Forum Discussion

berreez's avatar
berreez
Explorer
Jul 30, 2015

Single or Double Rear Wheels?

As stated in another post, we are considering going to a 5th wheel instead of a Class A. So I have another question.

I know I’m going to need a 3500 series diesel truck to pull the 15,500 GVWR 5th wheel I’m looking at getting.

I would like to get a 4x4, 4 door single wheeled short bed (6.4) truck if all possible.

What are the advantages of duel WHEELS and an 8’ bed? Are they really necessary to haul a 38’ to 40’ 5th wheel?

My plan is the travel for 6 months of the year out west.

We’ll be staying in an area for about a month at a time.

36 Replies

  • A key question is how close to the trailers GVWR will you be loading it? Either way, any of the new 1-ton SRWs will handle that trailer so it's personal preference. When you have a trailer loaded in excess of 17k that's when you definitely need a dually.
  • BB_TX wrote:
    The primary reason for a dually is the higher payload capacity. That weight of that trailer may have a pin weight that would require a dually.

    Many claim you need a dually (DRW) for the stability or you will be "white knuckled" the whole time you are towing. But stability is not a problem with single rear wheels (SRW) as long as you are within the truck load rating.


    ^^^ This! The axle rating (axle manufacturer not vehicle manufacturer) is very high, the weight capacity is limited by the wheel/tire bolted to it, and the spring pack sitting on top of it. The difference between the SRW and DRW axle is the width... Think about all the people that go to 19.5" wheels for the higher weight capacity.

    The longer wheelbase of the 8' bed will result in a slightly better ride in most conditions.

    I owned a handful of duallys and a few SRW. For the trailer and use you describe, it would be a no-brainer DRW truck for you. Load how you want and not be on the edge of tire capacity.
  • As far as 8' bed is concerned it is a matter of personal preference. The longer bed rides smoother when empty, adds storage space, and precludes any possibility of the corner of the trailer striking the cab in sharp turns. The standard 6 1/2' works just fine for many, it is more maneuverable and easier to park. Trailer to cab interference can be an issue although many trailers have the front corner recessed to prevent collisions. If it is a problem pin box extensions and slider hitches are available. With our crew cab we much prefer the standard box in mall parking lots.
  • The primary reason for a dually is the higher payload capacity. That weight of that trailer may have a pin weight that would require a dually.

    Many claim you need a dually (DRW) for the stability or you will be "white knuckled" the whole time you are towing. But stability is not a problem with single rear wheels (SRW) as long as you are within the truck load rating.
  • You are asking about dual rear wheels (DRW) not dual axles like a semi truck.

    Here's my opinion-
    DRW- more stability I've towed with several single rear wheels and a couple of DRWs. The DRW feels much more stable on curves, stopping and quick maneuvers.
    Another advantage is extra tires in case of tire failure. You'll be able to limp off the highway to a safer place to get tires changed.

    8ft bed- more room to carry the extra stuff. In 20 years of towing a 38ft 5th wheel I have never been in a spot where a long bed prevented me from going where I wanted to be.

    4X4- unless you live where there is mud or snow many days each year, it's rare that you will need to use four wheel drive. I had it on one truck and only needed it once when towing and that was to get up a hill in a campground, I could have chosen a different campsite if I only had two wheel drive.

    Hope this helps...good luck with your new rig.
  • You are talking "dual wheels" not dual axles.
    Dual wheels give more stability to the TV while hooked to a load.