Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has added two tires to the Roadmaster brand lineup, a new drive tire, the RM257, and a steer tire that can serve in some all-position applications, the RM170+. These 19.5-inch tires provide solutions in the final mile of pick up and delivery segments, as well as the emergency vehicle tire segment.
“We continue to enhance our products by bringing new technology to our Roadmaster brand,” says Gary Schroeder, executive director of Cooper’s global truck and bus tire business. “Small fleets and owner operators — in a variety of applications requiring 19.5-inch tires — can move into these tires and receive excellent performance at a price that will help keep operating costs low. They’re designed for improved handling and longer wear over their predecessors, and built tough to meet the demands of intracity deliveries.”
Roadmaster RM257
The Roadmaster RM257 tire, with 18/32nds of tread depth on the 225 size, and 19/32nds on the 245 size, is an entirely new drive tire that features aggressive tread and a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. To receive the certification, the tire must have 25% better acceleration over the reference tire in winter conditions. The Roadmaster RM257 tire doubled that, showcasing its grip and performance attributes.
The Roadmaster RM257 tire is an open-shoulder tire with three tread blocks in the center. The tire’s 3D siping allows for better grip in wet weather conditions, while staggered shoulder pockets and chevron grooves provide bite and performance in snow and mud conditions. Lateral tie bars help stabilize the tread blocks to enhance even wear and promote better handling. A new compound formula helps the tire resist cutting and chipping.
The Roadmaster RM257 tire comes in size 225/70R19.5 with load range F and G, and 245/70R19.5 with load range G and H.
Roadmaster RM170+
The Roadmaster RM170+ tire builds upon the tread design of its predecessor, the RM170 steer tire. Cooper says the ‘plus’ designation means the tire is more durable and offers improved handling and wear through enhanced compounding. It will give those operating smaller trucks, vans and emergency vehicles more miles to removal while providing a softer ride. While the Roadmaster RM170+ tire is primarily used as a steer tire, it also has use as an all-position tire in applications where deep-biting traction isn’t required.
Featuring 15/32nds of tread depth on the 225 size, and 16/32nds on the 245 size, the tire has a wide footprint that allows for a longer, more even treadwear. Its V-shaped tread groove helps with traction and stone rejection, while sipes on the outer tread help with wet weather grip.
It comes in size 225/70R with load range F and G, and 245/70R with load range G and H. The tire will also be available to fit 265/70R, 285/70R and 10R22.5 sizes.
Both the Roadmaster RM170+ tire and Roadmaster RM257 tire, in most sizes, meet the ‘N’ (87 mph) speed rating – the industry’s highest.
“These are Roadmaster’s first tires to carry that rating,” says Schroeder. “It allows us to meet the tire needs of ambulance and EMT operations running in high-speed situations.”
To aid in durability, both tires feature an extra strip of rubber on the sidewall — a curb bar — which helps ensure the integrity of the sidewall. The tires also feature high tensile steel-belt construction to ensure long casing lives and multiple retreads.
