4106 Rear Tires

BUS COMMANDER · February 09, 2013, 04:05:52 PM

I've seen some big tractor rigs that have a single tire in the back axle . Is it possible to replace the dual tires with a compatible single truck tire?

luvrbus · February 09, 2013, 04:13:58 PM

I have never saw a single 14 inch wide wheel in a stud pilot like the GM uses all hub piloted ? that may take some creativity on your part

Utahclaimjumper · February 09, 2013, 06:28:02 PM

Between the wheels and tire costs the price has to be horrible,, I have had two flats on the rear of my 06 and was thankfull each time that I could continue to drive to a spot of my confenience for repairs on the remaining tire.>>>Dan

chessie4905 · February 09, 2013, 06:52:31 PM

Yes, you could put super singles on the back with proper wheels, however, what are you going to use for a spare? A front or rear tire? The fuel savings is really not worth it, Plus, if you have a rear flat, it will be difficult to get it jacked up to change it. This subject has been discussed several times in the past. I don't believe anyone has gone ahead tried it. It might make sense on a scenicruiser.

luvrbus · February 10, 2013, 04:42:40 AM

I have doubts after doing some reading you could make those work,the wheels only come in outsets 2 in and .50 no inset is available that would cause a problem for you

DMoedave · February 10, 2013, 07:05:02 AM

You would have to do alot of miles, alot, to reap the rewards in fuel savings that thesuper singles will give you. better to invest your $ in another part of the coach or if you want some bling, chrome wheel covers.

belfert · February 10, 2013, 08:55:18 AM

Yes, you can run on one tire on your drive axle temporarily, but you're putting a lot of stress on the remaining tire. That single tire will be overloaded in most cases. It would be best to inflate the tire to maximum pressure. I've heard of tires stressed this way not lasting long.

gus · February 10, 2013, 04:38:45 PM

Brian,

You may be right but our conversions mostly are far less loaded than when they were carrying passengers.

belfert · February 10, 2013, 05:21:06 PM

My 11R24.5 tires can handle 6205 pounds each in a dual configuration at max PSI. My drive axle is carrying approximately 18,000 pounds of weight. A tire in a single configuration can handle 6790 pounds. If I pulled off a dual and ran as a single I would be over 2,000 lbs overweight on that. I don't think my conversion weighs significantly more than other conversions. Mine is a very simple conversion.

I'll let folks do what they want. I was just pointing out that you might be overloading a single tire if you pulled a dual to use as a spare. I would do it if I had the tools and no other option in an emergency. I think there are plenty of reasons not to use Super Single tires besides the fact you can't use a dual as a spare tire.

TomC · February 11, 2013, 06:03:23 AM

Yes the Super Singles are rated for both front axle and single drive axle application. On a two axle bus, as fore mentioned, if you have a flat, it makes for a severely tilting bus that would make getting a jack under very difficult-as compared to a dual tire that still has the support of the tire next to the flat. Also-to keep the tire at the proper width, you'd have to run the 2" outset wheels. We've found with the trucks that the outset wheels put undo stress on the outer wheel bearings causing premature failure of the bearings. Hence now with Freightliner and Western Star, the only way to get the Super Singles is to also have the new dual trac wider axles. With a 0" offset wheel, that puts the tire at the 96" mark. If you want to change back to a dual you can, but the tires will be out at 102" on a truck.

If I had either a PD4501, a Crown or Gillig with true tandems, I'd probably use the 455/55R-22.5 Super Singles that replace the 11R-22.5 since on a tandem axle, if you get a flat, the other tire will keep the vehicle up so you can get a jack under it. As to running Super Singles on a single rear axle bus-I'd pass-not worth it. Good Luck, TomC