181 lb per TIRE
LOW PROFILE
250 lb per PAIR
Wide base tires can allow weight savings to be converted into revenue-producing payload and may be more fuel-efficient than ordinary dual assemblies.
If the tires they replace were not fuel-efficient, wide base tires may also contribute to fuel economy . Tire Contributions to the Fuel Bill
With today’s vehicles, tire rolling resistance accounts for about 9 to 13 percent of fuel used .
If rolling resistance decreases 10 percent, fuel consumption could decrease by about 3 percent . Rolling resistance in the tire
The tread contributes about 35-50 percent of the tire’s overall rolling resistance, while the casing contributes about 50 to 65 percent .
35-50%
Wear effect on rolling resistance
Since the contribution of the tread is large, as the tread wears away, rolling resistance decreases . As they approach wear-out, many tires become very similar in rolling resistance, even if they started out quite different .
That’s one reason the BBTS TLCC program uses true average rolling resistance – not new-tire rolling resistance – to calculate tire fuel consumption .
new
30% worn = 2% savings
50% worn = 4.5% savings
80% worn = 6.5% savings Tread design
Tread design also affects rolling resistance . In general, rib-type designs are more fuel-efficient than block- or lug-types . And, a tire with a shallower tread tends to be more fuel-efficient .
With drive tires, designs incorporating continuous shoulder ribs are so resistant to irregular wear that designers can use very fuel-efficient tread compounds .
Computer analysis, like that of the BBTS TLCC program, can help you decide which tires deliver the best fuel efficiency .
Fuel economy with retreads
If only the tread is modified to produce fuel economy, the fuel efficiency of the tire may end when it is retreaded, unless it’s retreaded with a fuel-efficient tread .
Fortunately, there are a number of fuel-efficient retread materials available offering fuel economy comparable to that of the best new tires, but at a fraction of their cost .
In addition, many BBTS casings are specially constructed for fuel efficiency, and when retreaded – especially when capped with a fuel-efficient tread – may offer superior fuel economy .
General Technical Information 2009 Firestone Medium and Light Truck Tire Data Book
Technical BulletinsLoad/InflationGeneral TechnicalLight TruckMedium Truck
What effect can fuel-efficient tires have?
Generally you will only see about half of the scientific test results in the real world . Much of this is because of interference by other factors outside the controlled variables of testing .
So, any fuel economy method that does not produce at least a 2-percent improvement in controlled testing will probably not produce a measurable real-world effect .
Taking action
BBTS recommends you conduct your own tests to determine whether your investment will achieve a satisfactory return .
Comparing fuel receipts with odometer readings is something you can do yourself, on an ongoing basis, to see if your fuel economy program is working . Here are some steps to take:
Recommendations
1
Test things yourself: If you can’t convinceyourself and your accountant, what you’re saving may be too small to stand out from the “noise .”
2
Limit your investment: Try trailer tires first, or better still, try fuel-efficient trailer retreads first .3
Consider all the variables: Fuel-efficient duals may save just as much fuel as wide base tires, without forcing you to buy new wheels . If you can’t benefit from the weight savings, why spend the money?4
Try other methods: Driver behavior has a big effect on fuel economy . Driver training or incentives may be a better investment than new equipment .5
examine your priorities: Make sure everyone is on board . If one department is trying to save fuel and another is trying to cut tire costs, they may be working against each other .6
Call for help: Your tire supplier can help you with advice and in conducting tests . Call BBTS for assistance at 1-800-847-3272 .Try TLCC
Remember, only BBTS has the Tire Life Cycle Cost (TLCC) program, to help you make informed tire choices . Your BBTS representative will help you analyze your current tires (even if they are from BBTS competitors), and recommend tires that will produce the lowest overall tire and fuel cost over their useful life .
inflation pressure effects
Inflation pressure effects are relatively small, but you can expect about a 2 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over a range of 20 PSI below to 20 PSI above recommended pressure .
inflation Pressure effect on Fuel economy
Regardless of the type of tires you use, maintaining correct inflation pressure for the load will optimize tire
performance, tire life, and fuel economy.
80 90 100 1110 120
Position contribution to fuel economy
In general, the contribution of the tires on any given axle to overall vehicle fuel efficiency is roughly determined by the amount of load on that axle . In general, trailer tires make the largest contribution . If you are evaluating tires, you should probably try fuel-efficient trailer tires first. If that doesn’t work, changing drive and steer tires probably won’t either.
Axle Weight Distribution & Position Contribution to Fuel economy 80,000 lb. single trailer
WEIGHT
Medium TruckLight TruckGeneral TechnicalLoad/InflationTechnical Bulletins
Effective January 2009 General Technical Information
Z. Truck Type by Weight Class
Note: Trailer weight not listed . Van
Doubles
Liquid Tanker
Dry Bulk
Logger
Platform
Drop Frame
Dump
Reefer
Deep Drop
Auto Trans
Technical BulletinsLoad/InflationGeneral TechnicalLight TruckMedium Truck
NoTeS
General Technical Information 2009 Firestone Medium and Light Truck Tire Data Book
Technical BulletinsLoad/InflationGeneral TechnicalLight TruckMedium Truck
Medium TruckLight TruckGeneral TechnicalLoad/InflationTechnical BulletinsMedium TruckLight TruckGeneral TechnicalLoad/InflationTechnical Bulletins
Effective January 2009 Load and Inflation Tables