Interpretation ID: nht76-5.68

DATE: 12/28/76

FROM: CHARLES A. BAKER FOR E. T. DRIVER -- NHTSA

TO: Tucker; Gray and Thigpen

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of October 4, 1976, requesting data on the Gateway Gumbo Wide Mudder tire involved in an automobile accident that you are investigating.

From your correspondence, you indicate that the tire was manufactured by the Denman Rubber Company and that Dunlap Kyle of Batesville, Mississippi owns the engineering specifications or blueprints. As this statement suggests a variation from usual tire industry practice, we did some investigating of our records. Our records indicate that there is a retreading plant operated by Dunlap and Kyle Company, P. O. Box 689, Batesville, Mississippi, for the retreading of light truck-type tires. Therefore, before we can answer your letter, we need some additional information.

Please forward to us the tire identification number of the tire as this will help determine if, in fact, this is a retreaded tire. This number will be located near the symbol DOT, and if it is a retreaded tire, should be located near the shoulder of the tire and not near the bead.

SINCERELY,

TUCKER, GRAY AND THIGPEN ATTORNEYS AT LAW

October 4, 1976 U. S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

I am investigating an automobile accident, the cause of which has been attributed to the failure of the following described tire:

Gateway -- Gumbo Wide Mudder

12-15LT

6 Ply Rating

4 Ply Nylon Cord

Tubeless

Load Range C

Max. Load 2,850 pounds at

Max. inflation 42 P.S.I Cold

It is my understanding that this tire is manufactured by Denman Tire Company and that the engineering specifications or blueprings are owned by Dunlap Kyle of Batesville, Mississippi.

Please send me copies of any and all information you have concerning this tire or any information applicable to this tire concerning standards, specifications, strength and endurance tests. I am particularly concerned with the sidewall and bead construction specifications and standards.

Thank you.

William H. Tucker