leversole Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 I know there is a stigma against running retreads on steer axles over the road...but what about our hobby trucks? Does anyone run retreads on the front?I have heard good things about Michelin retreads...I can get Michelin XZA retreads on Michelin casings for $289 in 11R24.5...that is compared to the least expensive new tire I could find, a Yokahama RY617 for $455...Thoughts and opinions are welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post vision386 Posted February 20, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted February 20, 2013 No caps on steer tires PERIOD! can't emphasize enough just how dangerous that could be! there have been many significant improvements in caps over the years,longevity,safetywise,but not for use on the steer axle! better to spend the money on a good set of seconds.......................................Mark 5 Quote Mack Truck literate. Computer illiterate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigdogtrucker Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Not sure if it would even be legal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Maikshilo Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Most of the owner operator garbage trucks up here run winter deep recaps on the front of their trucks all year long and I haven't heard of any coming apart. I wouldn't run them on a everyday truck but that's me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leversole Posted February 20, 2013 Author Share Posted February 20, 2013 Not sure if it would even be legal?Only illegal on a bus or greater than 4650 #s from what I've read... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 No caps on steer tires PERIOD! can't emphasize enough just how dangerous that could be! there have been many significant improvements in caps over the years,longevity,safetywise,but not for use on the steer axle! better to spend the money on a good set of seconds.......................................MarkI agree with this for a work truck.But, just how much "hobby" are you talking? If the local shows, Don't see a big problem.If you are looking to Macungie or other distance, I wouldn't Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theakerstwo Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Not sure if it would even be legal?I HAVE NEVER LOOK IT UP AS FOR AS LEGAL BUT SOME ONE I TRUST WITH ANYTHING ALMOST TELLS ME THAT IT IS NOT LEGAL TO RUN CAPS ON A PASSENAGER CARRY VEHICLE BUT OK FOR AS A COMMERIAL TRUCK. i RUN CAPS ON A CESSNA 180 AIRPLANE. Quote glenn akers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCR Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Nothing less than 4/32 of tread and no caps on front tires. Quote Denny330-550-6020A "Mack Pack" Charter Member Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidniteMechanic Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Perfectly legal on a truck. Key is casing and cap quality. Any concerns run them on the drive or trailer for a trip or two. If it's a bad cap it will show up pretty quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Superdog Posted February 20, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted February 20, 2013 A wise old man told me along time ago,if you can't afford tires,you can't afford the truck.Legal or not,I'd never,ever run recaps on the steer axle. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 2stacksuperdog Posted February 20, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted February 20, 2013 I would never put recaps on the steer axle. 3 Quote Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Offset-U-bet! Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Actually in the 20 years I've been driving and the 40 years I've been around trucks and equipment, AT NO TIME are caps allowed on the steer axle. No exceptions. It is federally illegal! Tread depth is also 4/32 on the front and 2/32 on the rear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theakerstwo Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 398.5 (E) (e) Tires. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with tires of adequate capacity to support its gross weight. No motor vehicle shall be operated on tires which have been worn so smooth as to expose any tread fabric or which have any other defect likely to cause failure. No vehicle shall be operated while transporting passengers while using any tire which does not have tread configurations on that part of the tire which is in contact with the road surface. No vehicle transporting passengers shall be operated with re-grooved, re-capped, or re-treaded tires on front wheels. This is all i could find on caps. 1 Quote glenn akers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Offset-U-bet! Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 398.5 (E) (e) Tires. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with tires of adequate capacity to support its gross weight. No motor vehicle shall be operated on tires which have been worn so smooth as to expose any tread fabric or which have any other defect likely to cause failure. No vehicle shall be operated while transporting passengers while using any tire which does not have tread configurations on that part of the tire which is in contact with the road surface. No vehicle transporting passengers shall be operated with re-grooved, re-capped, or re-treaded tires on front wheels.This is all i could find on caps. Either way! It's not a good idea! Spend the extra $$$ on the new fronts and get the lesser expencive for the drives! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Hancock Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Les you better go with virgins on the front from what I read of your posts you put more miles on it than real truckers. 1 Quote Don Hancock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 398.5 (E) (e) Tires. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with tires of adequate capacity to support its gross weight. No motor vehicle shall be operated on tires which have been worn so smooth as to expose any tread fabric or which have any other defect likely to cause failure. No vehicle shall be operated while transporting passengers while using any tire which does not have tread configurations on that part of the tire which is in contact with the road surface. No vehicle transporting passengers shall be operated with re-grooved, re-capped, or re-treaded tires on front wheels.This is all i could find on caps.Maybe this means you can run them on a truck as long as you don't have anyone in the passenger seat. Ok to endanger yourself just don't take anyone with you. I remember a guy that was running caps on his DM's. When the first one came apart and took half the hood with it, he changed his mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 8 Against2 For mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
felicello122 Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 HELL NO!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 bcr Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Ran Bandag caps on the drives and swore by them.Now, steer axle........ NEVER! Spend the extra $$$$ get GOOD virgin steer tires. The amount of safety built in to that decision,will let you sleep and motor in peace! Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Mack Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 In my area...Commercial trucks and buses...which are subject to annual or semi-annual "Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement" independant inspection.Recap, retread, remould or re-grooved tires are illegal on an 'active' steer axleRetreads can be used on 'passive' self-steering axle..light vehicles (except taxi or bus)..no annual inspection, owner rsponsible for condition and maintenance.re-tread accepted on steer axle... (but you will rarely see them due to market conditions)now, what is a "hobby truck"...???!!!!!here in BC, they are technically classified as a 'private truck' ONLY if used for personal and non-commercial use... there is a further classification of 'collector car' which is confusing as a bus or class 8 truck is included if it meets reuirements...if you pull a private trailer with your other private truck loaded on it.. well, then it becomes an issue which could requires some discussion with the gubberment, usually a less frequent commercial inspection is called for due to concerns of weight and brakes.... and these are on a case-by-case basis.I have seen 'exemption' letters for approved variances on a few specialist trucks and some have included tires but they were slow moving vehicles. I think the local 'Hayes' club has a 3 year inspection.if you want to run a non-commercial hobby truck with non-virgin tires on the steer axle then you may want to consult your state motor vehicle act, as there will obviously be differences state to state, and may be determined by gvw regardless of use.here's one to ponder..!!!! would you rather have fresh namebrand recaps on the front steer... or... virgin tires with a 15 year date code????? hmmmmBC Mack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg1 Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 I wont even run caps on my trailer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leversole Posted February 20, 2013 Author Share Posted February 20, 2013 I guess I got my answer!!!!! Will look at the BFGoodrich or Yokahama..Thanks for all the comments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb502 Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 I do not like caps but I'm going to recap my drive tires on the rw since they are all matching cases with no defects and I don't use it commercially. Here in TN you won't pass a DOT with a cap on a steer, and I have heard of a truck getting shut down in Manchester for caps on the steer. I would never do it period, its not that much more money to get a set of Roadmaster RM 180 steer tires they aren't the best but they'll work and last a long time on a hobby truck. Quote "Any Society that would give up a little LIBERTY to gain a little SECURITY will Deserve Neither and LOSE BOTH" -Benjamin Franklin"If your gonna be STUPID, you gotta be TOUGH" "You cant always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you get what you need" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifth wheel Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Regs say you can except on a bus, I wouldn't and some of the of the cheapo's won't last for the first cap. I put premium firsts on the steer, and run the drives and the trailer to the air shows thru. My .02 .FW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted February 20, 2013 Share Posted February 20, 2013 Leslie - likely the Michelins will be okay but as others posted, invest in a good set of virgin tires, check the toe-in, and keep them balanced. In the back of my mind I think about a front tire blowout when bobtailing (especially with a single axle tractor).I am sure you checked the internet for best pricing. There is a shop in Chambersburg PA that has good prices on Michelin tires. I don't remember the name but I will look for it if you are interested. Don't forget, your current tires may be worth some money (if the casings are good). Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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