These tires have been in development for four years and the company says they combine the properties now most sought after by pickup / SUV owners - aggressive tread for extreme off-roading, as well as quiet running and good ride quality on asphalt. BFG calls these tires "hybrid" - the biggest trend in the off-road tire segment, and BFGoodrich notes that it could even lead to an increase in sales in this segment by about 2 million tires.
The BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T / A is available in 36 sizes (15 to 20 inches), which will significantly expand the BFGoodrich range of pickup tires. Basically, this means that the tires will be offered in sizes that will fit almost all pickup trucks and SUVs. Sizes are also available with the LRE index (increased load capacity).
In the BFGoodrich hierarchy, the novelty will take its place between the road BFGoodrich Long Trail T / A and the more “prone” to off-road BFGoodrich All-Terrain T / A KO. Until then, the gap between road and off-road tires was closed by the BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T / A, which is still OE on several vehicles. It is not yet known whether the BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T / A will replace these tires in the OE segment, but such a possibility seems more than likely.
New BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T / A off-road tires
Following the premiere of the new model, BFG's pickup tire range will include 97% of the P-metric and 95% LT of the market today.
“Our goal is to create quality tires for all categories of drivers,” says Marcus Baffoe-Bonnie, Marketing Director of BFG. “And the new BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T / A is designed for drivers looking for a more versatile tire, suitable for both daily commuting and weekend adventures.”
BFG notes that the new tread pattern provides "excellent dry and wet ride quality combined with optimal traction on off-road terrain."
During the development of the new model, engineers used data from a wide variety of test ranges and tracks, in hundreds of off-road races and during closed test sessions with racing teams. As noted, thanks to the improved tread pattern and rubber compound, the new tires perform 30% better on wet asphalt than the BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T / A. This is largely due to the two large longitudinal grooves in the central part of the tread, which more efficiently drain water from the contact patch and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
The tires also feature unique tread characteristics that make them “one of the most versatile tires” on the market today.
Features of BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T / A tires
- Special tread elements for noise reduction - “cover” some sipes when driving on asphalt to reduce noise and increase comfort.
- Two large longitudinal grooves - drain water from the contact patch and reduce the risk of aquaplaning
- Aggressive tread pattern - BFG technologies allow the tread to "wrap" around the sidewall for a more eye-catching design and also improve traction on the road
- Self-cleaning tread elements - cleans the tire from gravel and dirt on "light" off-road
- Equal Tension Containment System (ETEC System) technology - increases durability when riding on any type of surface
Michelin North America, which owns the BFGoodrich brand, took over a year to develop the new BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T / A all-season off-road tires for off-road driving. Tire production was originally slated for 2010, but Michelin had to sacrifice a new project to increase production of its existing light truck product due to shortage and increased demand.
Dubbed as a "lifestyle tire" by the manufacturer, the BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T / A features an aggressive off-road design, low rolling resistance, reduced noise, and traction for year-round use. According to the manufacturer, the combination of the improved structure and tread design has improved the wet performance of the BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain by 30% over previous models. The tire tread is equipped with a special noise-absorbing element. The tread has two wraparound grooves for efficient water drainage. The shoulder tread has an aggressive design "for a daring look and increased traction on the road." The BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T / A SUV tires are manufactured with ETEC System (Equal Tension Containment System) technology, which provides the rubber with "toughness for all-terrain."