Community Forums

smlranger · 01-11-2009, 03:39 AM

Just wondering how many folks may have converted dual rear tires to single wheel with the new fat tires? I see them more and more on big rigs. I wonder about stability, handling. Other than only having two tires on the rear, are there other advantages you can feel or otherwise experience while driving?

smlranger · 01-11-2009, 03:39 AM

Just wondering how many folks may have converted dual rear tires to single wheel with the new fat tires? I see them more and more on big rigs. I wonder about stability, handling. Other than only having two tires on the rear, are there other advantages you can feel or otherwise experience while driving?

doc · 01-11-2009, 05:02 AM

Not gonna happen here. I could limp to a service area or a wide spot with a flat on the duals.
Wonder what the price of the rims and tires would be just for a questionably wise conversion?

moldmkr · 01-11-2009, 06:09 AM

I used to drive truck for a while and the company I drove for had super singles on the tractor. In my opinion I thought they gave a little smoother ride, especially on asphalt roads that had tire grooves. They also increased MPG slightly because of less resistance. The one big draw back is stated in the post by doc. Had one blow on me once and I sat there till someone came to fix it. Also not all tire places keep those tires in stock. I was loaded and as soon as it blew I pulled over but it still ruined the bead on the rim and had to replaced it as well.

In my opinion, unless you drive lots of miles like a semi, it would not be worth the cost

LVJ58 · 01-11-2009, 07:05 AM

Here's a link to someone who converted, but it's on a different forum:

http://www.rv.net/forum/index....ead/tid/22244612.cfm

Don't think I would be comfortable with the single tire set up, as I would be uncertain about the difficulties in locating a replacement and having it installed should I have blow-out while on the road.

beaverjim · 01-11-2009, 12:41 PM

i beleive one of our members (historyljc) is running them on his 06 phaeton, i would check with him as i think he has had them for several months jim

AFChap · 01-11-2009, 04:45 PM

I have read comments from a few RVers who are running them. The improvements I recall are that they claim a smoother ride and a shorter turning radius.

historyljc · 01-11-2009, 07:02 PM

I have a smooth ride. The jury is still out on better mileage until I put more on them. It's a snap to check the air pressure. If one does blow, it can't do anymore damage the front one I had go, and I have the phone number of a couple of the Michelin area manager reps if I need help. I have 4 tires and rims for sale.

NeilV · 01-12-2009, 01:01 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by historyljc:
I have a smooth ride. The jury is still out on better mileage until I put more on them. It's a snap to check the air pressure. If one does blow, it can't do anymore damage the front one I had go, and I have the phone number of a couple of the Michelin area manager reps if I need help. I have 4 tires and rims for sale. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I had a blowout this past fall and the tread when it flew apart it mangled a lot of steel under the coach. Even though it did no body damage it did accordian the steel portion of the mudflaps and some fairly heavy steel braces. I would hate to think of the forces involved if a fat tire came apart on a motorhome. With more than double the tread width, which would have to be more than double the weight to help keep it flat on the road, the forces would be tremendous. Could mean the difference between a tire truck to replace the tire roadside and being flatbedded to a repair center.

Hope you never find out what its like to have one blow.

Keep is safe!