Dual Rear or Single Rear Wheels on Tow Truck?
Hi, I'm starting to research Trucks that are suitable for a TV. I've read the the HUGE discussion on Diesel vs gas so lets not go there! :-) This question is: Do I need Dual wheels or single ...
Forum Discussion
Since you said you don't want to get into the gas vs diesel (yawn!!) discussion, I'll just offer my personal feelings about capability and my experiences.
We had in the distant past a smaller 5th wheel, pulled first by an F250. That did just OK. I then upsized to an F350, same engine and that one was very nice - also a SRW. Fast forward a bunch of years - and several TTs - we went again to a 5th wheel - pretty good size (Titanium) 34' and about 11-12000 pounds depending on how it's loaded. We pull with a SRW F350 (and a gas V10). As far as ride and stability - very nice. As far as tow speed - that's limited by me and what I think is safe but have seen interstates at 70+ though usually drive 58-62. Now, you have to add in maintainability. If that TV will be used on a daily basis as a second car (or even a 1st), a dually can get expensive and/or interesting - fuel mileage, general wear and tear, 6 tires vs 4, those big fenders which limit where you can park or even drive the truck. Heck, even our short bed F350 will take planning in a busy parking lot and often ends up in outlying areas, just imagine a long bed dually. Then that bed size - get a long bed, regardless, extended or crew cab - you will never regret that choice and the only regret I have with ours though with a Titanium's nose, not really any problem.
Pull the various load and tow weight ratings off the internet - all of various truck offerings have them posted somewhere and buy your TV accordingly
We had in the distant past a smaller 5th wheel, pulled first by an F250. That did just OK. I then upsized to an F350, same engine and that one was very nice - also a SRW. Fast forward a bunch of years - and several TTs - we went again to a 5th wheel - pretty good size (Titanium) 34' and about 11-12000 pounds depending on how it's loaded. We pull with a SRW F350 (and a gas V10). As far as ride and stability - very nice. As far as tow speed - that's limited by me and what I think is safe but have seen interstates at 70+ though usually drive 58-62. Now, you have to add in maintainability. If that TV will be used on a daily basis as a second car (or even a 1st), a dually can get expensive and/or interesting - fuel mileage, general wear and tear, 6 tires vs 4, those big fenders which limit where you can park or even drive the truck. Heck, even our short bed F350 will take planning in a busy parking lot and often ends up in outlying areas, just imagine a long bed dually. Then that bed size - get a long bed, regardless, extended or crew cab - you will never regret that choice and the only regret I have with ours though with a Titanium's nose, not really any problem.
Pull the various load and tow weight ratings off the internet - all of various truck offerings have them posted somewhere and buy your TV accordingly
