Why Do Some Trucks Have Double Rear Wheels?
The use of double rear wheels, or dual rear wheels, in certain types of trucks has a specific purpose that revolves around enhancing their towing capability and load-bearing capacity. Let's delve into the reasons behind this design and explore the types of trucks that commonly feature these dual rear wheels.
The Purpose of Dual Rear Wheels
The primary reason for using dual rear wheels is to increase the weight-carrying capacity of a truck, particularly when towing heavy loads or fifth wheel trailers. In the context of pickup trucks, these are often referred to as duallies, which are specialized for commercial and agricultural purposes. These trucks are typically classified as Medium Duty (Class 3, 4, 5, or 6) pickups, capable of towing up to 20,000 pounds.
For example, Ford's Super Duty models F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-650 are well-known duallies. Similarly, Dodge/RAM HD 3500, 4500, and GM's Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD 3500, 4500, 5500, and Chevrolet Kodiak, GMC TopKick, and Freightliner's Business Class M2 models are also designed with dual rear wheels to handle heavy loads and towing tasks.
Examples of Medium Duty Trucks and Duallies by Brand
Ford
Ford offers its Super Duty models, including the F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-650, all of which feature dual rear wheels. These trucks are renowned for their ability to tow a wide range of loads, from RV trailers to large caravans.
Dodge/RAM
The Dodge/RAM HD series, including models like the 3500 and 4500, are also equipped with dual rear wheels to enhance their towing capacity. These trucks are commonly found on interstates and ranch roads, pulling trailers of various sizes.
General Motors (GM)
GM's lineup includes Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra HD, Chevrolet Kodiak, and GMC TopKick series, all designed for heavy-duty applications. Models such as the 3500, 4500, and 5500 often feature dual rear wheels to cope with the weight of large trailers and other heavy loads.
Freightliner
Freightliner's Business Class M2 is a popular choice for various applications, including box trucks, power company utility trucks, and beverage delivery. The bedless pickup truck version is used in ranching and RV applications, often equipped with dual rear wheels to enhance its towing and load-carrying capabilities.
Peterbilt/Kenworth
Peterbilt and Kenworth offer models like the Peterbilt 362 and the Kenworth K100, both of which have dual rear wheels. These trucks are versatile, often used as box trucks, fire engines, and in RV and utility truck applications.
International
International's CXT and MXT models are based on Ford Super Duty trucks, while the DuraStar and TranStar series offer dual rear wheels as well. The CXT and MXT feature pickup beds similar to those of their Ford Super Duty counterparts, while the DuraStar and TranStar do not. These trucks are designed to handle heavy loads and towing tasks, providing reliable performance even in demanding conditions.
Conclusion
To summarize, trucks with dual rear wheels, or duallies, are specifically designed to handle heavy loads and towing tasks. Whether you need to pull large caravans or RV trailers on the road or manage heavy equipment on a construction site, these trucks offer unparalleled towing and load-carrying capacity. Understanding the purpose and benefits of dual rear wheels can help you choose the right truck for your needs, ensuring reliability and performance in any application.