Bridgestone R238
The Bridgestone R238 is a commercial radial tire intended for drive-position service in mixed-service and vocational applications. Its open-shoulder tread layout is designed to help maintain traction when routes include job sites, gravel, or other variable surfaces alongside pavement. The R238 is commonly selected for work trucks that need a practical balance of on-road stability and off-road capable tread geometry, with fitments available in both 17.5-inch and 19.5-inch wheel diameters.
Bridgestone R238 features and tread design
The Bridgestone R238 uses an open-shoulder tread design intended for drive-axle traction in mixed-service work. Open shoulders help the tread “bite” on loose or uneven surfaces, while also allowing the tread to clear debris more easily than a closed-shoulder pattern.
For fleets and owner-operators, the R238 is typically considered when routes mix pavement with gravel yards, construction access roads, and similar vocational conditions. Like other commercial radial drive tires, proper matching to the vehicle’s service demands and the operating environment matters. If your work includes frequent surface changes and you want a drive-position tread pattern designed around that reality, the Bridgestone R238 is a straightforward option to evaluate.
Intended application: mixed-service and vocational use
The Bridgestone R238 is designed for commercial vehicles operating in mixed-service conditions, where daily use may include pavement plus unpaved segments. This type of service often calls for a drive-position tire that can manage traction demands without relying on passenger-style compromises.
Mixed-service routes can introduce higher scrub, more debris, and frequent starts and stops compared with consistent highway operation. In that environment, an open-shoulder drive tread is often chosen for additional grip and surface adaptability. When selecting the R238, confirm the tire’s service category and fitment align with your vehicle’s wheel and load requirements, and ensure the tire model matches the axle position you are equipping.
Bridgestone R238 sizes and fitment options (17.5 and 19.5)
The Bridgestone R238 is offered in multiple commercial sizes across 17.5-inch and 19.5-inch wheel diameters. Availability can vary by market, so it is best to match the exact sidewall size format used on your vehicle documentation.
Approved R238 sizes for this model page include:
- 215/75R17.5
- 225/70R19.5
- 245/70R17.5
- 245/70R19.5
- 265/70R19.5
Radial construction and durability considerations
The Bridgestone R238 is a radial commercial tire, a construction type widely used for its combination of ride stability and heat management in work applications. In mixed-service operation, the casing and tread design selection both matter because job-site surfaces and debris can accelerate wear or increase the likelihood of damage.
While no tire is immune to harsh conditions, choosing a drive-position pattern with open shoulders is a common approach for vehicles that need added surface grip and consistent traction characteristics. To get the best service life from the R238, maintain correct inflation for the actual loads carried, keep axle alignment and suspension components in good condition, and rotate according to your maintenance plan when uneven wear begins to show.
Bridgestone R238 vs other commercial options
If you are cross-shopping commercial tires in similar wheel sizes, comparisons can help you confirm the right tread type for your routes. The Bridgestone R238 is positioned as a mixed-service, drive-position tire with an open-shoulder layout, which generally aligns with vocational traction needs.
When comparing Bridgestone R238 vs Bridgestone R268 or Bridgestone R238 vs Bridgestone R213, focus on intended application and tread pattern style, since different models may be oriented more toward regional or highway use. For Bridgestone R238 vs Bridgestone Duravis M700 or Bridgestone R238 vs Bridgestone Duravis R250, verify the targeted service environment and the available sizes for your wheels. If also considering Bridgestone R238 vs Michelin XPS Rib, confirm axle position suitability, as rib-type patterns typically serve different roles than open-shoulder drive designs.
Recommendations and practical tips
The Bridgestone R238 is typically suited to commercial drivers and fleets that need a drive-position radial tire for mixed-service or vocational work. It is often a fit for trucks that split time between paved roads and unpaved areas like gravel lots, work yards, and job-site access roads. If your priority is a drive-axle tread pattern oriented toward traction on variable surfaces, the R238 is a logical model to shortlist in the 17.5-inch and 19.5-inch size ranges.
When we recommend it:
- When the vehicle is equipped with drive-position tires and regularly sees mixed surfaces
- When an open-shoulder tread pattern is preferred for job-site and yard traction
- When you need a commercial radial tire available in 17.5-inch or 19.5-inch fitments
- When your routes include frequent stops, starts, and surface transitions common in vocational work
When to consider other options:
- When your operation is primarily highway and you prefer a more road-focused tread style
- When you need a different axle-position design than a dedicated drive tire
- When your required size is not among the listed R238 fitments for this page
Expert tips:
- Match the exact tire size on the sidewall of your current setup, and verify wheel diameter before ordering
- If your documentation shows “17.50” or “19.50,” confirm whether your supplier lists the same size as “17.5” or “19.5” to avoid catalog mismatch
- Plan tire placement so this model is used only in drive-position service within your maintenance program
- When comparing to other models, prioritize tread type and service application over name similarity
Usage and care tips:
- Check inflation pressures routinely, especially when loads or routes change
- Inspect for cuts and embedded debris after job-site use, and remove trapped material when safe to do so
- Address alignment and suspension issues promptly to reduce irregular wear
- Rotate according to your fleet or shop practice when wear patterns indicate it is needed
Buying guidance from NeoTires
We recommend the Bridgestone R238 for drivers and fleets that need a commercial radial drive tire for mixed-service routes. Its open-shoulder tread style aligns with work that includes pavement plus job sites, gravel lots, or yards where surface conditions can change. If you are prioritizing correct axle placement and a tread pattern designed for vocational traction needs, the R238 is a practical model to consider. Our team can help confirm your exact size notation and intended drive-position use before you order.
Best fit scenarios:
- You are equipping the drive axle on a work truck used in mixed-service or vocational applications
- Your routes regularly transition between pavement and unpaved areas like gravel yards or job-site access roads
- You want an open-shoulder tread layout commonly selected for variable surface traction needs
- You need an R238 fitment in listed 17.5-inch or 19.5-inch wheel diameters
When to pause and check fitment:
- You are unsure whether your tire position is drive, steer, or trailer, confirm axle-position suitability before purchasing
- Your current sidewall shows a size format like 17.50 or 19.50 and you want to ensure it matches the listed 17.5 or 19.5 notation
- You primarily run highway routes and want to confirm whether a more road-focused tread type is a better match for your operation
- You need to validate wheel diameter and the exact tire size shown on your vehicle documentation
Why customers trust NeoTires:
- Tire experts available via chat, phone, or text to help confirm size and axle position
- Practical, application-based guidance for mixed-service commercial use, without pressure
- Support for fleet and multi-tire orders, including help coordinating delivery timing
- Clear communication from selection through checkout and shipment coordination
Confirm your size and axle position
Send us your current tire size and which axle you are equipping, and we will help verify the correct R238 fitment and notation.
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Get help matching 17.5 vs 17.50, and 19.5 vs 19.50
If your documentation lists the rim diameter differently than the product page, we can help you match the correct listing before you place an order.
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Request a commercial quote
For fleets or multi-tire purchases, request a quote and let us coordinate availability and delivery options for your selected R238 size.
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