What makes R287A different?

R287A is built on the success of the R287. The new R287A is engineered to deliver even more tread wear and mileage. And one of the ways it does so is by relocating the Side Groove structure, which has been found to improve the tire's appearance as it wears.

How can an appearance issue promote more mileage?

The rubber above the Side Groove structure got very thin. Some fleets didn't worry about it. Some thought it meant the tread was worn out. One user even asked if he could cut this rubber off with a knife to improve the appearance of his steers.

To change that, engineers relocated the Side Groove structure.

How much?

Just 1.2 millimeters. That’s 0.0472440945 of an inch.

The junction where the cap-base compound joins – near the Side Groove feature – was relocated a bit too.

When tractors logged super-high mileage and the R287 tread was nearly worn out, some fleets noticed the shoulders appeared strangely discolored. What was happening was the cap compound had completely worn in some areas, revealing the base compound, which is a slightly different color.

Adjusting the location of the cap-base compound junction reduces the chances of ever seeing the base compound.

What’s the function of the cap-base compound?

The cap-base compound gives R287A outstanding tire life, which means more mileage. The new cap or top tread compound is formulated to run cool for longer wear. It also withstands the severe scrubbing forces during hard cornering and braking that a steer radial encounters, especially those in regional hauling. Underneath, the base compound insulates the casing for outstanding retreadability.

Speaking of longer wear, the R287A uses a shallow 16/32" tread depth.

But doesn’t that affect tire life?

Traditionally the deeper the tread, the more miles it lasts. But a shallower tread tends to stay put and wear evenly because it doesn’t flex as much. While R287A is designed for the “longest” long-distance fleets, it is proving to be a very forgiving tire, offering extended tire life under a variety of routes and operating conditions.

What else?

We discussed where the Side Groove structure is located, but not its function in equalizing shoulder pressure.

When a tread makes contact with the pavement, pressure is greatest at the main ribs and decreases as it moves across to the shoulders. Pressure at the shoulder edges is uneven, which can cause irregular wear, such as shoulder cupping.

The Side Groove feature equalizes pressure over the shoulder rib surface, helping fight shoulder tearing and edge and wavy wear.

To help equalize pressure on the main ribs in a slightly different way, R287A uses the Equalizer Rib design. This structure promotes uniform rib wear and higher removal mileage with a small “sacrificial” rib that absorbs irregular wear forces and fights initiation and spread of edge wear.

What about fuel economy?

This issue of Real Answers includes an interview with a California Air Resources Board (CARB) official about the steps you need to take to prepare your fleet. Driving on SmartWay^SM-verified tires is one step.

R287A meets California’s CARB requirements and is approved for use on EPA SmartWay-certified tractors.

Is the R287 tire discontinued?

At the time of introduction, the R287A will be available in the low-profile 22.5 size only. When molds are manufactured and production is ramped up on the standard 22.5 and 24.5 and low-profile 24.5 sizes, the R287 will be discontinued. 

Where can I go for more information?

Ask your Bridgestone representative or dealer. We’ll even mail a free R287A brochure to you. Fill out a request on this Web site by clicking on “Brochures & Catalogs” or call 1-888-694-0469.