Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx

[Redline]

@Redline - I would be very curious of the 255/80R17 would fit in the stock location of a 4th Gen 4runner. Looking forward to your article.

I'm sure not… A typical 285/75 doesn't fit because the height, not the width, hitting the rear track bar on my car. I won't even try, I have in the past, a 255/8x will be as tall or taller. I carry a spare-spare, under the rear of the car, a 265/75, and a proper height spare on the swing-away when/if I've got the swing-away on the rear bumper.

 

[Robert Bills]

I've now read all 233 posts in this thread (so far), am totally bleary-eyed, but still have the S/T Maxx at the top of my list.

Although I'm intrigued by tall, skinny tires (you don't have to convince me that a 33x10.5-16 LT tire is at the sweet spot of expo tire sizes), the LT255/85R16 S/T Maxx won't be here for a while, that size may require reworking my front suspension a bit, but more importantly, I need tires now.

Here is my application and specific S/T Maxx questions for those of you who have direct knowledge:

Application: 2005 Nissan Xterra (stock tire size P265/75R16), lifted 2" (or similar weight/class rig)

Annual Mileage: 10,000 mi.

Highway/Offroad Ratio: 80/20

Offroad Type: Northern California/Sierras, forest service and logging roads, some in areas with sharp volcanic rock, or if rated trails, 3-4+ on difficulty scale (1-10) or "blue, some dark blue." Annual foray foray into the Nevada, Arizona or SoCal desert.


S/T Maxx Tire Size: LT265/75R16 only. (The LT285/75R16 is too heavy and out of the running. I'm thinking of the S/T Maxx LT265/75R16 because the published stats suggest it is a "true 32," which will fit without any issues, and it is only marginally smaller than some of the "smaller" LT285/75R16 AT tires on the market - all of which are substantially heavier than the S/T Maxx LT265/75R16.)


Questions/Concerns: Is this tire too stiff for my specific application, either on the highway and off?

If so, I'll take another look at the "C" rated LT265/75R16 choices (Goodyear Duratrac, Cooper AT3, Cooper ATP, Kelly Safari TSR.) If not, its time to price and buy some tires.

 

[Fargo]

I've now read all 233 posts in this thread (so far), am totally bleary-eyed, but still have the S/T Maxx at the top of my list.

Although I'm intrigued by tall, skinny tires (you don't have to convince me that a 33x10.5-16 LT tire is at the sweet spot of expo tire sizes), the LT255/85R16 S/T Maxx won't be here for a while, that size may require reworking my front suspension a bit, but more importantly, I need tires now.

Here is my application and specific S/T Maxx questions for those of you who have direct knowledge:

Application: 2005 Nissan Xterra (stock tire size P265/75R16), lifted 2" (or similar weight/class rig)

Annual Mileage: 10,000 mi.

Highway/Offroad Ratio: 80/20

Offroad Type: Northern California/Sierras, forest service and logging roads, some in areas with sharp volcanic rock, or if rated trails, 3-4+ on difficulty scale (1-10) or "blue, some dark blue." Annual foray foray into the Nevada, Arizona or SoCal desert.


S/T Maxx Tire Size: LT265/75R16 only. (The LT285/75R16 is too heavy and out of the running. I'm thinking of the S/T Maxx LT265/75R16 because the published stats suggest it is a "true 32," which will fit without any issues, and it is only marginally smaller than some of the "smaller" LT285/75R16 AT tires on the market - all of which are substantially heavier than the S/T Maxx LT265/75R16.)


Questions/Concerns: Is this tire too stiff for my specific application, either on the highway and off?

If so, I'll take another look at the "C" rated LT265/75R16 choices (Goodyear Duratrac, Cooper AT3, Cooper ATP, Kelly Safari TSR.) If not, its time to price and buy some tires.

My first hand experience is limited. My 2011 Pathfinder (Just picked up before Christmas) has a smaller tire so I don't think its the same. But I have seen an Xterra with 285/75R16s and it looked like about a 2" lift to me. So I think that size could work. So if I were you, I would really see if you can get another month or two out of your tires. I think the ST MAXX in a 255/85R16 would be a very nice setup for you.

In regards to your question if they are too stiff... Well thats debatable. My main vehicle (expedition and otherwise) is my Jeep Rubicon. The Jeep is likely lighter than your Xterra. The standard Jeeps have load range C and my Rubi came with load range E. There is diffinetely a difference. I am currently running STTs in a 285/75R16 and they are load range D. Now Cooper recently change the designation on that tire to an E. However, I don't know if the tire actually changed or if the standards allowed them the leway to change the rating. But eitherway, its still a pretty stiff tire on a light vehicle. Having said that, I found that running a little less air pressure can really soften things up for you. I don't think they will ever ride as softly as load range Cs, but they are not bad. A proper shock can help temendously here as well. If you were doing some serious rock crawling you might need the softer Cs to wrap around the rocks. However, your not rock crawling but instead driving on sharp volcanic rock. My wife lived in Klammath Falls for some time. I know how sharp that stuff is. I think I would be more comfortable with the tougher tread and sidewalls of the load range E. You will give up some of the cushyness of the Cs but you will have a much tougher tire. Also keep in mind that as you go that inch taller you are gaining sidewall height, so their is more sidewall to obsorb the bumps too. Even if they are stiffer. Personally if it was my Xterra, I would try to wait until Feb and get the 255/85 ST MAXX. I think that would be the sweet spot for you. Not not to mention it would look good.

 

[Redline]

snip...

Questions/Concerns: Is this tire too stiff for my specific application, either on the highway and off?

If so, I'll take another look at the "C" rated LT265/75R16 choices (Goodyear Duratrac, Cooper AT3, Cooper ATP, Kelly Safari TSR.) If not, its time to price and buy some tires.

Short answers, comments, opinions

-LT265/75R16 is a great tire size choice. Many choices, fit, cost, replacement, choices again, etc.

-any "LT" tire will be better, and firmer/stiffer than the load-range "P" you have been using.

-the two sets of Cooper S/T MAXX 285/7x treads I briefly ran almost two years ago (one 18", one 17") were both relatively stiff/firm riding tires. The tread and sidewalls are stout and stiff. This was on a 2011 V8 Tundra.

For more on this, search tires/sidewalls/load-range, etc. on my [defunct] blog linked below, lots on there about tires, sidewalls, etc.

-I prefer a softer ride, LR D when I can get it, which is not easy these days. Because of my known preference and your lighter vehicle, I would likely prefer a LR "C" or "D" tire if I could find that in the tire I wanted for your car. Going from a "P" to a [stiff] "E" is quite a jump on a light vehicle. Only you can decide how much sidewall [sharp rock] protection you need above what you have now.

Good Luck

P.S. And to stay on topic… Bring on the COOPER S/T MAXX 255s !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:victory::sombrero::wings::bike_rider::smiley_drive::coffeedrink::smiley_drive::victory::elkgrin::sombrero::wings:

 

[Robert Bills]

Personally if it was my Xterra, I would try to wait until Feb and get the 255/85 ST MAXX. I think that would be the sweet spot for you. Not not to mention it would look good.

You started to sway me, but then I remembered that years ago, when my son was in middle school and very image conscious, he would sometimes duck when we would drive by a pretty girl and complain that every vehicle I owned made me look like I was trying to be Adventure Dad. We were driving an old 4x4 pickup with tall, skinny tires at the time. (I think he's still a bit miffed that I don't have much interest in expensive German sports coupes.)

I must stay on task and keep my focus on the LT265/75R16 size. I have to be realistic. I'm 63 years old, divorced, and this is my daily driver. The women "to whom I am not invisible," a phenomenon I first discovered when I became invisible to women in their 20's, as a rule aren't too much into Adventure Dad either. I have to make some compromises between competing interests.

 

[Fargo]

You started to sway me, but then I remembered that years ago, when my son was in middle school and very image conscious, he would sometimes duck when we would drive by a pretty girl and complain that every vehicle I owned made me look like I was trying to be Adventure Dad. We were driving an old 4x4 pickup with tall, skinny tires at the time. (I think he's still a bit miffed that I don't have much interest in expensive German sports coupes.)

I must stay on task and keep my focus on the LT265/75R16 size. I have to be realistic. I'm 63 years old, divorced, and this is my daily driver. The women "to whom I am not invisible," a phenomenon I first discovered when I became invisible to women in their 20's, as a rule aren't too much into Adventure Dad either. I have to make some compromises between competing interests.

I wouldn't make the decision either way based on looks. I don't think the 255/85 will look all that different than the 265/75. They are more or less the same width and that extra inch of height won't make that much appearance difference. I think your Xterra will look mostly stock either way.

I would keep focus on what will work best for you. On road and Off. Redline is correct that any LT tire will be better than a Passenger tire. I didn't realize the Xterras used a P tire. If the P tires are holding up for you OK in the lava beds than any LT tire should be OK too. But a E will be stronger than a C. If you had access to some low cost 17" rims for your Xterra a 255/75R17 is a nice size tire as well. It is the stock tire on new Jeep Rubicons. It will be 1/4" to 1/2" taller than a 265/75R16 and their are lots of choices available in that tire size. Many are load range C. The stock BFG Mud Terrains on the Rubies are a great tire. If you look at them they are a different tread pattern than any other BFG. They are a quiet load range C mud tire. Of course the problem is they are a 17" rim. Good luck in your decision. The duratracs are also a great tire.

 

[Robert Bills]

Short answers, comments, opinions

-LT265/75R16 is a great tire size choice. . . .

-any "LT" tire will be better, and firmer/stiffer than the load-range "P" you have been using.

-the two sets of Cooper S/T MAXX 285/7x treads I briefly ran . . . were both relatively stiff/firm riding tires . . . on a 2011 V8 Tundra.

For more on this, search tires/sidewalls/load-range, etc. on my [defunct] blog linked below, lots on there about tires, sidewalls, etc.

-I prefer a softer ride, LR D when I can get it, which is not easy these days. Because of my known preference and your lighter vehicle, I would likely prefer a LR "C" or "D" tire if I could find that in the tire I wanted for your car. Going from a "P" to a [stiff] "E" is quite a jump on a light vehicle. Only you can decide how much sidewall [sharp rock] protection you need above what you have now.

Thanks for your response. I read your blog posts earlier today.

If you thought your S/T Maxx tires were stiff on a Tundra V8 (listed curb weight approx. 5500#), then I imagine they would feel very stiff to me on my 25% lighter Xterra (listed curb weight approx. 4100#).

As you pointed out, I now have to weigh the need for strong sidewalls to protect from the volcanic rock prevalent in my region against the disadvantages of their stiffness.

If I go with a tire more properly matched to the weight of my rig, there are several Load C tires in LT265/75R16: Goodyear Duratrac, Cooper Discoverer AT3, Cooper ATP (Discount Tire), and Kelly Safari TSR.

I think my next step is to go see my tire guy (and his competitor down the road) and find out what what the experienced hunters and fishermen buy for the local terrain and whether/how many of the C rated tires listed above come back with sidewall tears or irreparable rock damage. One thing I've learned since moving to this part of the world, the North State region of California is hard on tires both on and off road.

 

[Redline]

snip...

I think my next step is to go see my tire guy (and his competitor down the road) and find out what what the experienced hunters and fishermen buy for the local terrain and whether/how many of the C rated tires listed above come back with sidewall tears or irreparable rock damage. One thing I've learned since moving to this part of the world, the North State region of California is hard on tires both on and off road.

Sounds like you are on the right track sir.

James

 

[Robert Bills]

I wouldn't make the decision either way based on looks. I don't think the 255/85 will look all that different than the 265/75. They are more or less the same width and that extra inch of height won't make that much appearance difference. I think your Xterra will look mostly stock either way.

I agree, the LT 255/85R16 wouldn't look overly large or out of proportion to me, although it might to others, but the real issue is that the diameter is close to the edge of where I would have to lift the front suspension another inch to ensure clearance lock to lock and at full stuff. Unfortunately, I am already at the limit of the simple and/or inexpensive Xterra lift, and that one inch will require changing upper control arms and coilover shocks. $$$

Redline is correct that any LT tire will be better than a Passenger tire. I didn't realize the Xterras used a P tire. If the P tires are holding up for you OK in the lava beds than any LT tire should be OK too.

The Xterra "Offroad" comes stock with P265/75R16 BFG Rugged Trail TAs. The previous owner of my rig had replaced them with Bridgestone Dueler AT 693ii tires in the same size, which I joke are AT tires in name only. I have stayed away from the lava beds with these; I know they wouldn't survive.

 

[Redline]

I agree, the LT 255/85R16 wouldn't look overly large or out of proportion to me, although it might to others, but the real issue is that the diameter is close to the edge of where I would have to lift the front suspension another inch to ensure clearance lock to lock and at full stuff. snip...

The other big/typical negative of stepping up to a 255/8x instead of staying with a 265/75, is that as far as your engine/gearing is concerned, you will likely feel a big drop in performance. At altitude and up hills where you are I'd put money on much better overall vehicle performance with a 265/75 if you retain the stock gearing.

Another interesting size (likely not going to be offered in the S/T MAXX) and you would need new wheels, is the 255/75R17. You loose a little sidewall, there's less tread choice, but the width is great, a true 32", and most/many are LR C. I've considered theses for my V8 4Runner.


Again I say... Cheers to COOPER for making the S/T MAXX in many new sizes, including the 255/85R16 and 255/80R17

:victory::elkgrin::sombrero::campfire::clapsmile:rally_guys::roost::beer::coffeedrink::smiley_drive:

 

[jpat30]

I have been looking at a set of these for my WJ as I want to ditch my BFG KM2- The PO installed them and I honestly don't need that much tire. I am looking at the 235 85 16 flavor, I currently run a 245 75 16. I have looked at many many threads, reviews, posts, etc about tires. My eyes hurt infact. I have narrowed my choices down to the St Maxx and the tried and true BFG AT. My question is to those who have perhaps run both, which is better for a vehicle that sees about 90% hwy and 10% backwoods use? I like the overall tread of the ST Maxx, but not if is more a MT than an AT. Thanks.

 

[jim65wagon]

At 46,000 miles,how much tread is left or how many more miles do you feel you will get out of them?

I just checked one tire, it's at 9/32". Looking back through my truck thread, at my last rotation it was at 10/32". The math figures out to roughly 4500 miles per 1/32". It's a daily driven truck that sees the woods and beach on weekends and vacations so your mileage may vary.

If I were to use to the minimum legal tread I could get 70,000 out of them. Going to 6/32" would get me just shy of 60,000 miles. I may need new tires by fall depending on just how much travelling I do this year.

 

[Shocker]

I have been looking at a set of these for my WJ as I want to ditch my BFG KM2- The PO installed them and I honestly don't need that much tire. I am looking at the 235 85 16 flavor, I currently run a 245 75 16. I have looked at many many threads, reviews, posts, etc about tires. My eyes hurt infact. I have narrowed my choices down to the St Maxx and the tried and true BFG AT. My question is to those who have perhaps run both, which is better for a vehicle that sees about 90% hwy and 10% backwoods use? I like the overall tread of the ST Maxx, but not if is more a MT than an AT. Thanks.

Man, I would still go with the ST Maxx. It looks aggressive, but all reports say that it works great on the road. I think the only advantage the AT KO would have would be snow/ice and you don't have as much to worry about that where you are.

 

[jpat30]

Thanks for the input, yeah not much snow ice and down here in setx, we did see 27F though during the recent "Polar Vortex":Wow1:
Yeah, I tell you I am really drawn to the ST Maxx.

 

[Dazrin]

How is the siping holding up? I have seen images where part of the siping goes away with use, but not sure how much.

I just checked one tire, it's at 9/32". Looking back through my truck thread, at my last rotation it was at 10/32". The math figures out to roughly 4500 miles per 1/32". It's a daily driven truck that sees the woods and beach on weekends and vacations so your mileage may vary.

If I were to use to the minimum legal tread I could get 70,000 out of them. Going to 6/32" would get me just shy of 60,000 miles. I may need new tires by fall depending on just how much travelling I do this year.