Cooper Discoverer Rugged Treks

[Catahoulabulldog]

Anyone running these? How are they off road? How are they as far as sidewall toughness? I bought a set a few months back and I’m wondering if they can handle the trails I plan on taking in the southwest. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[MAST4R]

Anyone running these? How are they off road? How are they as far as sidewall toughness? I bought a set a few months back and I’m wondering if they can handle the trails I plan on taking in the southwest. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

Well, see if they have 3-ply sidewall, I very much doubt it.

The only ATs on top of my head that feature it are the ATZP3, the Baja Boss, the Cooper ST Maxx the Yoko X-AT, and the LTE KO2.

I would not overthink the LTC KO2 either though it does not have a third sidewall ply.

In my experience, southern AZ is tougher on tires than northern AZ or southern Utah.

I generally avoided running low pressures at all on P metric ATs because that's when sidewalls get in trouble on P metric. On LTE, I also don't normally go under 28 because I go faster. If the trail is really rocky and mostly low range, I do 21.

 

[Catahoulabulldog]

Well, see if they have 3-ply sidewall, I very much doubt it.

The only ATs on top of my head that feature it are the ATZP3, the Baja Boss, the Cooper ST Maxx the Yoko X-AT, and the LTE KO2.

I would not overthink the LTC KO2 either though it does not have a third sidewall ply.

In my experience, southern AZ is tougher on tires than northern AZ or southern Utah.

I generally avoided running low pressures at all on P metric ATs because that's when sidewalls get in trouble on P metric. On LTE, I also don't normally go under 28 because I go faster. If the trail is really rocky and mostly low range, I do 21.

Thanks for the reply and info. It’s much appreciated! After talking to a Cooper rep I found out the P rated Rugged Trek sidewalls consist of 2 high strength steel belts and a nylon belt for reinforcement. So not sure if that qualifies as a 3 ply sidewall. They also told me putting the LT version on a 4 Runner is a bad idea. Said it would be heavy and very rough riding.

 

[MAST4R]

Thanks for the reply and info. It’s much appreciated! After talking to a Cooper rep I found out the P rated Rugged Trek sidewalls consist of 2 high strength steel belts and a nylon belt for reinforcement. So not sure if that qualifies as a 3 ply sidewall. They also told me putting the LT version on a 4 Runner is a bad idea. Said it would be heavy and very rough riding.

There are no P-metric tires with 3-ply sidewalls.

How it will ride depends on the suspension. LT will probably ride poorly on a stock suspension, but my LTE ride great on my offroad suspension.

What that Cooper person meant is 2 polyester plus 2 steel plus 1 nylon, which is standard for the tread area. The sidewall would be 2 ply polyester.

At least the P metric Wildpeak had a wide steel belt. Even so, I lost 3 in the AZ desert though never had issues in Moab or on Montana forest trails with lots of sticks and fallen branches everywhere. I have been a vocal supporter of P metric AT on this forum, but it really depends where you offroad.

Also, P-metric tires don't last offroad, with serious use. They shed tread like there is no tomorrow. The really useful life of Wildpeaks was 10k (never had a puncture under 10k). The tread was a joke past 20k.

If I were looking for a good compromise between P metric and LTE, I would go LTC KO2. Much lighter than LTE, too. Strong tread area, very good sidewalls even if 2 ply. I think they say they are thicker, I don't remember. But people use LTC KO2 all over the place. I would not buy LTC Wildpeak because they are just as heavy as LTE.

 

[Catahoulabulldog]

There are no P-metric tires with 3-ply sidewalls.

How it will ride depends on the suspension. LT will probably ride poorly on a stock suspension, but my LTE ride great on my offroad suspension.

What that Cooper person meant is 2 polyester plus 2 steel plus 1 nylon, which is standard for the tread area. The sidewall would be 2 ply polyester.

At least the P metric Wildpeak had a wide steel belt. Even so, I lost 3 in the AZ desert though never had issues in Moab or on Montana forest trails with lots of sticks and fallen branches everywhere. I have been a vocal supporter of P metric AT on this forum, but it really depends where you offroad.

Also, P-metric tires don't last offroad, with serious use. They shed tread like there is no tomorrow. The really useful life of Wildpeaks was 10k (never had a puncture under 10k). The tread was a joke past 20k.

If I were looking for a good compromise between P metric and LTE, I would go LTC KO2. Much lighter than LTE, too. Strong tread area, very good sidewalls even if 2 ply. I think they say they are thicker, I don't remember. But people use LTC KO2 all over the place. I would not buy LTC Wildpeak because they are just as heavy as LTE.

I have Fox 2.5’s with adjustable remote reservoirs in the front and Fox 2.0’s with adjustable remote reservoirs in the rear. Dobinson HD coils in the rear and 650lb coils in the front.

 

[Catahoulabulldog]

There are no P-metric tires with 3-ply sidewalls.

How it will ride depends on the suspension. LT will probably ride poorly on a stock suspension, but my LTE ride great on my offroad suspension.

What that Cooper person meant is 2 polyester plus 2 steel plus 1 nylon, which is standard for the tread area. The sidewall would be 2 ply polyester.

At least the P metric Wildpeak had a wide steel belt. Even so, I lost 3 in the AZ desert though never had issues in Moab or on Montana forest trails with lots of sticks and fallen branches everywhere. I have been a vocal supporter of P metric AT on this forum, but it really depends where you offroad.

Also, P-metric tires don't last offroad, with serious use. They shed tread like there is no tomorrow. The really useful life of Wildpeaks was 10k (never had a puncture under 10k). The tread was a joke past 20k.

If I were looking for a good compromise between P metric and LTE, I would go LTC KO2. Much lighter than LTE, too. Strong tread area, very good sidewalls even if 2 ply. I think they say they are thicker, I don't remember. But people use LTC KO2 all over the place. I would not buy LTC Wildpeak because they are just as heavy as LTE.

Since the Rugged Treks are a rugged terrain or hybrid tire I’m hoping they hold up.

 

[MAST4R]

Since the Rugged Treks are a rugged terrain or hybrid tire I’m hoping they hold up.

All ATs are supposed to be reinforced but be careful with the Sonoran Desert in AZ and the CO mountain passes (mild terrain for tires in comparison to AZ but dangerous to lose a tire).

What pressures should be run on P metric tires when offroad is an unsolved debate whereas for LT, pretty much everybody agrees on what pressures for what offroad conditions. I had sidewall issues under 28 and tread area issues at higher pressures in AZ, which was a lose-lose proposition. Others have had low pressures around Moab, no problem but while big, Moab rocks are much smoother.

The offroad suspension should play well with LT tires. I would agree that P metric tires are a better fit for the stock suspension.

 

[MAST4R]

Since the Rugged Treks are a rugged terrain or hybrid tire I’m hoping they hold up.

I guess the question is what exactly you plan to drive?

 

[Catahoulabulldog]

I guess the question is what exactly you plan to drive?

Absolutely. For the most part just fire and forest service roads to reach dispersed camping areas in national forests and blm land. We will be in various states. I’ve never off roaded at all other than mud in Illinois where I live. We don’t have the rocks and other debris here. I forgot to mention I have fab tech uca’s and total chaos lca’s with KDSS. I’m not doing rock crawling or anything crazy. My wife has a really bad back and couldn’t handle that kind of stuff. My full aluminum skids from RCI just shipped out yesterday. I have my rock sliders on so with the full skids armor is covered. Getting ready to do a diff and e-locker breather by ARB also. We will be in the southwest AZ NM So Cal in the colder months and up north in summer. MT MI IL WI WA WY. I appreciate all of your info and help. I know I’m in for an extreme learning curve but that’s part of the adventure!

 

[MAST4R]

Absolutely. For the most part just fire and forest service roads to reach dispersed camping areas in national forests and blm land. We will be in various states. I’ve never off roaded at all other than mud in Illinois where I live. We don’t have the rocks and other debris here. I forgot to mention I have fab tech uca’s and total chaos lca’s with KDSS. I’m not doing rock crawling or anything crazy. My wife has a really bad back and couldn’t handle that kind of stuff. My full aluminum skids from RCI just shipped out yesterday. I have my rock sliders on so with the full skids armor is covered. Getting ready to do a diff and e-locker breather by ARB also. We will be in the southwest AZ NM So Cal in the colder months and up north in summer. MT MI IL WI WA WY. I appreciate all of your info and help. I know I’m in for an extreme learning curve but that’s part of the adventure!

Sure, so the thing with tires is that there is practically no connection between trail difficulty and tire needs. I can do Elephant Hill or Fins and Things all day long on P metric. By contrast, I can destroy them easily on visually unremarkable AZ trails. And I mean punctures that will be hard to repair if you bust two tires.

I don't have or need any breathers. You NEVER want to be in the desert alone right before or right after any rain and never in tight canyons, alone or other wise.

You will definitely want the Charlie Wells 4x4 books (Amazon). The newest editions only. These are the best overall guides. A 4R can do with no issues any trail with an SUV on it, which includes half or so of the difficult trails. With no prior experience, blue/moderate trails should be fun enough. They are a breeze for the vehicle but some will feel like an adventure to a less experienced driver.

Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails 3rd Edition: Charles A. Wells, Matt Peterson, Susan Hindman: 9781934838280: Amazon.com: Books

Slow speed rock crawling with quality suspension like yours and aired down LT tires is very comfortable.

If you want to have peace of mind, get a proven tire though.

At the very least, you will want 5 tires and not just 4 plus the stock spare and you will also want a tire repair kit on top of that. Some of the most scenic AZ desert trails, plenty easy as terrain, are brutal on tires (same desert as Baja).

Let me know if you need more detailed info on specific trails in AZ or S. Utah once in the area.

EDIT: oh, wow, Total Chaos LCA? Fox 2.5 DSC and Total Chaos LCA with P metric tires will be a bit of an oxymoron. Maybe you can convince your local tire shop to let you drive LT for 100 miles to see how you like them.

 

[Catahoulabulldog]

Sure, so the thing with tires is that there is practically no connection between trail difficulty and tire needs. I can do Elephant Hill or Fins and Things all day long on P metric. By contrast, I can destroy them easily on visually unremarkable AZ trails. And I mean punctures that will be hard to repair if you bust two tires.

I don't have or need any breathers. You NEVER want to be in the desert alone right before or right after any rain and never in tight canyons, alone or other wise.

You will definitely want the Charlie Wells 4x4 books (Amazon). The newest editions only. These are the best overall guides. A 4R can do with no issues any trail with an SUV on it, which includes half or so of the difficult trails. With no prior experience, blue/moderate trails should be fun enough. They are a breeze for the vehicle but some will feel like an adventure to a less experienced driver.

Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails 3rd Edition: Charles A. Wells, Matt Peterson, Susan Hindman: 9781934838280: Amazon.com: Books

Slow speed rock crawling with quality suspension like yours and aired down LT tires is very comfortable.

If you want to have peace of mind, get a proven tire though.

At the very least, you will want 5 tires and not just 4 plus the stock spare and you will also want a tire repair kit on top of that. Some of the most scenic AZ desert trails, plenty easy as terrain, are brutal on tires (same desert as Baja).

Let me know if you need more detailed info on specific trails in AZ or S. Utah once in the area.

EDIT: oh, wow, Total Chaos LCA? Fox 2.5 DSC and Total Chaos LCA with P metric tires will be a bit of an oxymoron. Maybe you can convince your local tire shop to let you drive LT for 100 miles to see how you like them.

Yeah I’m kind of regretting going with a P metric tires. My problem is my wife and convincing her to let me drop another $1100-$1400 on new tires when my rugged treks only have about 8,000 miles on them. my 4Runner is set up to be pretty capable. I don’t want to be held back by my tires and or screwed on a trail miles from nowhere with a puncture. I have the SCS stealth custom F5s for my wheels so I would either need to get another one or rely on my spare. I will also be pulling my small 4x7 trailer which is very light. It’s a homemade trailer. So the trailer alone might limit me. But it’s necessary to haul everything we need. My Baja rack will only hold so much and my 2 dogs will be in the cargo area so that limits my space also. I appreciate you offering to help me out with info if needed and I’ll check out those books. We have Gaia gps and onX gps also. A satellite communicator with SOS for emergencies. We have been planning this and buying everything we need for over 2 years. The 4Runner will be paid off by June or so that’s when we will be leaving. We just didn’t want the bother of a car payment when we leave. Guess I might have some talking to do with my wife.

 

[Catahoulabulldog]

Sure, so the thing with tires is that there is practically no connection between trail difficulty and tire needs. I can do Elephant Hill or Fins and Things all day long on P metric. By contrast, I can destroy them easily on visually unremarkable AZ trails. And I mean punctures that will be hard to repair if you bust two tires.

I don't have or need any breathers. You NEVER want to be in the desert alone right before or right after any rain and never in tight canyons, alone or other wise.

You will definitely want the Charlie Wells 4x4 books (Amazon). The newest editions only. These are the best overall guides. A 4R can do with no issues any trail with an SUV on it, which includes half or so of the difficult trails. With no prior experience, blue/moderate trails should be fun enough. They are a breeze for the vehicle but some will feel like an adventure to a less experienced driver.

Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails 3rd Edition: Charles A. Wells, Matt Peterson, Susan Hindman: 9781934838280: Amazon.com: Books

Slow speed rock crawling with quality suspension like yours and aired down LT tires is very comfortable.

If you want to have peace of mind, get a proven tire though.

At the very least, you will want 5 tires and not just 4 plus the stock spare and you will also want a tire repair kit on top of that. Some of the most scenic AZ desert trails, plenty easy as terrain, are brutal on tires (same desert as Baja).

Let me know if you need more detailed info on specific trails in AZ or S. Utah once in the area.

EDIT: oh, wow, Total Chaos LCA? Fox 2.5 DSC and Total Chaos LCA with P metric tires will be a bit of an oxymoron. Maybe you can convince your local tire shop to let you drive LT for 100 miles to see how you like them.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do. I do know I don’t want M/Ts because we will be spending 1000’s of miles on highways. I’ve considered the Cooper S/T Maxx but honestly I don’t like the lack of sidewall tread.

 

[MAST4R]

I’m not sure what I’m going to do. I do know I don’t want M/Ts because we will be spending 1000’s of miles on highways. I’ve considered the Cooper S/T Maxx but honestly I don’t like the lack of sidewall tread.

But I did not realize you already have the Coopers. In that case, you will want to make sure you have a matching spare and a tire repair kit.

KO2s, ATZP3s are perfect for the desert. The ATZP3 is the premium version of the Cooper Maxx.

You can always replace the tires here in AZ if you have to.

The trailer will definitely limit your speeds and trails when you are with it so that should help.

I also carry an emergency communicator.

Above all, lots and lots of water and some emergency food. Careful with the dogs in the AZ desert. I only take mine into the desert Nov-Feb.

 

[Catahoulabulldog]

But I did not realize you already have the Coopers. In that case, you will want to make sure you have a matching spare and a tire repair kit.

KO2s, ATZP3s are perfect for the desert. The ATZP3 is the premium version of the Cooper Maxx.

You can always replace the tires here in AZ if you have to.

The trailer will definitely limit your speeds and trails when you are with it so that should help.

I also carry an emergency communicator.

Above all, lots and lots of water and some emergency food. Careful with the dogs in the AZ desert. I only take mine into the desert Nov-Feb.

I have a water filter system and will have 5 7 gallon containers which is partially the need for the trailer. In summer we will be up north so we should be good as far as the dogs go. I will be routinely checking our camp area for snakes and other crawlers to keep them and us safe. I will definitely have a matching spare and tire repair kit. I was checking out the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T. They do have a 3 ply sidewall. Very nice tire and of course MT tires are great and proven. Made by Cooper.

 

[MAST4R]

I have a water filter system and will have 5 7 gallon containers which is partially the need for the trailer. In summer we will be up north so we should be good as far as the dogs go. I will be routinely checking our camp area for snakes and other crawlers to keep them and us safe. I will definitely have a matching spare and tire repair kit. I was checking out the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T. They do have a 3 ply sidewall. Very nice tire and of course MT tires are great and proven. Made by Cooper.

Yeah, so mine are the ATZ P3, which is the previous version. They are 3lb/piece lighter and maybe 10% cheaper and otherwise equivalent to the BOSS. I will still go ATZ P3 if available next time.

 

[Catahoulabulldog]

Yeah, so mine are the ATZ P3, which is the previous version. They are 3lb/piece lighter and maybe 10% cheaper and otherwise equivalent to the BOSS. I will still go ATZ P3 if available next time.

I’ve heard the ATZ is discontinued.

 

[MAST4R]

I’ve heard the ATZ is discontinued.

Yikes. I guess it makes sense though since the Baja Boss is simply the newer version. I guess they have an AT and an MT version, I would definitely go with the AT one. It is just as strong but better on road.

 

[Catahoulabulldog]

Yikes. I guess it makes sense though since the Baja Boss is simply the newer version. I guess they have an AT and an MT version, I would definitely go with the AT one. It is just as strong but better on road.

It says A/T but on Mickey Thompson site it calls them an extreme terrain hybrid. 18.5/32 starting tread depth.

 

[Catahoulabulldog]

Yikes. I guess it makes sense though since the Baja Boss is simply the newer version. I guess they have an AT and an MT version, I would definitely go with the AT one. It is just as strong but better on road.

I’ll stick with rugged treks for now. Like you said I can always change them wherever I’m at. Any other advice you can give me for off roading in the southwest or Colorado area?

 

[MAST4R]

I’ll stick with rugged treks for now. Like you said I can always change them wherever I’m at. Any other advice you can give me for off roading in the southwest or Colorado area?

Chiefly, buy the Charlie Wells guides for CO and AZ; they are both brand new. The UT one is also great but not as new (unless he has published a new edition this year).

Be wary of the Peter Massey guides. These have newish reprints (like 2014) but they are NOT new editions. Wells redrives all trails for every new edition. The Massey editor just prints the old books again and again. This makes them misleading, especially for CO.

Just don't be right foot heavy in rocks. Watch out for flying UTVs and ATVs on popular trails, especially early or late in the day. Avoid the most popular trails on weekend.

Generally, Wells covers all the basics in his intros.

PM me when in AZ so you can have an emergency contact if needed.