Replacing six drive tires economically

Old article.
Fleets Weigh the Benefits of Retreads Versus New Tires
The main point in the article, that the tech has advanced to the point that re-treads are just as good as virgin, is supported by the various tire guys / mechanics I've talked to over the years.
Most of the gators on the side of the road appear to be from older re-treads, improperly inflated re-treads, or cheap re-treads from overseas.
You may want to do a few different searches on this website. Seem to recall some discussion on some kind of tire buying discount program. Sure someone else can help with info.
Good luck.

 

You need to use a trustworthy tire guy. The good ones will know (and let you know) if the recap has ever been patched before it was capped, you don’t want that. Stay away from Chinese tires too. Japanese are ok and of course all the big brands. Also he should guarantee for at least a couple months. Recaps have come along way just make sure and put a tire gauge to them at least once a week.

 

Good year Retreads, the are based on high-end casings with some good tread . I did all eight over a year ago , so far so good .

 

Make sure the casing is in good shape, no patches or anything like mentioned above. Check the manufacture date on the casing and make sure you’re not putting on 5 year old casings. Then watch your tire pressure like a hawk. They’re not as forgiving as a virgin tire when it comes to building heat from underinflation. I worked for a company for 10 years and we ran caps and the two tire failures I had during that time were both virgin tires.

 

Hard to get much cheaper then pos good years, unless you go Chinese....

retreads are just going to be ever so slightly taller with the tread, I would put a matched set of Goodyear’s on one axle and if you really want caps just go with 4 on the other axle

you get what you pay for. Caps will never go on anything I own

 

Just a little suggestion, if you go with retreads, get a tire pressure monitor system with internal sensors to monitor tire pressure. This is one of the best investments you will make on the truck.

I would suggest a brand but we are re-evaluating a few to decide what one will be on the trucks going forward.

 

I won't run recaps, I did and have, but when 1 goes it can take out air bags I have heard the B S about their Quality. There are cheap Virgen tires for a little more $$ than a recap.

 

Virgin tires don't cost much more and they last so much longer.

Caps just aren't worth it. You'll end up spending more money in the longer run.

Specially if you have spread axles.

Virgins will hold up better also if your tire pressure gets slightly low.

Caps would be alright if you're local. Being out in the middle of nowhere can be expensive.

Some local companies have finally figured out they're spending too much on caps.

 

Shop around,$1200 seems a little steep. Should be able to find Drives for $400 installed. Maybe less, even if they’re Chinese.Still better than caps. One blown cap, with possible damage, costs everything you saved. Still, I’d try to match the Goodyear’s with 2 more. And 4 more of the best deal I could find. Buying the other 6 right, at this point, to help cost average out all 8. The challenge will be getting a good price on 6 vs. 8. Most Truck stops have a price break only if you buy all 8,