contemplating removing the duals for a single rear wheel for the winter season. can this be done without issues? safe? effective? worthwhile?

i have seen a handfull of duallys with the outer wheels removed. i never had the chance to ask why but i have noticed people do run them in this fashion.

i recenlty got my ford 250 2wd van stuck in my yard due to snow and soft terrain. i hooked up my CTD with duals. the sling tightened up and then the six wheels just spun. might have budged the van a foot or so. my neighbor helps out by hooking his 4x4 nissan hardbody pu. (ya know, a little 4banger). he hooks it up and just drags it away.

so, is it worth taking the wheels off for the winter?


thanks

 

The city I once worked for had a 78ish Dodge gas dually for the paramedic/fire rescue rig. I frequently ended up on the sand of the local beach, all I can say is if your goin wheelin dont use a dually. The thing would sink like a rock. We remove a set of wheels and walla, instant dune runner. Our Farrier is broke most of the time so he cant afford tires on his dually dodge, he just runs outers. Looks funky but he`s had no problems as of yet.

 

I loaded 700lbs of sand in my truck and that made a big difference in the traction.

 

In my part of the country, poeple take the outside tires off for the winter. They say they have more control on the snow and ice. Sand bags in the bed over the axel also helps.