Gino, first let me say you run what you think is best.
I couldn't be happier to run my Michelin XDC retreads. As I said earlier, they work better than my brand new Bridgestone M 724's did in every respect.
If I was buying new, I'd consider the ones you already did, either the 8R19. 5 Cooper 140's or the Hankook DH-01's. Run 'em til they're bald (that will take a while... . ) then have 'em retreaded up to 2 more times, for under $ 100 ea. You can't lose with that set up !
BTW, you were told incorrect information on the law by those tire dealers - funny how rumor goes as law these days. (then again, a glance at our border & immigration issues and we see MASSIVE ignorance of law, don't we... . )
Anyhow, the law states, that only passenger busses of any type may NOT run retreads on the front - all others may, commercial or private if the owner so wishes.
You can find all this at
www.retread.org. Here's the law cite & some FAQ I found there:
MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY
Applies to California ONLY
Excerpt from Title 13
California Code of Regulations
(Current through Register 98, No. 19)
.
*1087 Tire Condition and Use
(c) Recapped Tires. Tires recapped or retreaded for highway use shall have a tread pattern that complies with Section 27465 of the Vehicle Code and with this section.
Retreaded or recapped tires shall not be used on front wheels of a bus or farm labor vehicle. Such tires shall not be used on the front wheels of truck tractors or motortrucks listed in Vehicle Code Section 34500 unless the tires are in compliance with the following requirements:
(1) Tires shall have been retreaded or recapped not more than 2 times and shall contain no casing repair other than required by a nail puncture.
(2) Tires shall conform to either the labeling and other requirements of the 1972 CRSC Retreading Specifications and Standards or to the Industry Standards For Tire Retreading & Repairing revised September 1, 1995. Tires retreaded on or after November 1, 1997, shall conform to the Industry Standards For Tire Retreading & Repairing revised September 1, 1995.
**Please note: Industry Standards For Tire Retreading & Repairing has been revised, June 2001 AND the above has NOT Changed.
The full text of Title 13, California Code of Regulations is available from: Barclays Law Publishers, 415/732-880. OR please contact the TRIB office.
RETREAD FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Are there any driving conditions where retreaded tires should not be driven?
A. No. Retreaded tires can be driven wherever comparable new tires can be driven. The only restriction is on the steer axle of busses hauling passengers.
Q. Where does rubber on the road come from?
A. The rubber pieces you see on the road come from both new and retreaded tires. It is important to note that most of the rubber on the road comes from truck tires and is caused mainly by underinflation, overloading, and tire abuse. See Rubber on the Road: Issues & Answers.
Q. Are retreaded tires really as safe as new tires?
A. Yes. Adjustment percentages of retreaded tires are about the same as with new tires. Statistics compiled by the U. S. Department of Transportation show that nearly all tires involved in any tire related accidents are underinflated or bald. Properly maintained tires, whether new or retreaded, do not cause accidents.
Q. Do any standards (federal or industry) control the quality and safety of retreaded tires?
A. Yes. Passenger, light pick-up, and 4x4 tires are retreaded according to standards established by the U. S. Department of Transportation and carry a code number (**) on the sidewall indicating where and when the tire was retreaded. Due in part to the standards established by the truck retread tire industry, the U. S. Department of Transportation has not developed regulations for manufacturing retreaded truck tires. The overall quality of retreaded truck tires has increased dramatically in recent years with the introduction of high technology, including the use of computers in manufacturing and non-destructive tire testing.
As with passenger car tires, most problems with truck tires can be traced back to poor maintenance (primarily underinflation) and abuse (overloading). See: The Importance of Proper Tire Inflation
(**) Link directly to Search page, for Name and Location of Retread Plant when 3 letter DOT CODE is known.
http://www.retread.org/packet/index.cfm/ID/180.htm
Q. Can I buy retreaded RADIAL and HIGH PERFORMANCE tires?
A. Yes. Steel belted and non-steel belted radials and high performance tires are retreaded. Since high performance tires are usually manufactured with cap plies, the retreadability of the original tire casing is greatly improved. See Retread Tire Buyers Guide.
Q. Can retreaded tires be driven at highway and interstate speeds?
A. Yes. Retreaded tires can be driven at the same legal speeds as comparable new tires with no loss in safety or comfort.
Q. How long will they last?
A. With proper maintenance and care, retreaded tires will provide the same amount of service as comparable new tires. Retreads tread life varies from the same as a comparable new tire to 75% of a new tire. The variables here, relative to a comparable new tire are, 1. Retreads often start with less tread depth, 2. Due to casing conditions, the retread footprint may be smaller/narrower then the new tire, 3. Trailer tires are removed from service for reasons other then wear out over 80% of the time, especially with in-line haul service. See: The Importance of Proper Tire Inflation".
Well, there's some food for thought. The guys who sold me my 19. 5 retreads at TCI Commercial Tire in El Cajon, CA ,mounted 'em on my truck, they knew the law said I could run 'em.
One young underling there arrogantly asked why they were mounting 'em in the steer position, claiming they were only drive tires and misquoted the law (like the guys you talked with) to me:
I said, do you know what they law precisely says ? He says, well not exactly, I quoted it to him exactly, and pointed out, on a 4 WHEEL DRIVE truck, the fronts are also DRIVE WHEELS, so you can rest easy when you put 'em on..... ha ha ha ha ha
Wish you well whatever you do, take care ! Load some pics when you do, please... .
David B.
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Plus shipping, Retail!!
