Pickup truck tow vehicle stability tests

06Fargo wrote:
Always lots of anecdotal statements on rv.net around dual wheel vs single rear wheel "stability".

Anyone have any links that point to actual testing results under controlled conditions?

Well I could not find anything in a search so I wrote to Ford and received this response. My original email is on the bottom. If I receive more, I will share it.

_________________________

Hello Melissa,

My name is Chermaine, I am from Ford`s Customer Relationship Center (CRC). I have reviewed your email requesting information the Single Rear Wheel (SRW) and Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) comparison.

To assist you, I escalated your case to our Technical Subject Matter Expert. We are not aware of any specific studies that we could link you about your question. However, theoretically speaking, anything that has a wider base will always be more stable than something with a narrower base. The simple demonstration is standing with your feet together and have someone push you. It is easy to push you from your spot. Now, stand with your feet shoulder width apart and do the same test. It is much harder to be pushed over. This is also reflected in the towing guides. You can look under the gasoline engine options and see the same gear ratio for SRW versus DRW. The DRW always has a higher tow rating.

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company.

Sincerely,

Chermaine
Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company

Should you feel that we have not adequately addressed your inquiry, we may require additional information, please feel free to contact us via telephone at (800)392-3673 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST (Monday-Friday) / 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST (Saturday). Hearing-impaired callers with access to a TDD may contact 1-800-232-5952. Your reference number is CAS-6093539-P5F3G4.

In addition, you can try online support at www.owner.ford.com. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and links to other key product and service information.

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------------------- Original Message -------------------
From: GENERIC - CRC CONTACT
Received: 3/10/2015 7:36 PM
To: Tier 1 Email - CRCFMC
Subject: Other

Questions/Comments: On the RV boards there is often a debate over DRW vs SRW stability, pros and cons. Normally in regards to towing large 5th wheel campers. Example: a 15,000# 5er has a pin(hitch) weight of about 3,000# The 2014 F350 SRW or DRW can both handle the cargo capacity of carrying a 3,000# pin (hitch) but which truck will be more stable? Has there been a stability test comparing the SRW vs the DRW in different conditions and environments. High wind, stopping dry and wet pavement, grades, curves, etc... Other than the higher cargo capacity of the DRW is there an advantage over the SRW? Any documentation or videos of testing I can share on the RV boards would be awesome.

Contact Information
First Name : Melissa