Hi,

I am wondering about removing one of the rear wheels so that only four wheels are used on the truck - primarily for winter use in the snow, where the conventional dual rear end tends to float. The weight of the 3500 truck on single rear wheels would make a huge difference in the handling when in heavy snow conditions.

What I am looking at is the possiblility that a regular 2500 (3/4 ton) wheel instead of a dished dually wheels be used on the rear. If one would fit, how would this single wheel follow the front wheel tracks - I doubt they will be in line but they could be pretty close. Would a spacer be required with the single wheel application ?

Has anyone tried this or looked into doing it ? If someone has, what did you find out or learn - is it feasible. I am sure it could be done and offer it out for suggestions and ideas. Of course, the mods I have in mind are not for full load applications (towing trailers, carrying camopers or heavy loads), but rather for improving traction and control in winter snow and ice conditions only. It could also save on the cost of two (4 instead of 6) snow tires per change - using the regular 6 rims during the normal weather conditions.

Look forward to hearing what you to say - pro's and cons.

Thanks

mariner

 

I think you'd be better just adding a little weight at the tailgate.

 

seen it done like that a lot but for a different reason. they just run the outer tire

 

I've done it only for a short time when I was putting on new tires on the new rims.....It will work,but a dually with only two tires in the back makes the truck look sooooooo ugly looking...I see you have 4x4...Way not leave the dually tires on and use your 4x4 when needed...

 

If your ran SRW wheels in the rear, the rear should have a wider track than the front. Still won't be wide enough to fill out the fenders, but would look better than just running the inner wheel. Running the outer tire should work too, and look better.

 

I've never understood why people are always complaining about their drw trucks in snow. I guess im just lucky that we never really get a bunch of it here in arkansas, but i've driven in 4-6 inches of snow with and without a trailer and never had any floating problems. I just throw it into 4x4 and go.

 

Some people live in locations that have twisty mountain roads with steep grades, and winter storms can occur 6 or 7 months of the year, dumping 12 to 18 inches at a time or more. Last year we had 8 feet of snow were I live and stayed on the ground 5 months. There are also some highways (mountain passes)in the province were real winter tires must be used, if your involved in a accident then you get no insurance.

 

Not to mention, not everyone has a 4wd dually. My truck did well in the snow as long as there was weight in it. Without weight, it wouldn't go nearly as far. Only time as I got stuck was when there was no weight in the back. Lesson learned.

 

Put 1000# over the axle and air the tires down.... It'll make it ride like a Cadoo

 

Thanks guys,

Just what I was hoping to see. A few people brainstorming often sets off a train of thought that leads somewhere.

I guess I was having a brainfart when I wrote the initial posting, though the questions make sense (to me). Don't ask me why but I completely overlooked adding sandbags to the box - duh

I will try adding weight first (sandbags) and see what happens. However, the Michelin LTX M/S are really not that good in the snow we get around here and a proper winter snow tire is needed - with studs if need be.

I am looking at getting a set for winter and change out for the season. Gonna be pricey and I am getting quotes right now. New rims are from $100 - $150 and I expect they will be a mix of Chinese and US made. The wreckers want $75 each for used rims Wiinter tires range from $190 - $235 each new. So with fitting balancing etc I would be looking at $2230 for six new tires and rims. So running on four tires starts to look attractive price wise.

Now I start to look at buying new snow tires and running with them all year long - wear out more quickly but saves having two sets tires and rims. You either pay now or pay later - right

Anyway, your comments have all been very valid and has got me thinking about two or three different scenarios - hopefully I can come up with something that does not cost tooooo much $$$

Thanks

mariner

PS - I had snow on my property last year fom early November until mid April this year, with temperatures going to -38C or -36F and that meant lots of ice too. I live 35 miles out of town so the proper tires are really required.

 

I run Nokian Vatiiva's on both my trucks. They are great in the winter time, especially ice. I have gotten 70k km on the tires on my dually, with a decent amount of tread left. I have 50k on my 12v and lots of tread remaining. I had a problem with them flat spotting on the 12v, but that might have to do with bad shocks and the wheel hop from it.

I was thinking of trying different tires when these wear out, but after hearing about the mileage other guys are getting with BFGs and toyos, I'll probably just stick to what I have.

 

This is kinda besides the point, but how are your current rear tires wear-wise? I was driving my buddy's dually a while back down I-75, and it started floatin, and it was just a little rain. I will drive in about anything, but I immediatly pulled over and made him drive...I figured his truck, let him wreck it. His tires weren't worn real bad, but they were gettin there. He just put a new set on all the way around, and it drives awesome.

i would imagine a regualr wheel in the rear would be all right, and probably not look nearly as bad as just running an inner. Depending on your backspacing, I would think it should track right between where the duals would.

 

Caution:
If you decide to go with the sandbag/weight in the bed route, made sure you secure the weight in the bed.
A member on another site did the sandbags in the bed thing several years ago.
Then was involved in a front-end collision.
One of the sandbags (now damp from being in the open bed, and frozen from the temps) was thrown through his back window in the collison nearly taking his head off.

Just something to think about...............

 

A good set of snow tires and 4 wheel drive and you will be set. I have no problems and carry no weight at all in the rear.

 

hi so a lot of these people have some good ideas and some bad. i was born and rasied in cody, Wy. so i have done a lot of snow driving, and before i got my dodge i have only had 2 wd duallys. if you take off either the inner or the outer tires you will still have the same prob. because the back tires are off set from the front so the back is still going to want to jump back and forth in the tire grove made by the front tires or the truck that went down the road before you. you can get away with 3/4 ton rimes as long as they have the right off set to run in line with the front, or a lot of people put a couple hundred lb. of sand bags in, i just used dirt it was cheaper, but if you use your bed alot this is kind of a pain, or this cost more but you can put studded tires on. you can also put some good tire chines on but they bounce your truck around if you are on hard ice. but for the most part i would just put it in 4 wd thats why it is there if you get on the hwy alot kick it out.