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Chuck___'s avatar
Chuck___
Explorer
Jun 09, 2017

Dually or single rear wheel 3500 purchase advice please!

I just purchased a used 2010 DRV-32 TRK. I am now looking to purchase a new or new to me truck to “safely” tow it. The weight the fifth wheel is approximately 13,390 empty or dry weight and GVWR Rating of 17,500. The GAWR (each axle) two axle is 8,000 each and G rated tires. Cargo rating is 4,110. So, I am sure I am in the one ton 3500 range. Looking for a heavy-duty crew cab 4 door truck, long bed, diesel, upgraded transmission like the auto Aisin 6 speed. This is my retirement RV and truck and don’t plan on full timing but plan on using it for four months during the summer and fall. Trying to do it right the first time around.
1. Should I purchase a dually or a single rear tire long bed truck? Looking at the factory tow guide for a Dodge, the single rear wheel and dually is about the same?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of either truck?
3. Do you recommend the factory auto leveling air suspension system?
4. What gears should I get? 3.42 ,3.73 or 4.10
5. Looking to get a BW hitch. I have tools and I am handy. Should most of add on items be installed myself, truck dealer, independent parts / service person or factory BW hitch dealer?
6. Anything else to add on?
7. Who do recommend for the best deals? An Auto broker, AAA, Dave Smith in Kellogg, Id or the guy in Caldwell, Boise area, Costco or someone else?

19 Replies

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  • rjstractor's avatar
    rjstractor
    Nomad
    Jun 10, 2017
    I'm no expert but the numbers I think of are in terms of matching the GVWR of the trailer to the series of truck. As others have mentioned its more a matter of pin weight rather than tow capacity- all configurations of diesel engined 2500 or 3500 pickups will pull almost anything on wheels, ratings aside. I'm thinking 250/2500 up to 12K GVWR trailer, 350/3500 up to 16K and DRW for anything over that. I'm assuming you're talking Ram, if I were you I'd go all out and get a DRW with the Aisin trans and HO engine. Spend the extra $500 or so and get the factory fifth wheel package and drop your hitch right in without touching a wrench.
  • kzspree320's avatar
    kzspree320
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2017
    You would be overweight with a SRW. Got to be a dually for that one. I would be 3.73 or 4.10. Rear air ride and Aisin nice but not required.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer II
    Jun 10, 2017
    While the tow capacity of a 3500 SRW is likely similar to a dually (if not slightly higher) the payload capacity is not. That large a trailer will put a lot of weight directly on the rear axle, that's really the issue, not towing capacity.
    I think you would be much wiser to select a dually truck for that trailer; even if the numbers just barely work with a SRW.
  • ACZL's avatar
    ACZL
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2017
    ScottG wrote:
    As a long time owner of a great SRW, I say go dually with that one.


    X2
  • phillyg's avatar
    phillyg
    Explorer II
    Jun 10, 2017
    Last time I checked, no DVR was towable with a SRW without being overweight.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 10, 2017
    As a long time owner of a great SRW, I say go dually with that one.
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2017
    Congratulations on your trailer. SRW numbers might work but my gut says dually. 100 inch wide trailer needs a wide body truck to just look right. Plus, put the payload calculations behind you. Have fun shopping. Dennis Dillon is the other guy in Boise.

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