Dual wheel stablity with Adapters

[ndemge]

Kenneth Brown's post now has me seriously thinking about the Dually advantage...<br /><br />I'm not looking for more weight capacity, but would like the stability of daul wheels.<br /><br />Has anyone used the adapters that bolt on rather than doing an axle swap? Thoughts?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Dual wheel stablity with Adapters

If you dont have a rear sway bar, that is where I would start. You wont beleive how much just that will help.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Dual wheel stablity with Adapters

Where would you recommend getting one? ..going on an '84 ford

 

[Mark42]

Re: Dual wheel stablity with Adapters

Start with ADDCO sway bars - addco.net. Probably a lot of other suppliers of bars for off road, campers, etc.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Dual wheel stablity with Adapters

Im taking it for granted that there is one on the front, if there isnt, go there first, if there is, you can allways use a bigger one.

 

[Slowtoplane]

Re: Dual wheel stablity with Adapters

but would like the stability of daul wheels

Presumably stability for trailering or other load carrying?<br /><br />Tires are not designed to carry load. The greatest difference between a 6-ply tire and a 10-ply tire is not that the 10 ply can carry a greater load than the 6 ply, but that the 10 can contain a greater volume of air (higher pressure). The volume of air is what carries the load.<br /><br />Sway bars front and rear are a good choice, as well as re-arcing your rear springs and replacing all suspension bushing. Not implying anything negative, but dualing an '84 may solve your issue by hiding underlying contributors. Duals have their benefits and as with anything, have their drawbacks as well.<br /><br />If you are loaded 100% of the time, or are particularly wide (Cube Box), or carry load high (i.e. welding truck with overhead racks for carrying pipe), go with the duals.<br />If you’re looking for more stability for trailering, or occasionally picking up a cord or two of wood--><br /><br />Suggestion:<br />Start by investigating your next set of tires (Brand, tire size, tread design, etc) when you replace your tires, replace your existing wheels with the widest wheel that your new tires can accommodate as well as the highest ply rating in your chosen size.<br /><br />The wider wheel "squares up" the tire profile, increases the air volume, and allows the wheel to maintain greater control over the tires sidewall.<br />Running Maximum Pressure on the widest recommended wheel will definitely provide you with the stability you're after.<br />When un-laden, the larger air chamber will allow you to run a lower effective air pressure to overcome any ride stiffness caused by the higher ply rating.<br /><br />Somewhat related side note - do not get cheap when it comes time to buy any wheel used for load carrying. In any road going tire and wheel combination, the weakest link is the wheel. What this means, is that the tire is capable of containing pressures that would fold the wheel it is mounted to. Tires have recommended maximum pressures. Wheels do too, and unfortunately in most cases, that pressure isn't marked any where on the wheel!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Dual wheel stablity with Adapters

If you don't NEED duals, they are a drawback due to: <br /><br />- Cost of tires for truck just increased 50%<br />- Cost of balancing tires just increased 50%<br />- It is hard to check air pressure in duals unless you have a good quality dual wheel setup with a great tire valve extension.<br />- If it is an "Add On", then you also incure the expense of fender extensions & paint.<br /><br />Just something to think about.<br /><br />Mark

 

[ndemge]

Re: Dual wheel stablity with Adapters

I'm not set on the dually thing, was just looking for more stability. This truck was bought just for trailering. I'll take a look at everything else that was mentioned.<br /><br />It has load range E tires on it now. I like the idea of just putting a wider set of tires and not dealing with dual.

 

[Slowtoplane]

Re: Dual wheel stablity with Adapters

What is the specs of your trailer, i.e. length, weight and hitch type ? What size are your current 10 ply tires? Are the current rims OE or aftermarket?<br /><br />I've had the opportunity to pull alot of heavy (read overloaded) trailer miles with 3/4 and one ton trucks, often running tires lighter than 10ply (asthetic reasons) and never really had a want for greater stability. Is there any chance your issues may lie with your hitch system?<br /><br />Edit - please remember, a wider tire on your existing rim may amplify your instability not solve it.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Dual wheel stablity with Adapters

Don't know tires size (truck at home)<br /><br />But it's a 25' gooseneck Trailer.<br /><br /><br />I have only towed with this rig once, we just got it. I had about 5klbs on the trailer, going down the highway, it was just not as stable as I would have liked at 55mph.<br /><br />Going to take a look at the sway bars and what shape the suspension peices are in, I'm sure many are origonal, and 22 years old and due for replacement.