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Feb 1, 2003 12:00 PM

TANKERS with big tires were the stars at the 2002 Cargo Tank Maintenance Seminar and Equipment Show in Chicago, Illinois. A significant number of tank trailers at the show were outfitted with Michelin's new X-One widebase single tire.

Despite mixed results with previous widebase tire products, a number of tank truck fleets are taking the plunge once more. By most accounts, they are getting encouraging results with this newest-generation single tire that was designed specifically for US longhaul and regional operations. Michelin's X-One was the widebase single of choice for the trailers displayed in Chicago, but other tire manufacturers are scrambling to introduce competing products. According to Michelin officials, the tire provides weight savings (approximately 896 pounds for a tandem-axle vehicle), as well as lower rolling resistance and improved responsiveness and handling.