Cooper Zeon LTZ in 285/60-18 on stock VX

[Riff Raff]

My Coops arrived yesterday and, with much enthusiasm, I dropped off my car at Town Fair Tire and awaited that satisfaction I had been so anticipating. 30 mins later I received a call from the manager. Scott, I am sorry to inform you that those Coopers are too large for the wheel wells and much rubbing and thumping would be present. I just don't get it. I thought VXKat had an OEM VX where mine has a 9" rim (instead of the OEM 7") which I assumed would have been a good thing. The guy assured me it was not my rims. But now Im back to square one. I don't want to lift it.

Scott-- I'm saddened too that the new Cooper LTZ's wouldn't fit. Your tire guy is incorrect in assuring you that it is not your rims; because, IT IS purely your aftermarket rims causing the excessive rubbing. The "combination" of wider 9" rim, different offset from OEM, and different back-spacing from OEM has resulted in the already taller 31.4" O.D. and wider 285 series Cooper LTZ tire being spread-out too wide and creating a much wider turning arc when turned.

The "ONLY" reason VX-KAT had no problems is because she used her stock OEM 18x7 rims which kept the LTZ's neatly tucked within the front wheel wells without any major rubbing issues (just a little trim). The use of VX stock OEM rims (1999-16" or 2000/2001-18") is truly "the secret" to minimizing front tire rubbing issues.

I see by your Photo Gallery that your current Nitto T.G.'s are 255/55R18 (29" O.D.). I assume you would like to go a bit wider with a 285 series tire. However; since you have a wide 9" rim, you will need to go with a lower profile (aspect ratio) tire in either a 50 or 55 series low profile to prevent rubbing issues.

I suggest you seriously consider the MAXXIS - MA-S1 MARAUDER tire in either 285/50R18 (29.2" O.D.) or 285/55R18 (30" O.D.). This is a very wicked looking directional tire with a good meaty tread comparable to an A/T type tire and capable of handling snow. Visit www.MaxxisTires.com. Since your OEM tires were 29.5" O.D., your speedometer will be very close to accurate within 1 to 2 MPH (+/-). Other tire websites you should check-out are www.1010Tires.com (my personal favorite), and www.OnLineTires.com.

[ScottinMA]

Scott-- I'm saddened too that the new Cooper LTZ's wouldn't fit. Your tire guy is incorrect in assuring you that it is not your rims; because, IT IS purely your aftermarket rims causing the excessive rubbing. The "combination" of wider 9" rim, different offset from OEM, and different back-spacing from OEM has resulted in the already taller 31.4" O.D. and wider 285 series Cooper LTZ tire being spread-out too wide and creating a much wider turning arc when turned.

The "ONLY" reason VX-KAT had no problems is because she used her stock OEM 18x7 rims which kept the LTZ's neatly tucked within the front wheel wells without any major rubbing issues (just a little trim). The use of VX stock OEM rims (1999-16" or 2000/2001-18") is truly "the secret" to minimizing front tire rubbing issues.

I see by your Photo Gallery that your current Nitto T.G.'s are 255/55R18 (29" O.D.). I assume you would like to go a bit wider with a 285 series tire. However; since you have a wide 9" rim, you will need to go with a lower profile (aspect ratio) tire in either a 50 or 55 series low profile to prevent rubbing issues.

I suggest you seriously consider the MAXXIS - MA-S1 MARAUDER tire in either 285/50R18 (29.2" O.D.) or 285/55R18 (30" O.D.). This is a very wicked looking directional tire with a good meaty tread comparable to an A/T type tire and capable of handling snow. Visit www.MaxxisTires.com. Since your OEM tires were 29.5" O.D., your speedometer will be very close to accurate within 1 to 2 MPH (+/-). Other tire websites you should check-out are www.1010Tires.com (my personal favorite), and www.OnLineTires.com.

Riff Raff

I agree and that's exactly what I was doing yesterday evening. Found the Maxxis and so far that's my point leader. The Scorpion Zero's also come in 55s but they won't handle the New England Winters as well as I would like. Does anyone have any experience with Maxxis in snow?

[ScottinMA]

I was unable to find any other options for a 285 55R 18 tire (or for that matter a 185 50R 18 tire) during my searches over the course of the day other than the Maxxis Marauder in an all weather tire. Was hoping for something with a better snow rating but looks like I'm stuck. Dang!

[Riff Raff]

I was unable to find any other options for a 285 55R 18 tire (or for that matter a 185 50R 18 tire) during my searches over the course of the day other than the Maxxis Marauder in an all weather tire. Was hoping for something with a better snow rating but looks like I'm stuck. Dang!

Scott-- Yup, if you want a wide 285 series in a low profile and all-weather tread tire, then the Maxxis - Marauder in 285/55R18 is your only available choice (all of the others in this size are summer/rain tires). I understand your winter snow concerns, as the State of MA probably has some challenging winter weather.

I also have a very strong suspicion that you really like your new 9" wide wheels, and you would prefer to utilize them. Perhaps another tire option with much better snow capabilites is the GENERAL - GRABBER AT2 in P255/60R18 (30" O.D./39 lbs). This tire just barely missed being Snowflake/Mountain rated due to its 255 series width; however, it still has a super-deep tread depth of 17/32nds and will flat destroy any snow in its path!!! When shopping for tires, also look at the "tread depth" specification (the Marauder is 11/32nds tread depth). The AT2 is the exact same series width (255) as your current Nitto T.G.'s, and just a tad taller (60 aspect ratio) with 30" O.D. (exactly the same as the Maxxis Marauder). If you can live with a 255 series (instead of 285), then the Grabber AT2 in P255/60R18 might be a better snow option tire for you. Check out the Grabber AT2 at www.TireRack.com.

In addition to the Grabber AT2, there are many more "snow" options from various tire manufacturers in the size of 255/60R18 (30" O.D.). Further; Pirelli Tire for example does make a wide 285/55R18 in their Snow & Ice tire that is Snowflake/Mountain rated. The major problem with purely dedicated "snow tires" is their rubber compound is fairly soft in order to be grippy in the snow, and they will quickly wear out if driven on dry pavement. Thus, always check the "tread wear" rating when comparing tires before making your final choice. Hope this helps.