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Full Version: Safety, Military style runflats on front 365's
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Hi,
This installation is on my Bluebird 450Lxi with the same 365 Michelin tires and rims as most Prevosts. While the Prevost has a stronger and more robust steering system, a front tire failure can be catastrophic on any class A.

 The time came to renew my front tires. (~7 years).
On the recent tip to Nova Scotia, I was getting a slight intermittent vibration in the wheel. I had it checked in Quebec and they felt it was the tire wear pattern.  It wasn't a balance issue as I have Centramatics as balancers    Google:Centramatics.
 
As I have Hutchinson Rodgard runflats, I returned to their Plant in Buffalo NY.. 
(There is another owner that has had them installed successfully elsewhere,but there has also been 2 outside installations that failed and were removed.)

In the event of a front tire failure, these runflats should make control possible reduce damage and will allow up to 50 miles of travel at a reduced speed. 

 I bought the new tires through Valley Tires in Buffalo under the Advantage program. ($1795 including all taxes )They removed the wheels and Hutchinson picked them up. ( couple blocks away).   Hutchinson  removed to old tires and mounted the new.
Valley Tire reinstalled the wheels, did a chassis lube could have done the alignment..
 
Everything went smoothly and the ride on the way home was perfect.
 
Since Hutchinson purchases many tires, Brian Sanom is putting together pricing that hopefully will match the Michelin Tire program. 
He will then give pricing for complete packages. including pricing with new Alcoa rims.
 If anyone is interested, one method could be to send Hutchinson your Alcoa rims (no tire) and have the wheel/tire assembly shipped back.
 Included are 3 pictures of the installation, and the contact information and a brochure. In the photos, a little of the actual runflat is visible. My Alcoa rim is protected by a insert . Looking at the brochures, the one installed is a RRF 
(similar to the CRF but with rimlock)

The  manufacturing plant is impressive ,fully secured..and restricted. 
Hutchinson brochure:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OR3-rGd...sp=sharing[attachment=623]


Regards,
Ross[attachment=626][attachment=625][attachment=624]
Interesting stuff Ross. Thanks for the post. Just a few questions:

1) what do the runflats weigh? Are they precision made/balanced parts to the point where Centramatics are sufficient for balance fine tuning?

2) do you have the rubber version which requires a lubricant? Is there a schedule for renewing the lubricant?

3) I see on the Hutchinson website that they do their own two piece aluminum wheels. This approach seems like it eases the installation process. Have you considered these? Cost?

4) the composite runflat is interesting because of it's ability to spin at tire rate; i.e., it slips on wheel. Is there a version of this for our tires?

Good stuff!
Hi,
I'm waiting for a company reply re "Balance" and exact weight.
I have no balance issue . The Centramatics easily balance as they have 6 ounces of balance weight within them.

I was told that the run flats are approx 50 lbs.

The RRF runflats for our Alcoa wheel are Composite with runner-roller design.

For the low numbers , I doubt the design and production of a 2 piece wheel would be feasible

Ross


(11-12-2019 22:46)davidbrady Wrote: [ -> ]Interesting stuff Ross. Thanks for the post. Just a few questions:

1) what do the runflats weigh? Are they precision made/balanced parts to the point where Centramatics are sufficient for balance fine tuning?

2) do you have the rubber version which requires a lubricant? Is there a schedule for renewing the lubricant?

3) I see on the Hutchinson website that they do their own two piece aluminum wheels. This approach seems like it eases the installation process. Have you considered these? Cost?

4) the composite runflat is interesting because of it's ability to spin at tire rate; i.e., it slips on wheel. Is there a version of this for our tires?

Good stuff!
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