SRW vs DRW

For years I have read every post about DRW vs SRW. I just purchased a DRW and really like it. I am planing on getting a 5th wheel that could be towed just fine with a SRW. But if later I want bigger 5th wheel then I will have the TV to pull it and feel safe.

My plan is as I get older I may sell the 5th wheel and get a TC. With a payload of 5170 I can get the TC I like.

I was undecided untill I recently retired.

Back to the OP's question, this thread yet again proves there is no consensus.

Mike

Drove a DRW for 5 years or so as the quasi-daily driver and 5th wheel rig. Currently use a DRW F550 dump truck fairly regularly. Other than drive through spots, easy enough to learn to move around with / park / navigate....the rear wheels eventually become a non-factor.

...but my DRW for the 5th wheel was back in the day. If I was picking a rig right now, I'd definitely run the numbers, but would be leaning to a SRW

Lwiddis wrote:
Not really subjective. Payload and max tow weight are determining factors for me. Wouldn’t have a DRW unless absolutely needed. Too difficult to park, drive off-road etc.

Same answer here. Have towed our 5er many miles with my SRW and stability is a non issue even in high cross winds, winding mountain passes, and passing trucks.

Match loaded pin weight to truck payload rating and you are good to go.

Bumpyroad wrote:

Lantley wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
Not really subjective. Wouldn’t have a DRW unless absolutely needed. Too difficult to park, drive off-road etc.

Typical comment from someone who doesn't drive DRW daily.
Tell me why a comparable DRW is harder to park than a SRW?

Payload , stability and better braking are why you chose DRW over SRW

seems to me that DRW trucks sort of stick out wider than SRW ones??????
bumpy

Yeah...having owned several of both ...and made a living for several years with mostly DRW trucks they did not and will not go or park or load and unload in places I've had to sometimes get into. Even every day living. Brags like that tell me someone doesn't speak for all.
A few year back 99 percent one ton drw trucks were running transport. Now its about 70/30 DRW vs SRW one tons....and even 3/4 tons according to one Transport company Q&A. Even commercial haulers (includes hot shot) more and more SRW truck/owners are showing up on those types of forums.

The one ton DRW biggest advantage is payload.

The most stress free towing experience is with a DRW. Winds are simply winds.

ferndaleflyer wrote:
consider this also the DRW has 50% more rubber on the ground. How is that not be better?

On compromised surfaces (snow, wet grass, ponding water on the roadway, etc.) the traction is split up between four contact patches instead of two. It's great for stability but lousy for traction. I've been towing with dually trucks for the last 17 years and I'm quite comfortable maneuvering in tight spaces when required, but it is a learning process. When encountering those compromised surfaces 4WD is a big benefit. I'd just as soon y'all didn't ask me how I happened to know that :-) .

Lantley wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
Not really subjective. Wouldn’t have a DRW unless absolutely needed. Too difficult to park, drive off-road etc.

Typical comment from someone who doesn't drive DRW daily.
Tell me why a comparable DRW is harder to park than a SRW?

Payload , stability and better braking are why you chose DRW over SRW

seems to me that DRW trucks sort of stick out wider than SRW ones??????
bumpy

Lwiddis wrote:
Not really subjective. Wouldn’t have a DRW unless absolutely needed. Too difficult to park, drive off-road etc.

Typical comment from someone who doesn't drive DRW daily.
Tell me why a comparable DRW is harder to park than a SRW?

Payload , stability and better braking are why you chose DRW over SRW

Acdii wrote:
When to consider a Dual RW is when the trailer is an ultra wide 101". Usually trailers that wide are also over the 16K GVWR and for stability purposes a Dually is a better choice. The trailers are wider than the SRW trucks.

Tomorrow I pick up a brand new 3660SUITE that will be towed with my 2012 F350 SB. According to the manufacturer, the UVW and pin weights, plus what we normally carried in our last trailer puts the trailer ~12628 pounds. @ 18% pin that gives me ~300 available payload. The empty pin weight is ~15.5%. Even if it jumps to 20% pin weight I am still OK, within ratings.

Here's the only thing I am a bit leery on, it is 42.5' long. I don't foresee issues, but would be more comfortable with a LB truck. The extra 18" of WB just gives it a bit more stability. I don't see it as Dually territory though. Wider, Heavier, and over 42' and then I would consider Dually.

Wow, talk about a lightweight!
Just wondering how they build a 42.5' 5er with a dry weight of 10,828# and a GVWR of 13,655#. I would not want to be fooled by the dry pin percentage of 15.3% if you get to 20% you now have a 2,731#. Good luck getting the balance right.