4x4 or 4x2 Dually?

[snfexpress]

The one benefit of a dually that has not been mentioned is that because it is so large (at least our Big Butt is), we park in the outer 40 at the malls, etc. This allows us to get a little extra exercise!

Seriously, if you are blocking and stacking - trying to level one side with a large number of blocks - using 4 Low/Low will give you precise control over the movement of the trailer tires.

[richfaa]

Just as side note, Our 05 Dually was NOT a 4X4 and it did not affect the trade in value as we got top dollar and it lasted 3 days on the dealers lot..

[sunshineduo]

Concur with the 4x4 DRW. much more stability and needed it several times to get the trailer parked into wet or snowy camping spots. Not bad for helping stuck 2x4 folk in the bigger snows too (2008 F350.
As far as "]Dually trucks are difficult to park and no good at drive throughs.

[seahunter]

quote:Originally posted by richfaa

We know what you pull. You need the dually for the pin weight. Our first dually was not a 4X4 a we found many places where we could use one so the 08 is a 4X4.BTW. we did not purchase this truck to fit in a garage, go through a bank drive through or ease of parking. We purchased it to pull this 3400 anchor and within all manufacturers spec's. We did not choose the truck the 3400 did.

Have to agree all the way here. Pick the trailer, and that determines the truck. If you don't have a tow vehicle already, do it right the first time and be within the specs. Price difference is negligible when spending over $100k for truck and trailer. Would definitely do the 4X4 as well. We did a lot of dry camping previously without improved ground with pavement or gravel and had a lot of times with 2X4 getting stuck or having trouble in wet grass/mud as others have said.

[Sinterior]

When we bought our first Monty in '09, I had to get a dually to be legal here in BC. Terry hated driving the dually (we are Snowbirds so she doesn't have a choice if she wanted to drive anywhere) and I told her if GM ever came out with a SRW truck that could legally tow Monty, I would trade, never thinking it would happen. Last year, GM did some major changed to the truck frames, brakes and suspension. My '11 1 ton SRW has a slightly higher GVWR than my old '06 dually had. (11500 lbs vs 11400 lbs)
4X4 is pretty much a must have where we live, and good luck trying to sell a 2X4 truck outside of the coastal areas of BC.
I have used 4 wheel drive high and low several times setting up in soft grassy areas, as well as 4 high twice now being caught in unexpected snow on the highway......not something I planned to do, or want to do again!

[TLightning]

quote:Originally posted by Sinterior

GM did some major changed to the truck frames, brakes and suspension. My '11 1 ton SRW has a slightly higher GVWR than my old '06 dually had. (11500 lbs vs 11400 lbs)

That's fine, but the true question is what is the difference in cargo capacity. For years Ford had much higher GVWRs than GM, but the cargo capacity was the same...Ford just had a heavier truck.

[mhs4771]

You also need to check the GM fine print on those towing charts. While you may have the cargo capacity you may very well exceed GM's max for Pin Weight. I know for our 2011 Dually GM lists a max pin weight of 3500 Lbs, and I think the SRW is listed as 3000 Lbs. So you can be within all the other specs, but exceed what GM lists as Max pin weight.

[mobilcastle]

quote:Originally posted by mhs4771

You also need to check the GM fine print on those towing charts. While you may have the cargo capacity you may very well exceed GM's max for Pin Weight. I know for our 2011 Dually GM lists a max pin weight of 3500 Lbs, and I think the SRW is listed as 3000 Lbs. So you can be within all the other specs, but exceed what GM lists as Max pin weight.

I find it interesting that the 2011 Chevy dually 1 ton I own has a payload of aprox 6,000lbs, but the max pin weight is 3,500. I looked it up and you are right. I wonder what is up with that

[richfaa]

Wait a minute...Pin weight IS part of the cargo capacity as it is IN the bed of the truck, Something is wrong with the above numbers.

[mobilcastle]

quote:Originally posted by richfaa

Wait a minute...Pin weight IS part of the cargo capacity as it is IN the bed of the truck, Something is wrong with the above numbers.

I looked at it again and it goes on to say the pin weight should not exceed the rear gross axle rating(RGAWR)-that sounds right to me. I will check mine when I get a chance.

[mhs4771]

Here's the statement direct out of the Diesel Supplement Manual:
"*Fifth-wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight should be 15 percent to 25 percent of trailer weight up to 1 587 kg
(3,500 lbs) maximum."
BUT looking at the charts again shows that this statement pertains to 2500s & 3500s, 2x4 and 4x4, and single or duals, so no it does quite make sense. In the standard Gas Manual the chart there show different pin weights for 2500s and 3500's but still shows the 3500s as a max 3500 Lbs, which is a little over half the cargo capacity. I don't understand....

[mobilcastle]

My information comes out of a 2011 brochure in the fine print under the payload ratings.

[richfaa]

Hummm I have a 9K axle rating on our 08 F-350 so something is still not right.13K GVWR.Pinweight is part of the CC.

[mlh]

I have a 4x4. I have never needed it to pull the camper. I use it some to take advantage of the low range to pull over some very rough places. I take my camper places a lot of people wouldn't take their truck. The 4x4 is good to have when you wont to crawl along at a snail's pace.
Lynwood

[richfaa]

Agree. we never needed the 4X4 to pull the Montana but did need it to pull the Montana out of some nasty places. Like the mud pit at th Escapee rally in Missouri two years ago.

[mobilcastle]

My axle ratings are front GAWR 5600 and rear GAWR 9375. GVWR is 13,000(2011 Chevy 3500 dually-extended cab,long box). I am not saying you should run 9K over the rear axle but I think it will handle 3.5K and much more. I doubt I will run over 3.5K in pin weight.

[TLightning]

GM has made that statement about the max PW of 3,500 for years, it's in my manual for my 07.

[Sinterior]

quote:Originally posted by TLightning

That's fine, but the true question is what is the difference in cargo capacity. For years Ford had much higher GVWRs than GM, but the cargo capacity was the same...Ford just had a heavier truck.

The CCC of my SRW truck is almost the same as my '06 dually, within 60lbs, over 3900 lbs to just over 4100 lbs depending on options, on a SRW C/C diesel, 6' 6" box, these newer trucks weigh 700 lbs more than the pre 2011's as per the GM ads.

[mlh]

Rich I go to big bench rest shooting match in Ohio, its west of Canton 30 miles at Dalton and north on Dalton Fox Lake road 15 miles. Your neck of the woods. I've saw half million dollar motor homes stuck up to the axles. You like shooting, if you would like to see the most accurate rifles in the world come down and visit. The match is held the week before Memorial Day. Camping is free.
All little boys love the smell of burnt gun powder.

[RRman]

My dually is 2WD. I've gotten stuck twice in soggy grass sites (in the last 5 years). Friends or good samaritans with 4WD came to my rescue immediately. I love to let them show off! If you absolutely never want to get stuck or deal with the consequences I suppose 4WD is a must.
Meanwhile, I get better mileage, less maintenance requirements and cost, and a slightly lower truck than a 4WD.
Works for me!