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?

Sure, ask any semi drivers how they feel about super singles vs duels.hint - hate em

06FargoThe nonanswer you got is about all you will get. I to have been researching DWR vs SWR and there does not appear to be any actual testing. This will generate a lot of comments along the lines of bigger is better and SWR is unsafe towing. I will follow along to see if there is an answer to your question

You don't really need scientific studies, just take a dually on a test drive and see how much better it takes the turns and curves. It becomes obvious.

You are going to get 3 or 4 pages of opinions. And in the end that is what it will be, opinions. I doubt there have been any credible stability studies done in regard to SRW vs DRW. And there are so many variables involved I doubt there could even be a credible study done without defining a very specific set of parameters that would apply to a very limited set of truck/trailer configurations. To try to cover every resonable set of truck/trailer configurations, lengths, and weights would be virtually impossible.

TakingThe5th wrote:You don't really need scientific studies, just take a dually on a test drive and see how much better it takes the turns and curves. It becomes obvious.X2.. The difference is so large, that there is no need for a test.As many dually owners will vouch for. I and many others have had both. After the first dually, I bought another. As long as I am towing, I will have a dually.Drive one and see for yourself.

Pickup truck tow vehicle stability tests | Good Sam Community

131 Replies

transamz9
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Op are you just trying to justify a SRW when you think a DRW may be the proper choice?

IMHO notice OPINION!!!

A Dually will be much more stable when road, traffic and weather conditions are not the norm.

Traveling along with friends westbound on I-10 Palm Springs to Phoenix staying ahead of a bad storm winds were hitting us on the side at about 45 mph. The friends were in their 40'MH when we stopped in GoodYear he asked how my rig handled as he said he was fighting his the whole way and looked worn out. i told him it was Rock solid and it was a very relaxing drive.

Westbound on I-40 headwinds at 40 or more towing at 75mph rock solid.

I knew towing our MobileSuites with a Dually would be nice but it exceeded my expectations by a mile.

I don't need no stinking study to tell me what I know from EXPERIENCE!

All JMHO.

Sorry dude but I call BS on this. My DD is a DRW 2wd and a 45 mph side wind will have me all over the road. My Vette gets blown around.:S
transamz9
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
So what everyone is saying is that a 1999 DRW 3500 is going to be way more stable than a 2015 SRW 3500? DREAM ON! Two extra tires don't make the difference people. I drive them both daily. I have pull the same loads with both and there ain't as much difference if they are both with-in their capacities. When you go from a SRW truck to a 5 year newer DRW truck then yes it's going to seem night and day difference.
spoon059
Explorer II
Mar 09, 2015
The wider stance in and of itself creates a more stable platform. That's why a tall narrow SUV feels top heavy and a low wide Corvette feels planted.
kw_00
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
Driven both before, dually in my opinion is more stable, especially with a top heavy load.
RinconVTR
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
Take the stability of 2 rear tires and multiply by two...give or take.

OP, am we missing something? Is there a hidden question here?
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 09, 2015
Op are you just trying to justify a SRW when you think a DRW may be the proper choice?

IMHO notice OPINION!!!

A Dually will be much more stable when road, traffic and weather conditions are not the norm.

Traveling along with friends westbound on I-10 Palm Springs to Phoenix staying ahead of a bad storm winds were hitting us on the side at about 45 mph. The friends were in their 40'MH when we stopped in GoodYear he asked how my rig handled as he said he was fighting his the whole way and looked worn out. i told him it was Rock solid and it was a very relaxing drive.

Westbound on I-40 headwinds at 40 or more towing at 75mph rock solid.

I knew towing our MobileSuites with a Dually would be nice but it exceeded my expectations by a mile.

I don't need no stinking study to tell me what I know from EXPERIENCE!

All JMHO.
Huntindog
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
TakingThe5th wrote:
You don't really need scientific studies, just take a dually on a test drive and see how much better it takes the turns and curves. It becomes obvious.
X2.. The difference is so large, that there is no need for a test.

As many dually owners will vouch for. I and many others have had both. After the first dually, I bought another. As long as I am towing, I will have a dually.

Drive one and see for yourself.
BB_TX
Nomad
Mar 09, 2015
You are going to get 3 or 4 pages of opinions. And in the end that is what it will be, opinions. I doubt there have been any credible stability studies done in regard to SRW vs DRW. And there are so many variables involved I doubt there could even be a credible study done without defining a very specific set of parameters that would apply to a very limited set of truck/trailer configurations. To try to cover every resonable set of truck/trailer configurations, lengths, and weights would be virtually impossible.
TakingThe5th
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
You don't really need scientific studies, just take a dually on a test drive and see how much better it takes the turns and curves. It becomes obvious.
wclement1248
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015
06Fargo

The nonanswer you got is about all you will get. I to have been researching DWR vs SWR and there does not appear to be any actual testing. This will generate a lot of comments along the lines of bigger is better and SWR is unsafe towing. I will follow along to see if there is an answer to your question

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Pickup truck tow vehicle stability tests

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