Hi Marsh!
Anyone got any suggestions for Outback tyres for that are best for gravel
and bush tracks (with projecting tree roots and bedrock outcrops), or other
offroad conditions (e.g. sand, snow, mud)?
I have abused the Michelin Alpin Pilots on my WRX pretty hard without
problems. They work great on snow/ice, hook up well on
dirt/gravel/rock, and surprisingly, grip well on asphalt too. I have
also tried a set of the Arctic Alpins; they are significantly better
for ice (I used 'em for ice rally-cross), and pretty similar on
dirt/asphalt. Can't comment on durability, as I haven't had the
opportunity to thrash them properly in the rocks
Another good choice would be the Hakkapelitta "1"s; I've abused the
hell outta these on older Subarus with absolutely no problems.
A dedicated gravel rally tire such as the Kumho R-700, or one of the
Michelin offerings would be the absolute best, but you'd have to find
a set of 15 inch wheels to fit your car, and would sacrifice anything
like nice manners on asphalt.
Run a taller side-wall, 65s or 70s, and narrower tread; 185-195 than
would be optimum for street use. A larger diameter tire might prove
helpful as well, as you gain some clearance underneath. Visit TireRack
<
www.tirerack.com> for lotsa data to help with comparison shopping.
FWIW, mud is difficult; about the only thing that even approaches
"working well" are deep open lugs, and these tires are miserable on
pavement. Most any tire that is acceptable on pavement will clog up
with mud and become a "slick" in very short order. I can assure you
that the Michelin tires do _not_ work well in mud; the Hakkis will be
a bit better. Sand is in somewhat the same category, but highly
variable depending on the kind of sand, moisture content, time of day,
phase of the moon, etc. Unless you enjoy being up to your axles in
abrasive grit, let some other sucker try the waters first, or at least
walk out on it before trying to drive over it.
If you are driving aggressively on dirt, you will probably want to
disable the ABS system (pull the fuse or install a switch), as (at
least on the ABS equipped Soobies I have driven; my WRX wagon, and
m'ladys Forester) it doesn't respond well to bumps and washboards, and
will leave you with much reduced brake action right when you need it
the most. Hope this helps.
ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101
