Oct 2011: New Generation Trailer Tyre with Greater Functional Improvements

Goodyear tyres have always strived to outperform its own set standards in ensuring greater value and functional experience of their tyres for their customers. Following this trend, the company has recently launched the next generation of its popular Regional RHT trailer tyres range.

The Regional RHT II

Aptly christened the Regional RHT II, this range is mainly intended for vehicles in the regional haul sector. It provides better functionality and performance as compared to its predecessor in a number of crucial areas.

The Regional RHT II offers up to 30% greater mileage because it has been incorporated with a new tread compound and the rubber volume can withstand 15% greater wear. For any tyre to perform at its optimum, the width and depth of the tread are crucial. The tread of the Regional RHT II is 10 mm wider and is 8% deeper as compared to the earlier version of the product, making it more effective for its purpose.

Features of the Regional RHT II

The entire Regional RHT II range has improved wet skid performance, facilitating easier control over wet surfaces. Given the heavy vehicles, which use these tyres, skid protection is very crucial to prevent nasty incidents.

The range has also incorporated elements into its design to provide noise resistance and excellent rolling resistance. As per company officials, the range complies with future EU regulation 661/2009. One of the key products of this range is a high load tyre that is capable of 10 tonnes axle weight capacity.

Key Design Features of the Regional RHT II

Goodyear has made some changes in the design features of its original product to come up with the Regional RHT II range. Some of the key design elements in this range that support its superior performance include an optimized multi radius cavity shape, tread grooves that are zigzag and strong shoulder ribs.

The zigzag tread reduces stone holding that tends to occur on rough country tracks, affecting balance of the vehicle. Wet braking features are also improved with the zigzag tread so that distance travelled on applying brakes is minimal offering greater control on the vehicle. The strong shoulder ribs reduce shoulder wear to facilitate better maneuvering.

Testing and Trials

Goodyear has conducted trials for its Regional RHT II range of tyres with fleet customers over a period of one and a half years to establish accurately their functional features. During these trials, the new range was compared with Goodyear’s own previous product as well as similar product from competition. Spanish transport company Penyafort tested all three tyres on its tri-axle Spitzer powder tanker.

The criterion for evaluation was the distance covered by the tyre prior to requiring replacement. The results were clearly in favor of the Regional RHT II range.

The earlier version of the Goodyear Regional RHT tyres travelled an average 129000 km before needing replacement. Competitor product clocked in a mileage of 155000 km, while the Regional RHT II tyres managed an impressive 179000 km for the same amount of wear and tear. A similar trial was conducted with a French company and the results were similar.