Whether your fleets service residential or commercial routes, refuse trucks regularly encounter severe conditions that can destroy a standard tire within a few months. That’s why selecting the right tires for your waste hauling trucks is vital to your fleet operation. If you’re wondering how to mitigate damage and get the most out of your tires, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll dive into how to choose the best tires for your waste haulers. We’ll also take a look at how new tires stack up compared to used tires and share some tips for how to best preserve your investment.
Your tires are the main point of contact between your truck and the road. That’s why it’s imperative to choose quality tires that can handle the curb hugging, constant stopping and going, rough terrain, and extreme road temperatures that come with waste hauling.
Not all tires are created equal, and picking the right ones will save you money, increase your tire’s longevity, and keep your drivers safe by preventing tire failure-related accidents. It also reduces fuel consumption and eliminates the need for frequent tire replacements and repairs.
Although there are plenty of alternatives on the market, using tires made explicitly for waste haulers is one of the best ways to keep your trucks operating safely and efficiently. Waste hauler trucks weigh an average of 45,000 pounds, and that weight dramatically increases once the hauler is full. This puts a lot of pressure on the tires, so you’ll have to make sure your tires are up to the task and can haul such a heavy load without sacrificing performance and safety.
Additionally, waste hauler tires have to handle all different types of terrain and jerking from frequent starting and stopping. And if your trucks make drop-offs at a landfill, your waste hauler will have to tackle unpaved, off-road conditions, which can put regular commercial tires at an extreme disadvantage. In addition to being heavy-duty, waste hauler tires have to hold up to harsh driving conditions, whether that’s rain, sleet, snow, or extreme summer heat.
Now that you know how essential good tires are, we’d like to spend a minute reviewing how to determine which tires are best for waste haulers. Here are four factors to consider before deciding on new tires.
Tires that are made explicitly for waste haulers are designed to withstand the harsh and often unpredictable nature of waste hauling. They’re better suited at keeping up with dramatic changes in the pavement, frequent braking, and occasional off-road driving. While many people opt for standard commercial truck tires, specialized tires are built to perform under challenging conditions. Regular trucking tires last an average of 25,000 to 75,000 miles; by comparison, waste hauler tires are more durable and remain in drivable condition for around 80,000 miles.
Before getting a new set of tires, research how well the tire grips the road while driving. You should also ensure the tires perform well under adverse driving conditions like inclement weather, high speeds, and sharp turns. Waste haulers may be expected to travel through rural streets with rocks and gravel or slick city streets where curbs and high-scrub environments create challenging driving conditions. You’ll want to ensure your tires can handle whatever you throw at them, so start off on a good foot by purchasing a high-performance tire.
Choosing the correct tire size is one of the most crucial aspects of deciding on a new set of tires. The most common size for waste haulers is 315/80R22.5. Tires that are larger or smaller might not last as long due to their inability to carry the heavy load or maintain optimal air pressure. If you want your investment to last, consider the tire tread depth. Choose tires with a broad, deep tread that can support a waste hauler vehicle’s weight.
Waste hauling trucks are expected to operate year-round, whether that’s in the hot summer sun or in the iciest part of winter. If your fleet operates often drive in a colder environment or an area with cold winters, you’ll need to make sure your tires can perform in ice and snow. Studded and studless winter tires are designed to withstand prolonged winter conditions. They stay soft and flexible even when the temperature dips below 0 degrees. That improves traction, control, and handling, keeping your trucks and drivers safe.
Are you trying to decide between buying new or used tires? The main benefit of used tires is that they are almost always cheaper. Typically, they cost about 30% to 50% less than brand-new tires. You might even get lucky and find used tires that are barely worn and in nearly new condition. However, you also risk buying used tires that aren’t in good condition and have a drastically shortened lifespan. They will likely also wear out more quickly than new tires due to the pre-existing wear.
On the other hand, new tires have better quality control, and you typically get exactly what you pay for. While new tires are more reliable, you’ll have to pay a heftier price.
Before you purchase used tires, check out their condition in person. If the sale is online, look at pictures for signs of damage. That way, even if the damage isn’t accurately described in the listing, you can reduce your chances of buying a used tire in poor condition.
Whether you opt for new or used ones, your waste hauler’s tires are undoubtedly an investment. No one wants to waste money if they don’t have to, so here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your tires. Share this list with your waste haulers if you own or manage a fleet operation.
To sum things up, choosing the right tires will save you money, improve vehicle performance, and help keep your drivers safe. Whenever possible, set yourself up for success by opting for tires specifically designed to meet the needs of waste haulers. We hope this article has provided you with all the information you were looking for and helped you figure out how to choose the right tires for your refuse trucks.
If you’re ready to make your drivers’ lives easier and your tires last longer, Doran has a TPMS solution for you. We equip every kind of truck and trailer combination, tankers, auto haulers, construction vehicles, and more.
Give us a call or send us a message to learn what TPMS can do for your fleet.
