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June 09, 2020 04:45 PM

Cooper unveils 19.5-inch Roadmaster drive, steer tires for local delivery trucks

Tire Business Staff
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    FINDLAY, Ohio — Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is adding a pair of 19.5-inch local delivery truck tires under the Roadmaster brand for the "final mile," pick-up and delivery and emergency vehicle segments.

    The new products, the Roadmaster RM257 drive-axle and RM170+ steer-axle tires, feature an extra strip of rubber on the sidewall, a curb bar, which helps ensure the integrity of the sidewall, along with high-tensile steel-belt construction to ensure long casing life and multiple retreads.

    Both the RM170+ and RM257 tires, in most sizes, carry the industry's "N" speed rating (87 mph), which is necessary for their use on ambulance and/or EMT operations that are capable of operating at higher speeds, according to Gary Schroeder, executive director of Cooper's global truck and bus tire business.

    "We continue to enhance our products by bringing new technology to our Roadmaster brand," Mr. Schroeder said, noting that Cooper expects small fleets and owner operators working in these segments to experience "excellent performance at a price that will help keep operating costs low."

    The new models are designed for improved handling and longer wear over their predecessors, he added.

    The Roadmaster RM257 features an "aggressive" tread pattern that qualifies it to carry the industry's Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for winter traction. To receive the certification, the tire must have 25% better acceleration over the reference tire in winter conditions, Cooper said.

    It launches in two sizes: 225/70R with load range F and G, and 245/70R with load range G and H. The 222 size features 18/32nds-inch of tread depth while the 245 size offers 19/32nds.

    The RM257 is an open-shoulder tire with three tread blocks in the center. The tire's 3D siping allows for better grip in wet weather conditions, while staggered shoulder pockets and chevron grooves provide extra bite for performance in snow and mud conditions. Lateral tie bars help stabilize the tread blocks to enhance even wear and promote better handling. A new compound formula helps the tire resist cutting and chipping.

    The RM170+ tire succeeds the RM170, with the "plus" designation indicating a more durable tire with improved handling and wear through enhanced compounding.

    While the RM170+ tire is designated a steer tire, it also can be used as an all-position tire in applications where deep-biting traction isn't required, Cooper said.

    It comes in size 225/70R with load range F and G, and 245/70R with load range G and H. The tire will also be available to fit 265/70R, 285/70R and 10R22.5 sizes.

    Featuring 15/32nds-inch of tread depth on the 225 size, and 16/32nds on the 245 size, the tire has a wide footprint that allows for a longer, more even treadwear, Cooper said. Its V-shaped tread groove helps with traction and stone rejection, while sipes on the outer tread help with wet weather grip.

    Pricing information was not disclosed.

    The launch of the Roadmaster tires comes just months after Cooper added a pair of 19.5-inch sizes for Class 4 to 6 trucks and vans to its Cooper Work Series line of commercial truck tires.

    The tires are sourced from Cooper's Qindao GRT factory in China and from the new joint venture plant in Vietnam.

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