Eight-wheel drive

When it has twelve – with two pairs of dual wheels on each rear axle – all are also driven but the 8×8 designation remains.

[1] For most military applications where traction/mobility are considered more important than payload, single wheels on each axle are the norm.

Many wheeled armored vehicles have an 8x8 drivetrain, with the axles (which usually have independent suspension) more evenly spaced.

Latest generation 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles have steering on the rearmost axle to improve maneuverability.

In the case of both truck and armored vehicle applications, drive may be limited to the rear two axles for on-road use, thus reducing drivetrain stress and tire wear, and increasing fuel efficiency.