Let it roll

From wide-base to SmartWay, here's what's new in truck tires

By: Mike Manges

Yokohama Tire Corp.’s MY627W will hit the market in June in size 315/80R22.5. It replaces the Yokohama Y773.

The truck tire market might still be struggling, but you wouldn’t know it judging by the many new truck tires that were introduced during the first quarter.

Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions (BBTS), Continental Tire the Americas LLC, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Hankook Tire America Corp., Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. and Yokohama Tire Corp. all rolled out new medium truck tires during the first three months of the year.

The Firestone FT455 PLUS is available in size 295/75R22.5 in a G Load Rating. The tire has been designed for free-rolling wheel positions such as trailer axles, tag axles and converter dollies.  It also contains “innovative cap, base and sidewall compounding for exceptionally low rolling resistance,” according to Chris Hoffman, manager, TBR and Retread Product Marketing, BBTS.

“With traditional tandem drive tractors pulling single trailers, our research has found that about 43% of tire fuel economy was attributable to trailer tires.”

Other features of the FT455 PLUS include a shallow 12/32-inch tread depth, solid shoulder ribs, “straight flow-through tread grooves,” and extensive rib siping.

The tire also meets California Air Resources Board requirements. “Starting this year, all 2011 model year trailers must use low rolling resistance tires verified by SmartWay in order to run in California.”

Continental Tire the Americas LLC unveiled the HSL1 Coach, a premium steer and all-position tire for long-distance motor coach use. “Not only does the HSL1 Coach offer a quiet ride, (it also offers) a low rolling resistance compound and a special tread design” in order to provide “excellent fuel economy,” according to Continental officials.

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Related Topics: Bridgestone, Goodyear, Hankook, Kumho, Tire Group International, Truck tires, Yokohama

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