Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Review

Excellent review OP, thanks for tanking the time! Sounds like our driving style and use for the truck are the same.
I’m really not fond of the stock Good Years in some situations. To much sidewall flex, makes the steering feel numb.

 

All good! I’m coming up on 5k now and still loving these tires. Will take regular measurements and keep the OP updates as they wear and I get some winter action in them in a few months

 

@Mossyjaws, would you please post some pics of your 265/75/16 AT3 4s? Would love to see the differences to 265/70/16, as per Coopers Website the taller tire should be a bit skinnier and therefore even a bit lighter than the 70.

Still debating which one to order. Here in Germany, if I should go with the larger size, I'd have to have the odometer checked by the so called "Tüv" (Association for Technical Inspection) and the vehicle papers must be corrected. That's pricy and a bit of a hassle, not sure if I'm willing to go that route for just about half an inch more ground clearance...

Thanks,

Stefan

 

Did you consider the C rated ones at all? I'm torn be C rated and the regular 4S. I don't specifically need 4 season tires (I have snow tires) so if the snowflake is the main difference then I think I'd opt for the 6ply assuming it's a bit tougher off road. I'm a casual off-roader and it's my DD so don't need aggressive tires tanking my gas mileage. Thanks for any insights.

 

I considered them but went for the 4S primarily for a lower weight (MPGs), less stiff sidewall (b/c family rides in the truck a lot and didn't want to make the ride too harsh), and their snow rating since we head up to the mountains frequently in the winter. Folks have really loved them in the C-rated as well so I don't think you can go wrong TBH

 

Thanks.

One other mystery is that the standard 4S has a load index of 116 or 2,756 lbs. The C index is 112 or 2,469 lbs. Shouldn't a CLR tire carry a higher load than a standard tire - especially when it's the same model and brand?

https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/cooper-discoverer-at3-4s/p/36840
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/cooper-discoverer-at3/p/27032

 

One would think... that's odd. At first I thought maybe it was a discount tire error on the specs as I've seen that happen before but sure enough Cooper's site says the same. Although you should be comparing the 4s to the AT3 LT since those are the new design. In this case doesn't seem to make much difference though. 4S FTW

 

Would it be reasonable to think that the higher load rating may correspondence to a more durable carcass construction and in turn greater puncture resistance?

 

Yeah, I just heard from discount that the CLR tire is being discontinued. I'm assuming that means only the 4S and ELR LT options will be available going forward. Guess Cooper made up my mind for me

Seems the LT though still has a lower load rating than the 4S which is odd. Also seems the same weight as the old CLR version. Maybe I'm still not sure...

 

That would be a reasonable assumption, but likely has something to do with the different tread compounds if I had to guess. The 4S has a silica-based tread whereas the LTs have "durable tread" tech. Would think with the 4S being allegedly "softer" it would carry a lower load rating though doesn't seem to be the case

 

Anyone take their 4S' through the desert? Curious about how the SL holds up against abrasive rocks and gravel.

 

It's been raining for several days pretty much nonstop where I live, and by today there's standing water everywhere. Without a doubt these tires perform better in those conditions than any tire I've ever owned. Period. Completely unloaded, I can't MAKE the truck fishtail or break traction. Driving through roads saturated with deep puddles everywhere in complete control is a good feeling.

 

Thanks for taking the time to do a review and post good pictures.

I don't have my Tacoma anymore, but I'm leaning toward these for my F150 for all the same reasons you did--reasonable weight, low noise, but still good traction on dirt and in winter conditions.

 

Purchased a set of 245/75r16 yesterday at Discount for $119 each. This was the stock size on the 05 model year and weigh 5 pounds less, per tire, than the 265/70r16.

After my Veteran discount the total cost OTD was $538 (no certs). That's BEFORE the $70 mail-in rebate happening for the month of October.

I had Michelin LTX AT2s on before and I liked them when they were new, street driving on them recently was a pain. It's not fair to compared old Michelins to new Coopers, but I NEVER got stuck anywhere with the Michelins and there were times when I thought I should have. Hunting season is about to start so I'll have a better idea how much I like (or hate) these next spring.

Jeff in Flagstaff

 

Still liking the tires. Crappy pic from a camping trip last weekend. Don’t think larger tire makes enough difference that I would want to go thru with all that.

 

Thanks!

Yeah I think you're right. Meanwhile I decided to get the 265/70/16 size. Order will be placed during November. Prices here in Germany are surprisingly low for the Cooper compared to other brand tires in that category... about 105,- Euros, shipping included.

Cheers,

Stefan

 

Ive just ordered the Wildpeak AT3W to put on my truck and have recently put the Cooper AT3 4s on my wifes car. I will be interested in comparing winter performance. I can say the AT3s were not as quiet as I was hoping but if winter performance and wear is up to snuff I think its a really good choice.

 

What size tire/wheel did you fit her car with?

 

215/70/16

Stock CRV size.

 

On my truck, these 265/70/16 are quiet as I think a truck tire can possibly get... but then again I'm a few more inches off the ground and my cabin has more sound deadening than a CRV. My wife has a 2014. Great little crossovers, reliable, handle like a golf cart... but loud as hell even on her stock bridgestones