ST, ST-C or STT

Submitted: Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 16:15

ThreadID: 74379 Views:4349 Replies:11 FollowUps:6

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2000 Red Rodeo

Currently I have a set of Cooper ST’s on my 2000 Rodeo. They have been on the Rodeo since Sept 2005 and have done 90,000kms. There would still be enough tread for another 15000kms.

Needless to say I have been very impressed with the performance of the ST’s especially as I haven’t exactly looked after them. I had the alignment done when they were put on 90,000kms ago. Since then I have had them rotated and balanced once and have had 1 puncture (nail) repaired.

However as we are planning a trip through Innaminka, Birdsville, Oodnadatta, Dalhousie, Uluru, etc in April next year it is time to think about their replacement. Given my experience with Coopers, naturally I will be replacing them with another set of Coopers. But I need to work out what tyre will be the best for our upcoming trip. Do I go ST, ST-C or STT?? This is my thinking so far.

ST
Same as current which I have been very happy with, capable on and off road

ST-C
Same tread pattern as ST, however with softer rubber, so less likely to cut or chip, (which would probably be of benefit outback) – softer rubber = less millage (unlikely to get 90,000kms) back I can live with that.

STT
More aggressive tread, additional sidewall protection, like ST-C has softer rubber so less likely to cut and chip. Again I would expect less millage

While I understand that no tyre is perfect and that on the tracks I am planning to do, punctures and tyre damage are likely, I am after the tyre that will reduce the likelihood. I am currently leaning toward the STT’s given the added sidewall protection and softer rubber. However is the more aggressive tread likely to just dig holes in the desert sand. I would also expect the STT’s to be a bit noisier than my current ST’s (which are quiet).

I am looking to get advice from others who have tried these Cooper tyres to help me work out which way to go. Thanks in advance for the help.

Geoff

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Reply By: shanegu6 - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 16:26

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 16:26

Hi Geoff, i currently run STT on Patrol. Second set ive had. Average i get is about 55000-60000kms out of a set. Did a month long outback trip in september through birdsville, simpson desert and central Australia. Some cutting and chipping of tyre evident after trip (no punctures though). Am very meticulous with tyre pressures on trip.

Have no traction problems in sand.

AnswerID: 394897

Follow Up By: 2000 Red Rodeo - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 21:39

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 21:39

Thanks for your thoughts.

While I haven't really looked after my current tyres well with regular rotations and wheel alignments, etc. I am fussy about tyre pressures. 40psi road, 25 psi dirt, 18-20psi when the going gets tough.

I would be happy to get home from the trip with a similar result as you describe.

FollowupID: 663338

Reply By: Dave(NSW) - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 16:33

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 16:33

Image Could Not Be Found

I went through that area a couple years ago with ST's on with no problems.
Cheers Dave..

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AnswerID: 394898

Follow Up By: 2000 Red Rodeo - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 21:42

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 21:42

Love the pic lol :-)

Thanks

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Follow Up By: Dave(NSW) - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 23:06

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 23:06

This post has been read by the moderation team and has been moderated due to a breach of The Foul Language Rule

.

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FollowupID: 663355

Reply By: equinox - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 16:46

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 16:46

Hi Geoff,

I use STT's and have never ever had a puncture on a track or road with them. That's on tracks like the Gunbarrel, Eagle, and Gary Highways, Canning Stock Route, Talawana Track, tracks at Rudall River etc etc...

Cheers
Alan

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AnswerID: 394900

Reply By: Mick O - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 17:10

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 17:10

Geoff,

I've had a couple of sets of ST's over the years and have had no issues on dirst and tracks. Have done the tracks you'll be travelling and the ST's will be excellent for it. If you were doing extended travelling in the Pilbara and iron ore country I'd say get the ST-C. If doing a lot of "off-track" work I'd go the STT but from the outline of your intended routes, the ST would suit you well.

Cheers Mick

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trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
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Reply By: Bob of KAOS - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 17:16

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 17:16

Stick with what you know.

I also have had a great run out of Coopers, and will stick with them.

I have ST-Cs all round. No need for STTs in general outback use (despite looking pretty smart)

Bob

AnswerID: 394903

Follow Up By: 2000 Red Rodeo - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 21:56

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 21:56

I agree with your thoughts.

My brain tells me to stick with the ST's as they have served me very well.

But the STT's are a pretty good looking tyre and I haven't heard to many being disappointed by them. In some ways this is the main reason for the post.

I'll probably make the decision at the end of January.

I wouldn't be surprised if I go with the STT's for the next 60,000kms followed by another set of ST's for the following 100,000kms.

Geoff

FollowupID: 663345

Reply By: Bonz (Vic) - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 18:31

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 18:31

STT's without a doubt, they are quieter than the ST's and stronger. Hands down theyre the pick

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Reply By: Member - Ian H (NSW) - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 20:05

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 20:05

I would like to congratulate all the BFG owners for their restraint.

AnswerID: 394924

Follow Up By: Wilk0 - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 21:45

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 21:45

Was about to ruin that restraint and comment but its each to their own : )

Cheers Wilko

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Reply By: Member - Duncs - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 21:47

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 21:47

Back in 2004 I was advised by Bridgestone in Broken Hill, where I was living at the time, that the ST-C was developed by Cooper in consultation with one of the tour operators working out of Broken Hill.

They were designed for travelling at relatively high speeds on outback roads, exactly what you will be using on your trip.

I am now on my third set. The first two were purchased in BH for use in that area and were used extensively in Corner Country and the Flinders Ranges. The set I am currently running were bought in Sydney and have had little use on outback roads.

I am averaging 70k out of each set and have had no cutting or chipping on any of the tyres. I had one puncture a few years ago, I picked up a nail in my mother in laws driveway. I did think I would go to something less aggressive when I moved to the big smoke but the ST-C's just work. They work in traffic, they work on motorways, they work on outback roads on Blue Mountains fire trails and on sand. I have no need to change and no I don't have any interest in these tyres other than that I like 'em 'cause they work.

Duncs

AnswerID: 394945

Follow Up By: 2000 Red Rodeo - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 22:08

Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 22:08

Appreciate your thoughts.

I know what you mean. I have been served very well by the ST's, but am looking to work out whether they are suitable for the roads out that way.

The ST-C i8s a tyre I am seriously considering as it has the tread that has served me well with a construction suited to the area I am going to.

Decisions, decisions

FollowupID: 663347

Reply By: olcoolone - Monday, Dec 14, 2009 at 07:58

Monday, Dec 14, 2009 at 07:58

Any of those tyres will do OK.

We had Cooper ST/C's and destroyed three of them on a trip within 100k of each other by staking the side walls.

The thing we found out with the ST and ST/C are they have thin side walls and are pron to side wall punctures when running them below 20psi.

The STT have more side wall protection and are a stronger constructed tyre.

The ST/C"s we had I was more then happy with there performance and feel on and off road and there durability in most environments.

We ended up going to Toyo M/T tyres and more them happy with them off road, on road they are not as good as the ST/C for feel and stability but I would think they would be on par with the STC.

Our fuel consumption increased by just over 1 lt per 100K going from the ST/C to the TOYO's, again this would be much the same if we went to the STT's.

AnswerID: 394968

Reply By: vk1dx - Monday, Dec 14, 2009 at 12:40

Monday, Dec 14, 2009 at 12:40

We have two sets of tyres on their own rims. STTs and A/Ts. When going bush I put the STTs on. Then take them off when we get back. We don't use the car much in town but I would rather wear out the A/Ts on town roads than the STTs. I actually prefer the STTs for non tar work. A bit personal I know and no real science behind it. I feel that the STTs will hold dirt roads better than the A/Ts. We don't really care what mileage we get. Its the grip that is paramount.

Just my two bobs worth

AnswerID: 394992

Reply By: StormyKnight - Monday, Dec 14, 2009 at 18:21

Monday, Dec 14, 2009 at 18:21

OK, I has the ST's on the Prado when I got her, & they are a damn site better than the what the car comes with as new....

However they did cut up quite a bit after several trips to the snowys....

ST's don't like rocks, they will cut & you will loose whole lugs.....in time.

Having said that they bagged out very well (Better than my current BFG's), but they are softer in the side wall too which equals softer ride.....

Now I'm probabl;y going to get flamed...but......do your research on delamination. To be honest I haven't heard anything recently & I haven't done any further research so the issue may be long gone....just check it out for you own piece of mind....

Cheers

AnswerID: 395032