Can I run just outside tires on my DRW?

[KLeminks]

I bought a dually for stability when trailer towing, but don't seem to get much time to use my camper much anymore. My question is can I take off the inside tire since I just use it for a daily driver? Just trying to up my mpg's any way I can.

 

[LBARTLETT]

99% of the people I see take off the outside dual, many farmers do that in the winter for mud & tracking issues

 

[Bob4x4]

Personally I would run the outer... ... ... ... it would not look so goofy and still have some extra stability

 

[AMink]

I think there was a discussion on this some time ago. It seems like running only the outside tire would put additional stress on the axle by essentially making it longer. More leverage. Just a thought.

 

[Hoefler]

I think there was a discussion on this some time ago. It seems like running only the outside tire would put additional stress on the axle by essentially making it longer. More leverage. Just a thought.

Whether you run the inside or the outside, you will have the hub carrying the load where it is not designed to do so. If you are running around empty, not really an issue. If you load the truck, then that is another issue. If you want to run it with a load, leave it dualed or swap them out with singles. If you would like, study the front end, the bearings are in line with the tire, the rear end has them centered between the tires. The duals apply opposing forces that have the load equalized in the center.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I remember doing a design problem in one of my college courses about this. IIRC we had to figure the life cycle of the bearing with the load centered on it and then move it out something like 2 or 3 inches. It cut the life of the bearing by about 2/3, from 1 million cycles to around 350,000 cycles. Then the professor says "just remember this when you drive by those cars that have the wheels sticking way out".



I agree with Hoefler, I would find a single wheel to run if you wanted to do it that way. Or you could take off either one, inner or outer, run for one or two tanks of fuel and then decide if the fuel savings is really that much. I'm thinking it probably wouldn't be worth it but I don't know.



Jeff

 

[Heavy Hauler 10]

if you dont want it to be a dually dont have a dually change the axle or change the truck

 

[MUDDY]

II agree with Hoefler, I would find a single wheel to run if you wanted to do it that way.

Jeff

+1. thats what i do on all my duallys for winter to avoid bearing stress