Do I really need a dually?

hguilford · 06-17-2019, 03:06 PM

I have compiled a detailed list of pros and cons for buying a new TV with DRW, and for one with SRW. Looking at the 2019 Silverado 3500HD models with 6.6L Duramax diesel, both are plenty capable of pulling my Keystone Avalanche A320RS. Prices are very similar so that's not a big factor. I could always flip a coin but that's not how I work. I will analyze this to death, read hundreds of blogs and posts, use lots of paper making computations and calculations, and run various algorithms, to come up with the best option (mostly said in jest). I appreciate and value the responses and advice from the members of this forum but would rather hear from those who have faced this dilemma. I want to know if there is any valid way to come to a conclusion, other than personal preference. Thanks, and happy camping!

**sourdough** · 06-17-2019, 03:13 PM

I don't own a dually and will defer to those that respond but -

Remember that the numbers (weights) can and will definitively tell you if you do in fact need a dually. It's more than a personal preference. A Silverado 3500 SRW with the Duramax can assuredly tow it but can it "carry" it safely? The only way to know is to know the numbers from the truck you intend to buy inside the driver door. The Avalanche has a gvw of 15k so there's the starting point and remember to give yourself a nice cushion between the actual load placed in/on the TV and its payload/gawr. Good luck in your pursuit.

**chuckster57** · 06-17-2019, 06:37 PM

Having towed a 1996 Jayco 323RKS with both a SRW and a DRW, I will NEVER tow another fiver with anything but a dually. My personal story:

2009, in Missouri on I40 eastbound. Just past 65 and doing 67 MPH ( just under flow of traffic). Blew the DS rear inner tire, and just slowed and pulled over. If I had a SRW, I don’t really think the outcome would have been the same knowing now what I didn’t know back then.

When I bought the Jayco, the tag in the kitchen cabinet said it weighed 8975 and 1800 kingpin. When I starting looking for my current fiver, I ended up at a Jayco dealer who told me that trailer was more like 11,500 EMPTY and well into 2200 kingpin.

Take it for what it’s worth, I like the idea of 4 feet on the road and if one “shoe” falls off the other 3 will hold the weight.

rhagfo · 06-17-2019, 08:56 PM

Well that 5er has a 15,000# GVWR, it will far more relaxing with the DRW, than a SRW.

travelin texans · 06-17-2019, 09:01 PM

Do you plan to fulltime or extended travel? If so you will be at the max, possibly over the GVW of that rv before you know it. Yes , the SRW will/can move it down the road, but from my dually experience it will do much more stable feeling.
Back to fulltiming, chances are if doing so it won't take long before you're looking a bigger 5th wheels, if you get the dually you're good to go.
DW told me that if we were going to fulltime after retirement that I better get all the truck I need for whatever 5th wheel she wanted & don't regret having a dually as a daily driver for the past 14 years, 10 of which fulltiming.

rhagfo · 06-17-2019, 09:13 PM

Will add that the check the payload on some 2019 Chevys DRW, as they only have a a 13,025# GVWR. Ford and Ram both have 14,000 GVWR, our 2016 Ram Laramie has a 5,411# Payload, you should find some in a like range.

CaptnJohn · 06-17-2019, 09:23 PM

Pulling 14,550 is no problem with my f350 srw. No fan of a dually or long bed. However the new 5er wifey had to have exceeds the payload and weight limit of a srw . I ordered a f350 dually last month.

Sinton4616 · 06-18-2019, 05:39 AM

I have an Avalanche 321RS with a DRW F350. I could have gotten the SRW and would have been very close to the limits, with DRW I don't have that issue.

Having towed different fivers with a Dodge 2500, F250 and the F350 DRW, I find the DRW much less stressful going down the road.

Tbos · 06-18-2019, 06:18 AM

My Alpine has a GVWR of 15,500. I pull with a F350 DRW and love the stability. If I had it to do again I’d order a F450 with just the stuff I needed so I could take advantage of the better turning radius.

CaptnJohn · 06-18-2019, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tbos

My Alpine has a GVWR of 15,500. I pull with a F350 DRW and love the stability. If I had it to do again I’d order a F450 with just the stuff I needed so I could take advantage of the better turning radius.

Yes the turning is noticeably better. The payload on a 450 is less which makes no sense to me.

Tbos · 06-18-2019, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

Yes the turning is noticeably better. The payload on a 450 is less which makes no sense to me.

I’m told it has to do with the heavier frame and other misc suspension items. That’s why I’d like one very similar to my 350 XLT. I’d hope to have a payload of about 5000 vice my 5600. Had a friend that had one and this is where his came in.

Fishsizzle · 06-18-2019, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

Yes the turning is noticeably better. The payload on a 450 is less which makes no sense to me.

Bigger frame, bigger brakes, bigger front axle (4x4) and 19.5 wheels and tires

rhagfo · 06-18-2019, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

Yes the turning is noticeably better. The payload on a 450 is less which makes no sense to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishsizzle

Bigger frame, bigger brakes, bigger front axle (4x4) and 19.5 wheels and tires

This is another where Ford believes it has "A Better Idea"!
Just like the F350 SRW with a 10,000# GVWR that is designed to help advoid crazy registration rules and fees for "Commercial" vehicles.
Keeping the GVWR limited to 14,000# on the F450 means less hassel with the Commercial issue, BUT can put the owner in legal limbo by being over GVWR if used to axle ratings.

Ken / Claudia · 06-19-2019, 05:45 AM

The poster asked about which truck to buy to pull his 5er. Apparently either might do the job. So, I need to ask, what's in your future? RVs for most will never last as long as the TV. Do you think another 5er will be in the future and if so, is it going to be bigger, smaller or exactly the same size and weight. If like most it will be heavier and likely longer. Get a DRW now so you have a vehicle able to make the change.

idcruiserman · 06-23-2019, 10:09 AM

I found no downside to having a dually. Well, when buying tires.

sonofcy · 06-23-2019, 10:20 AM

My F450 came with Continental 19.5" commercial grade tires. They will age out long before they ever wear out. Warranty is 7 years. Just another advantage of 450 over 350.

mlarryeliz · 06-23-2019, 08:15 PM

One more vote for the drw. I tow a 14k# gvwr Sprinter with my f350 drw and it hums along at 65mph. Contrast that to a f150 that I previously owned towing a 6k# flagstaff and the experience was completely different. Drw really “plants” the rear end with excellent stability and unaffected by passing semis and crosswinds. I own a ‘19 f350 outfitted for comfortable highway travel. Travel with the 5er is an absolute pleasure!! Like I said, nothing new here, it’s all been said!!

rhagfo · 07-22-2019, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

Yes the turning is noticeably better. The payload on a 450 is less which makes no sense to me.

This is because Ford chooses to classify the F450 as a Class 3 truck with a max GVWR of 14,000#. The truck is stronger than the F350, but Ford states a 14,000GVWR so buyers can get favorable registration and insurance rates, but more or less forcing owners to exceed their GVWR to use as built. Ford does the same with the F350 SRW which can be bought with a GVWR as low as 9,900# up to 2018, haven't looked closely at 2019 specs.

fatcatzzz · 06-18-2019, 06:48 AM

I am in the dually class also. I pull #16400 with #4100 pin weigh. I personally would not pull with a swr.

Snoking · 06-18-2019, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hguilford

I have compiled a detailed list of pros and cons for buying a new TV with DRW, and for one with SRW. Looking at the 2019 Silverado 3500HD models with 6.6L Duramax diesel, both are plenty capable of pulling my Keystone Avalanche A320RS. Prices are very similar so that's not a big factor. I could always flip a coin but that's not how I work. I will analyze this to death, read hundreds of blogs and posts, use lots of paper making computations and calculations, and run various algorithms, to come up with the best option (mostly said in jest). I appreciate and value the responses and advice from the members of this forum but would rather hear from those who have faced this dilemma. I want to know if there is any valid way to come to a conclusion, other than personal preference. Thanks, and happy camping!

Both will work! The question is what percent of the time are you going to tow the 5th wheel? If that is a low number, then a SRW makes sense. And you will not have this issue.

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