Goodyear Fuel Max LHD 2 Drive Tire

Quick Facts

Manufacturer: Goodyear
Product Name: Fuel Max LHD 2
Product Type: Fuel-efficient commercial truck drive tire
Primary Position: Drive axle
Wheel Configuration: Conventional dual-tire drive-axle applications
Service Category: Long-haul highway service
Tire Construction: Radial, tubeless
Common Sizes: 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5
Load Range: G for published primary configurations
Published Tread Depth: 24/32 inch
Winter-Traction Rating: Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake
Fuel-Efficiency Technology: Goodyear Fuel Max Technology
Tread Technology: TredLock double-corrugated blades
Retreadable: Yes
Primary Applications: Long-haul tractors, truckload fleets, linehaul fleets, and high-mileage highway operations
Production Status: Current product

Overview

The Goodyear Fuel Max LHD 2 is a commercial truck drive tire developed for fuel-efficient long-haul highway operation. It is intended for conventional dual-wheel drive axles on tractors and heavy trucks that accumulate substantial annual mileage.

Goodyear uses a fuel-focused tread compound and optimized tread design to reduce rolling resistance while preserving traction and tread life. TredLock technology uses double-corrugated blades that interlock as the tread enters the contact patch, helping control block movement and promote even wear.

The tread carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake designation for tested severe-snow traction. Its siping and traction features are designed to remain effective as the tire wears, supporting long-term wet and winter performance.

An enhanced casing structure provides the foundation for load carrying, durability, and future retreading. Proper inflation, dual matching, alignment, and wheel-end maintenance are necessary to realize the tire’s fuel-efficiency and casing-life potential.

Key Characteristics

Developed for long-haul drive-axle service
Designed for conventional dual-wheel arrangements
Goodyear Fuel Max low-rolling-resistance technology
Fuel-focused tread compound
TredLock double-corrugated blades
Controlled tread-block movement
Designed for even wear and lasting traction
24/32-inch original tread depth
Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated
Enhanced casing construction
Designed for maximum retreadability
Available in common 22.5-inch commercial-truck sizes

Major Components

Fuel-focused tread compound
Drive-traction tread blocks
TredLock double-corrugated blades
Full-depth traction features
Circumferential grooves
Shoulder blocks
Steel belt package
Enhanced radial casing
Reinforced sidewalls
Bead bundles
Inner liner
Tread-wear indicators

Product Type and Construction

The Fuel Max LHD 2 is a radial, tubeless commercial truck tire designed for dual-wheel drive positions. Its tread, belts, casing, sidewalls, beads, and inner liner form a complete load-supporting and torque-transmitting assembly.

The tread compound is engineered to reduce energy loss as the tire rotates. This helps lower rolling resistance while maintaining the wear resistance needed for high-mileage highway operation.

The enhanced casing supports durability and future retreading. Its internal structure must withstand vehicle weight, drive torque, braking forces, heat, repeated flexing, and impacts throughout the casing’s service life.

How the Tire Works

Compressed air inside each tire supports a portion of the drive-axle load. Engine torque passes through the transmission, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, hubs, and wheels before the tread transfers it to the pavement.

The tread blocks generate traction for acceleration, braking, and grade climbing. TredLock blades interlock under load to control excessive block movement while maintaining numerous biting edges.

Controlling block movement helps reduce irregular wear and energy loss. The tread grooves evacuate water, while the siping supports traction on wet and snow-covered roads.

Position and Function Within the Vehicle

The Fuel Max LHD 2 is installed on powered drive axles. On a conventional Class 8 highway tractor, the drive tires are usually mounted on the tandem axles located behind the cab and beneath the fifth wheel.

Drive tires transfer engine power to the road while supporting tractor and trailer weight. They affect acceleration, braking, grade performance, wet and snow traction, fuel consumption, and vehicle stability.

This tire is intended for conventional dual-wheel arrangements rather than ultra-wide-base single-tire installations. Each paired tire must be properly matched for safe load sharing.

Common Specifications

295/75R22.5 Load Range G: Commercial long-haul drive-tire configuration with a 24/32-inch original tread depth.
11R22.5 Load Range G: Full-profile 22.5-inch drive-tire configuration with a 24/32-inch original tread depth.
11R22.5 Load Capacity: Maximum published single-tire load of 6,175 pounds at 105 psi for the applicable Load Range G configuration.
11R22.5 Service Description: Commonly identified as 144/142L, depending on the exact product specification.
Wheel Position: Drive axle
Application: Long-haul highway operation
Tread Technology: TredLock double-corrugated blades
Winter Rating: Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake

Specifications may vary by size, product code, and production date. Confirm the tire sidewall, Goodyear commercial-tire data, wheel rating, load-and-inflation table, axle rating, and vehicle manufacturer requirements before installation.

Size, Load Range, and Operating Capacity

The correct Fuel Max LHD 2 size and inflation pressure depend on the drive-axle rating, actual scale weight, wheel capacity, dual spacing, vehicle speed, and operating application.

Primary published configurations include 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5 in Load Range G. These sizes differ in overall diameter, loaded radius, revolutions per mile, wheel requirements, and inflation characteristics.

The tire’s maximum capacity does not increase the truck’s certified axle or gross vehicle weight rating. The vehicle remains limited by its lowest-rated tire, wheel, axle, suspension, brake, frame, or other component.

Intended Axle Position and Service

The Fuel Max LHD 2 is intended for dual-wheel drive positions in long-haul service. It is best suited to vehicles spending most of their operating time on paved highways at sustained road speeds.

The tire is not designed as a dedicated steer, trailer, waste, construction, or off-road product. Goodyear’s application guidance should be followed before using it outside its intended service.

Tread Design and Traction Features

The tread uses drive-traction blocks divided by grooves and Goodyear’s TredLock blades. These double-corrugated blades interlock under load to control block movement while creating numerous biting edges.

Controlled tread-block movement helps promote even wear and reduce the energy lost through tread squirm. The design allows the tire to balance long-haul fuel efficiency with dependable drive traction.

The tread meets Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake criteria for severe-snow traction. Traction features are designed to remain useful as the tire progresses through its original tread life.

Casing and Sidewall Construction

The Fuel Max LHD 2 uses an enhanced radial casing intended to support durability and retreadability. Its belt and casing structure stabilize the tread and withstand the repeated flexing produced by highway operation.

The sidewalls flex as the tire enters and leaves the contact patch. Proper inflation limits excessive flex and heat while helping preserve the casing for future retreading.

Sidewalls and bead areas should be protected from curb impacts, road debris, petroleum products, excessive heat, improper mounting, and contact with adjacent dual tires.

Inflation Pressure and Load Management

Inflation pressure should be established using actual axle weights, tire size, dual configuration, operating speed, and Goodyear’s current load-and-inflation tables. The maximum sidewall pressure is not automatically the correct fleet operating pressure.

Underinflation increases casing flex, heat, rolling resistance, shoulder wear, and the risk of structural damage. Overinflation may reduce ride quality, concentrate tread loading, and increase sensitivity to impacts.

Pressure should be checked cold with a calibrated gauge. Both tires in each dual assembly should be maintained at the approved pressure, and repeated air loss should be investigated promptly.

Rolling Resistance and Fuel-Efficiency Design

The Fuel Max LHD 2 uses specialized compounds, casing construction, and tread design to limit energy loss. Reduced tread-block movement also helps lower the amount of energy converted into heat.

Fuel-efficient drive tires can reduce operating costs across a high-mileage fleet, but actual results depend on inflation pressure, alignment, speed, route, terrain, vehicle loading, aerodynamics, driver behavior, and the tires installed on the steer and trailer axles.

Weather and Road-Surface Performance

The Fuel Max LHD 2 carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, confirming that it meets the applicable standardized performance requirement for severe-snow traction.

TredLock blades and tread grooves provide biting edges and water channels for wet and winter operation. Drivers must still adjust speed, braking, acceleration, and following distance for snow, ice, standing water, and reduced visibility.

The tire is designed primarily for paved long-haul routes. Frequent exposure to sharp rock, demolition debris, severe construction sites, or unimproved roads may justify a vocational or severe-service tire.

Mounting and Installation

Commercial truck tires should be mounted only by trained personnel using approved equipment, inflation restraints, and safety procedures. The tire size, load range, wheel diameter, rim width, valve hardware, and vehicle application must be compatible.

Inspect the tire beads, wheel, valve, fasteners, and mounting surfaces before assembly. Do not mount the tire on a cracked, distorted, heavily corroded, incorrectly sized, or otherwise damaged wheel.

Dual assemblies require sufficient spacing to prevent sidewall contact under load. Wheel centering, fastener torque, tire matching, inflation pressure, and vehicle clearance should be verified after installation.

Vehicle and Operating Compatibility

Compatibility depends on the truck manufacturer, model, drive-axle rating, wheel size, wheel offset, dual spacing, suspension, brake package, fender clearance, gearing, governed speed, and operating weight.

The replacement tire should match the vehicle certification label or an approved alternative. Changing tire diameter can affect axle gearing, engine speed, speedometer accuracy, electronic safety systems, ground clearance, and tractor ride height.

Tire and Wheel Compatibility

The wheel must have the correct rim diameter, approved width, mounting system, offset, load capacity, and pressure rating. Aluminum and steel commercial wheels may be compatible when properly specified.

Dual tires should be matched for size, construction, inflation, overall diameter, tread depth, and load capacity. A significant mismatch can overload one tire, create heat, accelerate wear, and damage the casing.

Common Applications

Long-haul sleeper tractors
Highway day-cab tractors
Truckload fleets
Less-than-truckload linehaul fleets
Dry-van operations
Refrigerated freight operations
Highway tanker fleets
High-mileage private fleets
National freight carriers
Owner-operator highway tractors

Advantages

Goodyear’s best long-haul drive tire for fuel efficiency
Fuel-focused tread compound
TredLock technology controls tread-block movement
Designed for even wear
24/32-inch original tread depth
Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated
Maintains traction as the tread wears
Enhanced casing construction
Designed for retreadability
Available in common long-haul sizes
Supported by Goodyear’s commercial dealer and service network

Limitations or Considerations

Designed for conventional dual-drive-wheel applications
Primarily intended for paved long-haul routes
Not a dedicated severe-service or off-road tire
Fuel savings depend on inflation and vehicle maintenance
Dual tires must be closely matched
Incorrect dual spacing can cause sidewall contact
Drive-tire wear is affected by axle alignment and torque
Retread eligibility depends on casing condition
Not every available size fits every truck or wheel
Regional availability may vary

Driver and Operator Experience

The Fuel Max LHD 2 is designed to provide dependable drive traction while reducing the fuel penalty associated with a block-pattern drive tire. TredLock technology helps stabilize the tread during highway operation.

Drivers should report wheel spin, vibration, repeated pressure loss, visible damage, unusual road noise, or changes in traction. These symptoms may indicate pressure problems, mismatched duals, alignment issues, wheel-end problems, or tire damage.

The snow-rated tread can improve winter mobility, but vehicle speed and driver inputs must always match the available traction.

Inspection and Wear Points

Tread depth across all major grooves
Drive-block heel-and-toe wear
Inside and outside shoulder wear
Diagonal wear
Cupping or scalloping
Flat spotting
Spin-related tread damage
Cuts, punctures, and embedded debris
Sidewall abrasion, cracks, bulges, and exposed cords
Damage between paired dual tires
Bead-area damage
Valve stems, cores, extensions, and caps
Wheel cracks, corrosion, and fastener damage
Evidence of overheating or underinflated operation

Tire Rotation and Position Management

Drive-tire rotation may help manage axle-to-axle and inside-to-outside wear differences. The appropriate pattern depends on tread condition, tire diameter, vehicle configuration, fleet policy, and Goodyear recommendations.

Tires moved within a dual assembly should remain closely matched. Rotation should not be used to conceal an unresolved alignment, inflation, suspension, wheel-end, or torque-related problem.

Balancing, Alignment, and Runout

Wheel balance, tire uniformity, radial runout, lateral runout, axle alignment, suspension condition, and driveline operation can affect ride quality and tread life.

Tandem drive axles should remain parallel with each other and square with the frame. Incorrect thrust angle may produce diagonal wear, vehicle dog-tracking, increased rolling resistance, and shortened tire life.

Vibration may result from imbalance, improper wheel centering, runout, mismatched duals, damaged wheels, worn driveline components, or incorrect wheel-bearing adjustment.

Retreadability and Casing Life

The enhanced Fuel Max LHD 2 casing is designed to support future retreading. Retreading can extend casing life, reduce total tire cost, and conserve materials compared with replacing the complete tire after every tread cycle.

Retread eligibility is never guaranteed. Each casing must be inspected for impact damage, excessive heat, moisture intrusion, improper repairs, bead damage, separations, and fatigue.

Proper inflation, dual matching, alignment, wheel-end maintenance, and timely removal help preserve casing value for the next tread cycle.

Maintenance and Ownership Notes

Check cold inflation pressure regularly and investigate repeated air loss. Proper pressure supports fuel efficiency, traction, tread life, casing durability, and safe load carrying.

Measure tread depth across multiple grooves and compare tires across both drive axles. Differences may reveal pressure problems, axle misalignment, mismatched duals, suspension wear, or unequal torque loading.

Record installation mileage, tire position, pressure history, tread depth, repairs, rotations, removal reason, retread history, and casing disposition. These records allow the fleet to calculate cost per mile over the casing’s complete life.

Common Tire Problems

Heel-and-toe wear: Drive torque, braking forces, inflation problems, or excessive tread-block movement may create uneven leading and trailing block edges.
Diagonal wear: Drive-axle misalignment, incorrect thrust angle, wheel-bearing looseness, or suspension movement may create angled wear bands.
Shoulder wear: Underinflation, overloading, mismatched duals, or axle misalignment may accelerate shoulder wear.
Center wear: Excessive inflation or an unsuitable wheel width may concentrate loading toward the tread center.
Spin damage: Excessive wheel spin followed by sudden traction can tear tread rubber or damage internal components.
Dual kissing: Insufficient spacing, low pressure, overloading, or mismatched tires can allow paired sidewalls to contact one another.
Heat damage: Underinflation, overloading, brake drag, inadequate dual spacing, or prolonged high-speed operation may generate damaging heat.
Repeated pressure loss: Punctures, valve leakage, bead damage, wheel corrosion, failed repairs, or cracked wheels may allow air to escape.

Safety and Service Precautions

Commercial tire and wheel assemblies store substantial energy. Mounting, demounting, inflation, inspection, and repair should be performed only by trained personnel using approved equipment and procedures.

A tire operated while flat or severely underinflated may contain hidden structural damage. It should be removed from the wheel and professionally inspected before reinflation or return to service.

Never exceed the tire, wheel, valve, axle, or vehicle manufacturer’s limits. Tires with exposed cords, bulges, tread separation, severe impact damage, or improper repairs should be removed from service.

Identification Information

Identification information is molded into the tire sidewall. Record the complete designation before ordering replacements or comparing specifications.

Goodyear manufacturer name
Fuel Max LHD 2 model designation
Complete tire size
Load range
Load index and speed symbol
Maximum load and pressure markings
DOT tire identification number
Production date code
Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol
Radial and tubeless markings
Goodyear product code
Country of manufacture

Buying Considerations

Confirm the vehicle’s approved drive-tire size
Verify the drive-axle ratings
Use actual scale weights when establishing pressure
Select the correct load range and service description
Verify wheel width, load capacity, and pressure rating
Measure required dual spacing
Match paired tires for diameter and tread depth
Compare fuel efficiency and expected removal mileage
Review casing value and retread support
Check the DOT production date
Confirm local Goodyear dealer availability
Compare total lifecycle cost per mile

Variants and Configurations

295/75R22.5 Load Range G
11R22.5 Load Range G
Application-specific Goodyear product codes
Compatible Goodyear commercial retread designs

Product codes, dimensions, specifications, and regional inventory may change. Confirm current Goodyear information before ordering.

Comparison to Similar Equipment

Compared with the Michelin X Line Energy D+ Drive Tire, the Fuel Max LHD 2 uses Goodyear’s fuel-focused compounds, TredLock blades, and enhanced casing construction.

Compared with the Bridgestone M713 Ecopia Drive Tire, both products combine low rolling resistance, 24/32-inch tread depth, snow-rated traction, and retreadable casings.

Compared with the Continental HDL2 Eco Plus Drive Tire, the Goodyear uses its own TredLock system to balance tread-block stability and traction.

Compared with the Goodyear Endurance LHD Drive Tire, the Fuel Max LHD 2 places greater emphasis on long-haul fuel efficiency.

Best Fit For

Long-haul fleets prioritizing fuel efficiency
Tandem-drive tractors using conventional dual tires
High-mileage truckload and linehaul operations
Fleets requiring 3PMSF-rated drive traction
Operations preserving casings for retreading
Fleets tracking complete tire cost per mile
Vehicles operating primarily on paved highways
Fleets with structured inflation and alignment programs
Owner-operators seeking a premium drive tire

Related Vehicle and Trailer Types

Related Truck and Trailer Models

Related Tire Types

Related Tire and Wheel Products

Related Equipment Systems

Related Guides

Regulatory and Compliance Notes

Commercial tires must comply with applicable federal, state, provincial, and local requirements governing tire condition, load capacity, inflation, repairs, tread depth, and vehicle operation.

The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake marking confirms that the Fuel Max LHD 2 meets the applicable standardized snow-traction performance requirement. It does not replace tire-chain requirements or other jurisdiction-specific winter rules.

The tire’s rated capacity does not override the ratings of the wheel, axle, suspension, brakes, frame, or complete vehicle. The lowest-rated component controls the allowable load.

Real World Operating Notes

The fuel-economy benefit of a low-rolling-resistance drive tire can be reduced by low pressure, mismatched duals, drive-axle misalignment, brake drag, excessive speed, or aggressive acceleration.

Dual matching is particularly important. Tires with different effective diameters can rotate at different speeds, causing one tire to carry more load and scrub against the pavement.

Fleets should evaluate original removal mileage, fuel consumption, winter traction, irregular wear, casing acceptance, retread performance, and road-service events when determining total cost per mile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Goodyear Fuel Max LHD 2?

It is a fuel-efficient commercial truck tire developed for conventional dual-wheel drive axles in long-haul highway service.

Is the Fuel Max LHD 2 a steer or drive tire?

It is a drive-position tire.

What sizes are available?

Primary published sizes include 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5 in Load Range G.

What is the original tread depth?

The Fuel Max LHD 2 has a published original tread depth of 24/32 inch.

What is TredLock technology?

TredLock technology uses double-corrugated blades that interlock under load to control tread-block movement while providing numerous traction edges.

Does the tire have the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol?

Yes. It meets the applicable standardized performance criteria for severe-snow traction.

Can the Fuel Max LHD 2 be retreaded?

Yes. Its enhanced casing is designed for retreading when the casing remains serviceable and passes professional inspection.

Can it replace an ultra-wide-base drive tire?

Not directly. The Fuel Max LHD 2 is designed for conventional dual-wheel applications. Converting from wide-base singles requires compatible wheels, correct offset, adequate axle capacity, and engineering review.

What causes irregular drive-tire wear?

Common causes include incorrect inflation, mismatched duals, drive-axle misalignment, suspension wear, brake drag, excessive wheel spin, imbalance, runout, and incorrect wheel-bearing adjustment.

How should the correct replacement be identified?

Use the complete tire size, load range, service description, Goodyear product code, wheel specification, axle rating, and vehicle manufacturer requirements.

Availability and Where to Find

The Goodyear Fuel Max LHD 2 may be available through authorized Goodyear commercial-tire dealers, Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Centers, fleet-tire suppliers, truck dealers, heavy-duty service facilities, and commercial retread networks.

Availability depends on tire size, production schedules, and regional inventory. Buyers should verify the complete product code, sidewall specification, and production date before purchase.

Current product and dealer information is available through the Goodyear Fuel Max LHD 2 product page.

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