Why Do Some Truck Tires Don't Touch The Ground?

Have you ever seen a massive truck driving down the highway with one row of tires hovering a few inches above the ground? In this video, we explain the engineering, physics, and laws behind these "lift axles" step by step using real examples and verified mechanical facts.

Why Do Some Truck Tires Don't Touch The Ground? | Simple Things Surprising Histories

This documentary style episode from Simple Things Surprising Histories covers the reasons why heavy-duty trucks use retractable wheels, technically known as lift axles, and how they change based on load and location.

Topics covered in this video:
• Why some truck wheels spin in the air (The Ghost Wheel)
• Understanding road damage and axle weight limits
• How weight distribution works on asphalt and concrete
• The mechanics of Lift Axles (drop axles)
• Rolling resistance and fuel economy savings
• How toll costs are calculated based on axles
• Tire "scrubbing" and steering geometry
• The difference between Pusher Axles and Tag Axles
• How trucks prevent tire damage during tight turns

Chapters:
00:00 - INTRO: The Ghost Wheel
01:04 - CHAPTER 1: The Law of the Load
02:14 - CHAPTER 2: Money, Friction, and Tolls
03:24 - CHAPTER 3: The Scrubbing Problem
04:12 - OUTRO: The Transformer

This video is designed for auto enthusiasts, curious minds, and general audiences who want a clear explanation of heavy vehicle engineering without unnecessary complexity. All explanations are factual, educational, and suitable for learning purposes.

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this video provides a complete and accurate overview.

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