Guide to Dual Wheel Trucks (Dually) Maintenance
A dual-wheel truck, also known as a dually, can be a great option for anyone in construction, farming, or ranching who continually hauls heavy loads. These trucks have two wheels in the front and four in the rear, giving it a total of six tires. These added tire and wheel assemblies give duallies a lot more load and towing capability and make them more stable on the road. Plus, they look great. But these vehicles aren’t for everyone. If you’ve ever wondered if owning a dually is worth it, we have some insights, including dual-wheel tire rotations, to help you make the right decision.
What Are the Benefits of Owning a Dually Truck?
The benefits of owning a dually truck add up fast, including added towing power and long work life.
Increased Stability and Towing Power
The two extra wheels on the rear end of a dually truck can help with stability and towing capacity. Those two extra wheels give these trucks a wider stance and help distribute weight more evenly. This puts more rubber on the road to make them more stable. Especially when hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer. Depending on the vehicle, engine size, and transmission, some dually trucks can tow up to 30,000 pounds or more. In comparison, many heavy-duty, four-wheel trucks can tow upwards of 15,000 pounds, on average.
Ideal for Hauling and Commercial Use
With impressive towing capabilities and improved traction, dually trucks are ideal for hauling just about anything. Do you have cattle to move from one state to another? A fully-equipped dually can haul a livestock trailer without breaking a sweat. That includes commercial trailers designed to move debris, rocks, and other heavy items.
Long-Term Durability
These trucks are built to take a lot of punishment and return for more. To haul and tow more than the average truck, dually vehicles have a reinforced frame and axle, as well as heavy-duty components such as a more powerful engine, more robust transmission, and beefier suspension systems.
Key Maintenance Tips for Dually Trucks
Owning a dually is great for towing, hauling, and hard work. But there are some extra bits of maintenance to consider, including tire rotations, balancing, and alignments.
Tire Rotation
When you have six tires, how often do you need to rotate them? The answer is, just as often as any other vehicle. Most people will be hauling heavy loads with their dually, so the back wheels usually wear down faster than the front. With proper tire rotations, the professionals at Les Schwab can help you get the most life out of your tires.
Regular tire rotations should be done every 5,000 miles or when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Dually trucks are no different. What makes them different is the way tires are rotated.
Depending on the types of wheels you have, dually tire rotations can be cost-effective when you buy your tires at Les Schwab. When you have non-directional steel wheels on all six tires, rotations are quick and free. Anytime the tires must be removed from the wheels, there will be a charge. While aluminum wheels look great, you’ll spend more for tire rotations when the tires have to be removed from the inside steel wheels and then re-mounted to aluminum wheels.
First
Rotation
Second Rotation After
5,000 Miles
Typical Dually Rotation Pattern
There are many ways to rotate the tires on a dually, but the most common is often called a corner or side-up rotation. This option rotates two of the rear tires, either the two on the left or the right, and moves them to the front. The front tires are then moved to the back to replace the two rear tires moved to the front. The front tire moved to the back that has the most cupping is flipped over and mounted to the outside so that it rolls in the opposite direction (if it is not a directional tire). During the next tire rotation, the opposite rear tires are moved to the front.
The professionals at Les Schwab can rotate your dually tires any way you like, or show you the best options to get the most life out of your tires. After 50-100 miles, we recommend that you come back to Les Schwab to have the lugs on each of your wheel and tire assemblies retorqued to manufacturer specifications.
Tire Pressure Management
Tire pressure is important on any vehicle, but with a dually, it’s even more critical. That’s because you have two extra tires. If any of the four rear tires are low, it can cause rubbing, which can lead to tire damage and failure. When you drive a dually, get your air pressure checked once a month at Les Schwab — especially if you cannot access the valve stem on your back inside wheels.
Wheel Balancing and Alignment
Are alignments and wheel balancing necessary on a dually? Yes, they are. Just like any other vehicle, wheel balancing and alignment help with tire wear, fuel efficiency, handling, and safety. Get your dually wheels balanced and vehicle alignment done at Les Schwab.
Creating a Maintenance Schedule for Your Dually
Daily and Weekly Checks
To get the most life out of your tires, as well as add to the life of your truck, always keep an eye on your instrument panel. If you see a check engine light or other indicators, deal with it ASAP. Additionally, check the fluid levels (oil, coolant, brakes, transmission) weekly, and replace worn or broken parts as soon as possible. When properly maintained, dually trucks can keep running strong for years to come.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
Monthly maintenance includes tire air pressure checks, as well as a quick inspection of engine belts, hoses, brakes, and cooling systems.
Semi-Annual and Annual Inspections
The exhaust system, as well as suspension parts and brakes, should be inspected at least once a year. The professionals at Les Schwab can give the brakes, battery, alignment, and suspension on your dually a free visual inspection.
The Cost of Maintaining a Dually Truck
Overall, a dually is like any other full-size truck in terms of maintenance costs. The only differences are in the cost of buying additional tires, tire rotations, and fuel consumption.
Aluminum vs. Steel Wheels Maintenance Costs
There are differences between aluminum and steel wheels. Adding aluminum wheels to the front and outside rear of a dually looks great. But those aluminum wheels could end up costing you a bit more in terms of either tire rotation fees or added wear on the inside rear tires. When the tires have to be removed from the wheels, you will spend more on tire rotations. Additionally, if you only rotate the tires on aluminum wheels, the ones on steel rims will wear down faster, costing you more money in the long run.
While not nearly as cool-looking, steel wheels are the best option for dually trucks. Having six steel wheels allows for full tire rotations. When you have Les Schwab tires on steel wheels, those rotations are free.
Fuel and Operational Expenses
Most dually trucks are built tough with a heavy-duty transmission, engine, and other parts. This gives a dually a boost in towing capacity but can reduce fuel efficiency. As with any vehicle, how you drive, where you drive, and what you haul can directly affect your fuel consumption. Additionally, those same factors can impact operational expenses, such as when you’ll need to replace brake pads and rotors.
Les Schwab Warranties and Services
Les Schwab is home to America’s Best Tire Warranty. When you buy your tires from us, you get free flat repairs, rotations when none of the tires need to be removed from wheels, rebalancing when necessary, and free air pressure checks. You also get our 100% road hazard damage replacement with no expiration. Those freebies can add up to some big savings when you own a dually.
Why Choose Les Schwab for Dually Truck Tire Maintenance?
There are plenty of good reasons to come to Les Schwab for your dually tire maintenance.
Expert Services for Heavy-Duty Trucks
We’ve been servicing dually and other heavy-duty trucks for decades. That includes help finding the right tires for your work and livestock trailers.
Comprehensive Warranty Options
The tires, wheels, battery, brakes, alignment, and other services we provide at Les Schwab come with a warranty that you don’t pay extra for. At Les Schwab, we’re proud of the tires we sell and the services we offer.
Convenient and Flexible Financing
You’ll find some of the easiest-to-understand and affoyrdable financing options available at Les Schwab. Ask about opening your Les Schwab credit account and get everything you need for your dually with affordable monthly payments.