Best tread for max MPG?

[WBusa]

In my never-ending quest to optimize Big Red's fuel economy, I've been reading a handy little document produced by Cummins: Secrets of Better Fuel Economy ( http://www.everytime.cummins.com/every/pdf/MPG_Secrets_Whitepaper.pdf )

Mostly this is aimed at semi operators, and mostly its stuff everybody already knows (slow down, keep your tires inflated, don't lug the engine, etc. ), but I did learn one or two things I hadn't thought of before, notably:



"According to Bridgestone, the tire tread accounts for 60–70% of the tires’ rolling resistance. Not only do the tires differ in rolling resistance when new, but as the tread wears, the rolling resistance of the tire changes. A 7/32 tread wear represents ~10% reduction in rolling resistance (5% better mpg) compared to a new tire. Rib tires at all wheel positions will provide greatest fuel efficiency. Tread pattern is important because lugs have deeper tread (more rolling resistance) than ribs. If we take a new ribbed tire as the standard, a new lugged tire is less fuel efficient by about 6%. A worn tire is about 7% more fuel efficient than a new tire. "



Cool! Anyway, its time for me to pull the ole heavily-lugged Cooper Discoverer M+S snow tires off the beast and get some new summer tires. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding load range E tires with a fuel-economizing tread design that still have good performance on wet pavement? I don't do any offroad driving, to speak of.

 

[RustyJC]

I don't know how they are for wet traction, but I've run the all-steel construction Michelin XPS Rib on our previous 5th wheel. These are a commercial steer axle and trailer tire that run very cool (less heat means less internal friction which means less drag) and last a long time.



Rusty

 

[WBusa]

Looks promising, Rusty; thanks. The only load range E tire I've seen that specifically mentions "low rolling resistance"... nicely ribbed rather than lugged, and Michelin's highest wet traction rating. I think I'll give 'em a try.

 

[WBusa]

Rusty, I almost bought me a set of XPS Ribs yesterday... the truck was up on the lift and the mechanic had his air wrench in hand... . What stopped me was the guy behind the counter practically begging me to reconsider... he said I would HATE the wet traction, which he claims is nonexistant. When I mentioned that Michelin gives 'em their highest wet traction rating, he sorta rolled his eyes and said "yeah, right". Considering that these tires are WAY pricey... I recall something like $180 each, balanced and mounted... I figgered he wasn't trying to steer me toward something more expensive, so I took his advice and passed. Sigh.

 

[RustyJC]

That's too bad. When the Goodyear Wrangler APs give up the ghost on my dually, I'm probably going to go with XPS Ribs on the front and XPS Tractions on the rear (it's a 2WD 5th wheel puller).



Rusty