Re - Caps ? Anyone run them?

[RadarTech]

Retreaded means manufactured by a process in which a tread is attached to a casing.

Part 571.117: Standard No. 117; Retreaded pneumatic tires. - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Regrooved:

c) Regroovable tire means a tire, either original tread or retread, designed and constructed with sufficient tread material to permit renewal of the tread pattern or the generation of a new tread pattern in a manner which conforms to this part.

(d) Regrooved tire means a tire, either original tread or retread, on which the tread pattern has been renewed or a new tread has been produced by cutting into the tread of a worn tire to a depth equal to or deeper than the molded original groove depth.

This is in Part 569.

Thanks..

I think...

:laughing:

 

[Oldtrout]

There is a company here that remoulds tires,a lot of people here run them,with no issues.

Here is a link.....Eastern Tire

 

[firedog]

Well, after reviewing the several definitions for recapped & regrooved; I stand corrected. I had assumed they were the same. Ten points to Duffster.

I still don't think I would ever run them on the front, though. If it's dangerous for a bus to run them, I figure it would be just as bad if I lost control and hit a bus. I do apologize for the slight highjacking of the OP's thread. I believe he meant for cars & trucks not 18 wheelers, so, no I don't run recaps.

Dad didn't do it, I'm not going to either. And some people said Dad was hardheaded. Hmmm.....

 

[thatguy]

On another forum the topic or recaps came up.. this place came recommended - I think th rock crawler/off roaders really like them

Retread Tires - Buy Retread Tires, Cheap Truck Tires, Off Road Tires, and Retreads Online

brian

 

[crazyal]

Years ago there was a tire dealer down the road from where I worked. their bread and butter was recapping tires. They did sell plent of new tires but I don't think there was much profit in it for them. Since my boss was cheap we would run recaps year round (winter tread). Since I knew them pretty well from all the years of buying tires I would often chat with them in their shop as they recapped tires (car and pickup).

The first step was to inspect the tire for any damage. Things like holes and damaged cords. Usually the tires were ones from people who came in buying new tires so they would mark the ones that held air. They did have a machine that would grab the beads and pull them apart while pushing the tread up so they could get a good look at the inside of the tire to fix a small hole.

The next step was to grind off the existing tread and rough up the tire for the new rubber to stick to.

Then they would put a layer of glue down then the new rubber. the rubber looked like that dough you buy in the tubes. It was flat and the sides were tapered but it had no real shape. They would just stick it on the tires spin the tire around and then cut off what ever excess was left over off.

The next step was a heated mold. They were tire size specific so they had lots of mold and they had 4 machines so they could make for of any size at once. The mold split into 4 pieces. and the inside of it was the reverse of the tread the tire would have and had small vent holes in it. They would lay the tire flat wrap the mold around it. Inside the tire they would put a rubber bladder that would fill up and push the tire into the tread pattern on the mold. It was also heated to vulcanize the recap to the tire. The excess rubber would flow up those small vent holes I earlier talked about.

I can't remember how long they would leave the tire in the mold but I don't think it was too long. The final step was to remove the tire and clean up the sides where excess rubber squeezed out. Where each section of mold came together the tire would have a flap of rubber that would start on one side of the tire, run through the tread and end at the other side of the tire. They would trim that flush with the tread. If anyone's ever bought new tires and seen the small round knobs sticking out of the tires, those are from the excess rubber going out the vent holes.

Not being an expert I could guess where mistakes could be made. First if they didn't rough the tire up enough or too much. Second if they didn't put the correct amount of glue down or if they didn't get glue everywhere the rubber will contact the tire. Finally would be the mold temp and time in the mold. Get any one of those wrong and I would guess the cap could come off the tire while driving down the road.

 

[sandman2234]

Post # 25 ???

Regrooved is not the same as recapped. Regrooved is where you take a cutter to the tire and deepen the grooves that already exist in the tire, (*or make new ones). This process is typically done to virgin rubber tires to extend the life of them. Way too much time to invest for the average company, but some small time tire places still do it on a limited amount.
Recapped is where the tire is stripped of all thread and a new piece of rubber is added as a "cap", thereby extending it's life by adding new rubber.
David from jax


OPPS, Sorry for the late reply, as this has been asked and answered.
David

 

[Verticaltrx]

Seems this thread is a bit off topic on legality of recaps on tractor trailers...

So, as to the OPs original question, I am running recaps on my '88 F-250 for the past year or so and I'm pretty happy with them. I use it for towing, hauling (sometimes 200-300mi round trip), work around the farm, in the woods, etc. They are 285/75R16 and the exact same tread pattern as BFG All-Terrains and even use BFG A/T carcasses. I paid $95 each for them vs $230 each for the BFG's and so far performance has been identical. The only drawback is they were a bit hard to balance and are slightly out of balance at around 35-40mph, above or below that they ride smooth. I don't know how long they will last, but I don't put many miles on this truck so they will probably rot out before they wear out. They also came with a guarantee that if the tread separates when the tire has 50% or more tread left they will give you a new tire or your money back, no questions asked.

 

[Thames Jones]

With the current snowfall I have been thinking about Mud/Snow tires for the winter ... while searching re-caps come up alot .. so does anyone use them?

Yes Mud/Snow tires is very useful tires when you are driving in ruthless terrain. You should be careful in selecting Mud/Snow tires, some of the points I am mentioning here that will help you in selecting the best tires.

Points to be taken care for Mud Tires

1. Maximum Height
2. Evaluate on road driving
3. Is your vehicle 4X4?

Points to be taken care for Snow Tires

1. Check weather condition
2. Performance evaluation
3. Choose small width tires
4. Replace all at a time.

 

[spruce Deere]

With the current snowfall I have been thinking about Mud/Snow tires for the winter ... while searching re-caps come up alot .. so does anyone use them?

I just run re-caps in the winter on my pick-up. Heavy and noisy but with the deep lug traction they work good in snow.