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The TJ stands tall on its Interco LTBs. It also rides quite
well and performs superbly on the asphalt for mud-type
tire. |
Interco (AKA Super Swamper) recently released a
new tire to the U.S. called the LTB. This tire that happens to be
new to us here, already has an extensive past in other areas of the
world. This tire has a lot of rumors surrounding where exactly it
came from, and we got the straight scoop from David Guidry at the
Interco headquarters in Louisiana. Apparently, a couple of years
ago Super Swamper set out to create a more affordable Swamper for
the masses. They still wanted this new tire to have the same traits
of their other Swamper such as tough sidewalls, and ultra
aggressive tread patterns, but it needed to be inexpensive. They
started production of this tire in India, but the factory there had
troubles producing a tire so aggressive in a consistent fashion.
So, Super Swamper got A plant in Mexico to try to produce this
tire, and they did, but the plant was just to small to produce
enough tires to meet the overwhelming demand. So currently this LTB
is actually produced here in the USA at a plant in Ohio, but only
until the plant in Mexico grows to handle the demand, which could
take a couple of years. So there you have it, the real story behind
the "new-to-us" LTB. | |
At home overcoming obstacles, the Interco LTB becomes one with
the rocks for impressive traction. |
I decided to set up my TJ with 33x13.5x15R LTBs on
a 15x8 bead lock rim. One of the first things I noticed about this
tire is that it appears to be slightly more aggressive than the
ever-popular TSL line from Interco. However, this tire happens to
be just slightly softer than the TSL, which means it's really
sticky on the rocks! We haven't gotten a lot of wet weather here
where I live in California, so the trails and rocks out here are
getting really dusty, yet these tires stick to this stuff like they
were made for it. The one time we did get any rain, of course, the
Jeep was sent out on a mission to see how these LTBs stuck.
Usually, the difficulty of a trail increases greatly when the
terrain is wet, yet the LTB-shod Jeep walked over the local rock
gardens with ease. Overall, the LTB is right at home on the rocks,
and I attribute this to the aggressive tread and super gummy rubber
compound. | |
Our TJ spends a lot of time on the trail. The side lugs of the
Interco LTB bit into tough rocks without a worry for the
notoriously tough sidewalls of the
Interco. |
Now the mud we get out here isn't what you would
call "gumbo" mud, considering we haven't gotten much of any rain
out here recently. However, what little mud we did get, this tire
felt right at home in. I don't see why this tire shouldn't be able
to handle the sticky stuff, since it so closely resembles the TSL
line, which excels in muddy areas. The LTB should also perform in
sand and snow with no problems as well, but there wasn't much of
that around here to really grab any pictures to show you.
Swamper has created a name for itself by creating
very durable sidewalls with the use of bias ply styled tires. And,
since the LTB is a bias ply, well it's no surprise that its just as
durable as the other Swamper. On my test runs I have aired out to
4-6 PSI in my tires and gone out to try and cut these tires, and I
haven't even come close. I have however put tons of nice new marks
on my nice new bead locks in the process though. I also found that
since these sidewalls are so thick, the tire practically stands up
on its own without any air in it. You really can't see a difference
between an aired down LTB and an aired up one, on a jeep. | |
With enough room to sipe to your particular liking and
terrain, the Interco LTB can be easily adapted to hard pack trail
running, making rally turns like a pro. |
Now, on the street I expected this tire to wear
pretty fast considering its so soft. Again, I am amazed, the LTB
seams to wear just as well as any other Swamper I've had. Being
that I live among the mountains, where tight twisty roads are the
norm, it's difficult for me to give an accurate estimate of how
well these tires hold up on the road, since tread life only barely
hits the 18,000-mile mark for the average mud-terrain tire.
Currently, the LTBs are currently half worn, and
they have 9,000 miles on them. So, they they're on track with any
other high-quality tire in its class.
The
LTB handles quite well on the streets. I was surprised; you really
don't expect good street manners from such an aggressive tire.
Again, they probably excel because of how soft they are. The
braking is great, and they stick to the road corners like a sports
car tire. Now, I put a loud exhaust on my jeep and I want a loud
tire. Quiet tires are for cars not jeeps. Again, Super Swamper and
I see eye to eye on this one. I've had friends with other Swamper
tell me, well, yell to me, that they're jealous and they wish their
tires were as loud. So, if you want a quiet tire, the LTB shouldn't
be top of your list. | |
Comparing to other tires, the Interco LTB sizes up quite well.
Will it become the next rock jock of competition? Well, we'll see.
The competition is tight. See you in Johnson
Valley! |
Now all bias ply tires do get flat spots if they
sit for a while. The LTBs are no exception to this rule. I find
that because they're soft, they flat spot quicker. Oddly enough,
again because of their softness, they round out quicker too. I
don't really notice it anymore, and its not much of a big deal as
far as I'm concerned.
Overall, the LTB is
one of the best performing tires out on the trail, and they handle
the street great. Of course, you can tell I like loud tires, and
lets just say the LTB is the king in that arena too. You can't
complain about their cost, as its well below what most aggressive
tires run these days. The only down fall of the LTB line currently
is that the largest size they make is a 34x10.5-incher, a size that
seams a little out of place here in the United States. I've been
told however that Interco is always listening to its devoted
customers and if the interest remains in this tire, larger sizes
will be added. Right now however, I hear Interco is currently
working on some new sizes for the popular Bogger tire, so be
looking forward to those soon.
Until then,
check us out
in Johnson Valley.
Check In With Interco Tire Corporation |
Interco Tire Corporation Interco Tire Corp. P.O. Box 6 Rayne, LA 70578-0006 Phone: 337-334-3814 Fax: 337-334-9796 www.IntercoTire.com |
