Cooper Discoverer S/T tires (load range C) vs BFG AT KO

[stioc]

Thanks! I forgot to mention my other main reason for looking into a different tire: the Duratracs' sidewalls gouge and slice more easily in the rocky terrain out here. I'm still leaning towards the tried-n-true BFG ATs

BTW, your truck looks great! Do you think that graphite paint will hold up to the offroad abuse?

 

[paddlenbike]

Thanks! I forgot to mention my other main reason for looking into a different tire: the Duratracs' sidewalls gouge and slice more easily in the rocky terrain out here. I'm still leaning towards the tried-n-true BFG ATs

BTW, your truck looks great! Do you think that graphite paint will hold up to the offroad abuse?

As you know, spray paint is not super durable. You have to be careful because even a slip of the lug wrench will mark them up. Powdercoating is much more durable, however with the kind of wheeling we have here in the California backcountry (i.e. rocky), rockrash is relatively common. No powdercoating or paint will stand up to that, yet the spray paint can be touched-up at home with a $6 can of paint vs having the tire dismounted, re-powdercoated, then the tires re-mounted and balanced again.

So the answer is yes and no. I am pretty sure they will need to be touched up from time to time.

 

[stioc]

^ I agree, all valid points!

You should have a build thread

 

[Clutch]

Wow, looks great!

hmmm, you're making want to go to 17's...

I might have another year left on my STT's, think I am going with a less aggressive tread pattern next go around. They perform fantastic, but in all reality...more
than what I really need.

 

[paddlenbike]

Thanks! Personally, I think there is a certain ratio of rim height to tire sidewall height that looks right. I think the 265/75R16 tires I had were perfectly matched for my 16" wheels and any larger and the tire starts to look like a balloon. Likewise, any smaller tire than I have now doesn't look right on a 17" wheel, IMHO.

 

[Clutch]

Thanks! Personally, I think there is a certain ratio of rim height to tire sidewall height that looks right. I think the 265/75R16 tires I had were perfectly matched for my 16" wheels and any larger and the tire starts to look like a balloon. Likewise, any smaller tire than I have now doesn't look right on a 17" wheel, IMHO.

Yep, all about finding that balance.

 

[owyheerat]

@ paddlenbike, I know this is a very old thread. I am very interested in the Cooper ST, and am hoping you could post an update. Do you still have them, and how has performance been (both onroad and offroad). If not, how many miles did you get out of them, and what did you go with?

BTW, Your 4runner looks awesome!

Regards

Durwin

 

[paddlenbike]

I still have them and I am still happy with the purchase. I took about a 1 MPG hit going from the 265/75R16 BFGs to the 275/70R17 Coopers, (increased height, width and weight), but I see no downsides to these tires; I think they are great all-around.

The only new experience I can add to what I have already said has to do with severe weather driving. Last weekend I was driving down Interstate 80 from Tahoe and the snow turned to heavy rain as I came down in elevation. The truck lane has severe depressions from the weight of the big rigs and water was pooling pretty deep in these depressions. My tires were throwing walls of water on both sides of me and I didn't experience any of the hydroplaning I feel I have experienced with other tires I have used. I was really impressed. Traction offroad and in the snow is great too. I haven't been in the mud much, so I can't comment on that.

I would look at the Cooper ST Maxx as well. I hope that helps.

 

[owyheerat]

Thanks. Yes that helps. I think this will be the next tire on my 4runner.