[Just a Hunter]

A update : I'm still pleased with my Coopers and would gladly purchase them again.

 

[Ironforger]

@Just a Hunter - Great to hear. However, @Just a Hunter , are you running the cooper AT3 4S? (116) Or the cooper AT3 LT? (Load range E)?

I'm looking for opinions to see if there is any ride or performance difference on the highway regarding AT3 4S vs AT3 LT. As @Mr. Bills mentioned, there are 3 different versions of the AT3.

Thanks!

 

[Just a Hunter]

I have the 4S.

My offroading needs are very mild these days and it's rare I will encounter tire puncturing risks.

 

[Discount Tire]

@Ironforger the Cooper tire has a feature (specialized noise-reducing grooves) that would make it the top contender for low road noise while maintaining a durable off road ability. There is also a promotion of $110.00 instant savings on the Cooper brand. Let us know if we can assist you with your tire purchase journey.

 

[NCalFrontier]

I’ve been pleased with both brands personally having run each brand on several vehicles I’ve owned

 

[Discount Tire]

@Ironforger just curious if you had made a decision on what tire to purchase?

 

[Ironforger]

I have decided on Falken Wildpeack AT3W 265/75R16, however I am undecided if I will get them in LT Load Range E, or SL 116T. I've ordered 4 of each at my local dealer. I'm going to look at the two vs each other side by side. The LR E tires are only 8.6 lbs heavier than the SL 116T. The LR E tires have 17/32 deep tread, while the 116T has 13/32. I imagine the sidewall would be heavier on the LR E as well.

I'm currently running Crosswind M/T LT265/75R16, Load Range E. I didn't choose them, they were on the Xterra when I bought it. I keep them at 37psi. They ride great, very comfortable ride, not bumpy or stiff at all. My only 2 complaints are they are noisy as hell, and they are no damn good while cornering on pavement or highway. BUT, considering they are LT E tiress and ride comfortably, its one reason why I'm tempted to get the Falkens in LR E.

So, yeah. I'm leaning towards the LR E. Either way, I'm pulling the trigger this week. I'd just like to get a better sense of how well the 116T handles on pavement cornering VS the LR E.

PS, I will be doing some off roading in the mountains of central PA and strip mines too. Definite will be sharp jagged rocks.

Edit: One more complaint regarding the Crosswind M/T, they are no good on wet roads.

 

[Discount Tire]

@Ironforger I do believe your immediate driving needs suggest the LR E is the tire to go with. Going from the M/T you currently have to the A/T is already going to be an improvement. More tread depth and sidewall durability. Sounds like you have a solid choice. You will have to let us know how the tire does. Personal review would be much appreciated.

 

[clang01]

I have decided on Falken Wildpeack AT3W 265/75R16, however I am undecided if I will get them in LT Load Range E, or SL 116T. I've ordered 4 of each at my local dealer. I'm going to look at the two vs each other side by side. The LR E tires are only 8.6 lbs heavier than the SL 116T. The LR E tires have 17/32 deep tread, while the 116T has 13/32. I imagine the sidewall would be heavier on the LR E as well.

I'm currently running Crosswind M/T LT265/75R16, Load Range E. I didn't choose them, they were on the Xterra when I bought it. I keep them at 37psi. They ride great, very comfortable ride, not bumpy or stiff at all. My only 2 complaints are they are noisy as hell, and they are no damn good while cornering on pavement or highway. BUT, considering they are LT E tiress and ride comfortably, its one reason why I'm tempted to get the Falkens in LR E.

So, yeah. I'm leaning towards the LR E. Either way, I'm pulling the trigger this week. I'd just like to get a better sense of how well the 116T handles on pavement cornering VS the LR E.

PS, I will be doing some off roading in the mountains of central PA and strip mines too. Definite will be sharp jagged rocks.

Edit: One more complaint regarding the Crosswind M/T, they are no good on wet roads.

If it helps make your decision (possibly harder, lol) I went from a LT285/75r16 BFG KO2 on stock wheels to 285/70r17 SL 116T Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T's. The Mickey's have a deep tread depth for an SL at 16/32", but would otherwise be similar to an AT3W. I've found that the ride quality was DRASTICALLY improved over my worn LT's, but IMO those rode really harsh as they were heavy as ***k. The weight reduction and lower required street pressure have really redeemed the ride of my X and made it much smoother over rough pavement.

Using a tire size calculator I found that to keep the OE weight capacity I would need to run the LT KO2's at 41 psi, and 34psi for the SL Mickeys. I typically ran the KO2's at 38 psi however as the contact patch was not ideal on the stock wheel. At 34 psi and a softer sidewall a lot of the rough jittery motions that came through are almost completely eliminated.

I've had them off road a few times and aired down to 20psi and they performed flawlessly. I was hesitant to air down much on these but it turned out to really make for a well controlled ride off road. With my LT's I would air down to 18 with reckless abandon and abuse them, and they took it well. I think in the long run these will not be as durable off road, but the on road characteristics were worth the trade off for me.

Also worth noting is that the SL tire sizes for the snowflake rated tires typically use more silica in their construction vs their LT counterparts, which makes for better wet/cold/ice traction and performance. But worse durability in sharp and rocky conditions. So if you live in a cold climate the SL's may very well perform better in the winter.

Whichever you choose you won't be disappointed though. Falkens are fantastic tires.

 

[mikidymac]

Unless you are really concerned with sidewall cuts, there really isn't a good argument for an E rated tire on the Xterra, it just isn't heavy enough to require a 10 ply sidewall and your ride will suffer, even when airing down.
The Xterra has a GVWR of 5,400 lbs and the E rated tires are 3,415 each. My F-350 diesel calls of E rated tires.
I think you would be happier with a C rated tire on the Xterra, keep in mind these came with basically passenger rated tires from the factory.

Also that 8.6 lbs is rotating mass so your mpg and handling will take a hit. Some of the E rated 265-75-16 and 285-75-16 get really heavy.

BTW, still love my AT3-4S Coopers.