I am going to purchase a new GMC Denali Diesel Puller. I have had a dual wheel on the rear axle in the past on another puller when I pulled a 32' fifth wheel and small boat behind the fiver and I liked the stability.Now my wife and I are selling our Class A rear pusher and going back to a fifth wheel that will be no bigger than 32" and I'd prefer a 28" to 30' as I am pulling a 32' Tritoon behind the fifth wheel too. So my dilemma is should I go back to a dual rear wheel or saty with a single. I like the duals for pulling but for just straight driving I'd prefer the single.We will not be full timing so the amount we pull is limited to the summer months of April thru October.Also, any retired GM execs on here? Thank you!

If you were just pulling a 30' FW, a SRW would likely meet your needs. With a boat in tow behind the FW, you will most likely be over or close to the GCWR of a SRW. A DRW will be a safer option for what you wish to tow.

Depends on WHAT 5th wheel.......GVWR & Wet Pin Weight of 5vr.......PLUS GCVWR due to the truck/5vr/boatDually and you will not be worrying about being at/over trucks ratings.Single and you will need to match 5vr's weight to trucks ratings keeping in mind boats added weightCourse you will also need to be aware of various towing laws ---- triple tow/overall lengths if you plan on towing out of state

SRW for GVWR under about 13,000 pounds. Dually for any more.

Does Anyone have a pullers or tow vehicle choice? I like the Duramax and Allison combo as I have had them in the past. Ford scares me with their diesel issues and Dodge is just so dang ugly and loud. Although Dodge does pull.

Your information is dated concerning the current offerings of trucks. Whether you get the Ram with Cummins/Aisin, Ford with Powerstroke/6R140 or GM with Duramax/Allison, you will get a quiet refined power train. Subjectivity, price and availability will have you choose one over the other, but all three can get the job done without regrets.If you are looking at used models, each has had a history they have hoped customers have forgotten. You have the hindsight to search out the most desirable years and configurations based on others experience.

Im Purchasing a new GMC 3500 Denali. Dual wheel or single?

21 Replies

Miles_Away
Explorer
Oct 19, 2015
I cant argue with your choice for going with a duel rear wheel (DRW). My 3500 us a SRW because it is my daily driver and it rides better when not towing. I have towed almost all over the country with no issues and my fiver weighs in at 12K empty. Another consideration is that my age, washing a large truck is a bit of an issue and most car washes will not take DRW.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Oct 17, 2015
Lol is this really a question?
I'm about as far from a weight cop on here as one can get and are towing 60'+ of doubles is absurd.
Get a dually minimum.
broark01
Explorer
Oct 16, 2015
After owning a couple of SRW diesels, I finally decided on the DRW. Hated too because I anticipate dragging the fenders off. My last trip with DRW proved the DRW was better for a couple of reasons:
1) No blowing around on the road with high cross winds. Seemed like it was locked on train rails.
2) Trailer brakes went out on the road and the truck "felt" (subjective I know)more capable of stopping the load than my previous SRWs.

As far as the friends an family or employee pricing, I have found that the internet prices are sometimes better or so close it is not even worth the hassle.
sayoung
Explorer
Oct 14, 2015
DutchmenSport wrote:
Mine is Dully, Duramax, and Allison. I'm not towing near as much as you're proposing, but I wouldn't tow with anything less. Go dully!

same here,we use a 2012 Chevy 3500 dually D/A .I was using a 2003 2500HD srw and what big difference 2 more wheels made.
tinner12002
Explorer
Oct 12, 2015
used2campalot wrote:
Okay thank you everyone! I will go the dually much to the chagrin of my wife. And yes I'd love to find a GM Exec for that friends and family discount.
Regarding the fiver and pulling the boat, this is not my first rodeo. I'm selling a 1994 Class A Monaco Crown Royal. The reason is because my wife and I have had to always travel separately as one of us drove the coach pulling the boat and another in the pickup. We always take the truck as we trailer the boat and also do not like being without wheels for that occasional run into to town etc.
The boats total weight is about 4000 Lbs and I'm being generous. And I am experienced at buying RV's and will literally drive to Elkhardt to find the right model and framework. This will not be a Jayco! Sorry Jayco owners but I've seen the factory. Nope, in this Fiver I want a generator built in, 100 fresh, 100 gray, 100 sewer, Residential fridge, Porcelain toilet, 6 point hydraulic landing system, minimum of 2 slides, exterior TV and Fridge. And I'd prefer a higher end unit. I'm not at all opposed to used if it's in stellar condition.
I really like this forum, thanks for all of the input. Now lets talk Fivers. What say you guys?

With the water and tank capacities your wanting it almost sounds like toy hauler specs. Those cap on a fifth wheel will really limit your choices if there are any at all. Oh yeah, make sure your hitch rating is enough to allow for your 5vr and your boat together.
used2campalot
Explorer
Oct 07, 2015
The last new truck I bought which was a 2007 Chevrolet 3500 crew cab long box dually was purchased using some kind of GM discount that a gentleman offered to me off of this forum. I would sure love to find him again.
RAS43
Explorer III
Oct 06, 2015
The October Trailer Life has articles on 2016 5th wheels and the latest hitches. If you are considering used 5th wheels, look at Hitchhiker and Excel. Though they are not being built anymore there should be late model used units around and both brands were built with a rear receiver for towing doubles. Kansas RV Center should have used Hitchhikers as they were the manufacturer.
Winged_One
Explorer
Oct 06, 2015
used2campalot wrote:
Okay thank you everyone! I will go the dually much to the chagrin of my wife.

Good choice on the GM Dually. I think it is a fine choice. Have fun.
Dadoffourgirls
Explorer
Oct 06, 2015
Any employee can share the GM Supplier Discount for Friends. I do know an employee. They identify themselves in their signature.

I would recommend the Dually.
RVcrazy
Explorer
Oct 06, 2015
We have the 2015 Chevy 3500 Duramax and are within our limits with our fifth wheel with a 15000 lb rating. We went standard box and are very happy with our choice after 31,500 miles to the east coast and back. Love the truck! (I didn't want a diesel because most are so loud.) The Chevy is the quietest of the big 3, and very comfortable.) With your intent to triple tow, the dally is YOUR best choice, but is not required for everyone. Enjoy!

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Im Purchasing a new GMC 3500 Denali. Dual wheel or single?

21 Replies

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