Date:         Fri, 15 Nov 2002 09:48:54 -0700
Reply-To:     Simon Reinhardt <simon@FARRSIDE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Simon Reinhardt <simon@FARRSIDE.NET>
Subject:      Used Dunlop Tire Review
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

For the archives...
I just acquired a set of Carat 14" alloy wheels with slightly used
Dunlop Radial Rover RV's on them.
The tires still have at least 75% of their original tread. (15/32" when
new.)
Previously, my syncro Westy had BFG A/T's up front with almost no
usable tread left, and Winston "Winner A/T's" on the back, with about
1/4" of usable tread. All tires mentioned are 27x8.50, old ones were on
factory steel rims.
Don't yell at me about the tire discrepancies. My V/C is old and dead
already, in the less common doesn't-do-anything way.
All tire pressures are 40/48 psi F/R.

Cornering seems more stable.
Dirt traction is much improved; I'm sure this is due to the more
aggressive tread pattern.
Hitting bumps, potholes, etc., seems somewhat less harsh, but no huge
difference.
Road noise is much louder, even though the BFG's are supposed to be
very loud when worn. The difference is, the noise from the Dunlops is
twofold: First, there is more vibration, but very low frequency and not
too loud, and not unpleasant. Second, there is much, much more "highway
hum", audible at speeds over 45mph, but you don't hear it at all with
the windows up.
Handling seems a little less precise, and a bit more twitchy. I find
myself making more tiny course corrections than before. It's not
annoying, but it is noticeable.
Overall, I like these a lot, and it's good to have some tread for the
Winter. But when they wear out, I'm likely going to get another set of
BFG's.