Single rear axle vs Dually

[Big Dave]

Ok, here we go!
What is the general opinion on a one ton pickup with a single rear axle versus a one ton dually?
As most of you know I have a 2013 3750 Montana.
So was wondering if I could get away with a single rear axle or do I need to just get a dually!
Since this is my only vehicle and daily driver, I was hoping to get by with a single rear axle, but I am afraid I probably should get a dually!
I would like to get a vehicle this Spring!

Thanks for any help or advice!

[bncinwv]

The simplest answer is to take worst case pin weight (if you have a built in generator, that will add pin weight) and check the carry capacity numbers and the total capacity numbers on whichever truck you are interested in. The numbers will give you a better sense of what is best for you. Dang it, there I went and posted on a weight thread, breaking tradition from my self-imposed ban for all things having to do with truck weights. On the bright side, I was smart enough not to give advice one way or the other!!
Bingo

[Countryfolks]

Although I've not heard of any problems, there are two additional things I would consider, rear tire capacity vs load and a flat on a rear tire [happened to me with a dually + 5er].

[c214dick]

I have a single axle and tow an 08 3400RL w/o any problems. I think the pin weight should be your biggest concern.

[steelpony5555]

For me it is not so much the weight since I have towed with both a 3/4 and a 1 ton dually. On interstates both pull very well with no problems. Yes you got to give a nod to the dually just in case you have a blow out, or what just happened to me when you lose the brakes to your trailer. But I just towed my trailer all thru the Hill Country of Texas which are some fairly curvey roads. That is where the dually will shine, it is very stable on curvey, hilly, single lane roads. I have gone the same route with both trucks and I am glad to have the dually. Oh and the dually is my daily driver and is no different then a 3/4 ton truck other then an extra bill when it comes to tires. For parking it don't really matter which truck you have if it is a tight space it will be tight for both, just this way I just might get a little more exercise, and yeah I could use it lol lol

[seahunter]

Hey Big Dave,

I forgot when I emailed you to mention the "inconvenience factor" of the dually if it's a daily driver. I really haven't seen it as a problem if I'm not towing. I don't want any door dings, so I park way out in the lots anyway and walk in to a store, restaurant, etc. Drive throughs can be tough, but if I'm getting a burger, I figure I should park and get out to get it to earn it anyway. Overall, they just don't drive any different and I don't even notice it's a dually except for watching not to cut a right turn too sharply and clip a curb. With a 40' trailer, and the huge distance from the pin to the trailer wheels, I just feel it is much more stable than a SRW. As I mentioned earlier too, don't forget the huge payload difference, which you need to take that kingpin weight, the hitch, fuel, passengers, and all your stuff.

Greg

[HOOK]

Stability. If you ever have an emergency, panic situation, the width of the dually is provides much more stability, (foot print). If you have a jack knifed panic stop at speed there is the possibility of the single rear wheel having a wall failure and allowing the rim to separate from the tire. That possibility is eliminated with the dually. There is a small amount of inconvenience with daily driving a dually, but you will quickly become accustomed to it and find it comfortable to drive. IMHO

[Tom S.]

As noted, pin weight is the big difference. Aside from the extra wheels and tires, everything else is the same between the two. Same springs, same brakes, same drive train, same frame. People claim better stability with the dual wheels. Personal experience is that I have never been in a situation where I needed it. Additionally, you need to care for and replace two extra tires with duals. If I had a trailer that the pin weight dictated a need for the duals, I'd get them. Otherwise, I'm completely comfortable with my single rear wheels.

[1retired06]

I have pulled big fifth wheels since 2002, with SRW Ford F350 Diesels. Now have my first DRW and will never go back to a SRW again. Much better tow platform in my opinion and improved stability is noticable.

[RickW]

I see the SRW vs DRW no different than I see the gas vs diesel. If the truck is spec'd for the weights (actual weights not sales literature weights, also check tire ratings) you are hauling then it will do the job. But the more miles you do pulling the trailer the more you will appreciate the diesel. I think the same it true with a dully. Weather it is a SRW or DRW it is still a big truck.

[DonandJudy_12]

We are owners of our 3rd dually and will never go back down to a srw- The dually is so much more stable in the wind and when passing or being passed by a semi- The extra weight capacity of drw over a srw is usually pretty much used up by our fiver and the extras carried in the 8' box- The only downside is reaching over the box side to lock the pin [for safety reasons]- JMHO- don

[seahunter]

quote:Originally posted by DonandJudy_12

We are owners of our 3rd dually and will never go back down to a srw- The dually is so much more stable in the wind and when passing or being passed by a semi- The extra weight capacity of drw over a srw is usually pretty much used up by our fiver and the extras carried in the 8' box- The only downside is reaching over the box side to lock the pin [for safety reasons]- JMHO- don

Good point, I forgot about the lock pin. I keep a step stool in the rear driver side floorboard for checking the oil, etc. and just grab that for doing the lock pin. Also comes in handy for height-challenged passengers to get into the truck! I think it was only $20, not the $80 - $100 some places charge.

[oldelmer1]

All the info above is true, but don't forget the macho look of the DRW too. )

[bncinwv]

Particularly when the DW is driving it around!! The jealous looks from men are priceless (at least that is what she says)!!
Bingo

[steelpony5555]

"All the info above is true, but don't forget the macho look of the DRW too. )"

We do look good don't we lol lol

[seahunter]

quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

Particularly when the DW is driving it around!! The jealous looks from men are priceless (at least that is what she says)!!
Bingo

Bingo, you better make sure she knows they're looking at her and not the truck!

[bncinwv]

I don't think there would be any question!! Blessings sometimes come in blue-eyed, blond packages!!
Bingo

[richfaa]

Pin weight, pin weight..did I mention pin weight. Now we did blow a inside dually on our way to Florida and never knew it.

[bncinwv]

quote:Originally posted by richfaa

Pin weight, pin weight..did I mention pin weight.

I am glad you did, looking back through the thread, those magic words were mentioned a few times. It is not magic however, it is knowing the numbers so that an INFORMED decision can be made.
Bingo

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by oldelmer1

All the info above is true, but don't forget the macho look of the DRW too. )

Since when have training wheels looked macho?