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[SparePart]

Originally Posted by SHADOWCHASER

Ciao SparePart, I'm not trying to knock the whole "Re-Tread" Industry in the least. Just trying to preserve a few lives under the current conditions. As you so accurately stated, much of the life expectancy of a recapped tire depends on maintaining proper inflation, and maintenance on the Truck itself.

I will say however that based on my experience even in a properly maintained and responsibly driven Rig, that re-caps have their application where they can be safely utilized for the benefit of all.

Airlines, School Buses, and local or regional trucks when proper maintenance is maintained are an ideal venue for this type of tire usage. Airlines, School Buses, and local or regional trucks do not run their caps for the total length of time that the OTR trucks do. They stop and subsequently cool their tires much more often.

However long distance "Over the Road" rigs, especially those of which run extreemely close to gross maximum weight IMO cannot safely utilize these tires all year round.

In the winter, and cooler parts of the year, even the OTR trucks can make due with re-caps.

In the summer months, especially in the desert areas in July, August they cannot.

During the hot days of the year in the desert environment with ambient road temperatures reaching well into the 140's F. or more, and the OTR trucks running essentially 660 to 770 miles non stop, even properly re-capped tires on properly maintained equipment can and do fail REPEATEDLY. I've personally seen caps go in less than 3,000 miles, and with no signs of separation or fatigue in these settings. I have to maintain my stance that they should be outlawed for use on OTR Trucks at least during the summer months. They simply do not/can not hold up to the heat generated in these scenarios.

The monetary savings for everyone in running recaps, as well as the consumers of the goods transported is valid, and the main reason for their existence in the first place. Their reliability due to the constantly growing technologies is MUCH better than ten years ago, but their failure rate even when properly maintained is still TOO HIGH, IMO to allow their usage in all venues.

They have their place and application where they can be safely utilized to the benefit of all, but IMO year round OTR Trucking is not one of them.

Sincerely, SHADOWCHASER

Shadowchaser,

Thank you - that is one of the best thought out replies I've heard. Also an educated reply, so it's obvious you know the business. They key point you mentioned is "no signs of separation or fatigue". That has always been the downfall of retread technology. Identifying seperations and casing (what we call a worn original for others reading) damage internally was always difficult without destroying the casing. Destruction of the casings was obviously not an option if you want to retread it.

So, here is what we came up with: http://www.berlinbandag.com/Products.../pop_7400.html In the last four years we've developed technology to effectively "x-ray" a worn original casing.

Also, keep in mind that whether gvw is 80,000 or 105,500 tires are designed to run a certain speed, at a certain load, with a certain pressure. The reason for this is not only to carry the load, but also to reach a thermal balance. The tire will reach operating temperature (only slightly impacted by ambient or surface temps) and bleed off as much heat as it generates. Overloading and underinflation in hotter climates have an absolute effect on failure in these situations.

In any event, I really appreciate your thoughtful response and respect your personal experiences. There is no debate that can counter your experience or knowledge of your profession.

Thanks!

Spare