Dunlop Launches SmartWay Verified Long-Haul Truck Tires

AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 10, 2010 — Dunlop has announced a new line of fuel-efficient, long-haul tires that qualify as EPA SmartWay-verified technology. The line of “FM” steer, drive and trailer tires — when used in all positions — is expected to save owner-operators and fleets up to 4 percent in fuel bills, as compared to using standard Dunlop long-haul tires. (Actual results may vary based on when tires are replaced, driving and road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.)

Inspired by the successful Goodyear family of Fuel Max tires, Dunlop FM tires featuring new fuel-efficient compounding include the SP 384 FM steer tire, SP 456 FM drive tire and SP 193 FM trailer tire in standard (11R22.5) and low-profile (295/75R22.5 and 285/75R24.5) sizes. The Dunlop casings support Goodyear Fuel Max retreads to further reduce life-cycle costs while achieving excellent fuel efficiency.

According to Larry Tucker, Dunlop commercial marketing manager, the new line of FM tires are available through many Goodyear and Dunlop commercial tire outlets, as well as through many travel plazas.

“These tires are an excellent value, and benefit from the world-class innovation that envelopes and cascades through Goodyear’s full breadth of brands,” said Tucker. “Dunlop FM tires help deliver performance when it comes to fuel savings, but they also deliver in outstanding miles to removal and casing integrity. When you factor in the 4 percent improvement over standard Dunlop tires, our customers who are now running at 6 mpg, can move up to around 6.24 mpg, which helps save fuel costs.”

SP 384 FM Steer Tire: Special compounding and an enhanced manufacturing process have been added to Dunlop’s popular SP 384 to help make the tire roll with less resistance.

The SP 384 FM’s five-rib design features a barrel footprint to help optimize treadwear performance. Utilizing the company’s “evolving tread” technology, as the original tread wears, jagged/angled groove walls across the footprint are exposed to help maximize traction and handling.

To help reduce irregular wear, a pressure distribution groove, located on the outer edge of the shoulder rib, reduces pressure build-up. When cornering, the reduced pressure helps improve shoulder wear, while lateral sipes and slots on the three main ribs help provide excellent traction and handling.

The casing on the SP 384 FM features a 4-belt package that offers high-tensile steel on the three lower belts. The top belt is made with polyamide, protecting the steel belt package from moisture.

SP 456 FM Drive Tire: The new SP 456 FM is a key component in Dunlop’s FM lineup, as the drive position significantly impacts a tractor/trailer’s tire rolling resistance.

The base for the tire is an all-steel, four-belt package, which features optimized belt angles to reduce pressure on the tread while strengthening the casing for low rolling resistance.

Its 26/32-inch tread depth features large, stable tread blocks, which help reduce squirm for enhanced fuel economy while promoting even wear. Two circumferential and extended lateral grooves, coupled with a non-evolving tread design, provide excellent traction. A closed shoulder design further helps with even tread wear.

SP 193 FM Trailer Tire: Like its predecessor, the new FM trailer tire has a 12/32-inch tread depth for high mileage. To help reduce rolling resistance, the SP 193 uses cool-running, triple-compound construction, which reduces the amount of energy absorbed by the tread. The casing features an all-steel, four-belt package, to help provide a solid foundation for multiple retreads.

Dunlop built the tire with a solid shoulder rib and a pressure distribution groove to help minimize shoulder wear. Two circumferential grooves and lateral grooves provide all-season performance.

The trail position is key to the rolling resistance of a tractor-trailer operation — 41 percent of rolling resistance comes from the trailer position. For those hauling doubles, that number increases to 62 percent.

Goodyear commercial tire systems offer complete products and services to the trucking industry, including a full range of Goodyear, Dunlop, and Kelly tires. In addition, the company’s cradle-to-grave tire and service network includes retreading, tire management tools and business solutions for tomorrow’s trucking fleets. In addition, the company offers fleetHQ business solutions to owner-operators and fleets of all sizes. This includes the 24/7 fleetHQ Solution Center, national programs, tire management tools, on-line information access and business problem-solving. For more information on Dunlop’s commercial tire capabilities, visit the Dunlop Tires Web site.

Comments

[Truck Mud Tires]

I'm not sure about the whole EPA Smartway thing, but it's nice to see a more fuel efficient tire hitting the road. The fuel savings is important but I hope the life of the tires lives up to expectations too.