Since 1963 Dick Cepek tires have been taking off-roaders across every form of desolate terrain, and the company's Mud Country tires are considered one of the toughest treads in the lineup. These radial tires have triple-ply sidewalls for protection against punctures; yet still offer a flexible carcass for a smooth ride both on and off road. Tread features include an extra wide footprint, Sidebiters to protect sidewalls, and siped lugs for traction on both wet and dry terrains. We mounted a set of 35x12.50R15LT Mud Countrys onto an old set of 15x10 Center Line wheels and bolted them onto our test Jeep vehicle for a few days of trail abuse. The consensus on these treads was that they fill a great all-around role when your truck does double duty as a trail machine and highway hauler. We felt the Cepek claims of toughness are true, and only in the most extreme rockcrawling situations did the tires balk at their duty and send us hunting for an easier line.
Mud
The Cepeks got right into the slop and started churning all the time, looking for traction and spitting mud into the air. The lugs were a bit too closely spaced for our liking, but the Cepeks still kept spitting the dirty stuff forward. It seemed that the directional control was adequate, but not as nice as the Hercules. The tires performed better than expected, however, and gave us enough confidence for an additional pass or two in the same line, though eventually one run ended up on the strap.
Rocks
Once in the rocks the Cepeks worked well, but require a more solid line than some of the other treads. They clomped onto the rocks and held tight for both technical climbs and semi-steep sidehills, but extreme obstacles had them clawing aimlessly. However, the radial construction behaved smoothly and silently for the duration.
Highway
We loved the Cepeks on the street. Even in the rain they gave a solid footing, and noise levels were minimal to the point we forgot they were a mud tread. The large lugs and DC sidewall tread still offered an aggressive look, but with mild street manners.
Overall Impressions
The Cepek Mud Countrys were the type of tire you put on because they work. While not the best for all situations, this is a reliable tire that won't let you down, but doesn't go out of its way to help. The ride quality is excellent, and the noise level low, making for a great all-around tire for your daily commuter truck and weekend expedition machine.
Make and Model: Dick Cepek Mud Country
Size on Sidewall: 35x12.50R15LT
Load Range: C
Tire Hardness: 65 on tire durometer
Tread Depth (in): 19/32
Number of Plies in Sidewall: Three
Number of Plies in Tread: Six
Weight of Tire (lb): 68
Measured Dia. Unloaded (in): 34 1/2
Measured Width Unloaded (in): 13
Measured Tread Width (in): 10 3/8
Mounted On: 15x10 Center Line wheels
Available Tire Heights (in): 31-40
Available Wheel Fitments : 15-, 16-, 17-, 18-, 20-inch-diameter wheels