Fred Williams
Brand Manager, Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off Road
If you truck does work but also sees dirt, then you may be in the market for the new Dick Cepek Mud Countrys, now in load range E. We picture these tires on a 3⁄4- or 1-ton ranch truck that doesn’t see street use too much. Something splattered with dirt, with tools behind the seat and a dog riding in the bed. The tires are rough and tough, and although we mounted them on fancy Dick Cepek wheels, we think they belong on steel rims to really fit the picture in our head.
A lot of heavy-duty truck buyers have been looking for a tire with a high load range that still works off-road and is available in a taller size. We often tow with our truck and haul all types of heavy junk home that we don’t really need (“Wow, a 351 GMC V-6 engine! I need that.”). Plus, many of these trucks have received a leveling kit or similar, making them clear a 35-inch-tall tire with ease. Dick Cepek recognized that demand and brought forth its new E-rated Mud Country. We bolted them on our heavy-hauling truck and went to work.
The 17x9 DC2 wheels we are running are tough and strong with a 3,640-pound weight rating. However, we really wish they had more backspacing. At just 41⁄2 inches the tires seem to rub, whereas the same size tire on a factory rim with closer to 6 inches of backspacing would clear the wheelwells better. The styling is cool, but we’d really like to see them in all black as well.
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Specifications
Make & Model: Dick Cepek Mud Country
Size tested: 35X12.50R17
Type: Radial
Load Range: E
Maximum load (lb): 3,195 @ 65 psi
Tread: 1 nylon ply, 2 steel, 3 polyester
Sidewall: 3-ply polyester
Approved Rim Width (in): 81⁄2-11
Tread depth (in): 20⁄32
Tread width (in): 9.8
Section width (in): 12.7
Overall diameter (in): 343⁄4
Weight (lb): 67
Sizes available (in): 30-35
