(Eli5) Why do Buses & Trucks use 2 skinny wheels put together on each side of the axle? Instead of just using one fat wheel?
In: Engineering
One reason I’m not seeing mentioned here is snow and ice. In a truck, your fat ass takes a looooong time to slow down, even in perfect dry weather (take note, drivers, this is why you shouldn’t swoop in front of trucks two feet off their bumper when passing). In snow? Your time to maneuver is effectively doubled.
What’s the form of a snow tire? In its most simplest form, it’s a tire with deeper treads that avoid being filled completely with snow, and softer rubber to help grip the road better in cold conditions, where rubber will harden. That first one is especially important, as deeper treads help get grip on packed snow and ice.
With dual tires, the space between them basically acts as one very deep tread, allowing greater control in the snow. Which if you’re running super singles (which is what the “one big tire” would be called — they do exist), you don’t have.
Source: was truck driver for a year. Not recommended unless it’s your only alternative to homelessness.
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