Cooper gains OE position on Vanguard dry, refrigerated trailers

MONON, Ind. — Vanguard National Trailer Corp. has designated Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. as its standard tire supplier for its lines of dry and refrigerated van trailers built in North America.

Monon-based Vanguard is specifying Cooper's Pro Series LHT trailer tire, in sizes 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5, as the standard OE fitment on trailers assembled at its factories in Monon, Ind.; Trenton, Ga.; Moreno Valley, Calif.; and Sarnia, Ontario.

The Pro Series LHT is described as a premium fuel-efficient trailer tire, designed for long-haul applications. The SmartWay-verified LHT uses an advanced compound and a "highly engineered" casing to provide the fuel efficiency and durability, Cooper said.

The LHT features Cooper's ECO (Energy Conservation Optimization) technology that combines tire design, compounding and construction to provide an ultra-low rolling resistance tire that Cooper claims exceeds SmartWay standard requirements by 15% and meets the EPA's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions requirements set for 2021.

As is the case with most commercial vehicles, the ordering customer can specify what tires it wants on its purchase, but Cooper said as Vanguard's standard supplier, the Pro Series LHT is fitted to all trailers not so spec'd by the customer.

The tire has a 12/32nds-inch tread depth and is backed by a seven-year, two-retread warranty with full replacement value for the first 50% of tread life.

Vanguard President and CEO Charlie Mudd said adding the Cooper Pro Series tires to its OE offerings is "in line with the company's continued commitment to providing high-quality components on its trailers."

Mr. Mudd said Vanguard selected Cooper tires because they "provide superior mileage and fuel efficiency — two things that are very important to our customers. We know our customers will be very pleased with the value these tires bring while operating our trailers."

Gary Schroeder, executive director of Cooper's global truck and bus tire business, pointed out the Pro Series tires offer a "low cost of ownership" that can reduce a fleet's tire program cost. The Pro Series LHT line launched in 2019.

Cooper also is the standard tire fitment for Blue Bird buses and Strick trailers, as well as an optional fitment with other trailer manufacturers such as Wabash National Corp. and Wilson Trailer Co.

Cooper sources its truck tires from joint venture affiliates in China and Vietnam.