Plannerman
Wandering Explorer
Where did you find that 3M clear bra material in bulk? I can't find anyone who sells anything more than the pre-cut templates.
Gitout Expedition Build - 2013 Toyota Tacoma DC TRD
- Thread starter montypower
- Start date
montypower
Adventure Time!
http://www.lamin-x.com/ - It looks like they changed the 60" x 50ft roll to a dealer only item. May need to call them about that. Clear bra has been exceptional so far.
montypower
Adventure Time!
Taco got some new shoes this week! I really like the concept of the hybrid AT/MT tread designs. Of course, the most popular hybrid is the Goodyear Duratrac which is a good tire overall. But I don't like the somewhat weak sidewalls (most are 2ply). The ST Maxx by CooperTire is one of the newer hybrid tread designs. It has a true 3ply sidewall and somewhat aggressive tread design with sipped tread blocks for increased wet and snow traction. I chose to stay with the 235/85 R16 size. It measures just a hair under 32" in diameter and the tread surface width is 7.5" (slightly wider than most 235/85s). The weight is good at 49lbs especially for a 3ply E rated tire.
I'm curious how these tires will perform off road compared to the Destination MT tires. Testing to follow soon! I've only driven them 5 miles on road and already appreciate how quiet they are.
I'm curious how these tires will perform off road compared to the Destination MT tires. Testing to follow soon! I've only driven them 5 miles on road and already appreciate how quiet they are.
uscg2008
Explorer
I was thinking about going to those too...once my duratracs are dead. I love the duratracs in snow and ice and they are good in sand in mud too. The only thing I don't like is how soft they are. I might go with the next, but I'm still stuck between the coopers and going back to nitto terra grapplers. Would like a long term report in the future if you don't mind.
Good looking tires ... I'm eager to hear about the winter performance, and to hear how many miles you get out of them. Still need to see if I can track down some more info on the 255x85r16 release, which really just means I need to get of my butt and on the horn to Cooper.
Congrats on the new shoes.
Congrats on the new shoes.
stioc
Expedition Leader
I went from 235/85/16 Duratracs to the tried and true BFG ATs 235/85/16 (with a lot of reservation on my part because of the 'newer supposedly better' designs out there) and I couldn't be happier! Quiet, smooth on the road and tough as nails on the rocky terrain. They're snow rated in that particular size too. I realize they won't perform as well in the mud due to the tread pattern but I hate mud and avoid it best I can. My other choice was the Cooper STs or ST Maxx but I got a good deal when I upgraded the Duratracs to ATs through Discount Tire.
stioc
Expedition Leader
BTW, I noticed you went with a single large battery (I did the same) as opposed to two batteries and it's worked fine with the fridge and all. However, I'm thinking about a winch at some point in the future. Will a single large battery suffice? Granted I will only be using the winch very occasionally (in my couple of years of offroading, I've so far not needed a pull/yank or recovery yet) which is also why I'm wondering if I want to go through the trouble/expense of a heavy duty bumper, additional weight, compromised approach angle and battery etc.
montypower
Adventure Time!
I'll keep updating this thread for the long term review: http://gitout.com/showthread.php?1266-Tire-Reivew-Cooper-ST-Maxx-Long-Term-Review
These tires are quieter than my brothers 235/85 Duratrac tires. They have good sipping similar to the Duratrac. The outer lug tread gaping is about the same as the Duratrac.
montypower
Adventure Time!
They don't have any more details yet... Estimated release date is next month (December) according the the Cooper rep.
montypower
Adventure Time!
I use my winch 2-3 times a month. For me, it's a requirement. This group 31m deep cycle has plenty of juice for hard pulls. I've done winching recovery with the truck turned off and had no issues. Previously, I used a smaller Odyssey battery and Yellow Tops none of them had any trouble with winch duty. Also, a good bumper should give you added protection and better approach angle. It all comes down to how you use your rig...
montypower
Adventure Time!
Nice "work day"... Mapped and marked 12 checkpoints for the upcoming trip. Also, tested the tires on some trail.
montypower
Adventure Time!
Thanks! It's a fun truck. Nice spending most of my time on adventures rather than fixing things.
I'm happy with them so far. My initial impressions... They are quieter than MTs on road. Smooth. Excellent lateral traction, especially noticeable on gravel roads at higher speed. Mud traction is adequate; it slipped more than the Firestone Destination MTs did on hill climbs. The closer tread spacing makes gripping wet, muddy rocks more challenging. Heavy duty sidewall; took the pressure down to 16psi and they had limited sidewall deflection (will need to play with pressure). Fuel mileage is down; may be related to winter fuel blend (need more time to know). Tread block spacing is very similar to the Duratrac. They have great sipping. Very good in the rain. I'm anxious to test in the snow and ice.
My primary consideration with going with the hybrid tread design was to improve road driving: noise, wet traction, snow traction. MTs will beat these tires in the mud and wet rocks. The majority of my driving is road, gravel and trails. This truck isn't a rock crawler. Hopefully, they will be a good match for me assuming they will perform well enough in the slippery NW mud.
255/85 ST MAxx will be available next month according to Cooper Rep.
Are you living in Seattle? We should get a trip together.