Michelin LTX A/T vs Cooper AT3

Currently running Cooper AT3. I do mild off-roading 3-4 x a year (mostly fire-roads, washboards, small rocks etc, nothing crazy...). For those who know Death Valley, think the road to Eureka Dunes, Racetrack Playa and Titus Canyon. That is the extent of the off-roading terrain that I tackle. Otherwise pavement only.

I have had no complaints with the Cooper's, other than some squirrelly handling after a new rain has passed.

I am due for new tires and am wondering if the Michelin's may be a better choice, since most of my driving is on pavement and the off-roading I do isn't extreme? Can the Michelin's handle the type off off-roading I listed above? Or better to stick with the Cooper AT3 (or whatever the current version is)?

Thanks

 

What load range do you go with for the coopers ?

 

Whatever the base is, I forget. Maybe "P"? I am probably messing that up.

 

That’s right. P is a passenger tire. Lighter and softer than LT

 

Michelin Defenders would be the best tire for you if you don’t need the look of a mild all terrain tire. Wet pavement traction would be exponentially better and you’ll be fine off road too.

 

The LTX AT2, is an old tire I don't think they ever updated that I know of. I ran it on a 2nd gen back in like 2010 and it did happen to work well for a daily driver. I don't know that I'd revisit it unless they were nearly free with everything else available today.

 

I dont think the Michilens would be much better in rain as the Cooper AT3 already have silica tread stock comparible to the Michilens. I would look at the lastest Cooper AT tire which is called the "Cooper Discoverer Road and Trail" or Discount tire has a slighlty more highway friendly "Cooper Discoverer ATP2"