Cooper st-c or stt?

Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 21:17
ThreadID: 36372 Views:6567 Replies:14 FollowUps:29
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Went to local Cooper reseller today for qoute on some ST-C's for our Prado. Anyway to cut a long story short the sales guy was really pushing me to consider the STT's. His main point being that the small increase in wear and road noise is a small price to pay for a massive increase in off road performance and puncture resistance etc. He also said we could expect "around 40k to 45k km " with our use (80% road 20% off road)

So guys what do you think ... truth or BS? How do the STT perform on road?,How's the noise, grip and wear?
I was really thinking the STC's would suit our needs but this guy really talked up the STT's.

Thanks
Mick.
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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 21:32

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 21:32
of course he will talk you into something that will wear out faster, and get you back in the door buyin again.

(80% road 20% off road) ST's would be more than enough, but MTR's would be better again.
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Follow Up By: 1KZ-Mick - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:03

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:03
While I haven't seen the two side by side the STT looks alot like the MTR, I had to look twice when I first saw the STT tread..
What's a ball park price for mtr's?
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Follow Up By: Muddy doe (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:08

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:08
Price depends totally on the size you want. I got a quote for MTR's only last week and for my Prado that has 17" wheels it was $369 each (ouch!). My tyre man said if I was running more common 16" size he could do them for around 290.

Size does matter!

And yes - if you put the MTR and the new pattern STT next to one another you would need to check the sidewall to recognize which is which.

Pricing on the STT for me was about 20 bucks less in each size. That is in Adelaide

Muddy
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Follow Up By: 1KZ-Mick - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:17

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:17
Thanks, I'm in Adelaide also, also have the 17" wheels. I thought of going to 16" on a second set of cheap rims for off road only, but can't see myself changing wheels everytime I want to go away on a weekend.

Mick.
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:29

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:29
285s on 16's are aroudn $270 if you find the right place.
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Follow Up By: PradoTrev - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 12:02

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 12:02
Hi Muddy

Priced a set of Mick t's for my prado similar pattern to the Cppoer STT $346 ea from Total traction tyre londsdale 8186 1011

They owner is amember of the Mt Lofty Rangers

He showed me a STT with a few 000 km on it all chipped.

He sells both but obviously makes more the Micky t's

Regards

Trev
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Reply By: ZUKSCOOTERX90(QLD-MEMBER) - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 21:41

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 21:41
Mick I know it is not what you asked but i put atr on the zuk they are quieter than a mouse on the tar .They have done mud,rocks,shale,sand & water.There are no visible marks on them only done a couple of thou but so far performing very well.hope this helps in some way.
Cheer's bob.
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Follow Up By: 1KZ-Mick - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:09

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:09
Thanks,All advice helps. The ATR made our short list but with two big trips planned in the next 8 months I was leaning towards a little more of an off road biased tyre.

Cheers, Mick.
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Follow Up By: Troop-a-dour - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:56

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:56
Yea..but how much does your Zuk weigh
How much does a Prado weigh???
The size and weight and suspension chracteristics have a lot to do with tyre performance/wear/chipping etc.
Some brand/type tyre, while may be terrific on a mid size vehicle, say a Jackaroo or Prado, are not as efficient on a heavier vehicle say Patrol/Landcruiser.
So it cannot be a broad statement - a lot of variables must be considered before a decision can be reached.
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Follow Up By: ZUKSCOOTERX90(QLD-MEMBER) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 17:14

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 17:14
I don't think i told him to go out & buy them, it was just some thing he could run through his mind.
So having said this i don't give a rats on what ever your on about.
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Reply By: Member - Willie , Epping .Syd. - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 21:42

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 21:42
Hi Mick ,

I went through the same process this week . The dealer actually let me borrow his STT shod Nissan to go for a run and check out the tyre noise . He was very truthful and said I would get much less mileage with the STTs than the ATRs and the STTs would get noisier than what I had just tested , as they wore down .

I cannot see how the STT tread could perform as well as an ATR in the wet on the blacktop , but they would certainly be better off road . I guess it just depends on your useage

As 90 % of my use is on the blacktop , I thought the noise would get me down and I opted for the ATRs which is an improved AT. I have twice gone up the CSR and north and south into the desert with AT's . Their sidewalls are just as prone to staking as all the other tyres on the market . I had 10 ply ATs , but I think they are only about 2 ply in the sidewall . I staked 1 on the first trip and 2 on the second . I was not happy with that at the time , but I stuffed 5 tyres this year ( Bridgestones , but the going was very hostile ) so now I think that maybe the ATs weren't so bad after all !

The STs ( you say ST-C , this may be a new improved model I have not heard of ) are out of the question because of their big problem of lugs tearing off . I have seen a set of STs with half the lugs missing on a couple of the tyres .

My last two sets of AT's also suffered some lug damage , but I guess that happens to any tyre used off road .

Sorry - this is a bit disjointed !

Cheers ,

Willie .
AnswerID: 186606

Follow Up By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:00

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:00
G'day Willie,

I think the ST-C is a similar pattern to the ST, but the "C" is meant to indicate "chip resistant" AFAIK. This makes me laugh, cos who would then want to buy the "ST" (which, by definition, much be prone to chipping..........I can definitely attest to that fact as my ST's were bloody horrible; great lumps out of the treads and a few lugs ripped right off).

I now run MT/Rs and couldn't be happier......not too noisy either and have about 40,000klm on so far.

Cheers

Roachie
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Follow Up By: 1KZ-Mick - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:30

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:30
Yeah the St-c is the improved compound... but no km guarantee. They still sell the ST with the guarantee...
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 00:43

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 00:43
My BFG Muddies have performed very well.
From Vic High Country tracks to the outback including cross country in WA with no tracks and no punctures.
No lugs torn off and almost no chipping from rock climbing.
No hesitation with buying them again.

The Cooper STC shod vehicle had 4 side wall punctures on my recent trip, not very impressed with them at all.
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Follow Up By: Brad, W.A. - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 09:59

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 09:59
I have STC's on my 80 Series, they have done about 20 000K's over all sorts of terrain without fault and without chips, rips or anything. I trhink the important thing is to adjust tyre pressures according to the terrain then you won't have any problems.
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 22:39

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 22:39
My ST-C's chipped like mongrels on the stone around Broken Hill, add to that I sliced thru the sides of two of them I would go STT's every time
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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 21:52

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 21:52
Prados are easy on tyres because of their lighter weight. Can put any tyre on a Prado and get a good run out of it.

Go with the STT because they look better - Cooper did their hardest to copy the Goodyear MTR. Or do as Truckie suggests and just buy the MTRs
AnswerID: 186611

Follow Up By: 1KZ-Mick - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:22

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:22
You might get a few protesting replies from Prado 120 owners... they have a reputation for chewing front tyres! Mind you the standard Grandtreks they put on them are pretty soft.

Mick
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 23:15

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 23:15
Mick, must be the way they drive .... :-))))
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Reply By: Hairy - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:22

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:22
Sorry to sound like a pessimist but I hope you know about the famous Cooper guarantee....Take them far out of town and the warranty is void!
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Follow Up By: 1KZ-Mick - Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:32

Tuesday, Aug 01, 2006 at 22:32
Yeah but our 4by only gets driven by Gran to church on Sundays.... : )
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 00:39

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 00:39
Does not matter where you drive them Mr Cooper will always be looking for an out when it comes to his implied warranty.
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:26

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:26
John hit it on the head.

Me thinks you are taking too much of this warranty stuff.. just have a search of the site to see what that 'warranty' is worth.
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 22:40

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 22:40
And the ST-C's DONT have a km guarantee
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Reply By: Member - Bruce and Anne - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 06:56

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 06:56
Ok here is a real test for yous. Cooper ST s on the MU took them in to the local Tyre Power chap, Cooper dealer for a check up. measured 9.5 mm of tread left and have done 55,000 ks. They are 265/75x16 8ply rating (dony know how they get that, but they come in 6/8/10 ply).So for 80/20% the STC would be the go, my 2 cents worth.
Cheers Bruce.
AnswerID: 186649

Reply By: Redback - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:16

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:16
OK my view on this as we have just been through the warreny thing with our Coopers, we started out with STs they lasted 6000ks before chipping that bad they were dangerous, got them replaced with the ST-Cs (clean swap under warrenty) these lasted 25,000ks before the tread blocks seperated from the carcus down and i mean the big blocks as well as chipping too, they have now been replaced under warrenty by the STTs (we had to pay a quarter of the cost Ks and wear factor) so far they are good there is some small chipping but not enough to worry about.

Offroad they are great and not to bad onroad either time will tell whether they will last but one thing is for sure these will be my last set of Coopers.

One last thing the Cooper rep said that because of what we do he said that the STTs were more suited to us, not because of how much offroad we do but because of the type of offroad we do. (ie) hard offroad and touring 60%on/40%off

The other thing was that because the Disco has traction control this was another reason they said that the STs and ST-Cs were not recommended for us, don't know if this is a fact or BS.

Here ya go one of the blocks coming off


This white area is the whole tread block that came off


Baz.
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Follow Up By: Redback - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:24

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:24
One more thing after 25,000ks the ST-Cs looked like they had done 80,000ks the damage was amazing they just looked really old and as for the so called anti chip techknowlegy, WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP.

Remember the Disco at 2125kg is a bit lighter than the prado too i think.

Go the MTRs or something else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baz.
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Follow Up By: Landie - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 12:51

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 12:51
Hi Baz

This is timely, was looking at the STCs. I think I'll go the same as I had on the 110...BFG MTs. Road noise not so much an issue for me...

Regards
Baz
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Reply By: Member - Andrew W (SA) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:24

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:24
Hi there 1KZ-Mick,

I put 285/75R16 STTs on about five weeks ago. I've done 7,000ks of really hard work - 100 odd k's of beach and dunes, 400 k's of nullabor tracks (mostly rock but interspersed with sand), too many k's to count on the Connie Sue and Anne Beadell, and plenty of highway miles beginning and end.

Some of these tracks had not been travelled on for 5 years. Lots of fallen and encroaching mallee and mulga. Nothing staked, and nothing except superficial scratching - like the paint work unfortunately.

Grip - they are wonderful, even on the road, and the car seems to track better than the ATs I had.

Wear - well it is probably too early to tell, but I am surprised that there is zero chipping at all - quite a surprise, and no evidence of wear - although I've not measured it.

Noise - frankly, I don't think they are much worse than the 80% worn AT's were, although my 1HZ is not the quietest engine at 3500RPM ;-)

I am very happy with the decision.

If you want a look or a drive and you're in town drop me an email.

Ciao for now,
Andrew.
AnswerID: 186665

Follow Up By: Redback - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:28

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:28
I'd agree with what you've said, so far the STTs are quite good and very good off road like you i've only done about 6000 or 7000ks so to early to tell but i do have some slight chipping but nothing to talk about.

Baz.
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Follow Up By: Member - Andrew W (SA) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 09:50

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 09:50
Another thing ... I am very aware of inflation issues.

The truck is usually heavily loaded with 4 or 5 adults plus their luggage.

On the highway I run at 40F/45R, on the dirt 30F/35R, rocky down to 28F/30R and beach/sand whatever it needs - sometimes 12 or 15 but usually 20 is fine.

I think being sure to constantly adjust the pressure to conditions is important in tyre life. My previous Cooper ATs had done 72,000 k's and were 80% worn, although I had staked a couple so they probably only did 2/3rds of the k's each on average.

Ciao for now
Andrew.
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Reply By: GoneTroppo Member (FNQ) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:31

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:31
Been going throught the same process over the last month or so.
Also came to consider the Mickey Thompson FC-11.

I could'nt get a straight answer as to whether or not they are a Cooper carcase or not.

I've ended up ordering Good Year Silent Armour 265/75/16 10ply
More AT but I want less noise on hwy and am willing to sacrifice a bit of wet mud traction.

I run BFG MT's an another car and the noise after an hour or two just wears me down.

Ultimately you're best to have a critical look at what sort of driving you'll be doing (surprising how much blacktop this ends up adding up to) then get a tyre that's biased toward that sort of driving.

AnswerID: 186667

Reply By: raunchy - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:36

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 08:36
Hi Mick,
My observations. I have just been up to the Simoson and surrounds from Melb on STTs on my IFS cruiser. Been on all sorts of roads, wet, dry, gibber, sand etc. The STTs had about 5k on them when we left, now 10k. They handled the wet bitumen very well, although I didnt have the need to do anything drastic on them. The road from Arrabury to the dig tree had some seriously large sharp rocks in it and we travelled about 90-100km/hr. No Chipping, a few tiny cuts in the tread in places, nothing out of the ordinary.
We spent some time on a gibber cattle property, they go through LOTS of tyres, cheap chinese ones are lucky to last 5k. He was just on to his second set of ST-Cs and said they look like they are going to do the job well.
The ST-Cs and STT are the same tread compound. It is a softer compound than the STs this is why they do not chip as much and wear a bit quicker. The STTs have the extra sidewall ply. There is no real increase in noise over my old STs, and they seem to be wearing really well. As with all tyres, pressures for the situation is very important. On my trip I had 34 back 30 front for high speed gravel, 20 18 for the desert, 12 all round for playing on big red, although I got up the easy track at 20 18 no problem, 12 got me up the steepest climb on the hill.
Yes very happy with the STTs
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Reply By: Member - Stan (VIC) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 09:30

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 09:30
Personally I wouldn't touch Coopers based on recent experience ;)
MTRs got much stronger sidewalls... Then again depends where are you going to use them and what for? MUD, stone, desert, etc?



AnswerID: 186676

Follow Up By: Moggs - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 17:31

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 17:31
Yawn! There it is, the one pic of a stuffed STT from Stan. Was only a matter of time I suppose ;)
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Follow Up By: raunchy - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 19:06

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 19:06
Looks like an over heating problem to me, perhaps a slow puncture that wasnt picked up until too late.......
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Follow Up By: Member - Stan (VIC) - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 22:33

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 22:33
That was a blowout at 90km an hour.....
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Follow Up By: raunchy - Thursday, Aug 03, 2006 at 20:18

Thursday, Aug 03, 2006 at 20:18
Wrong tyre pressure at some stage, or just unlucky.... Poor bugger, dont discount this tyre choice on one problem, I have seen coopers and bfgs etc last forever, all it comes down to is everone thinks the tyre they own tyre is better.

Note, At William Creek hotel, their buggered tyre pile contained no Coopers and only one BFG that I could see, I was looking for other Coopers as I have them, Plenty of other brands, mostly highway style tyres
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Reply By: MyGreenCruiser - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 10:56

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 10:56
I've had the STT on my cruiser for 35000 km now and they are only half worn. Trip's included various High country weekends and The Kimberley ex Melbourne. They are great off-road and if they run out a few months earlier than AT's or ST's would so be it. I'll enjoy my off roading better with these than with something less aggressive. They have been great on road too, I get more noise from my roof rack.

Cheers,
Chris
AnswerID: 186691

Reply By: JR - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 20:07

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 20:07
Seem to see the same comments and photos whenever this comes up?

So Ill say the same thing I do regularly, Ive had three sets of ST last two ST-C, all in 10 ply rating. Since changing havent had any issues I wouldnt expect for the area I travel.
Done in excess of 250'000 km on them with a few punctures, one delamination and the ST-Cs lasting 90+ km, best record yet from any brand Ive used.

Basically we all want an MTR style which we can use everyday, quiet and comfortable, but ts all a trade off. So go for the ST-C, very good touring all round style. ST-C are only availiable in 10 ply.

Someone somewhere has a photo of a wrecked tyre of all brands, warranty is against manufacturing flaws so dont take it too seriously, all tyres have some sort of warranty mostly avoided by suplier if asked to honour it. Any tyre can fail in really tough situations or unlucky events.

The reason they still sell ST type is ST-C is only availiable in a few sizes to suit commercial fleets and the C compound is supposably softer so less milage which I disagree with based on my experience.

JR
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Follow Up By: Redback - Thursday, Aug 03, 2006 at 08:35

Thursday, Aug 03, 2006 at 08:35
Yeah but most of the above go offroad
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Follow Up By: JR - Thursday, Aug 03, 2006 at 08:43

Thursday, Aug 03, 2006 at 08:43
Um, are you saying I dont?
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Reply By: Off-track - Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 21:42

Wednesday, Aug 02, 2006 at 21:42
Dont stuff around with Crappers, just get BFG or ATR's.
AnswerID: 186824

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