6x4 or 6x2 – What's the right axle configuration for your truck?

For a long time, the standard was a 6×4 configuration in which both rear tandem axles receive power. Trucks came with 6×4 regardless of the jobs they were designed to do.

However, some fleets and drivers have lately been switching to 6×2 configurations in which only one of the rear axles receives power. The other is a “tag” or “dead” axle whose only function is to bear weight.

Spec’ing one of these options over the other comes down to decisions about applications, driving surfaces, weather conditions, fuel efficiency, load weights and driver preference.

[sackyhackMxO]

I had a company 6x2 that got stuck on virtually everything that was not paved flat road. Small dirt patch? You’re done. Ice? Forget about it. Slight water on road? You’re good as long as you don’t have to stop

[productivehustle]

I love your take...quite accurate...youre 100% correct about everything

[eggbirdtherooster]

4x2 and 6x2 is Common seen in Europe cause of tax reasons. But for the wait just like US truckers can hail with a semi, the standard is 3 axle trailers are mostly the norm.

[kaustavganguly]

Thank you. Fundamental things explained very nicely.

[wheelman]

Good afternoon friends. What pulls better uphill from the 6x4, 6x2 or 4x2 configuration drive axles ? I figure the rear ratio would decide the outcome. I drive in Europe, mainly 4x2 tractors. I personally have a liking for tandem drive traction. Thanks! Great info.

[sergiotrucker]

the whole europe runs 4x2 or 6x2 and is doing ok, but here in states every one is getting stuck with 6x2, its drivers dont know how to drive. i once had to take off interaxle shaft becouse ujoint cracked and lock diferential and drive home on front drive axle one thousand miles thru wyoming and idaho and oregon and even on gravel and didnt spin any tires

[ericgates]

Please forgive my newbie question, but why was a pusher axle not mentioned in this discussion? Thank you!

[JayFude]

I would have liked to have a 6x2, with a liftable tag axle, 20 damn years ago...

[noxious]

is zer any truck that can go from 6x2 to 6x4 n vise versa depending on road surface?

[TheHennessy]

Thanks for the video. I loved your work in the movie Transformers

[rodneythomas]

Can a KW with a 6x2 be good enough just to run LTL, say like amazon runs in the south mainly. may get some hills in the GA, SC, and NC area.

[viarnay]

One thing is not mentioned is that you don't need a more powerful engine on a 6x4 to haul heavy loads.

[jasmersingh]

Sir I have truck 6×2 drive I want to convert to 6×4 its possible or not if yes how much cost ?? Thanks

[orlandozurita]

How i can find on my truck if it is 6x2 or 6x4?

[prabhjotsinghcheema]

With 6 x 2 s more stress on drive shaft

[eyespythesky]

6x4. I'm thinking railroad crossings.

[Steve-dyxq]

Thank you. 😊

The Gospel of John, when you're ready.🔥

[stigandrmyrardalur]

Laughing in Scandinavian 😂 The 6x2 has been standard on our steep icy roads the last ½ century...

[georgigeorgiev]

Yep this (American) decision to use 6x4 configuration on highway LOL. Not by chance so many scandinavian drivers make full with you, I forgot to ask you, did you discover the hot water ?!?!?!

[vitalikd]

Everyone went away from 6x2 long time ago and realized it’s engineering mistake, especially when u get stuck