Expanded Applications Wide Base Radial Truck Tire

North American highway use of the single wide base radial truck tire for other than extra heavy-duty front axle applications warrants greater exploration. Studies of the tire specification indicates opportunity to reduce cost and weight on present wheels plus greater possible savings by redesigning the commercial vehicle wheel into an integral rim, wheel, and hub. Initial limited testing on tractor and trailer applications shows improved fuel mileage, ride, handling, and braking while reducing tire cost and increasing payloads. The improvement in tire wear and vehicle handling while braking may be due in part to the improved tire mating with the rutted surface contour of our worn highways.