Cooper S/T Pressures

Hi JW,
I too run ST coopers,I run 40 in the rear, and I try to run a few pounds less in the front. I found these tyres to great all round tyres..but I dislike the fact they tend to lose side blocks easy...I supose give and take you allways seem to find something you dont like about a product you buy..but overall they do a good job.
I remember watching a video about outback travel on gravel roads and it featured the bloke who actually does remote rescues and I remember him saying lower your pressures for gravel theory being that the sharp stones just push the tyre in rather than puncher them I will try and find out the name of the video and repost for you,ask heaps of questions thats what I do for some time before you apply it you generally develope and understanding whats needed and whats not.
Hope this helps.
All The Best In Health And Wealth
Jeffrey (AKA JD)

Hi JW,

I run 285/75 Cooper ST's on my 3.0TD GU and typically run 32 psi all round for daily driving. I have tried 35 psi, but have found no benefit, only a harsher ride.

When loaded and towing my van I increase tyre pressures to 38/40 psi for bitumen travel. For extended gravel roads I will drop to 28/30 psi, depending on load, speed and corrugations.

I monitor my tyre wear and rotate 5 tyres every 5,000kms. I have done nearly 50,000kms and have over 11mm tread left and no scalloping of the tyres, very happy with the wear rate. Unfortunately, much of my driving is city based bitumen so tyre wear to date is really based on that.

Cheers

Captain

Hi

Have been running Cooper STs 235/85R16s since 2001. Recently bought my second set ~7 weeks ago.

Vehicle is a Defender. Took it around Oz for 4 months incluing the Cape, GRR, Bungle Bungles etc towing a camper trailer. I run 55 PSI front and 65 rear on the highway/gravel (inc GRR and Cape). Air down in muddy/sandy conditions to around 25psi.

I have not had any chipping issues and was very happy with the wear and that is why I recently bought another set. Only flat was from a nail picked up in suburban streets.

I realise I run higher pressures on the highway/gravel than most people, but have not had problems.

I believe the video referred to above may be an Australian 4WD Monthly 'Big Red to the Beach' video. Note I have not driven much on gibber roads as per this video.

I have a second set of 265/75R16 Cooper STTs. I do run them at lower pressures, especially offroad otherwise I have seen them loose lugs and wear very fast. Not so with the STs.

I may be lucky with these higher pressures, but can only comment on my personal experience. Others may have different experiences.

Hi Jon,

I run Cooper ST's on my Jackaroo - 245/75/16.

On bitumen run at 36 psi & on gravel/tracks etc about 26/28 psi.

Went to Cape York last year, including all OTL & side trips running 26/28 psi & reasonably loaded. No problems at all - was comfortable but kept speed down.

Willy

I run coopers on the Patrol. As I understand it, the Car manufacturers recommend pressures that give a softer ride (eg lower pressure), where-as the tyre manufacturer give pressures that make the tyre last longest - eg good for the tyre - thus higher pressures. Our 4WD mechanic also has them up around the 50-60 mark.
On the beach - we drop down to 18psi (when towing the camper).
Would seem to be a choice between comfort Vs longer tyre life.
.my 2c worth..................KA.

hi Jon w,
On my Patrol i have had cooper 265's and now 285's S/T
I run 40 psi on tar
25 -28 on gravel
and 15 to 18 on sand.

I still had some meat on my 265's after 80,000+ kms
the 285's are going strong with around 40,000 on them