FYI: the new Cooper Discoverer ATR tire

[Roger Dodger]

Discoverer ATR

After reading and hearing many favorable reports on the Coopers, and my lengthy comparisons with other brands, I settled on a set of the new Discoverer ATR in load range E, 10-ply. The info. for them is buried within the Cooper website, but I managed to locate it.
It can be viewed here. (http://www.coopertire.com/us/en/ProductDetails.asp?ProdType=ltTruck&id=257)
The ATR is claimed to have 26% longer tread life over the AT model. From my experience so far, they out ride by far, the former Michelin AT M/S that were on the truck. The ride is much smoother, and the two times that I was in a cornfield of mud & snow (during deer season), proved its excellent traction and self-cleaning. They are a deep tread too.

http://www.coopertire.com/us/en/images/tires/large/DiscovererATR.jpg

[wyldman]

I have seen them,but yet to install a set.They look like a very good tread pattern,with good siping so they should work well in the snow.Cooper has a very good reputation for producing tires that work well.

[John DiMartino]

That is my next set of tires there. I am getting a set soon. I have to totally smoke this set off first.:D .I dont know why ,but my tires only last a yr or so at the most:confused: .

[bud16415]

Good to see you back posting Rodger I haven’t seen you on in a while.
Chuck made a new forum that includes tire stuff last week

I was going to look at the ATR’s but got to confused as to the “VT2ech optimized tire profile” I kept asking the dealer to explain it to me but he kept going “What”
( Just kidding )

They look like a nice tread pattern and you can be our test man for the ATR’s for us.

Keep us posted when the snow flies ok.

Bud

[AltaLawn]

Thanks for sharing. I saw that pattern on a Cooper on a truck here...and have been looking for it. and now I've found it!

[Roger Dodger]

A new forum eh?
Duuuh! This is what I get for not hanging around here more often! Too busy moving into a new home while prepping the old one for sale, and of course, deer hunting!


Johnny D, I hear ya about not keeping them from spinning. That's about the only downside on my end too. The V10 breaks the wheels loose and here all along I was blaming those awful Michelins. Guess I should compliment the motor instead!

[Roger Dodger]

Bud,

you won't be disappointed with them. I almost went with the Firestone Steeltex, but between the price of those or the Bridgestone Dueler Rivo, I'd lose two paychecks! Gindy's Wharehouse has them, but I was told by a hunter that some garage in or near North East on Rt. 20 is selling them considerably cheaper. The ATR should last a long time provided I keep proper air pressure in them and rotate every 5-6k mi. as recommended by Cooper.

[snonut12]

Roger, it's a good thing you didn't get Firestone Steeltex because I have a set of them (factory set) and they are just horrible! No traction in rain, snow, mud, wherever you go.

Cooper Discover ATR is exactly what I'd like to replace on my truck, maybe next season. Has 20K miles on the factory tires with about half treads left so far.

[Assured Services]

Roger,
How much did the new ATR's run ya!
Scott

[bud16415]

Rodger

I did buy the BFG All Terrain TA KO 235-85-16 E ‘s for a fresh tire for winter I still have a good 20 left in the last ones and already have 35k on them. So plan is to finish them off in summer and have nice tread for at least two winters.
I saw Gindy’s had yours and for a year round Erie tire they look pretty good. If I would have went coopers I most likely would have went with the Discoverer M&S myself seeing as how I’m doing the winter rim thing. But for you and looking at a year rounder I think you made the right pick in cooper.

Just one question for you. did you have them filled with air or nitrogen?
I think Gindy’s is the first place in town doing nitrogen.

Bud

[Roger Dodger]

Nitrogen!! LMAO! At first I thought their sign was a joke of sorts until I saw the brochure on the justification behind it. Nope, I opted for good old air whicj is %78 nitrogen as it is and in all my years of driving in this climate, I've never had a rim rust/corrode away nor the inside of a tire decompose. Some ideas get too gimmicky at times IMHO.

Sno-Man,
As for pricing a set of four, they were about $550 out the door. Of course it's always wonderful to have someone cross my path two weeks later and tell me dealer X, 10 miles down the road is selling them cheaper!!!:headwall If it's of any consolation to me, Gindy's uses newer Hunter tire balancing and front end alignment machines.

Bud,
I initially had my heart set on those BFG AT/KO tires you mention but they aren't avail in l.r. E in LT265/75R/16. I think it was limited to load D only. I do quite a bit of hauling loads weighing in excess of ½ to 1 ton as well as much towing. Thought it was best to keep with factory specs. BTW, you would think that Sam's Club would have the best pricing on the BFGs, but to my surprise, they were higher than Tires for Less!! Only on the size that you have, were they lower in price .... $112.00 each.

wxmn6,
One Saturday while shopping for tires a customer happend by me and raved about those Steeltex. Claimed his dad plows alot with them and just loves them. Claimed they were still going strong with 48K mi. on them. I think a set of four in lr-E cost $667.00 Tread pattern looked promising, but in the end I think I made the right choice being that I'll leave these on year round.

BTW, all- I may have mistated myself regarding the 26% longer tread life of the new ATR. I recall an add on the I-net stating 26% harder compounds that leads to longer tread wear over the Discoverer A/T.

[bud16415]

Rodger

I was sitting in the brake room at work right after that sign went up and the shop guys came in and said lets ask Bud he’ll know and said what do you think about running nitrogen in your tires. Luckily I had seen that sign and had a little time to think about it like you did and said hell ya it’s a good idea I have been running nitrogen blend for years. Lol. They said what? And I said ya I have noticed around 75% nitrogen works best for me. They all said huh and left. Like 2 days later one guy comes up and calls me a smart A$$ I think he may have went up and asked for the blend. I think that all got started with NASCAR and or those kids driving those fast and furious cars with the cannon ball muffler tips or something. I thought along with rust nitrogen was supposed to not change pressure with temp as much but I think that’s bunk also.

I didn’t look into the 265 75 16 E in the BFG’s but you are right The thing is all (3) the 235 85 E the 245 75 E and the 265 75 D all have the same load rating 3042 lbs at 65 psi
In the BFG’s

Your size in the cooper 265 75 16 E has a 3415 lbs rating. That’s 373 per tire or 1492 total that is a pretty big improvement in load capacity.

Put another way Bud’s BFG’s 12168 total Rodgers Cooper’s 13660 total
By the way the M&S coopers have the same rating as yours in the E

As for harder compound meaning longer life I guess that’s a rule of thumb I’m just not sure that always holds true just like softer bites better in snow. Its one factor in about 10 I think in the equation.

What I really wish I could find and I haven’t had any luck yet is a good explanation of the RMA severer ice and snow test and when a tire does get this rating what score did it get compared to the others. Its almost like a secret or something. When you look at BFG you will see 3 of their tires made the cut and Cooper only one. But what is it based on?

Now all we need is some snow. Interested in a tractor pull between the new tires? Maybe up in front of that huge pile of “Get Wide” boxes out front at Jerre’s. lol you have me in engine though so let me air my BFG’s down to about 15psi and we’ll see what happens. The new bumper hitch needs weld tested anyway.

Good luck with the tires and when I see you around I’ll have to check them out.

Bud

[Roger Dodger]

LOL- yeah a truck pull at Jerre's to pull down that pile of Blizzards (he's hoping to sell) that's used to conceal the gently used Fishers, Boss', and Meyers slowly sinking in the mud. And mud he has plenty of! (I tease him about it from time to time ;))

Oh and Bud, remember the load rating for E is at 80psi !! Presently they're set at 65psi (with a blend of 75-78% nitrogen) ;)

[Lawn-Scapes]

Rodger... I'm glad to see someone else got some of these Coopers. I started what turned into a lengthy thread about tires. I ended up getting a set about 6 weeks ago. If it makes you feel any better I paid $597 :) So far I am happy with them. I can't wait to try them in some snow. If it were only 25 degrees colder.

[Roger Dodger]

Well, with several inches of lake-effect snow on the ground right now, the tires are proving themselves very nicely. Even without 4WD engaged, plow attached and no ballast weight, they do an admirable job. Last night I put in the ballast weight and w/ 4WD they knife through the slush on the freeway. I give them two-thumbs up!:nodd

[crowne]

My first post on this site, I wanted a good all season tire for my truck, 98 chevy K2500 4X4, best place to start looking for all season/snow tire would be a plow site like this. :nodd Great info in here, looks like I'll be installing the ATR's tomorrow, bought the truck with Discoverer H/T and they seem to perform well in the snow with 1/2 tread in the front and close to 1/16 tread left in the back.

[CraftyBigDog]

I got them for my Dodge and they are great, all I can say is they ride real smooth!

[snonut12]

It has been about a year since this new product came out so I am sure some have experienced with this in the past season. Can you please share your review on its performance on snow, ice, rain, mud?

[John DiMartino]

I was looking for feedback on these tires, thank you lawnscapes and Roger.I need new ones badly,ive been trying to wait til last minute to get every last bit out of my AT's,and have a fresh set of ATRs for the winter.I got a price of 155 a tire mounted,balanced,and installed for the 285/75R16.Ill be getting them next week hopefully.

[lawn and stump]

I went to get cooper discoverer m+s in size 235/85/16e today and they had the mt tires in stock. The mt tires don't seem to have the "snow groove "
I'm getting these for a winter plow tire only not all year. Am I right to insist on
M+s tires ?

[CraftyBigDog]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wyldman]

I went to get cooper discoverer m+s in size 235/85/16e today and they had the mt tires in stock. The mt tires don't seem to have the "snow groove "
I'm getting these for a winter plow tire only not all year. Am I right to insist on
M+s tires ?

Yes,make them order what you want,or go elsewhere.Why choose an all-season for your winter plow tires ? :nope

[Ggg]

Here is what I just started to run as snow tires.
http://www.starfiretires.com/us/en/i...sfradialAT.jpg
They are a off-brand made by Cooper. I could not find any of the old pattern ATR's so I tried these, I think they are the best I have ever used in the snow, I have about 4-5 plowing nights on them so far pushing fron 3"-8".
The size I am using is 235/85-16 (E) they are just under 32" dia and the tread width is only about 7" so they do a good job of getting down to the pavement. They have a ton of siping, I can now do 90% of my plowing in 2wd. These are also a designated snow tire for me as I have another set of rims with tires for summer, which look better and are taller/wider.

[SNO]

Roger, it's a good thing you didn't get Firestone Steeltex because I have a set of them (factory set) and they are just horrible! No traction in rain, snow, mud, wherever you go.

Cooper Discover ATR is exactly what I'd like to replace on my truck, maybe next season. Has 20K miles on the factory tires with about half treads left so far.

I've had excelent traction with the steeltex.. But they dont last long.. One year! And price is up there.

So, I'd love updates on these coopers.. especially anyone replacing steeltex.

Who knows, that may be me as I'm in need soon. LOL

[John DiMartino]

I cant give you much ive only had the ATR's almost a month. There hiway manners are excellent,its a very quiet tire.They are great in the snow,but they are brand new,so id expect them to be for now.

[snonut12]

I've had excelent traction with the steeltex.. But they dont last long.. One year! And price is up there.

So, I'd love updates on these coopers.. especially anyone replacing steeltex.

Who knows, that may be me as I'm in need soon. LOL

The post that I made in which you quoted is over a year old. It appears that the OEM tires are worse than what you get at the tire shop. I guess it's just a way for the auto manufacturer to save $$.

Anyway back to topic, how does those ATRs performs in mud and grassy field?

[SNO]

I didnt mean anything by it, just rying to get them sized up with steeltex.

I've only ever used Wranglers, Perelli and Steeltex.

Perelli flat out stunk, wranglers were not too bad but the steeltex seemed better of the three.

I imagine it has some to do with the vehicle they are on also.

I used the steeltex on a GMC and the others on a Bronco.

Frankly perelli should be baned from selling a tire. 1" of snow at 5 MPH and you are sliding right through an intersection. :rolleyes:

[snonut12]

I didn't mean to sound like I am critizing you. I'm just surprised that you are having good luck with the Steeltex. Probably was just a lucky set I guess. Mine was just horrible.

[SNO]

LOL

Well, I'm looking to try something new, hopefully better.

The steeltex are squirley as hell when new, and only last a year.

Has to be better out there.

[Ggg]

SNO- I think you are the first to like Steeltex tires in the snow, and to say they wore out fast. I had to have mine siped to get any type of wet or snow traction, and the dang things would not wear out, I mean I got 60-70,000 miles on them on a 3/4 ton super cab 4x4 with a diesel up front. I am not criticizing, I just found it funny. My next set were Michelin LTX m/s they were a joke in the mud and snow.

[apgarconstruction]

I have steeltex on the rear of my truck, soon to be moved to the front. i may go with these coopers atr's to try them out.

i haven't had horrible luck with the steeltex though. i bought mine from a reputable tire dealer though, no factory junk. i get pretty good traction even without ballast in the back. i know it could be better though. so i'm anxious to get a set of these coopers.
i never seem to get more than a year or so out of a tire anyways. i think the front wears faster than the back, 4wd front ends i guess wear them out faster. and i keep my hubs free unless it's snowing. i have a set of dunlaps on my front axle now, that are junk. they were the worst tire i ever bought.
i switched from michelin a few years ago. they were over 200 a tire and never even last 30k.

[SNO]

SNO- I think you are the first to like Steeltex tires in the snow, and to say they wore out fast. I had to have mine siped to get any type of wet or snow traction, and the dang things would not wear out, I mean I got 60-70,000 miles on them on a 3/4 ton super cab 4x4 with a diesel up front. I am not criticizing, I just found it funny. My next set were Michelin LTX m/s they were a joke in the mud and snow.

That is kinda funny, last time they came up in a post on tires, they ranked pretty high.

I think we are on to something here.... Last set I bought I was told they where hard to find, they quit making them. I noticed SNOnut had a GMC 2002

What year is your truck Ggg? They may have changed them to get a few more miles?

Seriously, I found I could get 35,000 off them if I run the second year near bald.. but I had to swap out the front slicks with an old set I saved to do it. LOL

I've had 3 sets now, buy in October, the following october they have 1/8" tread.

Kind of a no brainer, I should be swapping rims for winter.
:rolleyes:

[szorno]

I just got a set of the Coopers on my girls vehicles. Wifes 04 Durango handles as good as ever. The tires are a 70 series rather than the 65 series that originally came. So, it sits just a touch higher, and the meatier tread looks cool. From what the rest of you are saying I did the right thing. I also got a set for my daughters Isuzu Rodeo. She works adjoining the Keystone ski area and really needs a top drawer snow tire. I think I feel a little better already. Thanks for confirming my decision guys. :nodd

[Ben427]

I just put 4 new Discoverer M+S on my truck yesterday and so far on the highway i was much happier with my 285 BFG Muds! The coopers just seen to have no sidewall stability and are wallowing all over the place even with 70 lbs in them. Im hoping they impres me enough when the snow comes that i wont take them off, cause my truck see's lots of miles, even in the winter. May go to 285 michelin LTX M/S instead, just wish i hadn't have spent 600 bucks on tires to realize that.

[apgarconstruction]

I wouldn't go with the Michelins, i ran a set of them on my truck and hated them. they didnt' even last a year. and were over 200 bucks a tire at the time. not sure what they are now.
I ran into that lack of sidewall support feeling running a set of dunlops in the rear, last year. felt like the tire was swaying side to side when turning or changing lanes. even with 70-80 lbs of pressure in them. i'm running steeltex now and have been happy with all around use of them. i'm happy with the performance in the snow, and also the performance handling weight and stability. I wish the sidewall was more plys though. i've never heard anyone say anything about the coopers having that lack of sidewall stability, i was thinking of trying a set the next time i buy tires. maybe not all 4, but at least 2 in the back.

[wyldman]

I just put 4 new Discoverer M+S on my truck yesterday and so far on the highway i was much happier with my 285 BFG Muds! The coopers just seen to have no sidewall stability and are wallowing all over the place even with 70 lbs in them. Im hoping they impres me enough when the snow comes that i wont take them off, cause my truck see's lots of miles, even in the winter. May go to 285 michelin LTX M/S instead, just wish i hadn't have spent 600 bucks on tires to realize that.

They do have a bit of a loose and squishy feeling to them,but you will quickly get used to them.Use them a few times in the snow,and on ice,and you won't want to take them off.

Because they are so soft,I always run 80 PSI cold in them all the time.It helps with the handling a little bit.

[PSDF350]

Like Chris said you will get used to it. I noticed it when I got mine last year. But after running them for a few I don't even notice anymore. Wait till snow then see what you think of them.

[Ggg]

SNO- Sorry to be so late in responding, I forgot about this thread. My Steeltex tires were on my 96 F250 PSD 4x4 SC. I now have a set of them on my 79 F250 dump due to the SRW and the tires do have a good stiff sidewall. This truck really suffers from the SRW and soft sidewalls and a dump truck body.
Ben427- I have never had good luck with mud terrain tires for snow traction especially plowing. I had a set of the Michelin LTX M/S and they are a total joke in the mud or snow, I hated them, pulled them off prematurely in favor of my Starfires.(made by Cooper) The Michelin's were a good dry highway tire, and OK on wet pavement. For the price of them, I would not get them ever again.
Here is a new link since my other link has been changed.
http://www.starfiretires.com/us/en/ProductDetails.asp?ProdType=LtTruck&id=215&title=Light+Truck+Tires

[SIPLOWGUY]

I saw them on a HELP truck today. They look very nice!

[PSDF350]

Well my Cooper M&S wore out so needed new tires. Went with the atr's (bought them yesterday). As of right now still on fence about whether I like them or not. Bought 5 from Petes tire barn 556 out the door. Originally 619 but there balancing machine wasn't working so got some money back so I could have them balanced elsewhere. Got the 235/85/16.

[IHI]

LOL, as far as the nitrogen we use them in the dirt track/asphalt and my personal drag car as they seem to be less effected by fluctuating temperatures causing tires to increase/decrease psi throughout or after a run. dont think it's worth it for a daily driver IMO.

[Rgory]

Glad to see this thread is still around. I chewed up a pair of Cooper LT radials due to my highway driving this past fall. At which time I did as indepth of a study I could do to help make a decision as to what to step up to in a tire. I looked around e-bay for a while, and shopped at several local tire stores. I was tempted to go with the Cooper M&S because they have the severe snow branding on them. But I opted for a set of factory take off rims & tires new from ebay for $600. They came with Michelin M&S which are great for my highway driving but pale in comparison to the Cooper LT's in wet/snowy/muddy conditions.

Those of you who have been pushing with the ATR's I am curious to see what your opinions are. I think in the next year or so I will probabbly throw a set of ?????? somethings on my old rims and run a winter set-up.


Take care,

Ryan

[nevrnf]

I know this is old but i just switched to the ATR this week as my BFG A/T were worn out.
1st off the ride is hands down better. The truck use to hop around corners on dry pavement and that has stopped. I have yet to get to test them on the wet but i believe they will out perform the BFG.

[CraftyBigDog]

I love mine, they have done real well and still have alot of life left in them!

[Bad Luck]

I put the ATR's on my truck about a month ago. I'm pretty sure these things are bullet proof. I got them in a 285/70/17 6 ply. My truck rides rougher, and has a slight hum at highway speeds but I am very pleased with their traction and suposed durability.

[gasman1149]

I've read a lot of great things about the Cooper ATR and the Cooper M+S on this thread. Does anyone have any experiences (good or bad) with the Blizzak W965?

[winged1dur]

I've read a lot of great things about the Cooper ATR and the Cooper M+S on this thread. Does anyone have any experiences (good or bad) with the Blizzak W965?
I just sold a set after four W965 after four winters of use and bought the Cooper Discoverer M+S. They (W965's) were better than the OE Goodyear Wrangler RTS but not by that much. Just by looking at the tread pattern and extensive siping on the Coopers i expect these tires to outperform both the W965's and the Goodyears. I also believe the rave reviews the Coopers have received by so many contributors in this forum. I will give my opinion of the Coopers after I use them a few times.

[Snowboy]

Anyone have experience with the Dueler At Revo? Looked up on tire rack and lots of folks like the tires. No idea on price as of yet.

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/bridgestone/bs_dueler_at_revo_wl_ci2_l.jpg
Link to larger view (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/BigPic.jsp?sidewall=Outlined+White+Letters&tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Dueler+A%2FT+Revo)

The coopers here go for.....
2657516 $185/tire 2358516 $160/tire installed and balanced CDN $.

I was thinking toyo open country M/T

http://www.wheelsforless.com/images/toyo/toyoopcmtt.jpg

Good revies for this tire as well seeing its a combined mud/road tire avail in 10ply.
Look here. (http://www.1010tires.com/TireReviews/Toyo_Open_Country_MT_tire_reviews.html)

Dave.

[PSDF350]

You want to play in the mud those toyo tires will be great. But I wouldn't use em in the winter for snow tires. I have a set of goodyear/wrangler m&s that have same tread pattern and they are horrible in the winter. So much so that last winter I wasn't ready to put my snows on yet and we got a big snow. Well needless to say I was out changing tires during a blizzard.

[bgjj]

Snowboy where did you price the coopers 265/75R16 and is that for load e ?

[skennedy]

Have just ordered a set of Cooper ATR's yesterday.
Lt 215/85 R16 load range E $945 for a set of Six out the door.
Looking forward to seeing how they perform........im sure they will be much better that the General Ameritrac/Crap that GM uses as standard.

[Snowboy]

Snowboy where did you price the coopers 265/75R16 and is that for load e ?

I belive it's called the tire terminal. In the 401 & dixie area.

[Tree Killer]

I had a set of the Steeltex's on my F 350 super-csb shortbox V-10, when I bought it they sucked wet roads, mud . In the winter I run The Mastercraft Couser MT's With an X-tra cut. Studded also, 285/70/16"s.The tire is the same tread as cooper's They are fantastic in the snow and mud and wet roads This is the Third year with them (prob. 25000 miles on them) But if the going gets tuff I do have a set old OAF studded log truck chains cut to fit Now thats some real traction.

[Markford14]

I bought a set of 275/70/18 for my truck that go on my spare rims. Just waiting now for snow to see how the handle.

[T-Zab]

Have just ordered a set of Cooper ATR's yesterday.
Lt 215/85 R16 load range E $945 for a set of Six out the door.
Looking forward to seeing how they perform........im sure they will be much better that the General Ameritrac/Crap that GM uses as standard.


How did they work out for ya in the storm #1 ?
T

[skennedy]

Great i love them........very good in the snow.We had 13 inches here and we live on a dirt road which is the last road to be plowed in our township,some of the drifts out here were huge and with the winds we were dealing with them all day. VERY HAPPY WITH THE NEW TIRES.

[GreenQuest Lawn]

I have mixed thoughts on the ATR they seem squishy just general driving, even without the plow. More so than the AT's I used to have. But get them in snow with the skid (2500 lbs) of salt I carry each night (till I spread it that is) and for the first 4 hrs I plow in 2wd. They are great in the snow.

Not sure if I have even spun yet........:rockon

[wyldman]

I have driven a truck with a fresh set of ATR's on it in the last snowfall.We only had about an inch of snow,with a thin layer of ice underneath.

I did notice the slight squishy feel,they sure don't handle like the Michelin LTX or anything,kinda the same as the BFG All-Terrain.Overall they were great in the snow,and just a little better on the ice than most other all-season truck tires.If you want a tire good on ice,the Cooper Discoverer M&S is still the best IMO.For an all year round tire,the ATR is a good choice.

[mikeh]

I have been running for a week on a fresh set and definitely feel them loading and unloading during recirprocating turns. Don't like the feeling, but lets see if snow and ice performance balance this out. Its as if I can feel the rubber peeling off on the dry pavement tho

[PSDF350]

I dont remember any of the squizzy feeling you guys are talking about. I thought they felt pretty stable. Right now there in basement. Will be putting back on this weekend, I think.

[Slightlymad]

Man its good to hear positive feedback on the cooper ATR I love the way they feel day to day but was worried about snow Because in the rain unloaded they suck on my truck almost to hard. I dont get the slushy responseness you guys are having my issue was opposite.