recaps opinion

[Sam 4106]

The company I bought my recaps from gave the Midwest Bus Nuts group a tour of their recapping plant a few years ago while the employees were working. As we came to each station in the inspection and capping process the person at that station stopped working and explained their step in the process and answered any questions. I , at least, got a very good understanding of the process. After seeing the complex procedure that the tires go through I felt that any fault had been caught and repaired or that casing was rejected. I don't think they will recap a tire that is very old but I don't know what the age limit is. Remember that you can also get new tires that have been laying in a warehouse too long, especially if your size tires are low in demand. We all do the things that we are comfortable with. I am probably willing to accept a higher degree of risk than some others. The original poster asked for opinions and I'm glad that so many have offered theirs.
Good luck, Sam MC8

[Mex-Busnut]

In the past, on my truck, I had very good service from Bandag recaps, as RJ said.  They ARE a little harder ride than some others.

I also had to replace on another truck, five BRAND NEW Firestones (bought as a set) which blew out at highway speeds during the first year on the road. Yes, I was meticulous about air pressure and keeping them balanced and rotated. I dragged the blown Firestone carcases all the way from central Mexico up to Texas where I had bought them for exchange or refund. The dealer blamed me, and wouldn't settle.  A few months later Firestone had a whole bunch of lawsuits.  I have steered clear of Firestones ever since. I use Michelin or Goodyear.

[kyle4501]

. . . . Remember that you can also get new tires that have been laying in a warehouse too long,. . . .

Exactly the point I was trying to make - available casing life is more important to me than if it is new or recapped.

[Ed Hackenbruch]

One thing that i noticed here is that nobody that bought recaps said they put them on the steers. Why is that? 

[happycamperbrat]

I may be mistaken Ed, but I believe it is illegal to run recaps on steers.

[TomC]

You can run recaps on the steers if it is for regional use only (limited freeway use).  I know UPS brown delivery vans use recaps on the steers that I've seen in L.A. But for over the road and continuous high speed use, no they are not legal.  Good Luck, TomC

[Busted Knuckle]

You can run recaps on the steers if it is for regional use only (limited freeway use).  I know UPS brown delivery vans use recaps on the steers that I've seen in L.A. But for over the road and continuous high speed use, no they are not legal.  Good Luck, TomC

Tom thank you for that insight!
I know they aren't legal at all on the steer axle of a bus! I had no clue about trucks, RV's cars etc!
  BK 

[robertglines1]

I have two friends that are in the recap business..Phil Raben and Reis tires...in the midwest..my area..they put me in recaps for drivers..and for now they were rite..the two new tires I had fail were less than 3 yrs old with 90% tread.with monitored air /temp monitoring with alarm..Reis said they don"t do over 5 yr old casings and inspect all very close..actually rejected a 3yr old casing I provided..so I run recaps on drivers.and would run on tags if needed..I do run new tires under 5yrs old on steers..then to tags they go...11,100 total weight on front axle.315 80 r 22.5 tires..90 lbs air per manufacturer..do I trust new tires???good question!will not be Goodyear..both that failed were..My experience only....and my formed opinion    Bob

[Dave5Cs]

Ok wise ones can you put on regular tires on the inside that are new because I have them but not installed yet and caps on the outside in the rear? or not good idea?

Dave

[busnut104]

If it where me I would run the caps with caps. and if you chose to mix make sure the height is the same.

[DMoedave]

In NY you cannot run recaps at steering axle on commercial buses. Thats all that is prohibited. Most people wont ever on the steers. Have you got any prices on the retreads Kevin?

[sweeney153]

i have a line on 4 for $250.00 from a friend.

[Ed Hackenbruch]

Thought maybe that it wasn't legal to run them on steers but wasn't sure about that.  So what does that tell you about recaps???...... I have never run recaps on anything i have owned, and I never will.   

[kyle4501]

Thought maybe that it wasn't legal to run them on steers but wasn't sure about that.  So what does that tell you about recaps???......

Nothing, since some laws are based on lobbyist influence instead of facts. Just imagine the money manufacturers spend to sell more of their product?

If recaps were so bad, you'd see more trouble out of 'em. As it is, a quality recap is as good as a new tire (as long as the age isn't an issue).

Most of the recap failures were from the old days & most of the negative stories date way back . . . . My grandad had lots of horror stories about caps coming off. . . .

I'd still say for our use, the unit cost of the tire is price divided by useable time left, not miles. . . .

[Ed Hackenbruch]

And tires are one place i am not going to scrimp on.