Semi-trucks – the lifeline of the United States. This is not just a statement, but a fact.
Let’s talk figures – run a simple search on the internet and you will know that there are close to 3 million semi-trucks registered here in the US.
Additionally, another online search will reveal the fact that nearly seventy percent of freight here in the States is transported using semi-trucks. It means that on average, each semi-truck here in the US travels close to 800 miles each day!
When a vehicle covers so many miles each day all the while hauling heavy loads, it is natural for such vehicles to require maintenance.
Now, maintaining a used fleet vehicle such as a semi-truck is a costly affair. Every part that goes into a semi-truck is expensive since they are subjected to strict quality control processes.
Maintaining state-of-the-art quality control measures is not at all cost-efficient for spare part makers. This is why; semi-truck parts often cost the moon. With that stated and out of the way, the most expensive part of a semi-truck that often needs replacement is the tires. The rear load-bearing tires of semi-trucks, wear out frequently. Hence, rear tire replacements become part and parcel of owning as well as running a semi-truck.
Truck tires are extremely robust. However, they do break down and when they do, repair or replacements entail hefty bills. On top of this, tire problems can render a semi-truck hauling a loaded trailer, immobile. This leads to delays and failed deadlines.
Thankfully, truckers and semi-truck fleet owners can rest easy since they have a lot of tire options to choose from. However, the available truck tire categories, especially for the rear tires of a truck, are limited to super single tires and traditional dual tires.
The trucking industry benefits from both dual and super single rear semi truck tires. Each tire type comes with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages, depending on the application.
The sections below will highlight how semi trucks can benefit from each type of tire. At the same time, we will also highlight the negative sides of each type of tire, to strike a balance.
Let’s begin.
Dual Rear Tires for Trucks
The primary application of dual rear-wheel tires is in semi-trucks with multiple rear axles. Dual rear tires for trucks have the following advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Even with the best GPS fleet management system, a fleet manager won’t be able to keep a fleet of semi trucks efficient. The reason is simple. Non-steering rear axles of semi trucks typically bear the load of cargo. Whether one is using old-generation used fleet vehicles or brand new semi trucks, load planning is part of fleet management. Even with the best load plan, if the load-bearing axles are not running dual tires, the axle will not run in a stable manner. Dual rear wheel truck tires are capable of bearing more loads compared to super single rear tires.
A flat super single tire will make a semi truck immobile since there isn’t another tire to compensate for the punctured one. One of the roles and responsibilities of a fleet manager is to use real-time fleet tracking in a bid to ensure that their fleet drivers can maintain better control of the delivery vehicles. Real-time fleet tracking solutions help one alter delivery routes on the fly if the previously set delivery route is inaccessible for some reason. Additionally, one would also need to ensure that every semi truck is equipped with dual rear tires as this would allow a driver to at least limp the vehicle to the nearest service center.
Disadvantages
Dual rear truck tires need more maintenance. Additionally, one underinflated tire on a dual tire setup will cause uneven tread wear on the other tire. Furthermore, the inner tire on a dual-tire setup is hard to measure while in transit. For the best results, one should rely on a GPS tracker for fleet and track when their truck tires are inflated.
Super Single Rear Tires for Trucks
Super single rear tires for trucks are slowly but surely becoming popular among truckers and semi-truck fleet owners.
The advantages and disadvantages of this tire type are as follows.
Advantages
Using single tires for the rear wheels of trucks is one of the smart ways to tackle the challenges of fleet management since super single tires make a truck more efficient. Additionally, to sustain and promote green fleet management effectively, using super single rear truck tires is a good idea. One can also increase the fuel efficiency of semi trucks using solutions like a GPS tracker for fleet.
Dual rear tires on a semi-truck often have uneven pressure since the inner rear tire in a dual tire setup is inaccessible from the outside. This issue is absent in semi trucks with rear tires wrapped in super single tires.
The contact area of a super single rear truck tire is more than a dual rear truck tire setup. It means that the traction offered by a super single tire is more compared to dual tire setups in semi-trucks. Hence, super single rear tire equipped semi trucks seldom lose traction while treading over slush or drenched roads.
Additionally, super single tire-wrapped rear wheels of a semi-truck are lighter compared to dual tire-wrapped wheels. Light wheels equals more fuel efficiency and with the help of a fleet tracking device, one can identify the shortest routes. In this way, a fleet becomes more fuel-efficient and productive.
Disadvantages
Even the best GPS fleet tracking devices cannot help a semi-truck with super single rear tires remain mobile with a flat tire. Super single rear truck tires are pretty expensive to maintain and buy! A flat super single rear truck tire can alter the load the semi-truck is carrying while in transit. This means that a flat super single rear tire can cause an accident!
Dual and single truck tires both need preventative maintenance
Semi-trucks tend to cover thousands of miles every year. As a responsible fleet manager, you must ensure that every electrical and mechanical part of the semi-truck fleet is in its prime operational condition. However, do not neglect the tires of the trucks. They need preventative maintenance as well.
Both dual and super single tires benefit the logistics and supply chain sectors in their unique ways. Hence, both dual and super single tires should be maintained properly. Ask the resident mechanics to look for cracks and bulging in the tires of all semi-trucks. Replace all damaged tires before they become the reason for an accident. Not maintaining truck tires is a mistake you can avoid with GPS fleet trackers. You can ensure that tires are rotated or replaced after a truck covers a certain mileage. Additionally, use GPS fleet trackers to track fuel efficiency, evaluate gas stations, and track maintenance schedules. All of these parameters are essential when one wants to manage a fleet efficiently.