I feel like a real noob posting another question about tires on this forum, but I'm flip-flopping <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" /> over this decision and have to commit. Once I get off my <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" /> and put these new coils under my truck I am going to step up tire size. Here are the contestants:

Dunlop Rover RVxt 265/75/16 LR-E
Dunlop Rover RVxt 265/75/16 Passenger
Dunlop Rover RVxt 265/70/16 LR-C
Cooper Discoverer ST 265/75/16 LR-C

The dilemma is with ride quality.... this will be my DD for a while yet, and I need good street manners. I drive spirited and don't want to compromise my cornering ability any more than it already is. I'm not looking to win any races, but if another truck feels more sure-footed in the twisties, then that's what I want. I am anticipating that some Procomp ES3000s will help with this, but that's for another topic.

I think the best tire for me would be one with a C load rating, and as big as I can go without drastic cutting and fitment issues; aka 32". With my above selections that would be the Cooper. I called my Cooper retailer and he said he hasn't sold a lot of the STs, maybe a set or two, but can recall one guy really complained about the road noise after installation. (He personally recommended the new ATR, but I haven't heard enough about that tire to convince me.) I can handle a little more road noise than the current OEM Duelers, but if I get an A/T I don't want it sounding like an M/T. I'm hoping they'd be along the lines of the BFG A/T KOs in noise level. Do some shops offer a [insert number] day exchange if you're not happy??? Anyone have some first hand experience with these?

The Dunlop seems like an ideal tread pattern to my driving style both on-road and off, but it's C load tire is only available in the smaller 265/70 size. I think the E will dive me crazy with stiffness and the passenger rated tire's sidewalls will be too flexy for cornering stability.... although it may be more cushy over the potholes??? Honestly, I think the 265/70/16-C will probably provide me with the ride characteristics that I want, but I know I'll always be asking myself why I didn't get an inch larger tire for the same price and better all-terrain ability. Afterall, I know all you are always saying you're gonna want more lift/tire as the bug bite gets deeper.

Anybody willing to add their $.02, and try to persuade me one way or the other please comment. Sorry for the long post. TIA
-Eric

BTW: Cooper is one of only 2 tire manufacturers still owned and made exclusively in America. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by rheteric; 10/09/04 05:22 AM.