Cooper Discoverer A/T3 Tires for Death Valley Racetrack?

[GXGuy]

I am planning on new tires for my rig, and would eventually like to visit the racetrack at Death Valley.... right now I am torn between the Cooper A/T3 and the Cooper S/T MAXX tires. Does anybody have first hand experience with the Cooper A/T3 Tires on the road to the racetrack? Will they be strong enough to withstand a puncture on the sharp rocks on that road? My driving style is very conservative, and I would air down the tires.

If I can get the A/T3, I would prefer it to the S/T MAXX because this is my daily driver, and I don't want to kill gas mileage and comfort. Also, if anyone has experience with the S/T MAXX as a daily driver, I would love to hear your thoughts.... did mpg decrease? Noise?

Thanks!

 

[KelticXJ]

Check this thread out. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/59755-Cooper-Discoverer-S-T-Maxx

The Maxx is a good alternative for DDing and off road use. I have the AT3's on my work truck and they're great but I'd be worried about the sidewall off road.

 

[1Louder]

I have the AT/3. Overall a good tire but the sidewalls suck. They are very thin and some of mine have white from the inner tire showing. The new STT Pro's are only 5lbs heavier per tire and are supposed to have much thicker sidewalls. Otherwise I have been pretty happy with my tires. I would not buy them again but will buy the new STT Pros when I need new ones. Both have gotten favorable reviews.

 

[justrom]

The Racetrack road is bumpy, but not terrible. People in stock vehicles/tires are in and out all the time. I've been into the racetrack (and other DV backroads) on the stock "P" rated Dunlops that come with the Tacoma. We aired them down, drove carefully and had no issues. I would focus more on your daily driving requirements and not the one time that you drive up to the racetrack. When the time comes as long as you don't drive like a maniac whatever tires you have will be fine...

 

[kayadog]

Check out the Hankook ATM. I'm currently running both the ATM and AT3. They are both good tires but I find the Hankook slightly better in all areas and they are quieter.

 

[Robert Bills]

. . . if anyone has experience with the S/T MAXX as a daily driver, I would love to hear your thoughts.... did mpg decrease? Noise?

I have had a set of LT265/75R16-E Cooper Discoverer ST/Maxx tires on my '05 Nissan Xterra for the past 18 months. I chose them over the AT3 because I wanted the more aggressive tread and stronger sidewalls. I have not regretted my decision. Any decrease in fuel mileage has been minor and I have experienced no noise issues. (I am told that the key to reducing noise issues is to rotate the tires on a regular basis.) I have taken several 2,500 mile trips on the Interstate and noticed no decrease in ride comfort. The ST/Maxx tires have also worked well for me on the trails around Moab, Utah and in Northern California. I am planning a Death Valley run in November and do not expect these tires to be a limiting factor.

 

[Inyo_man]

If you plan on driving the Lippencott Rd. to the race track from Saline Valley, then I would recommend a three-ply sidewall.
If you plan on driving into the race track via the "graded" (wash board) road, then the weaker sidewall is not too big of a deal.

However, if your driving habits find you in four-wheel drifts around corners while navigating graded roads then...surely you want three-ply sidewall tires.

With that said, I'd never run anything but a three-ply off highway.

 

[Dake21]

I find the AT3 to be comfortable (soaks bumps and potholes quite well) and have very good traction. After a year and 30,000KM I have 60% thread left. I've never had problems with them but the sidewalls doesn't inspire me confidence and they are noisy on the highway.

 

[kayadog]

I also am a little disappointed about how loud the AT3's are on the highway.

 

[P2W]

I also am a little disappointed about how loud the AT3's are on the highway.

Try +25K mi with the ST Maxx,..
They were very quite when new considering they're almost a mt, as they wear they get louder. They are tough, spent a good amount of quality time in the shale. (the BFG KO's didn't like that, they looked like someone had sliced em with razor blades)

mpg? - they were on a Quadcab Dodge, but yes mileage dropped 2-5mpg

Would I run the ST Maxx again?
Heck yeah!

 

[Robert Bills]

A note on AT3 and ST/Maxx tire noise:

1. Tires with aggressive tread tend to "sing."

2. Singing becomes more noticeable as tires wear.

3. The more aggressive the tread the louder the singing.

4. Regular tire rotation helps keep down the tire noise.

5. Expecting tires designed for good offroad performance to be as quiet as "AT style" highway tires is unrealistic.


Personally, I do not find the singing of an offroad tire on the highway to be objectionable.

 

[PowerWagner]

Running 35x12.5x17 st max on powerwagon with apprx 1k pounds in the bed. Had a situation this weekend running up a very steep, extremely loose, all tallus hill for maybe 250 feet. Had to use both front and rear lockers; was still iffy. Tires were not aired down and spinning like mad with me turning the wheel side to side to keep forward momentum. Tires show no chunking, zero, zip, nada! My bfg at's would have blown up, and my previous set of km2's would be missing lugs. I've done it. Impressed with the st max.

 

[Allof75]

You should absolutely be fine. I've run quite a few trails in DV on sidewalls even thinner than the AT3s, and haven't had an issue. Air down a bit, and just keep an eye on your cornering speed, and you'll be in the clear.

 

[SSF556]

My vote for the ST Maxx....this weekend in mud...not bad and did not get stuck once...aired down to 12psi and held up a like a boss...was pulling out several vehicles that had AT tires though.

 

[surfnmoto2]

The Racetrack road is bumpy, but not terrible. People in stock vehicles/tires are in and out all the time. I've been into the racetrack (and other DV backroads) on the stock "P" rated Dunlops that come with the Tacoma. We aired them down, drove carefully and had no issues. I would focus more on your daily driving requirements and not the one time that you drive up to the racetrack. When the time comes as long as you don't drive like a maniac whatever tires you have will be fine...

^^ This

The road to the Racetrack and many other destinations in DV are very doable on your current style tires. I have seen many Honda's and similar type street sedans on that road without issue. The vehicles with impatient go-fast drivers are the ones that tend to have tire problems in the valley. Go slow, enjoy the ride and, of course, make sure you have a good spare. Enjoy the trip!