Truck 3500 SRW vs DRW

[Skipperchic]

Need your opinion:

We drive a Dodge Ram SB CC 3500 Diesel 4wd SRW

We want to purchase a 41' Montana

Our concerns are:.

Is our SRW ok or do we need to put a dually kit on it?

We see 50/50 on the highways pulling the 41' Rvs...SRW/DRW

[davemitchell59]

Check the towing capacity of the SRW and make sure the new rig fits inside the specifications. Personal opinion, if you're not within the specs for both pin weight (GVWR) and tow capacity, you're asking for trouble on several fronts.


Beyond that, I love our DRW. Towing across NM in February in high winds was very stable. I don't think it would have been as pleasant in a SRW tow vehicle.

[BiggarView]

Depends on how you plan on using it. Full time? Loaded out to its GVWR? Then consider a dually especially if the math tells you need it. If you are only going to carry a 1000 lbs of gear for weekend trips or non full time RVing... you might be able to get away with the SRW. Converting a SRW to DRW? That's new one to me... certainly doable but it seems rather expensive when you can get it from the factory already configured and warranteed.

Having said all that, you'll get argument from both sides... let the SRW DRW war begin again...

We have a 3500 DRW and are looking at 3810/3811MS (40+ feet) I would not consider anything less than a dually.

[powerhaulic]

Originally Posted by BiggarView

Depends on how you plan on using it. Full time? Loaded out to its GVWR? Then consider a dually especially if the math tells you need it. If you are only going to carry a 1000 lbs of gear for weekend trips or non full time RVing... you might be able to get away with the SRW. Converting a SRW to DRW? That's new one to me... certainly doable but it seems rather expensive when you can get it from the factory already configured and warranteed.

Having said all that, you'll get argument from both sides... let the SRW DRW war begin again...

We have a 3500 DRW and are looking at 3810/3811MS (40+ feet) I would not consider anything less than a dually.

We have a 3811MS Legacy, tows quite nice behind our SRW
Last scale was, 24040# combined, 16400# trailer, 2900# pin traveling weight

[CaptnJohn]

I have had both. Just recently downsized from 43' to 41'. The new 3761 FL makes all numbers and pulls great with my 2016 f350 4x4 SRW. Floor plan makes a difference. This one has a ton of rear storage and the washer and dryer are behind the axels. Never going back to the PIA called DRW.

[jeffba]

Originally Posted by powerhaulic

We have a 3811MS Legacy, tows quite nice behind our SRW
Last scale was, 24040# combined, 16400# trailer, 2900# pin traveling weight

Wow talk about packing light!! That is only 120 pounds more than the published pin weight. Impressive!!

[powerhaulic]

Originally Posted by jeffba

Wow talk about packing light!! That is only 120 pounds more than the published pin weight. Impressive!!

Also from knowing your rig. First time I scaled it we were 3200+ on the pin.
Relocation of items, and carrying a moderately filled fresh water tank to balance it.


I have scaled it 3 times now to get it figured out. but tows great now, the final item was installing an air pin box to take the bump shock out of the truck.

[Wicked1]

Originally Posted by powerhaulic

Also from knowing your rig. First time I scaled it we were 3200+ on the pin.
Relocation of items, and carrying a moderately filled fresh water tank to balance it.


I have scaled it 3 times now to get it figured out. but tows great now, the final item was installing an air pin box to take the bump shock out of the truck.

You seem to be towing nose high, I would look at adjusting your hitch to lower your nose but this is just my opinion

[BiggarView]

From what I've read, the 2018 GMC CGWVR for 3500 SRW is 23100. You may be good on pin but over on combined. Looking at your last pix, the trailer is also not level... what are your trailer axle weights, especially the rear? if you shifted pin weight aft.... I'd be curious on those trailer axle weights.

We expect to be heavier than you.

[Krisbc1]

Originally Posted by BiggarView

Depends on how you plan on using it. Full time? Loaded out to its GVWR? Then consider a dually especially if the math tells you need it. If you are only going to carry a 1000 lbs of gear for weekend trips or non full time RVing... you might be able to get away with the SRW. Converting a SRW to DRW? That's new one to me... certainly doable but it seems rather expensive when you can get it from the factory already configured and warranteed.

Having said all that, you'll get argument from both sides... let the SRW DRW war begin again...

We have a 3500 DRW and are looking at 3810/3811MS (40+ feet) I would not consider anything less than a dually.

Right with you on nothing less than a DRW!

[BB_TX]

If the loaded pin weight plus the weight of people, fuel, and “stuff” you carry in the truck exceeds the payload rating of the SRW then you NEED a DRW. If not, then it is a matter of do you want a DRW or SRW.

And don’t let anyone lie to you. A DRW is more of a pain as a daily driver.

[Krisbc1]

Originally Posted by BB_TX

If the loaded pin weight plus the weight of people, fuel, and “stuff” you carry in the truck exceeds the payload rating of the SRW then you NEED a DRW. If not, then it is a matter of do you want a DRW or SRW.

And don’t let anyone lie to you. A DRW is more of a pain as a daily driver.

I use a DRW with a crew cab, 8 ft bed as a daily driver, I personally have no problems with it. I get any place I need to w/o difficulty!
One needs to be an attentive driver all the time! With or without a trailer!

[E Rod]

I have a 2018 F350 SRW long bed 6.7 Diesel. I pull a 40ft ,6 slideout 5er with no issues. New Super Duties have higher payload and towing capabilities. No issues with wind either.

[TBW Ventures]

I have similar to E_Rod, a 2017 F350 SRW, 6.7l Diesel, 6’9” box and pull a 40’ Montana. As E Rod said , the New Super Duties are great, any bigger tho and the only way to unlock the extra capacity of the F350 is with DRW. I use mine as a daily driver and it fits in the garage ( a DRW would not), very nice. Pulling through mountains and with wind is no issue.

There is always debate on this but it is a matter of math and if you want any extra safety factor. I also know we will never be loaded to the hilt so im comfortable with the leeway we have.

[mlh]

Pull the camper when you get it. If you like the way it handles and pulls and you feel safe, drive it. If not then decide what you wont to do. No need to spend a lot of time and money for nothing.
Lynwood

[jeffba]

If your RAM has the puck system and you would go to a RAM dually if needed.

Then saddle up your Monty, and load her up and then hit the scales. Then decide if you need to go to a dually.

We went dually because we exceeded the GVWR of a 1T SRW.

The folks that come to the rally and weigh trucks and Monty's will tell you over 50% of the folks towing are overweight. (towing overweight).

[MidMOTraveler]

You mentioned a “dually kit” no matter what it will not change the yellow sticker on the door post. That’s what you should be going by.

[DQDick]

Ok, here's the one thing everyone tends to miss. No matter what your truck says on the door you may not be able to buy tires to meet those specs. That's the reason we have a dually. The Weight always came in fine, but a sidewall buldge and a broken bead caused me to question what we were doing. Checked the wheel weight with what the tires said and got the dually.

[MidMOTraveler]

Dick your correct! Tires (19.5)and bigger brakes are what sold me on an F 450

[Texan]

Don't let anyone's opinion influence your decision. Let the numbers speak for it self. I have had both single and double wheel and have had strong cross winds with both and they both did very well. There is a difference in feeling safe and being safe.