As this topic was “closed” in a different part of the forum, but continued here.....below is my post cut and pasted here!
With a 1 ton HD SRW, the limiting factor is primarily the tires and rims. With a HD SRW 3500, the suspension, and axles are plenty sufficient for your potential load. I haven’t researched in recent years, but the older 3500 Rams had the same rear axle load rating, whether SRW or DRW. The dual tires are what increased the truck load capacity. With the dually you will gain some stability and “slightly” more rear brake surface area.!
If your 5th wheel is properly balanced, and your tires/rims are sufficient for the load, you should be fine. Assuming the rims/tires are adequate, it comes down to your preference. If the truck will be primarily for paved road use, and not an everyday driver, and minimal snow/ice....the DRW would be great. If you will be doing substantial snow/ice travel, or off road use, and/or a daily driver.....it’s hard to beat a SRW.
We tow substantially more than 16K with a SRW, with some wheel/tire upgrades. But, we don’t full time, the truck is used in snow/ice, and off road.....for our needs, the SRW is much more practical! memtb
