Goodyear’s Marathon Now Better Equipped to Go the Distance

Goodyear is set to release a longer-lasting and more durable version of its ultra-low profile trailer tyre, the Goodyear Marathon 455/40R22.5 LHT (Long Haul Trailer). To differentiate this new and improved version from the existing Marathon a plus symbol has been added; the LHT+, as the new tyre is to be known, has the distinction of being the lowest diameter 22.5” trailer tyre on the market and, Goodyear claims that, amongst other performance improvements, the LHT+ offers 10 per cent more mileage than its predecessor.

With the Goodyear Marathon LHT+ 455/40R22.5 tyre featuring what its manufacturer states is the lowest aspect ratio – 40 per cent – offered on a trailer tyre, operators are able to maximise the size of the brakes fitted to units wearing the Marathon LHT+, making the tyre a suitable choice for maximum cube ‘Mega Trailers’.

The improvements offered by the Goodyear Marathon LHT+ have been accomplished through the use of a new compound and tread area carcass construction. The compound is of a high reinforcing carbon type with high silica content and a high tear-resistant elastomer. The new footprint of the Marathon LHT+ provides a more even ground contact pressure distribution, reducing friction and wear at the shoulders.

According to Goodyear, the 455/40R22.5 Goodyear Marathon LHT+ is an ideal fitment for Mega Trailers with a 5th wheel height of less than 1 metre, thus allowing maximum cargo volume combined with 22.5-inch brakes. This tyre size is also an option for trailers using a 5th wheel height of 1030mm. The tyremaker adds that, compared to a standard 385/55R22.5 tyre, the new tyre offers improved fuel consumption through lower rolling resistance and higher service mileage. A claimed added bonus is that the maintenance costs for a trailer with 22.5-inch rims and large brakes are considerably lower than for a similar trailer with 19.5-inch rims and smaller brakes.

This tyre size was originally developed in association with German trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull for a new generation of mega trailer, and the design brief was to develop tyres of a minimum possible diameter to fit a standard 22.5” rim so that maximum size trailer brakes could be employed.

“It is very satisfying to be able to further improve a unique product which offers so many operator benefits,” said Henry Johnson, managing director of Goodyear’s European truck tyre operations. “The benefits that already come from this tyre include a 9-tonne axle capacity, good fuel consumption, high mileage, low noise and excellent straight ahead running. But its great selling point is the ability to provide ‘mega trailers’ with a full 3 metre internal height, within the 4 metre legal maximum height, and that allows the use of the most efficient brakes.”

The Marathon LHT+ 455/40R22.5 complements the existing range of Marathon LHT tyres from Goodyear. The Marathon LHT range covers the popular trailer tyre sizes and comes in two designs, one for 22.5” rims and the other for 19.5” and 17.5”.