.... 10% off road and the rest on bitumen aka highway driving....

Anyone heard of these??

Thanks again...

Lp

Pedro_The_Swift

7th February 2009, 10:37 PM

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/02/1156.jpg

yep!:D

warren9981

8th February 2009, 09:36 PM

Had Bridgestone Dueller AT's (not Bridegstone D683) on a previous 4wd I owned. Good tyre, but they tended to squeal on roundabouts:( when tread got low. i.e. about 40k kms. (Lots of roundabouts in Lismore). Got about 50k kms life out of them on that vehicle. Next set of tyres on the same vehicle were Cooper Discoverer AT. Got about 50k kms from them before they were worn out. (Due to bad wheel alignments).:mad: No issues with chipping on these tyres.

Current tyres fitted to my Discovery TDI300 are Pirelli Scorpion AT 245/70R16. Have just over 13000kms (mostly highway use, asphalt/gravel/dirt) and these tyres so far have performed brilliantly. Very little wear and they grip like nothing else I've come across. :DWent with these based on a magazine recommendation and have not been disappointed.

sjane

9th February 2009, 01:42 PM

How about either of the following:
225-75-16 Mickey T ATZ (29.4")
245-75-16 Mickey T ATZ (30.5")
http://mickeythompsontires.com/images/products/baja_atz_plus.jpg
Far superior tyre for both life and quality / handling.

Seems to me that Mickey T's are made by Cooper, after a quick search of the DOT code on my FCII's. Doesn't mean that build specs / materials are shared though I guess, but it is likely.

klappers

10th February 2009, 02:51 PM

Please do not run Coopers. Not a very good tyre. I have these tyres on my truck. I have chipping on the tread blocks already. This truck does not get driven much and every time that I go off road, I drop my pressures and still get chips and chunks taken out. Same problem on my best mans STs as well.

http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1703/103/32/643147132/n643147132_1630153_4766.jpg