new shoes for the van

where the rubber meets the road

It was time (again) for new shoes for the van.

WWCD?

• Cooper Discoverer AT3

• GFX Voxx MV2

• Tire Minder TPMS

Now, a history lesson -

Stock

We had burned through the original Continentals. Since they didn't last very long - we wanted a better option for the replacements.

Replacement set 1

We went with Michelin Defenders. They were way better than the Conti's and still looked almost new when nearing their 50,000 mile birthday. Unfortunately, we had a valve stem blow @ 70 MPH and shredded the sidewall on one of the duallies. It was time. The loud air hissing of the deflation clued us in to what was happening. It was miraculously not drowned out by me cranking 'Creatures For A While'. This was also a sign to add an aftermarket TPMS system - since the NCV3 3500 don't offer an OEM option.

(Current) Replacement set 2

We had (finally) completed a long ordeal with the Agile RIP kit - and wanted something a bit tougher. We're huge BFG KO2 fans (got em on the 4Runner and Rav4s), so this was the natural choice. But.... they don't come in the stock size so we needed to:

1. up-size and deal with any side effects - or-

2. look behind door #2...

Carl ("the" Carl of Carl's Stereo Plus Pickups) found that the Cooper Discoverer AT3 fit the bill perfectly.

We were also done with the stock shiny aluminum Alcoas. They were starting to pit from salt and other road attacks. They also screamed more of 'retired-golfer' than 'we're going to go have fun in the woods'. GFX had just launched the MV2s and they looked so dope in all black. Decisions made, orders placed.

The Verdict?

Overall - We'll give the upgrade an A+ for the badassery looks and A for performance. We can't go for an A+ due to one factor..

• Driving: Driving in the US is like a real-life video game, except the obstacles are potholes and the reward is a slightly less rattled spine. Our roads have really fallen apart over the past years, and the Sprinter is anything but accommodating. This is where the Coopers really shine. They absorb an amazing amount of road bumps and holes that Conti's and Michelin's just couldn't. It's not nirvana - but we've got a few less slipped discs and cracked teeth.

• Road Noise? Nothing noticeable. The Sprinter's interior soundscape is a delightful mix of wind tunnel and industrial washing machine, so any new road noise nicely mixed right in.

• Winter: Amazing. Eats snow for breakfast.

• Wet: Amazing. Channels water away and holds strong.

OK, so why not A+?

• Driving the van in a stiff wind was already like participating in an unscheduled sailboat race on asphalt. The Coopers crank that up a point or two. They grip super well and this leads to more wandering. Small movements that the Conti's and Michelin's absorbed are transferred right into steering with the Coopers.

Would we do it again? Yes, many times. Not goin back.