To Dually or not

[emptynest]

We are considering trading our F350 dually. I would love to not have the extra wheels for everyday driving, but like the comfort when towing.

We full time and tow only moderate amounts, usually not more than 300 or so miles at a time.

What are the pros and cons anyone has experienced with not having the extra tires in the back?

[davidaf]

Pros: Carwashes, drive throughs, parking garages (maybe), Tire $ savings

Cons: Payload loss, you'll fall over when you tow and most importantly cool people drive duallys

Seriously, as long as your weights are good and you are comfortable when towing (I was much less comfortable with SRW while towing) go for the SRW but make sure you analyze the payload capability before you buy. A dually has been my daily driver for over 10 years and 99% of the time I've not given it a second thought. I don't foresee owning another SRW tow vehicle It's just a personal preference. Plus, with a dually, if you decide to downsize from a 5er to a truck camper (or have both as I do) a dually really opens your options.

[K0LCB]

I like the stability the training wheels offer. A little difficult in some locations to park and maneuver

[DarMar]

Love the stable feel our dually gives us when towing the Monty in all kinds of weather and that out weights all the obvious cons.

[FordMan1966]

I have towed with 6 Super Dutys that were SRW and now 2 DRW. I feel more stable towing with the DRW and do feel the same pain you do about a SRW would be much more compatible to get around in.

[richfaa]

Check you weights particularly pin weight and carry capacity. We would rather not have a dually but the numbers did not work out so we have one.

[Hooker]

You get what you 'need,' not necessarily what you 'want.' Most Montana's 'need' a dually to tow within the limits of the truck.

[pkbridges77]

There seem to be a lot of SRW drivers who are very happy with their TV. I just upgraded from a SRW to DRW, but also from an F250 to a 350. The difference in stability is very noticeable when towing. Also went from SB to a LB, so the truck itself is longer as well as wider. I've just learned to park a little farther out but had that issue with the 250 also. As long as you're still towing I would stick with the DRW since you already have it. My .02!

[PackerFan]

I have always had SRW trucks and this is my first DRW and I have to admit that it is amazing the difference it makes while towing. So much more stabile and comfortable. Yes it is a bit more trouble parking and getting around sometimes but you have to weight the benefits against the cons. I guess it is true that real trucks have Hips!!

[DQDick]

When we get a new truck it will be a SRW again unless the weight becomes an issue.

[rames14]

First, I agree with checking the weights first. The new Rams will haul "most" of the Montana's with a SRW safely when setup properly. Where we live in the mountains, SRW is a must, especially on our driveway (a number of MOC members know what I'm talking about). We have towed all over the country, live at 7500 feet and have no desire for a dually. But that is us. You need to do what makes you comfortable.

[1retired06]

Safety, stability and increased tow capacity outweigh any cons we may have

[GLS3950]

When I got my first dually I was not looking for one and did not really want one, but a good deal and bought it. Now I won't go back to SRW. Look at the benefits of having to park out in the lots, you get your exercise that way. The DRW is more stable and I agree check your weights.

[richfaa]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

Safety, stability and increased tow capacity outweigh any cons we may have

You got it. The dually was the last thing we wanted but the first thing we needed. Driving it around is a big PIA. In our favor it is not a daily driver it is only used to pull the Montana example since we got to our winter digs in Florida October 21st it has traveled 227 miles I move it maybe once a week just to get the motor moving. Purchased in February 2007 it is still short of 75,000 miles. I really can't comment on stability since we never towed with a SWD but with a wider stance it has to be more stable.

[Clays390]

Back in another lifetime I was an avid drag racer. Pulled a 28' race trailer with both SRW & DRW. Now that we are full timing in the Montana we have a dually. The difference in stability is realized whenever you are passed by a speeding semi. SRW will be pulled in by the air stream, the DRW not so much. I am much more comfortable in the dually.

[JandC]

We only were full time (traveling) for about 3 years with our F350 SRW. I always felt that we were stable and with our initial Montana the weights worked. Bought a new model Montana that was heavier and I was slightly overweight. Had to put ourselves on a diet and not carry as much stuff, which is hard to do when full time.

Looking back on my initial TV purchase I should have just started with a dually.

[BB_TX]

Our 3075RL is a little shorter (at 34'-8") and a little lighter than your 3400RL, but my F350 SRW pulls it fine with no stability problems, even in high cross winds and winding mountain passes. For me, if the weights are right, it will always be an SRW as the vast majority of my driving is not towing.

[Dam Worker]

I can't say a whole lot more on this topic. Check actual weights and that will tell you what you need to be technically legal. As stated before around town driving or inmost cases driveing any time you are not towing is a pain. What I can tell you is if you live in or travel around any states like mine the dually have a tendency to obnoxiously follow the big rig ruts in the roads. Of course most of this was driving F-350's, F-450's and F-550's. This was not towing a fifthwheel but solo and also pulling a trailer. I myself did not like that feeling while out on the roads.
I doubt you will find the perfect tow rig any more than you will find the perfect RV. You settle for what works best for you.

Tom Marty

[stengels]

Have never had a dually so can't comment on stability. Wouldn't be surprised if it were proven so. However, I don't feel like I'm getting sucked in by a passing semi as Clay390 indicates, regardless of the direction they are travelling. Very comfortable with our SRW which is currently within limits. All personal preference.

[fauch]

dually schmooly! not really a matter of choice or what 'feels good'. DRW Axle and wheels almost double payload capacity. i would say that 90% of us are 'pulling HEAVY' with SRW trucks! When my coin fairy allows we are upgrading (yes 'upgrading' is a key word here)---- to a DRW to tow our 3075RL