Do I REALLY need a dually?

Flatbed Fred wrote:
I don't plan to buy a camper with a slide out.
This will be my first camper and I want to keep things as simple as possible without going TOO small.

Things will not be if you get a truck needing a lot of modifications to haul the TC. That is not to say you will not need to modify a Duelly, but less likely.

Flatbed Fred wrote:
I realize a dually will provide more stability ... but do I really NEED one?

After several mods, I was comfortable with my SRW with my 4200 pound TC. That varies from one person to the next.

Flatbed Fred wrote:
I plan to drive all year for two years which will include Winter Camping. Those hips make parking more difficult and I'm not sure if they help or not in sand, mud, and snow. (I suppose they would...)

The "Hips" are the same with as most full size TCs with or without a slide.

I have read lots of arguments on duals on sand, mud, and snow. It has been years since I have had a dually, so I won't post on my experience with sand, mud, and snow.

Flatbed Fred wrote:
Then, there's the extra cost of tires Vs. the added safety should one rear tire blow while driving.

The cost of tires depends on the size of the TC in my opinion. My 4 19.5s on my SRW truck cost a little more than the 6 17" tires on my dually. This is ignoring the cost of my 19.5 wheels.

It could be argued there is more safety should one rear tire blow while driving. Personally, I have not had a blowout in over 40 years. Could happen though.

Flatbed Fred wrote:
So the heart of the question is...
Given I will not be hauling the heaviest camper, and I will not have a slide-out... do I really need a dually truck?

I really doubt you can answer that question until you get your TC. My next thought is are you willing to make mods on your truck to haul the TC. Only you know your comfort level in how your Truck/TC handles.

Like jimh425, I have hauled my TC on a SRW for many years (over 10). I put over 100,000 miles in various road conditions. I recently purchased a 4x4 DRW truck. I do not need 4x4 or DRW. Fact is, I do not need another truck. My new to me truck is very comfortable, relatively low miles with lots of small extras and with a price that allowed me to pay cash. Hopefully, I will not to do much in suspension upgrades. Time will tell.

Wayne