Global tire supplier Hankook Tire said a survey finding “huge demand” for travel trailer tire offerings led the company to create its first RV industry tire.
The company release Vantra Trailer this month, an aftermarket offering which marked the company’s first trailer product.
Hankook Director of Marketing JJ Park said a 2019 market survey found huge demand, especially for “high-end” products rather than the “budget” trailer tire offerings dominating the market.
“We wanted to enter this segment to deliver high-quality options for end users who are looking for better, more reliable performance in terms of endurance and higher speed rating,” Park said. “Typically, when consumers are in need of trailer tires, they will be using them to transport valuable items such as boats, campers, etc. We wanted to provide a high-quality product that they could trust to transport these valuable items safely.”
In launching an RV related product, Hankook Tire is moving into a space where it has little connection to OEM or aftermarket customers. Hankook VP of Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) Sales Rob Williams said the company plans to work with OEMs and dealers to promote Vantra Trailer.
“We know that end-users who are seeking trailer products are typically very knowledgeable and savvy shoppers who are looking for higher quality, more durable and safer hauling products,” Williams said. “We hope to reach those consumers directly, but also plan to strategize ways to reach OE manufacturers as well, including RV manufacturers.”
Hankook’s Vantra Trailer and its high-load version, Vantra Trailer TH31, incorporate trailer-specific tread technology, the company stated. Hankook stated it focused on aspects such as decoupling grooves located at shoulder sections to improve traction in all road conditions.
Vantra Trailer TH31 was created with a main zig-zag groove, which provides “excellent” traction, the company stated, and water drainage under various road conditions.
“Though trailer tires look similar to other tires, they actually differ significantly in terms of functions, usage environments, etc.,” said Bongjin Kim, Hankook’s senior manager of the company’s Light Truck SUV and Light Truck Van project. “So, for this special trailer segment, we focused on the fact that trailer tires must be able to handle things like heavy loads and long-term parking among other factors.”
Kim noted the development process focused on durability and long life.
“We enhanced the belt endurance with the folded belt edge tape, and made sure that high strength bead wires were used to improve uniformity and durability of the bead position,” Kim said.
To make the tires last, Kim said the company adopted a new compound mixing system. High structure and small particle-size carbon were applied to deliver high mileage, Kim said.
“We are committed to offering tire products that enable consumers to enjoy the freedom of the open road and the adventure of the great outdoors,” said Curtis Brison, the company’s VP of passenger car and light truck sales. “We are eager to enter this segment and look forward to serving the market with our new and innovative Vantra Trailer products.”
The Vantra Trailer will be released in nine sizes. The TH31 high-load version will be released in three sizes. Both are built to perform on vehicles such as campers, fifth wheels and travel trailers.
