Continental Tire North America has released its new wide-base trailer tire, HTL1, this week, designed for weight and fuel savings.

The HTL1, Heavy Trailer Long-Haul, features 13/32 inch tread depth and can be used to replace duals on highway or regional trailer axle fitments. The tire has six ribs to evenly distribute the weight and protect the tread pattern from irregular wear. A decoupler rib offers irregular wear resistance at the shoulder.

Using the HTL1, fleets can make more payload capacity possible, saving up to 1,022 pounds of vehicle weight by switching from steel rim dual tires to an aluminum rim wide base configuration, Continental says.

Continental says the tires can also help save fuel through HTL1's compounding and reduced rolling resistance. The design's two sidewalls and beads instead of four with a dual set of tires produces less energy in flexing. Drivers can also experience improved stability due to the wider axle track.

Other features of the HTL1 include a pyramid stone bumper/ejection system to reduce stone retention and casing penetrations, and scuff ribs that prevent curbing and cutting of the sidewall.

The maximum load capacity of each tire is 10,200 pounds at 120 psi, and it comes in a 445/50R22.5 size.

More info: www.continental-truck.com.