catalina34
New member
I just got rid of my Dakota MT's sized 285/75 R16 (D-load rating I think, have to double check) and went down to a 265/75 R16 Cooper ATP.
The Definity Dakota MT (made by Cooper) was an outstanding tire. It was relatively quiet for a MT, had good traction in snow, mud, and dirt, and was pretty good in the dry. Not a great tire in the rain, but I doubt many MT's are. I was really impressed with these tires for the price and if I wanted another MT wouldn't hesitate to get them again. I did several offroading trips in PA, AZ, and CA aired down between 12-15 psi and never had a side wall failure. Wear was pretty good, but my front end alignment had crappy toe settings and the front outside edges wore out really fast.
I wanted something more street friendly (quieter, better mpg's) so I picked up the Cooper ATP's in a P rated 265/75 R16. I got a smoking deal from Discount Tire Direct and read lots of reviews so the choice was easy.
Cons of the new tires: Smaller size and less aggressive treads makes the truck much more pedestrian looking. Sidewall strength isn't as great as the MT's
Pros: tire is much lighter, makes NO road noise, is much smoother, and the steering effort is greatly reduced. Braking is improved a noticeable amount as well. Tread is aggressive enough that the truck doesn't look like a street queen. Potentially better MPG's.
I'm going wheeling on Sunday so will be able to comment on the ATP's traction compared to the MT's. No snow or rain, but will post back on how well she handles each.$
The Definity Dakota MT (made by Cooper) was an outstanding tire. It was relatively quiet for a MT, had good traction in snow, mud, and dirt, and was pretty good in the dry. Not a great tire in the rain, but I doubt many MT's are. I was really impressed with these tires for the price and if I wanted another MT wouldn't hesitate to get them again. I did several offroading trips in PA, AZ, and CA aired down between 12-15 psi and never had a side wall failure. Wear was pretty good, but my front end alignment had crappy toe settings and the front outside edges wore out really fast.
I wanted something more street friendly (quieter, better mpg's) so I picked up the Cooper ATP's in a P rated 265/75 R16. I got a smoking deal from Discount Tire Direct and read lots of reviews so the choice was easy.
Cons of the new tires: Smaller size and less aggressive treads makes the truck much more pedestrian looking. Sidewall strength isn't as great as the MT's
Pros: tire is much lighter, makes NO road noise, is much smoother, and the steering effort is greatly reduced. Braking is improved a noticeable amount as well. Tread is aggressive enough that the truck doesn't look like a street queen. Potentially better MPG's.
I'm going wheeling on Sunday so will be able to comment on the ATP's traction compared to the MT's. No snow or rain, but will post back on how well she handles each.$
