Question Rettroband - are they worth it?

[Fish]

I think I read the entire thread, and while I saw where there were several "failures", I didn't see what the definition of failure was. What actually happened to the Rettroband that they called it a failure?

My coach had already Rettrobands installed when I bought it, and I don't know if they are the original ones or the upgraded ones. But I will find out when I have the coach over at NIRVC in about 3 weeks.

They were overtightened and then separated inside the tire. Tire guys who said "Torque wrench, I don't need no stinking torque wrench!!" The new ones have an anti strong arm tire changer dumbass device incorporated.

 

[Truckertom1953]

I'm not an RV'er, but as an OTR trucker since 1973, I'd like to share a few thoughts about Retrobands and heavy truck front tires in general. First, I average 125 to 175 thousand miles per year and expect to get 190 to 250 thousand miles from a set of 11R×22.5 16 ply steer tires. In all these miles and years I've experienced exactly 1 (ONE) steer tire blowout. Now, that said, obviously my tires don't sit for days or weeks without being on the road and my tires are going to wear out before they "time out" from old age. Anyway, for what it's worth, from my point of view, proper balance and alignment are imperative and relatively easily attained. After that, I cannot overemphasize MAINTAINING YOUR TIRE PRESSURES!!!!! This is not a set and forget process. At least once a month or after every major change in temperature and every time I hook a different trailer I check all my tire with MY tire gage that I trust. Anyway, for sure, the steer tire pressures are critical!!! For what it's worth, 2 of the best alignment specialists on the planet recommend to me years ago to run 120 psi in my steer tires of the above mentioned size and ply rating. That has seemed to give me better wear out and casing life over the year. Lastly, do I think the retrobands work? Obviously that's a resounding yes, however, for the expense compared to my personal perceived risk of a blowout, I don't see it as cost effective. But, this is a matter for each to decide I only hope my input is helpful! Be safe!!!

 

[Neemer]

Thanks, @Truckertom1953. It’s interesting to get your perspective on the topic.

As an aside, as much as I love driving, and especially driving my rig, I cannot imagine driving that kind of mileage year after year. I would be looking for a tall cliff over a rocky shore after the first year.

 

[AbdRahim]

I don't have them. If I were a wash in money, I probably would. Of course, if you never have ablowoutthey were not worth it, but if a steer tireblows out and you totalthe rig or sustain injuries, it would have been well worth it. Unfortunately, thesethings can only be determined by hind sight. I think it is a matter of risk tolerance and budget.

Btw, I stopped counting years ago. I have driven over 1.5 million miles in almost everything other than an 18 wheeler and tour bus. Fortunately, I only experience one slow blow out ona rear tire cut by glass in the road. I hope I never experience an instant blowout on any tire.

 

[Richpatty]

And I agree… I appreciate a truckers point of view. But, like you mention, RV tires sit a lot and that can be bad for them. I would also think you do not have tires for over 5 years like RVers do, which contributes to failures. I would also think losing control of an RV is easier on an RV then a truck, but you would have to let us know that…

For these reasons, I would be willing to fork over the dollars for just a little peace of mind…

But everyone has their own opinion on thisnine

 

[Truckertom1953]

I

And I agree… I appreciate a truckers point of view. But, like you mention, RV tires sit a lot and that can be bad for them. I would also think you do not have tires for over 5 years like RVers do, which contributes to failures. I would also think losing control of an RV is easier on an RV then a truck, but you would have to let us know that…

For these reasons, I would be willing to fork over the dollars for just a little peace of mind…

But everyone has their own opinion on thisnine

I agree on all points. Steer tires last me no more than 2 years chronogically. RV's, as you said, sit alot. Therefore, if I could afford them I'd likely buy them for an RV. As an aside, my son's older motor home was pronounced totaled by the insurance company after the tread of a drive tire blow out did so much structural damage. It just all boils down to making the best decisions for your comfort level and budget. I certainly don't pretend to have all the answers! Hahahahaha

 

[Truckertom1953]

Thanks, @Truckertom1953. It’s interesting to get your perspective on the topic.

As an aside, as much as I love driving, and especially driving my rig, I cannot imagine driving that kind of mileage year after year. I would be looking for a tall cliff over a rocky shore after the first year.

We all have our calling. For me, driving is the most relaxing thing I can do, but I fully understand where you're coming from. I get the way you're talking after about 2 years of working Monday through Friday at a "real job"!
Hahahahaha

 

[Neal]

For those that got Retrobands installed, what was your final invoice and what are the details, which tires, tire size, etc. What is the warranty on them?

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Here is a promotional video which is quite compelling in favor of the installation

RettroBand® |

www.rettroband.com

 

[Neemer]

With tax, mine came to a hair under $5K. 365 tires installed July 22.

 

[Neal]

With tax, mine came to a hair under $5K. 365 tires installed July 22.

2 x steer tires?

 

[Neemer]

Si

 

[Richpatty]

Yup. Steer only.

This was the last pricing I saw:

295/305: $3595.
315: $4595
365: $4695.

I am going to try to get a quote this week.

 

[Tnedator]

2 x steer tires?

I believe mine were $3,475 pre-tax. While they previously quoted one price, on my estimate (and I assume invoice, which I don't have handy), they now break out labor, connectors and main retrobands, and it's a bit less than they used to quote. These were for my 305\70R22.5 steers.

Benefits? For me, I'm hoping if I have a blowout, there will be two benefits. First, lower risk of losing control and putting it in a ditch/rolling ( drive a lot on windy Arkansas roads with about an 18" gravel shoulder, and then ditch). Second, if I do have a blowout, hopefully I don't have the extensive damage we often see, where electric bays, steps, wiring/air lines, are destroyed. I'm looking lite it as insurance and hope I never find out if they are as effective as their test (latest test was done with the NIRVC owner and rettroband designer riding in the coach they blew the tire on).

 

[Neal]

While I still think it's tremendously over priced, I guess you buy once and use for the lifetime of the coach. Nothing mentioned on warranty as of yet, what do they tell you?

What happens when Freightliner Gaffney goes to replace your tires?