AT Tires

[Trails4]

Thanks for the info guys - I'm whittling it down to either the A/T3s or the A/TWs.

Both seem to offer better snow/ice performance without sacrificing too much in the Dry Road, Handling, and Noise departments. It sounds like the A/T3s and the Wrangler AT w/Kevlar are similar on-road, but I've seen more reviews of the A/T3 off road performance; not to say the Wranglers are not good off road, just haven't heard as much about them in that respect. Hence dropping them as a choice. (Seems like most tests are done with the Duratrac for any trail reviews.) The one obvious draw back of the A/TWs is that they have a slightly lower load rating, but I don't expect to be hauling a trailer at full capacity more than once a year.

Still seeking any additional real-world input on any A/T3 vs A/TW comparisons that folks could offer.

 

[Neauxla]

Still seeking any additional real-world input on any A/T3 vs A/TW comparisons that folks could offer.

I'm debating both of these as well bc they are basically the only AT tires that come on the size I want. 265/60R20

The Goodyears are 4-500 more so I am going w/ the Coopers.

 

[jwkilgore]

I've been researching tires and this thread has convinced me that the AT3 or ATP matches everything I need... not the best at anything, but very good at everything. This is why I like German Shepherds.

I'm posting to add a bit of info, and ask a question without starting yet another tire thread.


Apparently Cooper makes customs tires for several chains similar to the AT3 design:
Discoverer AT3, standard design, 55k warranty
Discoverer ATP, A little more aggressive with side lugs, 55k warranty, made for Discount Tire Direct
Discoverer RTX, looks like an older design, 50k warranty, made for the TBC Group (NTB, Tire Kingdom, etc.)
Adventurer AT, looks like an older design, 50k warranty, made for Pep Boys

For what it's worth, NTB currently has a $100 Instant + $100 store card credit on the RTX but not the AT3. I really want the newer design, but $200 off is a heck of a deal, and I'm having to think hard on passing it up. If I can find a deal on the AT3's or ATP's it would help a lot.


Now for the question:
I've read of occasional problems where people have a bad tire that won't balance so they swap it out. I really like the ATP, but the nearest Discount Tire storefront is some distance away (about 45 miles). There is an NTB location halfway between home and work, and hundreds of TBC-owned stores all over the country.

I'd like to order either ATPs from DTD or AT3s from TreadDepot, have them shipped to NTB, and have NTB install.

Has anyone had any problems ordering tires online and shipping them to your home or installer? I'm guaranteed that NTB will not have an ATP tire in stock if I need a replacement.

 

[jwkilgore]

New info: The RTX isn't an old design, it's actually a new design. It's only been around for a year or so vs several years for the AT3.

The question is whether it's new and improved, or just new to give TBC Corp a "special" tire all for themselves. The disadvantages are that the RTX has 1/32 less tread (13 vs 14) and a 50k warranty vs 55k. But at a significant discount that more than makes up for the difference.

Right now the prices are:
AT3 at TreadDepot: $124x4 + $76 shipping = $572
RTX at NatTireBat: $155x4 - $200 = $420
The AT3 direct from NTB is ridiculously more... they are obviously pushing the RTX version.

Either will be a huge improvement over the worn-out stock Dunlops, so unless I hear anything bad about the RTX that's the way I'm leaning. The few reviews I've found were all good, and $150 is quite a bit of savings... enough to offset the cost of the spacer lift that will go on at the same time.


And again... has anyone had problems installing a tire that was shipped to a place that normally doesn't carry that type?

 

[mdogg]

Has anyone had any problems ordering tires online and shipping them to your home or installer?

Over the years, I've probably ordered more than 5 sets of tires (likely closer to 10 counting winter tires and my wife's vehicles) for delivery at home. On one occasion, I had them shipped directly to the tire dealer's recommended installer. Rather uneventful and smooth so far for all of mine. No issues yet, so I'll keep doing that.

I've actually only bought a single set of tires at a brick and mortar store in 15+ years, and that was only due to a refund situation with General Tires last year.

I usually figure out exactly what I want, then shop based on price/time. It's also worth noting that sometimes the reputable guys have the same things on eBay cheaper than on their direct site (and/or if you have eBay/PayPal coupons this can be a help when you spend $500-1000).

I've shopped all of these with success. YMMV
www.tirerack.com
www.discounttiredirect.com
www.tires-easy.com
www.tirebuyer.com

 

[ben550]

I always hear people say there are specific tires made for specific stores. Example: Goodyear makes tires specifically for Walmart which are cheaper but bear the same name/markings. Does anyone have good close up pictures of the ratings/load specs/etc on a tire bought at lets say a goodyear tire center vs the goodyears bought at walmart or sams club? The same question applies to Discount Tire Direct vs STS Tire center... Are the AT3's bought at eat location going to be the same product or is one a cheaper lower quality product with the same name?

Looking for pictures of the actual specs/ratings on the tires from each to compare...

Here's my contribution. One of my employees just received these from Discount Tire Direct today. They are Cooper ATP's 275/65R18s. Here are closeups of the ratings/specs

 

[desertred]

......And again... has anyone had problems installing a tire that was shipped to a place that normally doesn't carry that type?

I've not had any problems finding an installer to mount and balance special ordered tires the couple of times that I have done it. However, some dealers will not provide the "extras" like free tire rotation or offer road hazard protection for tires that they don't carry.

 

[philsey]

....
Here's my contribution. One of my employees just received these from Discount Tire Direct today. They are Cooper ATP's 275/65R18s. Here are closeups of the ratings/specs

Ha ha. They still emboss "tubeless" on sidewalls. I'd bet a couple bucks that half the drivers today have never even seen a tubed tire.

 

[jwkilgore]

I've not had any problems finding an installer to mount and balance special ordered tires the couple of times that I have done it. However, some dealers will not provide the "extras" like free tire rotation or offer road hazard protection for tires that they don't carry.

I wasn't worried about finding someone to do it. I bring in the tires, I give them money, they mount and balance. I occasionally go off road, so I will get road hazard insurance from where ever I buy them.

My question was about what happens if something goes wrong. What happens if a tire won't balance, for example? Say I leave NTB and feel excessive vibration. Has anyone had the situation where NTB says it is a tire problem and tells you to deal directly with the manufacturer, and the tire manufacturer says it is an installation problem and to deal with NTB? :frusty:


Personal related example: Back in the day I used to build my own computers. Once I shopped around to get the best prices on all the different components. I bought the motherboard at one shop, memory chips at another, hard drive at another, etc. Once everything was put together it wouldn't boot. Each shop told me the problem was obviously caused by some other component. Eventually I figured out it was a bad memory chip and got it swapped out, but I learned my lesson; shop around for accessories, but buy all the core components at one place.

How common are tire balancing problems? I've bought 4 sets, always at brick-and-mortar, and never had a problem. This is the first time I'm looking to maybe order online.

 

[jwkilgore]

I always hear people say there are specific tires made for specific stores. Example: Goodyear makes tires specifically for Walmart which are cheaper but bear the same name/markings. Does anyone have good close up pictures of the ratings/load specs/etc on a tire bought at lets say a goodyear tire center vs the goodyears bought at walmart or sams club? The same question applies to Discount Tire Direct vs STS Tire center... Are the AT3's bought at eat location going to be the same product or is one a cheaper lower quality product with the same name?

Yes and no... Cheaper tires aren't specifically made for discount stores, but the tires you get at a discount store may be of lesser quality. Here is a reply from Consumer Reports on this exact question: Not the same tire at Walmart? CR Responds

Basically, all tires are made on the same assembly line using the same materials, then quality checked and graded. The lowest quality grades get sold at a discount to the discount stores.

The ones that may be made cheaper for a specific chain will have a different name or model number, such as the ATP's for Discount Tire Direct and the RTX's for National Tire and Battery.

 

[ben550]

Yes and no... Cheaper tires aren't specifically made for discount stores, but the tires you get at a discount store may be of lesser quality. Here is a reply from Consumer Reports on this exact question: Not the same tire at Walmart? CR Responds

Basically, all tires are made on the same assembly line using the same materials, then quality checked and graded. The lowest quality grades get sold at a discount to the discount stores.

The ones that may be made cheaper for a specific chain will have a different name or model number, such as the ATP's for Discount Tire Direct and the RTX's for National Tire and Battery.

That makes sense. Would Tire Rack be considered a discount retailer or do you think it would be on a higher tier than Discount Tire Direct?

 

[cutty01]

The ATP has a little more aggressive shoulder. So far I love these tires in the rain.
TRD Rims, Discoverer ATP LT265/70R17.

Okki

Man I love those TRD rims. Are they the Tundra ones? I like them better than the TRD Pro ones. Are they are a direct fit for the 4Runner?

 

[mtomaro]

Man I love those TRD rims. Are they the Tundra ones? I like them better than the TRD Pro ones. Are they are a direct fit for the 4Runner?

I think those are the beadlock style TRD wheels. IIRC they were just released as general aftermarket TRD wheels for 4runner/taco/FJ

 

[Okki]

These are not a model specific TRD rim. but they are a direct fit for the 5th gen 4runner. They are also not a beadlock, but a "streetlock", meaning, the ring is purely cosmetic.

They have been rocking my ride for a while now and I love them...

Okki

 

[cjacob316]

They are the Wheels that came on the Baja and TRD Pro Tacomas.

 

[jwkilgore]

I've been doing a lot of research on AT tires recently, specifically the Cooper Discoverer AT3 and family. I was set on this in the stock size (265/70/17), except I need to get them fairly quickly and no one has them on sale.

I was able to discover that there are 5 variations of the AT3 made by Cooper for different brands. The AT3 and ATP have a 55k warranty. The Mastercraft Courser AXT is made by Cooper for a subsidiary with a 50k warranty and a slightly different tread pattern. The RTX and Adventurer AT appear to be combinations of the AT3 and AXT patterns (The RTX's pattern is quite a bit different), with the AXT's warranty (50k).

As of right now the RTX ($100 instant + $100 credit back) and the Adventurer AT (buy 3 get 1) are on sale.

Here are all the variations:

And here is what each one looks like:

Cooper Discoverer AT3

Cooper Discoverer ATP (Discount Tire Direct)

MasterCraft Courser AXT (LT Only)

Cooper Discoverer RTX (NTB, Big O, Tire Kingdom)

Cooper Adventurer AT (Pep Boys)

 

[ben550]

I ended up replacing Michelin LTX MS/2's with Cooper AT3's over the weekend. Bought a used set or rims off CL. Sanded them down painted them with duplicolor wheel paint and had them mount the new tires to the refurbished wheels. I am happy with the result.

The initial balance did not go so well. I had asked for them to use only the stick on weights. They did, but at highway speed there was a pretty bad steering wheel vibration. I took it back and asked them to re-balance them using the clip on wheel weights and it drives perfectly.

On another note. Check the DOT date on your new tires when you purchase. Of the 4 new tires they initially installed, 3 were manufactured in late 2014. The 4th was manufactured in early 2011 (5 years old). I asked them to replace the older one with another 2014 or newer and they did without any issues. I was glad I checked the numbers...

My old wheels were in terrible shape. Lots of bubbling, pitting, and peeling. New ones should be good for some time.

$738.00 OTD. STS Tire Shop.

 

[Bstrom]

Have recently bought two sets of tires for family members from Tirebuyer. Like Tire Rack, they are dropshipping from the nearest distribution points, which I assume will offer the newest stock available. A set of Yokohamas for my Miata smelled factory fresh when I got them last summer. (Somebody needs to make a Cologne for that!)

Tirebuyer will also ship free to their partnering mounting shops with a fixed price before you order. My local Tire Barn has been doing each set for $66 with new stems and provides great service.

This is my way of buying tires for now. I will be buying a set for my daughter-in-law's Mazda 3 soon. Tirebuyer is the best deal thus far.

 

[Stillbreathn]

These newly released this feb... Falcon Wildpeak A/T3W tires look nice, and they look like a better version of the AT3. The std version have silica tread compound like the AT3. Side walls look nice too, not boring like the AT3!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/208205-new-falken-tire-t3w.html#post2288025


WILDPEAK A/T3W TIRE | Falken Tire

 

[T5RUNNER]

Cooper ATPs are excellent tires, especially for the price. They are some of the best A/Ts I have ever owned, and are very long wearing. The last set I had on my Ranger still looked nearly new after 20k miles of hard use. I would buy them again for my 5th gen but they are not available in a normal load range in the size I want.