You can save as much as 11 cents per gallon on fuel if you take good care of your tires. But the challenge begins with finding the right type of wheel for your vehicle in the first place. Finding the right commercial truck wheels can be a challenge.
There are many different factors to consider, from the size and weight of your truck to the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. But with a little research, you can find the perfect wheels for your needs. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right commercial truck wheels.
What Is a Commercial Truck?
A commercial truck is any type of motor vehicle used for transporting goods or materials in a business setting. This includes semi-trailer trucks, delivery vans, box trucks, and other large vehicles used for commercial purposes. The type of wheels and tires used for commercial trucks are designed to withstand the heavy loads and wear and tear of daily use.
Types of Commercial Trucks
There are four basic types of commercial trucks: heavy-duty, medium-duty, light-duty, and specialized. Each type has its own unique set of requirements when it comes to the type of wheels they need.
Heavy-duty commercial trucks are often used for hauling and may have 8 or more wheels, depending on the size and weight of the truck. Medium-duty trucks are often used for deliveries or short hauls and require 6 to 8 wheels. Light-duty trucks carry smaller hauls and require fewer wheels. Specialized trucks, such as dump trucks or fire engines, may require specialty wheels.
Semi Trailer Truck
This type of commercial truck transport large loads over long distances. Most semi-trailer trucks are powered by diesel engines and have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds.
Delivery Vans and Box Trucks
Delivery vans are smaller than semi-trailer trucks and transport goods in urban areas or on short trips. Box trucks are larger than delivery vans and carry heavier loads, such as furniture or construction materials. They have a large box-shaped cargo area and a closed cab for the driver.
Dump Truck
Dump trucks are large commercial vehicles used to transport materials such as dirt, gravel, sand, and other heavy loads. They have a dump bed at the back of the vehicle, which can be raised and lowered as needed.
Flatbed Truck
Flatbed trucks are large commercial vehicles used to transport items that are too large or fragile for a regular truck to carry. They have a flatbed at the back of the vehicle and can carry heavy items, such as machinery or construction materials.
Tanker Truck
Tanker trucks are large commercial vehicles used to transport liquid or gas materials. Tanker trucks have a large tank made from steel or aluminum. An outer shell surrounds the tank to protect it from damage.
Refrigerated Truck
A refrigerated truck has an insulated body to keep the contents cool or frozen. Refrigerated trucks transport food or other perishable items.
Livestock Trailer
A livestock trailer transports animals such as cows, pigs, or sheep. Livestock trailers have pens or stalls inside to keep the animals from moving around during transport.
Utility Trailer
A utility trailer is a type of trailer that hauls different types of loads. Utility trailers come in many different sizes and can have features such as ramps or sides to make loading and unloading easier.
Boat Trailer
A boat trailer is a type of trailer that transports boats. Boat trailers come in many different sizes and can have features such as winches or brakes to make loading and unloading easier.
Types of Commercial Truck Wheels
There are many different types of commercial truck wheels available to choose from. The type you choose will depend on your vehicle’s size and weight, the type of terrain, and the type of cargo.
Steel Wheels
Steel wheels are the most common type of commercial truck wheel. They are strong and durable, making them ideal for most applications. You can paint or powder coat them for a more customized look.
Aluminum Wheels
Aluminum wheels are lighter and more corrosion-resistant than steel wheels. They are also more of an investment. However, they offer increased fuel efficiency and improved performance in some applications.
Considerations For Choosing Commercial Wheels
There are many things to think about when choosing the right commercial truck wheels for your fleet. Here are some of the most important considerations:
Load Capacity
When choosing commercial truck wheels, one of the most important factors to consider is the load capacity. The load capacity is the amount of weight that the wheel can support. You must choose a wheel with a high load capacity to avoid problems such as tire blowouts or premature wear.
Tire Type
Another important factor to consider when choosing commercial truck wheels is the type of tire. There are two main types of tires: tubeless and tube-type. Tubeless tires are more common and offer several advantages.
They are easier to change and have a lower risk of punctures. However, they are more expensive than tube-type tires.
Wheel Diameter
The wheel diameter is another consideration when choosing commercial truck wheels. The wheel diameter is the distance from one side of the wheel to the other. Choose a wheel with a diameter that is appropriate for the truck’s axle size.
If the wheel diameter is too small, it could cause problems such as tire slippage. If it is too large, it could cause problems such as decreased fuel efficiency.
Bolt Pattern
The bolt pattern is the number of bolts that attach the wheel to the axle. It is important to choose a wheel with a bolt pattern that matches the pattern on the truck’s axle. If the bolt patterns do not match, it could cause premature wear or tire slippage.
Consider Off-Road Use
If you plan on using your commercial truck for off-road applications, choose wheels designed for off-road use. Off-road wheels are typically made from tougher materials and have deeper treads than regular wheels. This helps to improve traction and prevent flats in off-road conditions.
Weather Conditions
If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, choose a wheel designed for winter use. Winter wheels are typically made from softer materials and have deeper treads than regular wheels. This helps to improve traction and prevent flats on icy or snow-covered roads.
The Size of Your Truck
Consider the size of the truck itself. Larger trucks will require larger wheels to ensure optimal performance and safety on the road.
You should also pay attention to wheelbase length, which dictates how much weight your truck can carry. This will determine what size tires you need as well.
The Position of the Wheel
Another factor to consider when choosing commercial truck wheels is their position relative to the body of the truck. Wheels positioned in the front of a vehicle must be larger and stronger than those found in the back.
This is because they’ll be bearing more of the weight. They are, therefore, more susceptible to wear and tear.
Load Range Rating
When selecting commercial truck wheels, it is important to consider the load range rating of the tire. This indicates the maximum weight the tire is rated to handle. It should match the weight of your fleet.
Cost
It may be tempting to purchase the cheapest option available. However, this could lead to premature tire failure and expensive repairs down the line. Doing research on different brands and comparing prices can help you find a quality tire that fits within your budget.
Service Application
The service your commercial truck will provide needs consideration when choosing wheels. For example, if you drive:
Linehaul
Linehaul trucks are used by truckload and LTL carriers for long-distance trips that exceed 500 miles. These types of vehicles operate on highways and can run up to 80,000 and 200,000 miles per year.
Regional
Regional carriers are limited to operating within a set number of states and have run no longer than 250 miles. They often run between 30,000 and 80,000 miles per year.
Vocational
Vocational trucks serve both on- and off-road environments. They need to handle both highway driving and rough, off-road conditions. These applications must endure difficult conditions while running at slow speeds for up to 70,000 per year.
Super Regional
Super Regional runs a hub-and-spoke operation where linehaul and regional operations are in unison, with about 100,000 miles per year. Most runs are between 250 and 500 miles.
Tire Size & Load Capacity
When selecting wheels for a commercial truck, it’s important to consider the size of tires needed and how much load capacity the vehicle requires. Larger vehicles with higher payloads will need larger tires to carry the extra weight.
On the other hand, smaller vehicles may require smaller wheels to reduce overall weight and increase maneuverability. Make sure the size you choose can support the load capacity of your truck.
Bolt Pattern & Center Bore
The bolt pattern and center bore are two important factors when selecting commercial truck wheels. Bolt patterns refer to the number of lug nuts on a wheel. Center bores refer to the hub diameter in the center of the wheel that attaches it to the vehicle’s axle.
It is essential to ensure these measurements are correct for your truck. Mismatched components can cause severe damage.
Selecting The Best Tread Design
The tread design of truck wheels plays a major role in the performance of your fleet. A tread pattern that is too aggressive can wear out fast and cause premature tire failure. A tread pattern that is too shallow can lead to slippage on wet and slippery surfaces.
Consider the terrain your fleet will be navigating when selecting a tread design for the best performance.
Types of Tread Designs
Tread designs vary, from large, aggressive patterns to softer, less aggressive designs. When choosing a tread design for your commercial truck wheels, it’s important to consider the type of terrain you will be navigating. The most common tread patterns for commercial truck wheels include:
All-terrain Treads
These tread designs provide maximum traction on all types of terrain. They can handle off-road conditions such as mud, sand, and gravel with ease.
Highway Treads
These treads are for smooth surfaces like asphalt roads. They provide good traction while still being capable of traveling long distances at high speeds.
Mud-Terrain Tires
These tires provide optimal performance in muddy, slippery terrain. They have large, aggressive lugs that dig into the ground for increased traction and stability.
Ribbed Tires
These tires offer stability on wet or slippery surfaces. They feature a ribbed pattern that helps to channel water away from the tire, providing increased grip and control.
Lug Tires
These tires feature large lugs that provide excellent grip and traction in off-road conditions. They are ideal for navigating terrains such as mud, sand, and gravel.
Uni-directional Tires
Uni-directional tires are good for wet and slippery surfaces. They feature a unique tread pattern that is designed to move water away from the tire, providing increased grip and stability.
Sipes Tires
Sipes tires use a unique sipe pattern that helps to increase traction and reduce noise. This type of tire is very useful in wet or icy conditions, providing superior grip and control.
Platforms or Stone Ejectors
Platforms or stone ejectors help remove stones and other debris that may get stuck in the treads of your commercial truck wheels. This helps to reduce the wear on your tires and increases their longevity.
Steer Tires
Steer tires help provide maximum steering response and control. They feature a specialized tread pattern that helps to improve cornering performance, as well as stability on wet or slippery surfaces.
When Your Commercial Truck Wheels Fail
Choosing the right commercial truck wheels is an important decision that can have a major impact on your fleet’s performance. But all wheels will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. When that happens, it is important to have access to quality replacement parts.
Make sure you choose a supplier with a reputable warranty policy and quality assurance. We provide top-of-the-line truck tires and roadside assistance for emergency repairs. Shop our tires today and ensure your fleet’s success.
