| Tire Situation from Firestone/Bridgestone guy [message #127288] |
Tue, 24 May 2011 10:55  |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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I just finished a long and interesting person from the Technical - Applications group of Firestone/Bridgestone.
According to his information the 8.75ER16.5 is listed as continued availability, but not suggested for application (meaning don't build anything new that will require it). It is his opinion that the volume is still high enough that there will be supply for many years to come. But he did caution that warehouses are not likely to hold much stock and back-orders should be expected.
Translation:
If you are planning to buy 8.75*16.5 soon, have your local dealer start looking. He may need to place an order to get an promise date, and that may be several months in the future.
I also asked about 225-75RE-16. His data shows a significant demand. They will be readily available for a long time.
As to larger rim sizes, yes, they are out there, but they are not coming on in truck load ranges as fast as was expected. These are still a premium tire that people that really use trucks are not eager to roll out the extra expense to get.
And that is What I Know TODAY.
Disclaimer: In today's world, companies have to stay very agile to stay in business. All of the above is really controlled by:
A - Market forces (I don't think any demand can change that fast)
B - Management Fiat (a new guy may have different view and change things - fast)
Me, I'm going to keep looking to acquire 16" steel but if I don't have them when tires get near problem age, I will find some new Transforce to put on.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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