Cooper AT3 XLT LT285 vs Falken AT4W LT265

Need a little help deciding between these two options, which themselves have been the culmination of hours of research on TW. I'm coming off of almost bare (3,4/32") SL rated AT3W 265/75R16's so at this point anything is an upgrade. I enjoy offroading on the weekends and much of it is sharp shale and rock so looking for the E rated tire to handle some of that. Also prefer the longer treadwear warranties that the E tires offer.

The XLT's (if you believe Cooper) run a diameter of 32.56", vs the 32.8" on most 285's, making rubbing far less likely on my 0 offset 16x8 wheels + TRD lift. They also a less aggressive AT so I could likely expect better MPG on the highway than comparable 285 options (this truck is my daily, it matters). Despite the less aggressive tread I have seen pretty decent off-road reviews of them. These also have large water channels resulting in excellent wet weather performance. The biggest pro is the weight: 54lbs, the lightest 285/75R16 besides the Destination XT. This is from what I can tell the best compromise 285 tire. My concerns with the XLT's are the 2 ply sidewall, lack of 3PMS rating, and that they supposedly run even smaller than stated size (32.56"). I haven't seen many mounted height measurements besides the i8mud forum, so I'm open to having my mind changed on this, but it's already pretty close to the 31.9" stated diameter of the LT265 AT4w (I would consider this to be a "true" 32" tire). This is also much older tire technology than the AT4W that was just released earlier this year.

I already know that Falken can make a fantastic tire so the AT4w seem like a logical decision. Better tread sipes so I expect snow performance to be better than the XLT. More biting edges and aggressive sidewall lugs as well, big fan of the alternating lugs + pitch sequencing they developed. Likely could keep my mudflaps and have no risk of rubbing even while articulated. Smaller width and diameter so MPG will be decent, and I won't need to worry about getting a RC speedo adjuster. Concerns are that the AT4W compound seems tougher than the AT3w in the reviews I've seen (likely the reason behind the longer treadwear warranty), making it appear better for half and 3/4 ton trucks than the Tacoma. These are also heavier than many other LT265/75R16 options at 52lbs, but comparable to the K02's that everybody loses their mind over. Despite talking about the better siping, it seems like they are worse than the AT3W in this respect, as the outer lug sipes don't go all the way to the water channels. They also now have straight sipes compared to the zigzag ones on the AT3W.

Like most people I much prefer the looks of 285's on Tacomas vs 265's...

Both quotes (including installation) are within $20 of each other ($1120 vs $1140) so price isn't a huge factor between the two.

For anybody not familiar, here are two AT3 XLT pics courtesy of Gmak621 on the AT3 megathread. I assume everybody knows what the AT4W looks like.

 

AT4W would be a no brainer for me in this situation. But that's because rain/snow and offroad durability are near the top of my list of important characteristics in a tire. The AT4W's with the Duraspec sidewall are seriously BEEFY. Ply and load ratings don't really tell the whole picture. And personally, I don't see the need for a 285 width.

 

The only reason I was looking for the 285/75 was the looks (damn do they look good), the XLT's are clearly a compromise to get that - 265 has been fine for everything I've asked off-road. Logically you're right. I really wish there were lighter options in 285/75R16 and they weren't all heavy as shit.

Good luck with your G003 sale btw, if I was closer I'd seriously consider giving them a shot. AT4W in the size you're running now was very tempting but I sat on my hands for too long and they're all backordered into late June now...

 

I guess personally I don't really care about how the 285's look. The only benefit to 285's, IMO, is that they fit more aftermarket wheels better. With pretty much all aftermarket wheels being 8+ wide it's less and less ideal to be running a 255-265 width tire. If we had better 6.5-7.5" wheel options I wouldn't ever see the need for 285's unless you're just all about looks and don't mind the extra weight and cutting needed.

 

Yeah this is true. I felt a little sketchy looking at 255 width AT4W given my 8" wide wheel. Were I still on the stock offroad 7" wide wheels I'd definitely be more enthusiastic about that.

 

Pretty sure the AT4W lists 8" within the acceptable wheel width but I think it's the max. So it'll definitely work, just doesn't seem ideal to me. They fit well on my 7.5" wheels though. My 255 Geolandar G003's looked almost stretched on the same wheels by comparison.

 

If offroading the 285s make getting up and over rocks easier. With that said I've done plenty of offroading with 265 75 16. I've also been on trails with the 285s that would have been easier with 315's. So that's tricky to judge what you need for your trips. Here is photos of my truck comparing 265s open country at3 vs 285s mickey thompson baja legend. With the heavier tires, steel skids, bumper and winch I average about 18mpgs normal daily driving. With the smaller tires and camper shell no skids or bumper I got barely better than that. When I put my stock size tires and wheels on It (no camper shell but all the armor still there) goes up to 21. Since I have two sets of wheels I now just put my bigger tires on for weekend trips. But 18 to 21 mpg for me means less than $500 a year difference. Hope that helps.

 

Go 285s, they make the truck look awesome. I’ve run the 285 70 17 KO2 C load for a long time, really liked it. Weighs 51lbs. Now I’m trying some Falken AT3W in the same size and load range, but it weighs 61lbs. It’s crazy but mpg is close to the ko2. I get around 20mpg on the hwy doing 60 mph.
Look for Jeep take offs, they sell them cheap, most want to go to a 35 or 37 off the lot.
The cooper tire AT3 won a tire shootout a few years ago for traction, off-roading.
https://expeditionportal.com/where-the-rubber-meets-the-road/

 

Did you get the speedometer adjustment tool or is that 20mpg the uncorrected number? Either way that's incredibly high

 

I use a scan gauge and I don’t have the correct wheel size adjusted for use 285 70 17 KO2 C load.
I drove from Kamloops BC to Jasper Alberta non stop, 456 km or 283 miles, mountains/hilly country 60 mph speed limit. Got 21 USA mpg.

 

Pretty much why I have zero interest in buying a newer truck, what for, fairly close in mpg compared to newer Gens.
I also have a Leer 100XR canopy and a Greenlane aluminum winch mount with a Smittybilt Gen2 10K winch.

 

To update the thread, went with LT265/751R16 AT4W and very happy with them. No balance issues so far like several other people have mentioned in the AT4W threads. Discount Tire did a really good job.

 

The Taco looks fantastic! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your wheel and tire mod/upgrade.

 

AT4 the win! They look good.

 

Thank you!! I honestly don't regret the decision. You're right - they're fantastic tires. Ran over something in road and liked having the piece of mind that E load gives you. Not only that but I can still get 19mpg on the highway if I try hard, definitely wouldn't be getting that with a 285.