Make Recap Tires Illegal

I have seen it on state laws , most states designate no recap on steer axle, tires must be new and at least 4/32" tread depth, same size and type on both sides of the axle. I am pretty sure it is a Fed DOT requirement since just about all of the state CDL books are copied word for word from Fed DOT.

 

The only regulation that I can find that deals with recapped tires on steer axles is 393.75(d). This regulation only address the issue as it relates to a bus. 393.75(e) deals with regrooved tires.

It is my understanding that running recapped tires on the steer axles is LEGAL (except for a bus). If you know of something different please share with me the exact regulation.

 

Two years ago I was in the labor room waiting the arrival of my grandbaby in Phoenix. My son was running 2 hours late after he had phoned us saying he was headed out the door. He finally showed up at the hospital with glass in his hair, on his clothes, and small cuts all over. An 18 wheeler had thrown a piece of tread right through the Jeep windshield he was driving. They can't be that safe.

 

I know it's a felony here to have a steer tire patched, and fairly sure it's a felony to have a re-tread on the front too. I had asked the owner of the tire repair about it because the company wanted them to put a patched tire on. I didn't want anything but new tires on front.

 

I've had plenty of virgin rubber blow out. I keep all my tires in good shape and properly inflated... I wasted alot of $$$ when I first became a O/O because I overlooked my tired and blew out alot of good ones. Still have blowouts now that I keep a watchful eye on them. I won't run a recap for my own personal reasons. I've had virgin rubber come apart just like a cap too though.

 

i know in montana, you can have recap's on the steers as long as it is only an intrastate truck, but i wouldnt trust them enuff to drive it

that being said, the recaps i just put on my drives and trailer, i have had no problems with as of yet,around 8k miles, and belive me i havent been all that gentle ( i winched one the other day....), they dont lose any air yet and no tread seperation issues....the out fit im leased to swears by them

but during times with previous employers...i have destroyed many tires....recap's and virgin's....all thru "normal" wear and tear for the conditions i was in...seriously you should see some of the places they expect you to put a belly or side dump...lol