TROOPIES NEW BOOTS: ​

​COOPER S/T MAXX - THE GREAT ALL ROUNDER

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ALLEN​

​Sure, there’s all the latest Amor-Tek technology and extra ply’s included into the latest Cooper S/T MAXX rubber to return an increase in sidewall strength, plus fancy new chemically bonded silica tread compound to improve grip, but that’s not why I choose to stick with another set of Coopers on the Troopy.
 
Nup; given I’ve had such a great run from my last set of S/T MAXX (on my previous 100 Series Cruiser), as well as the previous ST’s that copped over 75,000kms, I figured when you’re onto good thing… stick to it.
 
As I’ve stated before, I know there are other treads out there that would plug away better in the mud, others that will outdo them on twisty bitumen road; but as a capable all-rounder, it’s pretty hard to go past these aggressive looking all-terrains. I even had people nudging me into the new Cooper STT PROs, and as good as they seem to be at their intended usage, they are not what I want in a tyre that will see huge kay’s of on and of road touring, sand, mud and rock driving, plus, the dreaded school runs. For me, the 285/75R16 S/T MAXX is the perfect all round tyre pattern that’ll see the Troopy eat up plenty of tracks in return for mountains of great memories.
 
One problem I know I’d be faced with, because of my choice of offset Dynamic steel 16x8 inch rims on the rear of the Troopy (to help combat the difference in wheel tracks), plus the slightly wider rubber compared to standard is that the tread protrudes out past the body work making it illegal. An easy fix by adding wheel arch flares all round and my very first job to ensure I’m not dishing out my hard-earned for unnecessary fines.
 
While I’m at it, I’ll also widen the mud flaps to suit the flares to minimize the gunk that gets flicked out the rear. Nothing major, but worth mentioning for anyone contemplating doing similar.
 
For more information and pricing on your exact size visit www.coopertires.com.au