The annual SEMA Show is heaven for a truck tire aficionado like myself. Much of the south hall’s first floor is devoted to tires, wheels, and related stuff like mounting, balancing, or repair. So many tires, so little time to explore…. Below I highlight a few interesting new designs that have grabbed my attention, and just might be right for your adventures.
Cooper Discoverer MTP
Cooper makes this good-looking new tread exclusively for Discount Tire and America’s Tire (same company). It features staggered blocks, stone ejectors, side-biter cleats on the shoulder, and a simple yet still durable and inherently more flexible 2-ply sidewall; not everyone needs or wants 3-ply sidewalls. The compound is engineered to perform in all seasons and surfaces, with less void in the center for better stability and performance on-highway. Discount Tire says the Cooper Discoverer MTP is one of the most affordable mud-terrains they sell, and they expect customers will experience good treadwear. Just five sizes were released in December 2015; however, by mid-February 15 sizes should be available.
Cooper Discover MTP
Good siping and uniquely-shaped tread on the Cooper MTP
Falken Wildpeak M/T
This mudder was displayed at the 2014 SEMA Show, but Falken decided to make improvements and delay the release of an updated design until early 2016. According to Falken, both the prototype and new version offer excellent off-highway traction, though the void was reduced slightly to assist longevity and improve on-road drivability. The outer ribs have alternating scalloped blocks, and thick rubber protects the shoulder of Falken’s DuraSpec 3-ply sidewall. The tread is fairly high-void, particularly in the center, compared to other recent designs. Once available the Wildpeak M/T will be offered in 25 sizes.
Falken Wildpeak M/T
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
The current Wildpeak A/T is a fairly conservative, low-void, 5-rib tire. Somewhat surprisingly, it has received much journalistic praise for its off-pavement capabilities, a testament to modern engineering. Wear reports are not always stellar, and the market continues to move forward.
Falken has completely redesigned their flagship all-terrain—an alternating 4 – 5 rib pattern with more void to improve traction in the sloppy stuff—calling it the Wildpeak A/T3W. The 3W stands for Wear, Winter, and Wet. The A/T3W has a silica-enriched polymer compound, Falken’s “3D Canyon Siping”, multi-directional grooves, and has earned the three-peak mountain/snowflake winter rating. Fifty-four sizes are planned and will come with a 55,000-mile treadwear warranty. When available I’ll have my eye on the 285/75R17E size.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
Copious siping helps Falken’s A/T3W earn the three peak/snowflake winter rating
Dick Cepek Extreme Country
Prototypes of the Dick Cepek Extreme Country, and it’s close cousin Mickey Thompson MTZ P3, were debuted at the 2014 SEMA Show, but these product lines weren’t launched until the third and fourth quarters of 2015. They are still new.
The Dick Cepek brand claims to be “the original adventure tire”, which is not an exaggeration. In the 1960s avid outdoorsman and desert traveler Mr. Dick Cepek started selling “flotation” tires for enthusiasts. He was the first to consider and produce a much better tire for off-highway travelers. Starting with a small business out of his garage, by 1974, he’d developed an annual five-million-dollar off-road accessories enterprise. The performance aftermarket we enjoy today wasn’t even a dream, and the big rubber companies were not interested and/or slow to adapt as four-wheeling gained popularity. Dick Cepek’s products filled a niche then, and still do today.
The new Extreme Country replaces both the Mud Country and Crusher patterns. The high-denier 2-ply sidewall is engineered to be rugged without adding rolling resistance, heat, or the weight of a 3-ply carcass, while offering a more compliant ride. Tighter center ribs for better on-highway grip and less noise complement the generous void and scalloped outer lugs. Lug steps provide stability yet allow flex and help release mud. The design offers approximately 10-percent more void than Cepek’s popular Fun Country. The Extreme’s compound is very similar to the proven, well-loved, and long-wearing mixture used on the discontinued F-C II—a product capable of impressive longevity. I still morn its passing. Thread depth of 18 – 21/32” also contributes to durability, and seagull-shaped sipes in every tread block—many more than most mud tires—assist with grip. Available in 21 sizes, including the legendary, niche and still valued, LT255/85R16.
Dick Cepek Extreme Country
Dick Cepek’s Extreme Country with seagull-shaped sipes in every block
Sources:
Cooper Tire and Rubber Company
us.coopertire.com
Falken Tires
www.falkentire.com
Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels
www.dickcepek.com
* OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible 4×4 adventure travel and outdoor recreation
