To clarify why some carriers are using the super single, I will try to explain. Fleets the size of Cowan and many others are placing them on the trucks and the trailers because they offer an overall weight reduction as well as less rolling resistance. The carrier will see increased payload capability as well as better overall fuel mileage. Some of the larger trucking companies think that they will see as much as 1/2 of a mile per gallon savings on fuel. Add that to the additional payload and they can realize a net gain in revenue in the millions annually. While a single super single tire costs close to $900.00 the life expectancy is longer than that of a dual set of tires which cost around $500.00 to $700.00 per set. There are of course the drawbacks as Geof has mentioned. 1 flat tire and you are sidelined until it is fixed. Safety is not one of the drawbacks as the stability of the unit if one blows out is not greatly affected. But the sheer size of the tire if it fails can make for some dramatic action with all that rubber and steel belt flailing around.
Although these tires have been around for 20+ years, they have only recently started becoming more popular. With the current fuel pricing a savings of 1/2 mile per gallon on a 2000 unit fleet can make a huge difference.
Wick
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