Forum Discussion

Goofasap_'s avatar
Goofasap_
Explorer
May 12, 2019

single or dually

We will soon be investing in a fifth wheel, 11~12,000 ish lbs. or less and a 1ton truck.
I would like to see what first hand experiences have to say as to a single TV. I realize the safety,driver comfort and security of a dually as we have towed a 36' fifth wheel with one previously, but want to know more of experiences of the single.
  • I agree with the above posters. Parking a dualie is not so easy. They are wide. A SRW will do 90% of what a DRW rig will do.
  • A newer, properly outfitted SWR is plenty for the trailer described. If you change to a “much” heavier camper....a DRW may be the better option. For your load, and general everyday use, rain or shine, sleet or snow....the SRW will be much more user friendly!

    Many folks indicate the parking issue. If the truck is not” used in snow/ice, or for off-road narrow roads possibly mud encountered.....then parking is the least of your worries. If parking is your “only” challenge.....go with the DRW.

    We tow a “much” heavier trailer than that, with no issues. The trailer suspension, load balance, braking abilities will also play into the equation.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    IdaD wrote:
    SRW.

    DRW is great if you need one, you definitely don’t for that weight and other than hauling a heavy load SRW better in every way.


    hornet28 wrote:
    What are your reasons for figuring a SW is better in every way?


    pennysmom09 wrote:


    Driving!!


    Not really so, DW and I daily drive our Ram 3500 CC LB DRW and don't have issues. would a SRW be easier to park, a bit easier but not night and day, you get use to the Hips and Length.
  • hornet28 wrote:
    What are your reasons for figuring a SW is better in every way?


    Driving!!
  • We started off with a 2007 F350 SRW pulling a 13600 lb fifth wheel and the truck pulled great but felt wiggly doing around corners and didn't feel as stable as I wanted. We now pull with a 2008 GMC 3500 DRW and the difference in stability is night and day. Once your get use the extra width parking is not an issue.
  • if it’s a dedicated tow vehicle you could make the argument for DRW. Otherwise I’d go SRW.

    My trailer is 12000 and change. I often tow a fishing boat behind it. If I were buying again today I would absolutely go SRW. And my truck isn’t used for much of anything but towing.
  • I have a 3500 SRW and tow a 14K 5th wheel (13,873# scaled)
    FTd for 7 yrs traveling weekly/2 weeks all over the USA

    NEVER had a 'white knuckle event', 'OMG should have bought a DRW', 'we're all gonna die'

    If I had a heavier 5vr I would have considered going DRW but the SRW and 5vr are a very good match.
    Key is to know capabilities and match them.
  • If you are planning to go bigger in the near future DRW. 3500 LB SRW will be a nice tow rig, I guarantee your RV will weigh more than you think when fully loaded.
  • What are your reasons for figuring a SW is better in every way?
  • SRW.

    DRW is great if you need one, you definitely don’t for that weight and other than hauling a heavy load SRW better in every way.