Anyone running the Cooper AT3-XLT tires yet?

Just an FYI, the AT3 XLT has passed 3PMSF (severe service rating or "snowflake rating") in a number of sizes. However due to the nature of the conditions when testing, they haven't been able to certify all sizes yet. Because of that, they haven't all been branded with the logo. But the tire, the design, and the compounds have passed the test already, so it's effectively a snowflake rated tire. That's straight from Cooper as I am performing a long term wear test for them on these tires.

Here in Washington, when the "Chains Required" sign goes up in the passes, you do NOT have to chain up if you have AWD or 4WD and your tire is marked with M+S, 3PMSF or All-Season. The state police have started pulling drivers over to check their tires to make sure they comply with the law - it's like a $300 ticket to not have the proper traction tires. Cooper's website does list the tire as All-Season, but I'm not sure that's an argument I want to have with a state trooper on the side of the highway. I am still leaning that direction though. This tire ticks literally every other check-box I have.

For what it's worth, your article on Trail4Runner was what originally sold me on the XLTs.
 
I wish Falken's came in C load 285s and were as light as the KO2.



They do now come in load range C, but they’re on the heavier side and certainly more than the KO2.
I’m singing the praises of the Falkens all day long. The only things the KO2 have going are looks (subjective) and weight. Those aside, the Falkens perform infinitely better in all conditions and don’t suffer the wet traction decline seen in the KO2.

The 3PMSF rating isn’t subjective in testing performance, but I get it. I will say it was a limiting factor for me and I was about to pull the trigger on these Coopers until I saw these didn’t carry that rating. If I’m spending the money on new tires, I want to get the most bang for my buck and these fell short for me for that exact reason. If they manage to achieve this rating, then that’s a different story. Considering the cost of these, I just couldn’t do it as much as I like the look of the tire and the brand.

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I wish Falken's came in C load 285s and were as light as the KO2.

They do. Falken hasn't published the weight on these yet but I'm guessing they weight the same as their E-rated brethren, ~58lbs.

Falken Wildpeak A/T3W LT285/70R17 | TireBuyer

They do now come in load range C, but they’re on the heavier side and certainly more than the KO2.
I’m singing the praises of the Falkens all day long. The only things the KO2 have going are looks (subjective) and weight. Those aside, the Falkens perform infinitely better in all conditions and don’t suffer the wet traction decline seen in the KO2.

The 3PMSF rating isn’t subjective in testing performance, but I get it. I will say it was a limiting factor for me and I was about to pull the trigger on these Coopers until I saw these didn’t carry that rating. If I’m spending the money on new tires, I want to get the most bang for my buck and these fell short for me for that exact reason. If they manage to achieve this rating, then that’s a different story. Considering the cost of these, I just couldn’t do it as much as I like the look of the tire and the brand.

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I've had both Cooper AT3-XLT and Falken AT3/W. Currently running the Falken since I downsized tires. I used them both for a Utah winter on snow pack roads, down icy canyon highways, traveling to different ski resorts in UT, ID, and WY. I have no complaints about the Cooper's or Falken's winter performance. I think you're putting a little too much emphasis on the 3PMSF rating, almost like it's a mental block or some form of validation/security to have them. The BFG's are winter rated and have 3PMSF rating and they perform A LOT worse than the Cooper's in winter. Go figure.
 
They do. Falken hasn't published the weight on these yet but I'm guessing they weight the same as their E-rated brethren, ~58lbs.



Falken Wildpeak A/T3W LT285/70R17 | TireBuyer







I've had both Cooper AT3-XLT and Falken AT3/W. Currently running the Falken since I downsized tires. I used them both for a Utah winter on snow pack roads, down icy canyon highways, traveling to different ski resorts in UT, ID, and WY. I have no complaints about the Cooper's or Falken's winter performance. I think you're putting a little too much emphasis on the 3PMSF rating, almost like it's a mental block or some form of validation/security to have them. The BFG's are winter rated and have 3PMSF rating and they perform A LOT worse than the Cooper's in winter. Go figure.



I appreciate your thoughts. As you know, tires have to achieve given performance benchmarks to receive the snowflake rating. If a company has taken the time and effort to assure their tire meets that standard, then they earn my business. It doesn’t matter to everyone but it did to me. It’s not just snake oil but I get it. The Coopers may be a great tire. Just have to figure out what matters.


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Here in Washington, when the "Chains Required" sign goes up in the passes, you do NOT have to chain up if you have AWD or 4WD and your tire is marked with M+S, 3PMSF or All-Season. The state police have started pulling drivers over to check their tires to make sure they comply with the law - it's like a $300 ticket to not have the proper traction tires. Cooper's website does list the tire as All-Season, but I'm not sure that's an argument I want to have with a state trooper on the side of the highway. I am still leaning that direction though. This tire ticks literally every other check-box I have.

For what it's worth, your article on Trail4Runner was what originally sold me on the XLTs.

CA is pretty similar, no-chains but you need 4wd/AWD with M+S or all season. The highways will almost always close before they get to an R3 rating where all vehicles need chains. BUT you are required to carry chains when traveling through chain controls areas regardless of tires and drivetrain. From my understanding, the only way CHP checks for tires or chains is if you cause a wreck or get stuck in a chain controlled area and you don't have chains on hand or if you have 4wd/AWD and you're on summer tires.

The AT3's are labeled as M+S, so you're good to go... :thumb3:
 
Anyone running these with the black sidewall letters out? Thinking of pulling the trigger on some 285’s for the harsh Vegas winters.
 
Anyone running these with the black sidewall letters out? Thinking of pulling the trigger on some 285’s for the harsh Vegas winters.

2019 Limited NightShade
XLTs LT265/60R20 (32.5)

Mods
3" spacer lift+ dif drop ( readylift) X-REAS retained
20x9+18
clears both oem UCA and Dobsion UCA

LT275/60R20 (33") would fit with fender lining mod (move forward)
 

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Stay with the black side out, if you ever hit or scrape curbs rocks or such when off roading the white letters side has a very thin layer of black rubber that covers that white strip that makes the white letters and when rubbed and abused you will e d up with whit walled tires lol... plus I always hated cleaning them darn letters ....
 
That’s such a great looking tire. Glad they finally got around to making a more aggressive looking set. You’ll have to report back on their performance.

For those who do white lettering out, VatoZone and most other car parts stores sell a pen you can use to touch up the lettering or change the color if you want to maintain them.


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I ended up picking these up during Discount Tire's Labor Day sale. They are *so much* better on wet roads than the KO2s they replaced - I don't feel like I might randomly slide off the road in a curve. We'll see how they do in the snow in a couple of months.

48677867246_48b2a9565e_b.jpg
 
After a month of going back and forth between these and the Wildpeaks I finally made a decision and ordered 285/65/18 XLTs. Its amazing what a 25% off sale will do to force your hand in a purchase!

Any longer term feedback? Especially in regards to winter driving..
 
After a month of going back and forth between these and the Wildpeaks I finally made a decision and ordered 285/65/18 XLTs. Its amazing what a 25% off sale will do to force your hand in a purchase!

Any longer term feedback? Especially in regards to winter driving..

Congrats on the new tires! I am looking at the XLT's also. If you don't mind me asking, where did you get Tham at 25% off?
 

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