Super Singles

[Coma]

Anyone convert to super singles in place of Duals? I've read of fuel mileage increase in the 3-5% range. Thoughts?

[moisheh]

Probably not a good idea. For starters what is the cost of 2 rims and tires. If you travel 6000 miles a year and get 8 miles to the gallon that would be $3000 a year for fuel. Even 5% of that is just $150 a year. Those tires are pricey and you need new ones in 5 to 7 years. For truckers 3 to5% is a lot of money. Are there any RV's with that tire?

[Mike Canter]

According to a Michelin factory truck tire rep the whole reason behind the super single was in reducing a trucks weight so they can carry more load on those axles when they go across the scales. Never once in the discussion was MPG mentioned becacause I truck would just add more cargo. The only thing that would allow and RV to get better MPG with them is the weight reduction also. What is bad about them is the cost of replacing the wheel and the tire and if that tire goes flat then it is the only one on that side in the back.

[RJay]

At least with the duel tires if you have a flat you can limp to a safe place to park, with the super single your stuck where you are.

[rpasetto]

I recall asking the Michelin rep at an FMCA convention a few years ago about the max load. I don't remember numbers but the weight rating he quoted me for the "equivalent" to my duals was quite a bit less than what I already had. Needless to say that's as far as the discussion went.

[Coma]

I read on some trucking forums that they ride better and track better, too.

You guys have the same concerns I do.

Any one know anybody that has tried them?

[Coma]

The Michelin Site has some good info.

I should have searched here first , this is a "retread" thread.

[rpasetto]

The Michelin table shows the 445/50R22.5 X One® XRV with a max load of 10,200 lb per "axle end" at 120 psi; that's 20,400 lb per axle. For comparison, the 295/80R22.5 XZA2® Energy as dual have a weight capacity of 27760 lb at 120 psi.

Looking at it another way, to carry 20000 lb on the drive axle, the X one tires need to be inflated to 120 psi, the XZA2 Energy to only 80 psi.

I recall doing a similar analysis a few yrs back comparing to Goodyears.

[Coma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpasetto The Michelin table shows the 445/50R22.5 X One® XRV with a max load of 10,200 lb per "axle end" at 120 psi; that's 20,400 lb per axle. For comparison, the 295/80R22.5 XZA2® Energy as dual have a weight capacity of 27760 lb at 120 psi. Looking at it another way, to carry 20000 lb on the drive axle, the X one tires need to be inflated to 120 psi, the XZA2 Energy to only 80 psi. I recall doing a similar analysis a few yrs back comparing to Goodyears.

My axle is 20k rated. I agree I'd be happier with more capacity, however it does fit. One of the problems with high aspect tires and low inflation is lack of sidewall stiffness, which allows the tread to "track" a different direction from the rim. This allows the rear of the MH to wander. I wonder if singles would solve some of the problems sway bars fix. As the sidewalls are reported stiffer and lower in aspect in the singles the higher pressure should not make the ride as harsh as an 80's aspect at 120psi. If I understand this correctly.

[HoRotica]

I had a trucker tell me they were terrible in the wet weather...

Chris

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by moisheh Those tires are pricey and you need new ones in 5 to 7 years.

Michelin say tires should be checked every year starting at 5 years and absolutely replaced at 10. Where does this old wives tale keep coming from?

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJay At least with the duel tires if you have a flat you can limp to a safe place to park, with the super single your stuck where you are.

But if you do that you probably just ruined the other on that end of the axle as it's been severely overloaded even if just for 100 feet.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoRotica I had a trucker tell me they were terrible in the wet weather... Chris

OTOH I talked to a tanker drive and he said how good the wet weather traction was.

[rpasetto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D Michelin say tires should be checked every year starting at 5 years and absolutely replaced at 10. Where does this old wives tale keep coming from?

What's the "old wives tale"?