Michelin has come up with a wide tire for trucks, big trucks that is, that replaces the normal dual wheel and tire setup. Your 18 wheeler just became a 10 wheeler! The Michelin X One tire is being promoted as a fuel saver because of the weight savings. They can be recapped just like the current crop of tires so long life should be no problem. The tire weighs about 200 pounds and costs $1250 each, but fuel savings at current prices could recover the cost over time.
Downsides are flats, which stop the truck unlike dual setups which can continue on with a bad tire. Also, until truck stops or repair facilities carry these tires in more locations, downtime could be longer than at present but Michelin sees that going away as the tire gets wider distribution.
It’s interesting to see what companies are coming up with as ways to save fuel. Now, with a tire like this, just think of the possibilities for some really wide rims. Hmm … then you lower that rig … get some sound …