Cooper Discoverer A/T3 ... P vs LT

Hey all - I've owned a lot of cars, trucks, bikes, etc, but oddly enough, out of 30 vehicles, I've bought tires once. So admittedly I know little about the process.

I've been reading a lot, I really want to get a tire I'll be happy with. I own a 2012 Double Cab Tacoma SR5. Absolutely love her. I am running 265/70-16's right now that came on it, some generic tire.

I have really been eyeballing the Discoverer A/T3's mainly because they have great reviews for the type of driving I do. 99% is highway and city, lots of rain here in Oregon with occasional ice and snow. Supposedly these work great.

I do next to zero towing, and rarely carrying anything heavy in the back of my truck, but it's summer, that may change a little, but this is not a work truck.

I really am torn, P rated A/T3's are everywhere, but I do not want to go to a 10ply LT tire due to gas mileage and it giving me a horrible ride quality. My truck right now rides like a dream, and gets decent gas mileage and has good acceleration and still tows and carries fine for my needs.

What I want to know is, are the P rated A/T3's going to really disappoint, should I step up to a LT rated tire?

What are your experiences?

Thank you!
Mario

 

Sounds like all you need is a P rated tire. That model does come in a lighter C (6ply) rated LT version in 265/75/16 if you wanted to step up to LT. E would be overkill for what you describe.

 

Definitely get a P for your application. No need at all for LT.

 

I also recommend getting 265/75-16s this time around.

 

Will def. Get the 75s. What are the benefit. They are wider correct? I do love me some beefy looking tires.

 

No - taller. Looks better & slightly softer ride from more sidewall. Get the p-rated tires.

 

Taller

 

Oh man don't I feel silly. Taller it is. Looking forward to the new tread once taxes finally hit my account. Current tires have triggered the tpms light twice this winter with the cold.

 

I replaced my stock Bridgestone tires with a bit of a taller size 265/70/17 on my month old sport a couple of weeks ago and love their ride and look. You wont be disappointed. They were great in the rain and I felt confident with them as opposed to the Bridgestones. Just my .02 worth. Good luck!

 

165/75-16

265 is the width in millimeters. Divide by 25.4 to get inches.

75 is a percentage of the width. 265/50 would mean the sidewall is 50% the width of the tire. 265/75 means the sidewall is 75% of the width.

16 is just the height of your wheel in inches. You have a 16" wheel.

Now, don't forget to multiply the sidewall width by 2 because you have one "sidewall" above the wheel and one "sidewall" below the wheel. Does that make sense?


265/25.4 = 10.4 (your tire is approx. 10.4 inches wide)

10.4 x 0.75 = 7.8" (your sidewall is 7.8" x2 = 15.6" - there is 7.8 both above and below the wheel)

Height = 15.6 + 16 = 31.6

Your tires will be approx. 10.4 wide and 31.65 tall


I just wanted you to be able to figure out any tire size in the future without having to ask others so it's easier for ya. Hope this helped.

 

does anyone think there will be a gas mileage difference between the 75's and the 70's ??

 

Don't forget, the way the speedo is calibrated on these trucks, going to a 265-75-16 tires will actually correct your speedo readings.

 

Taller tire will give better mileage on the highway if it's lighter weight. My tires are almost 4" taller than stock but my wheel-tire combo weighed significantly less than stock steelies and crap tires so I saw a gain on highway and no change around town.

Since you're tire will be only an inch-ish taller I doubt you'll see any difference other than if it's a lot heavier.

 

The Coopers are a good tire for your needs but if your not stuck on them, then the Michelin MS2 would be a better option. Smoother, quieter and last longer.

just my 2 cents

 

I'll second this. Coopers will work fine but the Michelin M/S 2 would be more of a highway tire and do better in wet/slippery too. It's less aggressive than the AT3 but what you described as your driving conditions tells me those aren't you're best fit. Also when considering price take tire life into account. The michelins cost more but also last you more miles.

 

I've had them for almost 25000 now and just had my truck in for the 25000 checkup. If I recall, there's over half of the treadlife left.

 

OP i would rethink your tire choice but i do have coopers and love them. Whatever tire you choose just keep it p rated.

 

Out of curiosity, why would I rethink these tires. I've heard pretty good things about them, for the type of driving i do, they are well regarded, they are at the right price point ($150ish each), etc.

I really wanted something semi aggressive looking, but not uselessly aggressive that will significantly detract from the ride and quality of driving for what I do. I mean, looks are important, and some of the super beefy KOs etc are nice, I'd love'em, but I'd hate the gas mileage and ride quality.

 

You sound like me when I was looking for tires.

You'll be happy with Cooper AT3's.

 

I switched from 265/70-16 to 265/75-16 and didn't notice a difference. My new tires are P rated, same as my old tires. if you go to an LT or E rated tire, it will be heavier and likely reduce your mpg.