Ralson Tire North America (RTNA) has rolled out two new line-haul drive tires, the RDL52 and RDL55, to the U.S. market.

The new products are "part of the company's new premium series of line-haul commercial truck tires," according to RTNA officials.

"Engineered to deliver superior mileage, low rolling resistance and dependable traction, the new tires address one of the most pressing challenges facing trucking fleets today: controlling operating costs in an environment of high diesel fuel prices, as well as other cost pressures."

RTNA officials say both tires feature fourth-generation polymer technology, specialized bonding chemicals and precision-engineered tread designs "to help reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing mileage, traction or durability."

"Fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for trucking fleets, and with diesel prices remaining high, every opportunity to improve fuel efficiency matters," says Brian Sheehey, president of RTNA.

"Our new RDL52 and RDL55 tires bring together advanced materials and innovative tread technology to help fleets get more miles from their tires while reducing fuel consumption. It's all about delivering a lower cost-per- mile."

The RDL52 features a closed-shoulder design engineered for enhanced stability and optimized rib distribution, while the RDL55 utilizes an open-shoulder configuration designed to deliver additional traction. Both tires incorporate advanced tread technology to provide consistent performance over long distances.

The RDL52, available in sizes 295/75/R22.5 and 11R22.5, features a closed-shoulder design with optimized rib distributionm which promotes stability, even wear and consistent performance in line-haul service; fourth-generation polymer technology that helps reduce rolling resistance while supporting extended tread life and improved fuel efficiency. multi-dimensional siping enhances grip and traction while maintaining tread stability; "advanced sinusoidal groove design" to enhance traction control, while an enhanced tread footprint promotes consistent performance; and a reinforced belt package and "high-strength bead architecture" to improve casing integrity and maximize retread potential.

Available in sizes 295/75R22.5, 11R22.5 and 112R24.5, the RDL55 features an open-shoulder tread design with optimized rib distribution provides enhanced drive-axle traction and stability; advanced fourth-generation polymers and specialized bonding chemicals to help deliver high mileage and low rolling resistance for improved fuel economy; "intricate, full-depth multi-dimensional siping" that provides enhanced grip and durable traction throughout the tire's service life; advanced sinusoidal grooves and an enhanced tread footprint improve traction control and overall performance; and more.

"Beyond fuel efficiency and mileage, the RDL52 and RDL55 are engineered to deliver long-term value through durable casing construction and retreadability," say RTNA officials. "Both tires are backed by Ralson's industry-leading seven-year, three-retread warranty, helping fleets maximize their tire investment over multiple tread lives."

"Fleet managers are looking at the complete operating cost of a tire, not simply its initial purchase price," says Sheehey. "Fuel efficiency, original tread mileage, casing durability and retreadability all contribute to the bottom line. With our new premium series of line-haul tires, we're bringing these performance attributes together in tires designed specifically for the demands of North American line-haul operations."