Thread: Cooper tyres chipped and stuffed

I looked at the S/T c's but decided against them because they were a softer compound, and they werent available in a size i was comfortable getting, as i dont want to buy a set at the moment given the scraping on the guards problems i have been having. I will be more adventurous, as i have said, when i get the lift. Matt

Guys,

I'm researching exactly this topic at the moment. Here are the facts.

The ST has a chipping problem. Quite simple. This isn't helped by the fact many people run their tyres at the wrong pressure, but it doesn't change the base problem. I've seen this myself with a friend's Prado running STs in the same conditions on a Flinders trip as my Pajero with Silverstone MT-117s (albeit muddies).

The ST-C is exactly the same tread pattern as the ST-C but softer. Expect 10-20% less mileage on bitumen than the STs, but better wear offroad. The ST-C is a little more expensive to buy and is available in a much smaller range of sizes. The ST-C has *not* replaced the ST, it is an alternative. There is no mileage guarantee on the ST-Cs. So an ST-C will cost more $ per km than an ST.

The ST is the go if you don't spend a lot of time on rocky roads and want long bitumen life. The more you go offroad, the more the ST-C (or a muddie like the STT) will make sense. I have seen the results of Coopers' tests and the ST-C is much less chip-prone.

The ST-Cs on my Defender are noisier than the average all-terrain but are also are the more aggressive end of the AT spectrum. I've yet to test them offroad but I expect them to be good, having seen many club members with them. Onroad handling with the ST-Cs is fine. There's a few other points I'm likely to make but need more time with the tyres first.

Other options are Kelly MSRs, an underrated tyre.

I have run a set of BFG ATs and won't again because they chipped too, but even worse the bead protector let a lot of crud into the bead and I couldn't let them down below 25psi offroad. Hopeless. I've run a set of BFG muddies (older style) before and considered that to be a great tyre. Heard and seen good things about the current BFG muddie.

Cooper's helpline is 1800 681 298.

Recommending pressures; the reason you don't hear much about that officially is simple, it's 2005 and it's ligitation time. We, being experienced 4WDers, know to drop pressures when the road turns to dirt, and to drop the speed too. Not everyone undestands the handling implications of lower pressures. There are also too many factors involved; weight, size of tyre over stock, driving style....many general principles need to be understood (we've discussed a few on this forum) and it's not the tyre company's job to do that and it's risky for them to try.

At the moment, I would say that you won't have any grief with the ST-Cs and chipping. You won't get 80,000km out of them though. I'll keep you posted, or just read Overlander!!!

hth

Thats interesting RMP. I decided against the S/Ts because of the nature of the tracks around here, I had ordered them but didnt know about the chipping problem, or how bad it apparently is. The Mickey Thompsons seem to be good, but i havent had them off road yet. Have you heard anything of them. Apparently they are one of the highest selling off road tyre in the US. Matt

I don't know anything about Mickey Thompsons. I've been 4WDing around Lithgow, most recently early this year, and would say the rocky nature of the tracks would not suit the STs. Go the ST-Cs in the Cooper range, or even STTs. There's plenty of others on the market too.

Originally posted by rmp
I don't know anything about Mickey Thompsons. I've been 4WDing around Lithgow, most recently early this year, and would say the rocky nature of the tracks would not suit the STs. Go the ST-Cs in the Cooper range, or even STTs. There's plenty of others on the market too.

The ST-C's werent available in a size that suited me, due to sagging suspension. The STT's arent suitable for my needs. I went the mickey thompsons because I couldnt see how the BFG's were $70 better. The Mickey Thompson's were good value and have a good reputation in the US, so i will give them a crack. If they are **** i wont buy them again. Matt

I have 26000 on my Coopers and very happy. Tread depth still good and no lug problems.
I bought then after reading a tyre Test in a 4By mag. They tested all brands. Coopers came 1st , closely behind was BFG.
Tests were conducted on a score for all road use. Road, Sand, firetrails etc.etc. etc

Coopers - wouldnt spend the doleros - currently running BFG AT KO and Kellys

all good for me

Mick

I have been running Cooper's AT on my SII Disco for the last 26K and have only had one hassle - a pre-installed fault on one when when they were fitted (a fracture in the shell straight from the factory that caused a slow leak that was obvious in the first 100km). The dealer didn't want to know me but the agent for the state I bought them in came good immediately with a replacement fitted free.

About 10k (ie nearly half) of their use has been laden on dirt: net result - nil problems. Compared to the OEM Michelins (5 punctures in 40K) I am very happy (also better self cleaning on mud and way cheaper). I have to agree with the comments about the tyre pressures and dropping them on dirt. I have also found though that if you keep the tyre pressures at the LR tyre placard recommended pressures in road the handling is rubbish - IMHO 28 psi for the front is to low for laden highway running on the SII,

Cheers

Mark