FORT MILL, SC - Continental Tire North America, Inc. is now offering cost-conscious trucking companies its first solution for both weight and fuel savings, with the introduction on July 1 of the HTL1, a wide-base trailer tire.

Designed for significant weight savings and fuel efficiency, the HTL1 (Heavy Trailer Long-Haul) is a super single tire that replaces duals on highway or regional trailer axle fitments. The HTL1 features 13/32" tread depth, which minimizes irregular wear and maximizes fuel efficiency. The six rib design evenly distributes the load over the crown of the tire to protect the tread pattern from irregular wear, and a decoupler rib provides better irregular wear resistance at the shoulder.

Fleets that must conserve weight, such as fuel or bulk haulers, can use the HTL1 instead of a dual fitment in order to reduce vehicle weight, making more payload capacity possible. When changing from steel rim dual tires to an aluminum rim wide base configuration on the drive and trailer axles, drivers can save up to 1,022 lbs. of vehicle weight.

The HTL1 also provides greater fuel efficiency through advanced compounding and reduced rolling resistance. With only two sidewalls and beads instead of four with a dual set of tires, there is less energy generated in flexing. This factor combines with weight reduction to reduce rolling resistance, which results in greater fuel efficiency. As a result of a wider axle track, drivers can also expect improved vehicle stability when the HTL1 is integrated into new equipment.

By using wide-base tires on all available positions, the EPA SmartWaySM Transport Partnership estimates that a combination long-haul truck could save more than 400 gallons of fuel per year and cut emissions of carbon dioxide (the most common greenhouse gas) by more than four metric tons annually.

Other key features of the HTL1 include:

• A unique pyramid stone bumper/ejection system to reduce stone retention and casing penetrations

• Scuff ribs which protect the sidewall from curbing and cutting

Maximum load capacity of each HTL1 is 10,200 lbs. at 120 psi and the tires can be used at a maximum sustained speed of 75 mph. The HTL1 is available in a 445/50R22.5 size.

For more information, visit the Continental truck tire Web site at www.continental-truck.com or your local Continental truck tire dealer.