This paper is mainly an argument in favor of the use of large, single rear wheel truck tires instead of smaller dual tires. Although the practice of using large singles is comparatively new, the author gives the results of experience and research to show the advantages of the newer method of rear tire equipment.
In developing his arguments in favor of single tires, the author goes into the history of dual tire application to show why it was necessary to use two tires in the earlier days of truck operation. As the necessity for increased carrying-capacity grew, tire manufacturers found the then existing single tire equipment inadequate, and they set about to develop suitable equipment to meet the new condition, the result being dual practice.
The method of attaching the earlier dual tires is shown to have been poor, resulting in circumferential creeping of the whole tire to a much greater extent as the width of the dual equipment increased. Inability to correct this weakness resulted in the conclusion that tires having such methods of attachment were not suitable when widths in excess of 4 or 5 in. were employed. The metal-base type of tire was developed to overcome the difficulty.
The author holds that dual tires are overrated, and believes that the practice of saying that dual equipment is capable of carrying loads double that of the single of which it is composed is open for discussion. The large single tire has its limitations and pending the results of further investigation, it seems advisable to consider 7-in. tires as the limit.