Anyone tried running 'Super Singles' instead of duals on a transit?
This subject has come up before and the answer was that they are only supposed to be used on the drive axles if both rear axles have duals. Maybe tire manufacturers have changed recommendations recently, but that was the answer last time this came up.
Brian Elfert
While the Michelin 455/55R-22.5 (the tire equal to a 11R-22.5. The 445/50R-22.5 is equal to the 295/75R-22.5) is being used on all axle positions of a concrete mixer, and on 2-axle tanker trailers, I would still not recommend them for use on a bus-with these exceptions-on a GMC 4501 Scenicruiser, Gillig or Crown with dual tandems, or any other bus that uses eight tires in the rear now. On a transit, absolutely NOT! Maybe on a tag axle bus. These tires are aimed at trucks that are weight sensitive-like concrete mixers, fuel tankers- or with long haul truckers that need to maximize the fuel economy. NOT for bus conversion people. Stick with the dual tires in the rear for safety. If one of those big super singles blew on the rear, it would most likely cause loss of vehicle control-translated a wreck. Sorry to blow your bubble, Rudy! Good Luck, TomC
Rudy, I think if you had a flat, It could be real hard to get a jack under a bus.
Where're you going to keep your spare? SS won't fit in the spare tire compartment. This could be a problem on a 2 axle transit...I know, not everyone carries a spare. ??? I do...and could change a tire if I wanted to...
That said, don't some Prevost motorhome conversions run SS on steer axles? Maybe due to weight issues? I believe I saw this pictured on an ad layout for one of the major bus conversion companies.
If memory serves correctly (always a challenge), the SS bus tipped the scales at over 50K lbs.
The only jacking problem with SS vs 13Rs would be with the drive axle. The steering axle is going to be just inches of the ground with either tire. Keeping the bus aired up would give a few extra inches.
When I bought jacks to carry in the bus (little ones for the front and big ones for the DA) I measured the deflated height of the bus...very low when unaired and flat...essentially on the ground at the front. Airing it up will allow a jack under the bus.
JR
FYI, the gvw on my H coach is 52,000 lbs, with standard tires. No need to go to SS, and plenty of drawbacks.