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Cooper Discoverer AT3 – Tweet
Mounted
on V-Tec 326 Off-Road Wheels, the LT285/70/17E
Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires fill the wheel wells of the Chevy Silverado
really well. More aggressive than the older Cooper Discoverer ATS, the AT3's
seem to be the perfect blend of a highway friendly off road tire that is very
capable off-road and guiet to drive on road as well. Heavy deep lugs combined
with a stiff sidewall make these tires a truly capable off-roader
yet is still both quiet in the cab and sure footed when on the pavement.
On and Off Road Tires
Another consideration we had to take into account would be the capability of the tires in both snow and ice. Being that these tires would be driven in Alaska and over the Alaska Highway, snow and ice would be a guaranteed condition that the tire must be capable of handling. Winter driving conditions in the north can be severe and the demands placed upon the tires is very intense. Cooper has been making a name for themselves in these conditions with their truck and car tires for years. Also See Tire Load Ratings
| Cooper Tires | Tire Size | Load Range | Approved Rim Width | Rim Width | Section Width | Overall Diam. | Tread Width | Max Load | Tread Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discoverer AT3 | LT285-70R17 | E | 7.5 - 9.0 | 8.5 | 11.69 | 32.76 | 9.00 | 3195 | 17 |
| Discoverer ST Maxx | LT285-70R17 | E | 7.5 - 9.5 | 8.5 | 11.40 | 33.00 | 9.30 | 3195 | 18.5 |
| Discoverer STT | LT285-70R17 | D | 7.5 - 9.5 | 8.5 | 11.5 | 33.00 | 8.85 | 3195 | 18 |
Road Test: Cooper Discoverer AT3
With
3200 miles behind us over some of the most grueling roads in North America
the Cooper Discoverer AT3 have proven to be an excellent tire. Broken pavement,
sharp gravel, both wet and dry pavement and plenty of slimy clay; all of these
conditions were encountered and presented an excellent test ground during the
3200 mile drive to Alaska. Not once did the Coopers disappoint us as the ride
was smooth, especially for a 10 ply tire, quiet and sure footed.
Loaded heavy, the 2011 Silverado glided effortlessly over the bumps and potholes along the early summer northern roads. Crisscrossing the mountains and tundra was absolutely no problem on both the wet and dry roads we encountered along the way. When the pavement would end, the Coopers just grabbed hold and the Chevy tracked straight and true.
Occasionally we would take a detour over a secluded side road that required more out of both the tires and truck. Both made the journey seem effortless and after each that we would encounter, our hesitancies would become less and less. These are very capable tires and a great choice for others looking at open roads and back country rock or gravel as the main surfaces expected to be stumbled upon.
NOTE: The tread compound of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 is formulated with a chemically-coupled silica and carbon black mixture said to improve wet traction and reduced rolling resistance thus increasing fuel economy. Summing up our initial review; our experience with the larger and heaver LT285-70R17E Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires proved that excellent handling and traction are possible with these All American Made Tires from Cooper.
Road Trip 2011: See
The USA in your Chevrolet.
Bob Jameson
46045 Spruce Place
Kenai, Alaska 99611