Continental Tire North America says the HTL1 wide-base trailer tire, available as of today, can offer “significant weight savings and fuel efficiency.” The new HTL1 (Heavy Trailer Long-Haul) replaces duals on highway or regional trailer, featuring 13/32-in. tread depth. The six-rib design evenly distributes the load over the crown of the tire to protect the tread pattern from irregular wear, the company says, and a decoupler rib provides better irregular wear resistance at the shoulder.

Weight savings, as with all wide singles, can mount up. Continental says changing from steel-rim dual tires to an aluminum-rim wide base configuration on the drive and trailer axles can save up to 1022 lb – and many kilograms.

The HTL1 is said to provide 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’s less energy generated in flexing. 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 SmartWay Transport Partnership estimates that a combination long-haul truck could save more than 400 gallons of fuel per year.

Other key features of the HTL1 include a unique pyramid stone bumper/ejection system to reduce stone retention and casing penetrations and scuff ribs to protect the sidewall from curbing and cutting.

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