Is a dually needed?

[tcartwri]

If you run full rated pressure in the duals it can be pretty obnoxious unloaded. I usually drop them down to 60 psi off season.

The other thing you will have to get used to running down the interstate, is that the duals will want to track in the grooves the transports leave. That can take a little getting used to.

 

[bandaidmd]

i'm sure the 5th wheel has a hitch weight listed somewhere and the potential tow vehicle also has a load capacity rating. comparing those 2 specs will tell you precisely what you need.Free opinions from the internet are sometimes only worth what you paid for them.

 

[bucktaker]

I have a GMC 3500 crewcab long bed dually and it is my only truck....its one of those things you just get familar with. No where I cant get to except the parking spots close to the door at wallyworld.
not the greatest truck in off road situations but I dont go those places with this truck.

I just remind the wife to remember the truck has wide hips which always makes her smile.

Run the expected tow weights and compare to the listed capacities if you are close go larger

 

[daugen]

I've always thought four to five tons was the limit on a standard p/u, with all the towing goodies.
And I'm only guestimating at eight tons for a single axle HD. The thing today is the ratings are creeping up.
I will always stay within legal ratings, and I'm sure I can get a single axle that is rated adequately.
But do I want it...
Just trying to balance the trade offs.
thanks for all input. I don't think I'm the only one curious about this.

 

[dodge man]

A 1 ton single rear wheel MIGHT get the job done, air bags would help. If you are starting from scratch, I'd get a dually.

 

[msmith1wa]

I can't speak to driveability when towing, but A place I worked at when I was a teenager had a dually that I drove a couple of times, you get used to the extra width.

The reason the SRW trucks have lower ratings is because the single tires can't safely carry the weight. Add two more tires then the limiting factor becomes brakes, springs, axle or something else.

I would also suggest you go to RV.net and look at the towing forum there.

 

[Bird]

Bird and others, what was it like to drive the thing as a regular truck? an only truck...

I guess, as with many things, it's just what you get accustomed to. My wife didn't do a lot of driving, but she soon got accustomed to it and it was comfortable for us.

Another thing to think about if you buy that Winnebago . . . you'll notice their weights and capacities show a load capacity of 3k plus, but they list a LOT of "options" and when you start adding washer/dryer, generator, etc., etc., you can soon find yourself over the rated weight capacity of the tires, wheels, and axles. Been there; done that.

 

[DJ54]

Stability, plus the fact that if ever you should have a blow out on the rear, the other tire will hopefully at least get you over to the shoulder safely. With an almost maxed out SRW, it's quite possible you'll end up over in the Rhubarb...

 

[downslope]

Almost without question you should go with the dually. If it is 16K, 20% pin weight would be 3200#. Like Bird said, what will the REAL weight be with options, water, gas and all your STUFF in the trailer and truck? If you don't need 4WD definitely do not get it; it will make the truck heavier and HIGHER. I don't think it will ride any worse than a single wheel 1-ton with heavy suspension and tires aired up to max (which you will need with SRW). I have both and the SRW with plow package is very bouncy when aired up, worse than the 2WD dually. There is also a safety factor if you have a tire failure with a dually versus SRW. Are you planning on a full crew cab, reg cab, or what? You will definitely want to stay with a long-bed; don't get involved with sliding hitches, worrying about turning, etc.

 

[Soundguy]

Those double tires make the truck challenging to use when not towing...
.

Not really any more difficult. just point the truck where you want it to go, and turn the wheel to avoid obstacles.

Interested in the replies. I've considered a dually as my next truck due to towing, but I think I'd hate it for normal day to day driving when not towing.

You MIGHT hate it.. if you hate DRW trucks.. that's a personal question. I traded a SRW truck for a DRW truck and hope to never look back. Feels safer and more stable. towing or not. If I'm in an accident.. I may be better off too. As a matter of fact..t hat has been tested. iw as at a stoplight in my f350 and a f150 rear ended me. low speed tap. put a quarter sized dent in my bumper.. he had to be towed. hood bowed up. front grill all broke. headlights aimed in.. fender wells bowed and on tires.. etc.. etc..

I was able to drive on to work with essentially no damage.

I used to own my own electrical service company and drove a dually with 9' utility bed daily, for everything, work and personal use, for about 8 years. Its not that much diffeent than a SRW, as long as you pay attention. You're gonna nail a few more curbs at the drivethru's but its possible. .

Exactly. The main difference I've found when going from SRW to DRW is a very, VERY occasional curb check when making a tight turn. You also are just natrually a bit wider.. so when pulling thru or backing in.. just thread the needle.

I hope to not go back to a SRW for a looooong time. More rubber ont he road feels way safer.

Soundguy