Double-width Tractor/Trailer Tires

Factual Questions
1

Historically, the vast majority of long haul trucks in the US have been “18 wheelers”, with two drive axles with two tires per axle per side on the tractor & the same 2 x 2 x 2 = 8 tire arrangement on the trailer. That plus the two front tires to steer with gives 18.

Starting about a year ago I’ve been seeing rigs where the traditional double tire is replaced by a single tire of about the same total tread width. So the tractor now has two axles, with 1 wide tire per side, and ditto for the trailer. The whole rig is now a “10 wheeler”, a term I just made up. In recent weeks it seems these represent maybe 10-15% of the new-looking rigs on the road.

Does anyone know anything about these new tires or have references to trailer or tractor information on them? I tried looking at a few tire, tractor, & trailer manufacturer’s sites, but couldn’t find anything relevant. I don’t know the proper technical terms, or even a trade name, so Google isn’t much help.

2

These tires are called Super Singles (or sometimes Floats), and they have in the past generally been used on road tractors and equipment that was meant for off road or mixed use. They are lighter than 2 standard size wheels and tires, and have huge weight capacities.
They are gaining popularity on strictly over-the-road haulers as well these days, for various reasons, such as being more fuel efficient and having a better ride. If you’re interested, Google “Super Single tire” and you will find a lot if information.

-JR

3

I’m not positive, but I think “floats” are a bit different than the tire the OP is referring to. I think you’re looking for the newer type of wide-base tires, called “super wides”. Here are some relevant links:
[ul]
[li]The impact of wide-based tires on pavement[/li][li]Wide-base tires and fuel economy[/li][li]Industry review of “super wides”[/li][li]Some Michelin wide-base tires[/li][/ul]

4

Awesome. That was just the keyword I needed. Thanks.

5

Correct, “Floats” and Super Singles or Super Wides are not the same. Just mentioned that in passing because the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Floats generally do not have the load capacity of the Super Singles. 2 different animals.

-JR

6

“10 wheeler”, as a term, isn’t new. It applies to dual rear axle dump trucks. Some flatbeds have an air operated tag axle, often equipped with super singles, which can be lifted when the trailer is unladen.

7

I wasn’t suggesting I’d invented some magic new term. What I meant was that I was not (to my knowledge) using an official term of art & nobody should expect to find that term out there just because they saw me using it.

Thanks for the updated info. My reading shows these tires remain a bit controversial despite having been out there for several years.

8

Ability to move in an emergency is reduced due to a larger % of the load bearing wheels are disabled…

I wonder how they work out retreaded?

Cost plays a big factor when it comes to tires and their rate of failure in the trucking industry…

9

The “10 wheeler” configuration is pretty much all you see in Europe.