SRW vs. DRW

[MAMalody]

I am not trying to start an argument, however, it looks like I will be needing a new truck for my new 3790FD (@ 16700#). My '02 F350 will be a tad on the week side. I am looking at '12-15 F350s and am going through the SRW vs DRW argument. I am looking for comments from those that have driven both and can give me a comparison or their thoughts on which would be best, in their opinion.

[sambam]

No doubt about it, DRW. Your GVW is in the dually category. I haven't looked at your Montana's specs, but I'm guessing the pin weight will be in the area of 3000 lbs. And that is being conservative. You'll get plenty of opinions here, for sure. Stay tuned.....

[BB_TX]

If the pin weight of the trailer is heavy enough to push you into a DRW to get the payload rating, then by all means get a DRW. If the pin weight is within a SRW rating, then it becomes simply a personal preference. I tried a DRW for a short time and did not like it. Fortunately my trailer weight is fine with a SRW. And stability is not an issue at all. Even high cross winds and passing trucks have little effect.

I just wish the DRW drivers on our narrow rural highway would learn to judge the widths of their trucks. About half the time you meet one they have the left fender, and often the wheel, over the center stripe, apparently for fear of hitting mailboxes on the other side.

[K0LCB]

The greatest advantage of DRW over SRW is added stability, training wheels give you a wider footprint

[mlh]

If I was getting a truck to pull a big heavy Montana I would wont a DRW. A SRW will certainly do the job especially if you get the 20 inch wheels but I would still get the DRW truck.
Lynwood

[Dam Worker]

I think the advice that Bill gave you is right on. If you need the extra capacity of a dually than you should probably get one. If the SRW has enough capacity than it is a personal choice that you will have to make for the type and location of driving that you do when not hooked to the fifth-wheel. If you do have to go to a dually you might also check out the medium duty trucks as they would handle your unit even better than a pickup truck. Better tires, better brakes and probably turns sharper than a wide framed pickup. Either way parking dually's usually impacts anybody else parking next to you.

Good luck with your decision.

Tom Marty

[rohrmann]

Not making a statement about SRW vs DRW, but saying that 20" wheels are not going to help with loads. The use of 20" wheels can restrict the use of a truck to good paved roads, due to the low profile tires used on them. With the fine roads we travel on, wheels will get bent and tires damaged with all the defects in the pavement. The following is from our Chevy manual:

20 Inch Tires
If the vehicle has 20 inch P275/55R20 size tires, they are classified as touring tires and are designed for on road use. The low profile, wide tread design is not recommended for “off road” driving or commercial uses such as snow plowing.



Notice: Low profile tires are more susceptible to damage road hazards or curb impact than standard profile tires. Tire and/or wheel assembly damage can occur when coming into contact with road hazards like, potholes, or sharp edged objects, or when sliding into a curb. The warranty does not cover this type of damage. Keep tires set to the correct inflation pressure and, when possible, avoid contact with
curbs, potholes, and other road hazards.

[mlh]

The tires on my Ford are 275 65 20s. They have a rating of over 3700 pounds. 275 55 20s wouldn't work too good off road but these do and are more stable than the 18s.
Lynwood

[Fire5er]

I have towed a 2007 Montana 3400RL with both a SRW and a DRW, and couldn't believe the difference towing with the DRW. The SRW was a 2006 6.0L F350 and the DRW was a 2011 6.7L F350. It was just way more stable of a ride. IMHO the DRW trucks are the only way to go when towing a heavy pin weight 5er.

[1retired06]

Have had both. Dually is the best choice as a tow vehicle for a heavy fiver. For a comparison, look at the Ford Towing Guide re capacities between SRW and DRW trucks.

[davidaf]

Had both will not tow heavy with a SRW again. Went from an 04 SRW to an 05 DRW Ram felt more stable and made for a much more relaxing tow. I replace my 05 DRW with a 15 DRW. Big difference between the two. Lots of improvements in 10 years.

[Artemus Gordon]

Never seen this discussion before?

[WeBeFulltime]

I see you are in a SRW now. It should be no problem going SRW again since you are used to it. I am in a SRW wheel and love it.

Let me add that I am a retired trucker and pulled smooth bore tanks the last 7 years of 20 years total so I am used to a little movement.

[DonandBonnie]

The specs should certainly be the determining factor. We have a dually and have found that the wide rear fenders tend to be a magnet to other vehicles. We've been struck several times in parking lots. If you go with the dually, we would highly recommend a tire pressure monitor system. We have had two flat tires and would have not known it if the monitor had not alerted us. There was no difference in the driving characteristics with on dually flat.

[JandC]

quote:Originally posted by MAMalody

I am not trying to start an argument, however, it looks like I will be needing a new truck for my new 3790FD (@ 16700#). My '02 F350 will be a tad on the week side. I am looking at '12-15 F350s and am going through the SRW vs DRW argument. I am looking for comments from those that have driven both and can give me a comparison or their thoughts on which would be best, in their opinion.

If you need a DRW then there really isn't much choice. If you have weighed your 3790 and it actually weighs 16,700 then your pin weight will probably dictate a DRW. Have you been over the scales?

[CORattler]

I faced the same choice when it came time for a new TV this past spring. I could have bought either.
I agree that the numbers should dictate the choice. I also feel that it is important to have plenty of capability should the need arise.
Other considerations were parking space at home and that DRW can't go through automated car washes or most drive through businesses (banks, burger joints, Burger King, etc.)
The 3500 RAM SRW fit my needs and I'm happy with it.

[BB_TX]

Assuming the weights make an SRW a valid option, usage is also a factor, at least for me. We are not full timers or long timers. We use the Monte around 30 days per year. Of those actually towing only about 10 days. That means 355 days as a daily driver. Narrow drive thrus, tight parking lots, narrow streets, drive thru auto car washes, etc makes the SRW the best option for my usuage.

[richfaa]

Pin weight....pin weight.....Carry capacity.....We picked a truck to pull a heavy Montana did not care about anything else. We have a Dually.

[MAMalody]

What pin weight pushes you into a DRW? The pin weight of the 3790 per Keystone is 2870#. The E range tires on the normal SRW pickup is a total of 6830#. Bed weight around 500# (LB)? I don't know what the axle is rated for. My guess is 7000#. The DRW tires would be rated for a combined 12,000#s. Hopefully, with a commensurate axle. Bed weight around 550# (LB)? These are just specs. I am supposed to pick up the trailer Monday so I don't have real weight figures, just Keystone figures for the trailer. Either truck 2012 and up can probably handle the trailer weight without any real issues.

[BB_TX]

There will be a sticker on the driver's door post with a statement such as "Do not load this vehicle in excess of x,xxx lbs".