Deuce tires, wet pavement traction

[cranetruck]

Is there an index, number or an established methode to measure wet pavement traction for commonly used deuce tires? We know the radials are far better than the bias ply NDCC's, but what are the numbers? What about siped NDCC's?
The measurement should apply to new and used (say 50%) tires.

On long road trips, it's not possible to count on nice dry weather and the tires do become a safety factor.

Any tire experts out there in deuce-land?

Thanks,

 

[Recovry4x4]

What ever the number is, it can't be too good. My trip back from Aberdeen was the most rain I've ever driven any of my deuces in. I've been generally lucky. I know that the rain sure makes me slow down.

 

[rdixiemiller]

My radials do really well in the rain. I still slow down, as I know my stopping distance is increased.

 

[cranetruck]

What tire do you have Robert? 386-something?

 

[rdixiemiller]

They are Uniroyal Unisteel G286. I picked up a couple at Berg Supply for $35 each a while back. They ride very smoothly on the highway. I admit, I like the looks of NDT's better, but they don't have the ride qualities. Traction either, from what I see posted.

 

[Desert Rat]

Robert,
Are you in Evansville yet?

 

[Westech]

yes there is a way to see how good the traction of a tire is. Its a small pin type gauge that pokes the tred and shows you how soft or hard the compound is. we used it on the race car (super late model, one step below ASA) works great, and I can order one for avout 60 bucks give or take.

 

[cranetruck]

Thanks for your answers! From what I can find on Google etc, there is a hand held siping tool that is used to slice the tread for better wet pavement traction. Works like the old deck shoes.

Does anybody have any experience with this?

When siping is done on a machine, the NDCC tread "lugs" may be cut very close to the edges and chunks of rubber may tear off easily.

On a visit at Memphis Equipment (PA) some years ago, I saw at least one deuce with siped NDCC tires, so I'm sure the army has tried it.
Maybe one day I'll get the nerve to slice up my own tires.

 

[cranetruck]

Noticed that the tire siping tool is also called "tire groover", lots of hits on google.

 

[Westech]

it works great!!! I have all my mud tires done at Tires Plus. they do it for free for me but it cost like 10 a tire. And BOY does it help!

 

[cranetruck]

Thanks for the come-back, Westech, that's what I like to hear!
Another item for the to-do list.

 

[cranetruck]

Westech, can you give us some particulars about the siping? Depth, pattern, number of cuts etc? I have more or less decided to stay with NDCC's but will try the siping bit on my next batch to increase traction on wet pavement.
Thanks,

 

[cranetruck]

Well, just committed to buy a tire grooving/siping tool (ebay). I hope it comes with instructions.

Kind of means that I'm staying with NDCC tires after all.