Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT Review

One of the newest off-road tire offerings from Cooper Tires, the Discoverer AT3 LT is part of the expanded AT3 lineup and is designed as a purpose built all-terrain tire designed for medium and heavy duty trucks.

PROS

• Great warranty
• Off-road durability
• Wet weather traction
• Civilized on-road

CONS

• Limited sizes
• Could be more capable off-road

As a LT tire almost all of the fitment for the AT3 LT come with an E load range, or what is sometimes referred to as a 10-ply tire. This is a requirement for almost all 3/4 ton or one-ton trucks, and is advised for half-ton trucks that will be used to cary a heavy load often. We recommend half-ton owners who don’t regularly push the limits of their truck look at other options like the AT3 4S. Not only does it offer impressive winter grip, but the E-Load rating often makes for a stiffer ride.

With plenty of off-road style, the Discoverer AT3 LT actually delivers when it comes to true performance too with the all-terrain capability one would expect from the trusted Discoverer lineup.

In terms of on-road performance, the AT3 LT also shines. It incorporates Cooper’s “even wear arc technology” which is designed to deliver a consistent contact patch to the road even as the tire wears down over time. This tire is designed specifically for those who use their pickups for towing or hauling payload, ensuring longevity of the rubber and consistent performance over time.

And to show just how much Cooper backs this design, they’ve put a 60,000 mile limited treadwear warranty on the tire. We’re impressed! Many LT all-terrain tires only come with a 50,000 mile warranty.

Looking closely between the outside treadblocks and the line of treadblocks next to it, you can notice serrated edges. While they look designed for gripping, they’re actually Cooper’s patented “whisper grooves” which help deliver quiet on-road performance. And they definitely work as this is one of the quieter all-terrain tires on the market.

With solid dry road performance, the AT3 LT is particularly good in the wet (adding to your piece of mind if your towing). In fact, Cooper claims it stops as much as 10 feet shorter next to comparable all-terrain tires.

But there’s more to this tire than just on-road sensibility.

On the side of each treadblock you’ll also notice small ledges between the block itself and the base of the tire. These are stone ejectors designed to prevent small rocks from getting stuck between the tread and prematurely wearing the tire.

Overall, the AT3 LT is a unique on and off-road truck tire that’s built for those who actually use their pickups for hard work.

What Vehicles Will the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT Fit On?

• Chevrolet Colorado, Silverado 1500, 2500
• Ford F-150, F-250, F-350
• GMC Sierra 1500, 2500
• Nissan Titan
• RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500
• Toyota Tundra, Tacoma

Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT Price

While retailers can set their own prices, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT starts at toughly $144 per tire.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT Warranty

The Discoverer AT3 LT comes with an impressive 60,000 mile limited treadwear warranty on LT-metric sizes. In addition, like all Cooper tires it comes with a free 45-day road test.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT Sizes

16-inch tires

LT215/85R16
LT235/85R16
LT225/75R16
LT245/75R16
LT265/75R16
LT265/75R16
LT245/70R16
LT265/70R16

17-inch tires
LT235/80R17
LT225/75R17
LT245/75R17
LT245/70R17
LT265/70R17
LT265/70R17
LT275/70R17
LT265/65R17
LT275/65R17
LT285/65R17

18-inch tires
LT265/65R18
LT275/65R18
LT265/60R18

Are Cooper Tires a Good Tire?

Cooper Tires isn’t a household name like Michelin or Pirelli, but these are Tier 1 tires.

Made in the USA at several different cities, the brand’s corporate headquarters is in Findlay, Ohio

Cooper has been around for over 100 years and has a long history of involvement in motorsports, from off-road truck racing to formula cars, using that race experience to help engineer better on-road (and off-road) tires.

Who Are Cooper Tires Made By?

Many tire manufacturers are actually all rebranded versions of other tires. That is not the case with Cooper.

In fact, Cooper is the parent company to other tire brands like Avon Tyres, which are sold in Europe. Avon also makes motorcycle tires.

Cooper also owns Mickey Thompson tires, a legendary brand in drag racing.

Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT Winter Rated?

The Discoverer AT3 LT is not certified for true winter weather, though as all-terrain tires they will hold up better in snow than a conventional all-season tire. For non-HD trucks, Cooper does offer the AT3 4S which is certified for winter use. If you’re ever curious if a tire is rated for snow, look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the side of the tire. That’s the official stamp that it will offer year-round grip.

How Long Does the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT Last?

Cooper backs the Discoverer AT3 LT with a 60,000 mile tread life warranty, which is one of the longer warranties available for any tire in the all-terrain category.

Who Should Consider the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT?

Owners of 3/4-ton and one-ton trucks (or half-ton owners who regularly tow or haul big loads) should look at this tire if they also venture off the beaten path. It’s built to handle those loads and not wear out prematurely. In fact, it’s one of the longest lasting tires you can buy for this use.

It’s also built to tackle off-road driving, so if you haul big loads on-road, and never really go off-road there are better options like the Michelin Defender LTX MS or the Toyo Open County HT II.