dually, single rear wheel truck, what's the difference between a dually and a single rear wheel truck, should I buy a dually, what is a dually
STORY AND PHOTOS
BY H. KENT SUNDLING
When choosing a tow vehicle, keep
in mind that a dual rear wheel (also
known as a dually or DRW) and a
single rear wheel (SRW) truck each
has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here, I will give you the pros
and cons of duallys and dually Class 6
models, plus an advantage of an SRW
truck.
Dually Advantages
Weight capacity. Duallys carry more
weight than an SRW truck. Generally,
this is because most duallys have
heavier springs. Most of the manufacturer
weight limits are conservative to
avoid breakdowns in drive trains, axles,
and frames. I have loaded my trucks
above the weight limits doing farm and
ranch work, but now I stay a lot closer
to the proper load limits in heavy
Truck Savvy
Should You Buy a Dually?
Learn the important differences between a dually and a
single rear wheel truck when towing a horse trailer.
traffic. It is just not worth the risk of
breaking an axle or burning a clutch. I
have seen universal joints break, and
have watched drive shafts bounce off
the pavement and swing around, close
to the fuel tanks.
Tracking. I eventually went with a
dually due to dirt roads, which test
everything, including tracking. Ruts
remind you that if the truck and trailer
track the same, the truck pulls better.
Eight-foot-wide trailers track better
behind the dual wheels.
Braking. Dirt roads also eat the
magnets that activate the trailer brakes
in the trailer axle hubs, so I have never
relied on the trailer brakes to do all the
work. It would surprise you how much
better dual wheels will brake. Generally,
going from a one-ton single rear
wheel (such as a Ford F350, Dodge
Duallys carry more weight than an SRW truck. Generally, this
is because most duallys have heavier springs. Shown is a 2011
Ford F450 Class 4 truck. A 2011 Ford F350 DRW Class 3 truck; the dually fenders are new.
14
3500, or GM 3500) to a one-ton dually
will give you one size larger axles and
brakes.
It is not at all the same thing if you
drive mostly on pavement. Trailer
brakes can last a long time cruising
down the interstate, and now selfadjusting
electric trailer brakes are
available.
Stability. A dually truck offers better
stability when you add a large, overhead,
slide-in camper. The extra tires
will likely make you feel safer, because
they allow the truck to handle
heavy side winds and curves with
less lean.
Dually Disadvantages
Higher cost. Duallys get worse fuel
mileage than SRW trucks, because of
their extra weight and added drag.
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