Which AT's?

**LaFJDude** · 01-17-2013, 08:26 AM

Currently running Yokohama Geolander AT-S LT285/70r17 and have been pleased with them. They have done well for me at Moab, Ouray, Barnwell and Superlift. However, they appear to be hard to find right now so thinking of switching to a different, more aggressive tire. I like the Cooper S/T Maxx, Dick Cepek Radial F-C II or Mud Country, and Federal Couragia MT (if not too noisy and only cause they are <$200).

Looking for a good on-road tire, since I do more highway travel, but needs to handle offroad without too much chipping as with the conditions of the sharp slate at Superlift. Prefer spending under $300/tire and would rather them be closer to $200/tire.

Size: 33" so either 285/70, 295/70, 33x12.50 or other in 17". Also, I am running the stock 2011 rim (7.5"). Wouldn't mind getting new wheels, but at $300/tire, that isn't happening.

I am leaning towards the S/T Maxx tires right now because they seem to be a hybrid between the AT and MT as well as having that more aggressive look.

Sorry, I know this is about like asking opinions of which lift to get, but I am curious which of those listed have the higher recommendations.

If you vote other, let me know which ones please.

iwashmycar · 01-17-2013, 08:41 AM

Everyone is going to say Duratrac as usual lol. Looks like you are looking for more of a MT though I suppose? I have been intriqued by the Trail Grapplers personally. I too have Geolandars, and dream about a more aggressive tire! They have worked well on my TRD 16s (Came with the rims on CL)

Nitto Trail Grapper 295/70/17 Installed w/ Pics

**LaFJDude** · 01-17-2013, 08:47 AM

Quote:

iwashmycar previously said:

Everyone is going to say Duratrac as usual lol. Looks like you are looking for more of a MT though I suppose? I have been intriqued by the Trail Grapplers personally. I too have Geolandars, and dream about a more aggressive tire! They have worked well on my TRD 16s.

I have been looking at many tires lately and seen a lot of negative things about the Duratrac (thin sidewall) so haven't even really considered them.

Yea, I guess it is more towards a MT, but don't want the highway speed noise level that comes with them nor the softer tread that will chip easy. That is why I like the S/T Maxx because it is an AT/MT hybrid

iwashmycar · 01-17-2013, 08:55 AM

Those Coopers do look like one step up from the Geolandars, so probably actually a very good compromise. If performance was similar, I'd still pick a Duratrac based on it's looks over the Coopers though!

**Woodsman** · 01-17-2013, 08:59 AM

I wouldn't worry so much about a little "chipping".

My Nitto Terra Grapplers have been through many trips in Colorado and Utah with almost 3,000 highway miles between each trip. Sure, the sandstone and sharp rocks have taken little chunks from the edge of the tread and some sipes all around but they still run smooth, round and quiet after over 40K miles.

I did remove them from the FJ only because I got a great deal on new treads from Discount Tire but still have them and may remount them this spring to rack up more miles before miles before switching back to the Coopers for Cruise Moab and Summit . . . not that the Coopers are any better in the Colorado and Utah conditions but they do look "cooler".

Let me also add, and I know I've said this many times on the forum, that I was on one of Bill Burke's trips in May 2010 and I was the only one not running BFG AT or BFG Mud Terrains or BFG KM2 and I was the only one that didn't get stuck (or rollover). Sure, some of this had to do with the FJ and ATRAC but the Nittos just went over stuff while the other guys were digging in and getting buried. Just look at people like Landcruising Adventure who've traveled the world on skinny non-aggressive tires.

**LaFJDude** · 01-17-2013, 09:01 AM

Quote:

iwashmycar previously said:

Those Coopers do look like one step up from the Geolandars, so probably actually a very good compromise.

Yea the Coopers are the ones I am leaning towards as of right now. I have thought about getting the Federal MTs and a set of rims as well since they are cheaper.

**LaFJDude** · 01-17-2013, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Woodsman previously said:

I wouldn't worry so much about a little "chipping".

My Nitto Terra Grapplers have been through many trips in Colorado and Utah with almost 3,000 highway miles between each trip. Sure, the sandstone and sharp rocks have taken little chunks from the edge of the tread and some sipes all around but they still run smooth, round and quiet after over 40K miles.

I did remove them from the FJ only because I got a great deal on new treads from Discount Tire but still have them and may remount them this spring to rack up more miles before miles before switching back to the Coopers for Cruise Moab and Summit . . . not that the Coopers are any better in the Colorado and Utah conditions but they do look "cooler".

Definitely cooler looking than my Geo's!

I have been looking on Discount for a similar deal, but they are not even show the Cooper tires for me.

**LaFJDude** · 01-17-2013, 09:22 AM

So far the results are saying other.

Is this the DuraTrac and if so, are how are their sidewalls? Are they thin as I've heard?

jwhite216 · 01-17-2013, 11:44 AM

BFG's have been really amazing. Slight hum at speed but really slings mud and grit right off. Does well for light offroading here in VA.

**LaFJDude** · 01-17-2013, 12:08 PM

Quote:

jwhite216 previously said:

BFG's have been really amazing. Slight hum at speed but really slings mud and grit right off. Does well for light offroading here in VA.

My only concern about going a real mud tire, such as the BFG T/A KM2, other than noise, is how soft they are. I have seen brand new MTs get torn up at Superlift on the first use with chunks taken out of the lugs (which is more what I meant by chipping LOL). At Barnwell with the clay and dirt on dry days and mud on wet days, a mud tire would be ideal, but I try going to Superlift several times a year and the sharp slate rock would rip up softer rubber.