Hello all,I have been reading the forums for awhile (and have learned so much), but would like to ask a question to make sure I havent overlooked anything. I searched but couldnt find a topic for this.First let me state that I dont need a DRW. I can be within my payload on some 1/2 tons, and all 3/4 and up for my current 7000lbs TT. So I dont want to get into debating the weight issue. Im just thinking about the future (for upgrades down the road) and thinking "go big or go home" when I buy a new truck.So I would like to hear some of the disadvantages of a DRW (assuming you dont need the payload rating of a DRW).Some of the things I can think of are:2 extra tires to buyfenders sticking farther out (parking issues, no drive thrus, chance to hit something)bad in wet grass (most say 4x4 is needed due to this, im guessing tracking on rear sucks?)small decrease in MPGunable to rotate tires (well its possible but most people dont at least)harder to add air to inside rear tiresAm I missing anything else?Thanks for you help.

I'm sure there are additional ones but you certainly highlighted my concerns with your list.bumpy

Having recently committed to a SRW 1-ton, two primary considerations we had were cost and not seeing us go longer than a 32' 5er due to parks we like to visit and not seeing ourselves as full-timers in the next 10 to 15 years.

My duals are mo further out than my mirrors. I use drive thru all the time.

Mfan wrote:My duals are mo further out than my mirrors. I use drive thru all the time.We can scratch this one off the OP's list. Hopefully more DRW owners respond.

I can use some drive thurs around here but most are way too tight. I have aftermarket wheels that allow me to check air on the inside rears. It was my daily driver for 7 years with no problems. I could park it in any space right up front if I wanted but usually chose far away to prevent door dings. I have used the 4x4 a few times when getting the camper backed up in wet grass. No regrets here.....

DRW disadvantages | Good Sam Community

89 Replies

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 08, 2015
OP the items you listed are no biggie at all! You want to run with the big dogs the benefits of a DRW FAR out weigh the minor inconveniences.

Stress free towing at 32,540#
Fordlover
Explorer
Jul 08, 2015
Mfan wrote:
My duals are mo further out than my mirrors. I use drive thru all the time.

The mirrors are designed to pivot when they impact something, the fenders, well, they cost a lot more to repair after they 'pivot'.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jul 08, 2015
Mfan wrote:
My duals are mo further out than my mirrors. I use drive thru all the time.

Going down the road, I would agree. If the mirrors fit, it doesn't matter. To a large degree, the same argument can be made towing a 40' 5th wheel down the road.

In tight spaces...the percentage of duals with impact damage from cutting it too close, speak otherwise. When turning sharply, the rear wheels track inside the front, so your mirror theory doesn't work.

Then again we generally don't go thru drive thrus with our SRW.
Lantley
Nomad
Jul 08, 2015
I do go through most drive through but some are tight. Traction in general is no worse than SRW. Wet grass is not an issue. Extremely deep snow SRW may be better however in most snow DRW has been fine with 4 x 4.
The rear hips are as wide as the mirrors so overall its not much harder to drive than a SRW.
When it comes to parking length is a bigger issue than width. I can get my DRW into any parking space that a SRW fit into.
I drive my dually everyday without issue. No it is not a great vehicle to drive downtown and find a parking space but neither is a crew cab SRW.
The additional stability while towing makes up for any perceived shortcomings when not towing. I have owned dually about 5 years and the only real dis advantage I have experienced is needing to buy 2 additional tires.
Maneuvering,parking,traction,MPG's are non issues and are really no different vs.a SRW long bed crew cab.
abc40kids
Explorer
Jul 08, 2015
I can use some drive thurs around here but most are way too tight. I have aftermarket wheels that allow me to check air on the inside rears. It was my daily driver for 7 years with no problems. I could park it in any space right up front if I wanted but usually chose far away to prevent door dings. I have used the 4x4 a few times when getting the camper backed up in wet grass. No regrets here.....
gbopp
Explorer
Jul 08, 2015
Mfan wrote:
My duals are mo further out than my mirrors. I use drive thru all the time.

We can scratch this one off the OP's list.
Hopefully more DRW owners respond.
Mfan
Explorer
Jul 08, 2015
My duals are mo further out than my mirrors. I use drive thru all the time.
TomHaycraft
Explorer
Jul 08, 2015
Having recently committed to a SRW 1-ton, two primary considerations we had were cost and not seeing us go longer than a 32' 5er due to parks we like to visit and not seeing ourselves as full-timers in the next 10 to 15 years.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jul 08, 2015
I'm sure there are additional ones but you certainly highlighted my concerns with your list.

bumpy

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DRW disadvantages

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