Big E450 Ambo Rv - Stay dual or go single?

[Skooter_Built]

I've got an 05 E450 ambo that's going the whole 4x4 RV conversion route. I've already picked up a set of Superduty axles (60 front and 10.5 rear). Lately I got to thinking about the rear weight and I'm unsure if a single 35-37" is going to have a capable weight capacity for the rig.

On top of being a rolling base camp my ambo will also be my 1 ton TJ's tow rig, so figure at least 6000lb vehicle and trailer tow weight.

So what is the group consensus?

 

[tanglefoot]

It probably depends most on where you're planning to take it and how much money you have lying around/are willing to spend.

It's definitely possible to get enough load capacity from singles. Check out the Mitsubishi Fuso single conversions with the Michelin ZXLs and similar. They're pricey though.

I'm a fan of duals, myself. They offer nice stability and roadholding (very sought-after in the truck camper community), they ride right over any holes in the road, they're more readily available, and if you have 1 spare, you can theoretically have three blow-outs and still keep moving.

The singles are well-suited for extreme rocks, mud, snow, etc but for 99% of driving, the duals are great. Just check to make sure no rocks are stuck between them before getting back on the pavement after a rocky trail.

 

[java]

I had a blow out last week, something flipped up and tore the sidewall. Was happy to have the dualies.

 

[mog]

I've got an 05 E450 ambo that's going the whole 4x4 RV conversion route. I've already picked up a set of Superduty axles (60 front and 10.5 rear). Lately I got to thinking about the rear weight and I'm unsure if a single 35-37" is going to have a capable weight capacity for the rig.
On top of being a rolling base camp my ambo will also be my 1 ton TJ's tow rig, so figure at least 6000lb vehicle and trailer tow weight.
So what is the group consensus?

The Toyo 2M608Z 285/R70/19.5 (35.4 inch) http://toyotires.com/tbr/tire/pattern/m608z has a rating of 6395 lbs per tire in single applications.
Portal review HERE used on a heavy Fuso

 

[Ozrockrat]

I singled out my Ambo. Having lived and worked in the bush for a long time I just do not like duals. My first hand problems related to the tracking of duals on tracks that are just 2 wheel ruts (1/2 of Australia ), getting rocks stuck between the duals and the final factor was the capacity of the 16" tires for my application.

I went with 19.5 rims. I think the rating per tire was about 6500 lbs and the rims were 5000 lbs. Not the greatest for airing down but rode very smoothly (some pickups have issues with these tires when running empty).

Checkout my conversion thread HERE

 

[ujoint]

What does the rig weigh now? Are you sure that a rear axle swap is needed? Those rigs already have a big ol D70 FF in them, not much to gain with a Sterling.

 

[Skooter_Built]

What does the rig weigh now? Are you sure that a rear axle swap is needed? Those rigs already have a big ol D70 FF in them, not much to gain with a Sterling.

I'm not sure on the weight, I believe its got a 158" wheelbase. I also believe the rear on my ambo is a dana 80, I originally picked up my axles cause they are a matched 4.10 geared set. From my quick reading last night I believe my Dana 80 should be 4.10 geared (6.0 diesel) so that's pretty damn good.

The more I looked into it, 19.5 singles are the way to go for what I want to do. Now I need to figure out what tire I want to run, I want something about 35-36" tall, not super skinny and somewhat aggressive. Me being me I'd love to get a set of the special interco Irok's for 19.5's but not digging the $650 a piece.

Any suggestions?

 

[Ozrockrat]

Be a bit careful on the 19.5 sizing. 265/70-19.5 will get you to about 34.5. But they are harder to get and potentially an issue if you need to replace one along the road. 245 and 225 are a lot easier to find. 285's are as rare as rocking horse poop. Also check how much noise they make. The ones I had used to whine like the 1st wife at a will reading.

 

[ujoint]

Run that bad boy across some scales.

 

[robert]

I'd take a realistic look at where you're planning on doing most of your driving ex. to ski lodges or down to Baja or actual off-roading and unless you're realistically planning on doing a lot of off-roading I'd personally stick with the dually rear. Having driven ambulances and rescue trucks for years (including several with single rear wheels), the duallys in the rear make them more stable at highway speeds, especially in windy areas/conditions, and give a safety margin if one tire blows. Most of the ambulance boxes have a good bit out weight out further than say a utility box or box truck and they have compartments on the outside which means even more stuff (weight) gets put outboard. Those large tires for running single wheels are harder to find too. JMHO