Just regrooved GYear G647

[CUMMINZ]

With a few threads around about re-groovable tires I did some research and looked at several tire manufacturers snow treads. I decided to take my Goodyear G647s to a local truck stop and discuss with them about regrooving my tires to give me a snow tread. This is what I ended up with.



This is look of original tires.

#ad




This is what we ended up with on rear tires.



#ad




Front tire design We only regrooved the two center lugs.



#ad

 

[mwilson]

Is that a Freightliner mud flap I see peeking down from the front fender???? :-laf:-laf

 

[NIsaacs]

Looks simular to a Bandag cap now. They look like they would wear well and hold the road good on dry pavement, however without sipes to the edge, slushy snow or heavy rain might give you a scary ride



Nick

 

[jelag]

Bandag makes a great tread for winter that's available in 19. 5"... and they are pinned for studs if you wish to run them... we run this tire on the back of all our trucks... and always see 80K miles per set... . it is by far the least expensive tire we've ever run based on cents per mile... . and great traction as well...

 

[CUMMINZ]

I considered that . If you look at the first photo the factory tread has no side sipes.

 

[MMeier]

How much noisier are they now ?

 

[CUMMINZ]

At this point slightly.

 

[CUMMINZ]

Just regrooved front tires.

Front tire design We only regrooved the two center lugs.



#ad




This is look of original tires.



#ad




This is what we ended up with on rear tires.



#ad

 

[smitty3500]

Good choice. The treads look like they will help you in the snow/ice. Is that a exspensive re-tread?

 

[CUMMINZ]

It was cheap to re-groove the tires. Six for $70. 00. They were not re-treaded but re-grooved.

 

[MChrist]

I'm considering purchasing a Van Alstine tire regroover and a tire siper. Seems that regrooving tires and siping them is very cost effective and safer than just running them all the way down to 2/32". We always put new tires or retreads on trucks that had less than 1/4" (8/32") just before winter. If I regroove them to add 2 or 3 32nds of an inch, we would save big $$$ by using the same tires through winter. I would also sipe them, since I am positive that siping makes a huge difference in snow/ice and even heavy rain.
I'm open to any comments.
Oh, and we also use retreads whenever possible, and since we are considered "local delivery" and not OTR, our tires never get that hot. Haven't lost a retread in the 26 years I've been using them. Retreads are also, quite often regroovable. I wasn't aware of that!! That's the tipping point to make me want to buy a regrooving tool. I'll start regrooving and see what happens.

 

[HBarlow]

I'm considering purchasing a Van Alstine tire regroover and a tire siper. Seems that regrooving tires and siping them is very cost effective and safer than just running them all the way down to 2/32". We always put new tires or retreads on trucks that had less than 1/4" (8/32") just before winter. If I regroove them to add 2 or 3 32nds of an inch, we would save big $$$ by using the same tires through winter. I would also sipe them, since I am positive that siping makes a huge difference in snow/ice and even heavy rain.
I'm open to any comments.
Oh, and we also use retreads whenever possible, and since we are considered "local delivery" and not OTR, our tires never get that hot. Haven't lost a retread in the 26 years I've been using them. Retreads are also, quite often regroovable. I wasn't aware of that!! That's the tipping point to make me want to buy a regrooving tool. I'll start regrooving and see what happens.

Do you have experience using Bandag recaps on 16" or 17" tires on Dodge Rams? A few years ago I visited a local Bandag dealer and the guy I spoke with recommended against using them on a dually light truck.

 

[MChrist]

My 98. 5 C&C has run Bandag retreads it's entire life without a problem. In fact, the previous owner could run retreads twice per casing. These are 16s. He had the best luck with Yokahama Geo Lander cases. Didn't even want Goodyears. This truck is ALWAYS overweight, even when empty. (I know, I know... )
So, short answer... no. Never had a problem with 16s and retreading. Never had a problem with retreads period, whether 16, 19. 5, 22. 5, or 24. 5. Then again, I'm only making short trips, waiting for an hour, followed by another short trip. My tires never get a chance to get hot. Maybe there is a difference if towing heavy for long distances, but I don't think so, based on those I've talked to.

 

[MChrist]

Oh, by "retreading" I mean "recapping". Regrooving is different. Recapping is cutting off the existing tread and vulcanizing new strips onto existing casing. Regrooving is using a hot, u-shaped blade and cutting deeper into the tire, following the existing pattern.
There seems to be almost 1/2" of rubber available when regroovable tires are bald. You have to leave 3/32" between the steel and the deepest part of your new cut. So, depending on manufacturer, you can usually add at least 6/32" to a bald, regroovable tire. And even if the tire doesn't say "regroovable" it probably still is. I just wouldn't go as deep to be on the safe side.

 

[HBarlow]

That's interesting. I'm not sure the cost savings would be worth the risk of slinging a tread on the ordinary Michelins I run on my truck (not steel belted) but I may price the Bandag caps when the next replacement time rolls around.

 

[MChrist]

Harvey, the guy I talked to at Van Alstine said Michelins are the best. He said that in Europe and Asia, they are the main tire sold and that Michelin pushes the "4 lives rule". First life is factory tread until you get to minimum depth. Second life is to have them regrooved. Third life is when the new groves are worn down, they get recapped. Fourth life is to regroove the recaps.
I know you are a fan of Michelins, as am I. This further deepens my belief that it's a good thing to pay for quality.
Regarding recaps, I think they were $150 for 19. 5 or 22. 5 size tires. Don't recall what the 16s were.
It will be interesting to see what the results will be after regrooving some of my tires at work. Adding 1/4" just before winter, along with siping can't hurt traction...

 

[HBarlow]

Was the fellow you were talking with speaking specifically of the ordinary 17" Michelins similar to OEM used on the SRW Rams?

I think replacement Michelins are pretty close to $250/tire at SAM's Clubs now. It might be attractive to try a set of retreads if they are priced closer to $100 to $125 for 17".

 

[MChrist]

He just said Michelins, no specific size. I will ask him when I call today to order the groover and the siper. Currently, I run Nitto Dura Grapplers in 285/70/17 and am very pleased with them, however if Michelin made this size in LRE, I would buy those next.

 

[HBarlow]

I'll look for your report. Thanks.

 

[MChrist]

Harvey, I ordered the stuff today and talked to "Weir". He was very helpful. He said he wasn't absolutely positive about the 17" Michelin, but that if it says "regroovable" that it probably is a candidate for the "4 lives". It would at least be a candidate for regrooving OR recapping if it doesn't say "regroovable" on the sidewall. That's what they do in Europe, Asia, and India. If I can figure out how to submit pictures on this forum, I will do so.