Dually vs SRW

[ssmblazer]

I have an '05 F-250 crew, long bed, 4x4, 6.0 but was looking to trade for an 05 or 06 F-350 as I need additional payload for a 5th wheel toy hauler. I was looking for any insight into some pros to getting an F-350 dually vs. the F-350SRW. Both have more than enough payload capacity. I run up north for several snowmobiling trips each year, so I suspect the dually should handle better in the snow. Was wondering about MPG differences and overall maintenance differences....

[Zytek_Fan]

Obviously, the dually is going to be more stable for hauling such a large load.
The MPG difference shouldn't be drastic, maybe 1-5%, because all the fenders and extra wheels do is add a small amount of drag.

[peobryant]

Originally Posted by ssmblazer

I have an '05 F-250 crew, long bed, 4x4, 6.0 but was looking to trade for an 05 or 06 F-350 as I need additional payload for a 5th wheel toy hauler. I was looking for any insight into some pros to getting an F-350 dually vs. the F-350SRW. Both have more than enough payload capacity. I run up north for several snowmobiling trips each year, so I suspect the dually should handle better in the snow. Was wondering about MPG differences and overall maintenance differences....

In my opinion, a dually truck looks 10 times better than a SRW truck. Plus, I think SRW trucks are supposed to be 250 and lower. 350's and above should ALL be DRW, in my opinion.

Like stated before, the dually will be much more stable, and handle loads better than a SRW truck.

As for a dually being better in the snow... nope. Less traction in the rear, so they spin easier, unloaded of course.

A dually will get a little less mpg than a SRW, but the good looks are worth it.

[hijacker]

DRW, definitely. More stability, better looks, loss of traction is negligible. I get 14 mpg city and 18 highway without a load; 11 mpg towing 15,000# 5th wheel. I have no mods.

[Brightwell5915]

if you are towing in snow, a SRW is the ONLY WAY to go. I am an avid snomobiler, haul a 35' 5th wheel drag racing trailer to haul my sleds. Its rated a 12,000, hauls about 10,000 + loaded and I wouldn't trade for 3 duelies. My friend had a duelie Dodge that wouldn't move on a level parking lot, pulling a small 4 place trailer. A F-350 SRW tows great, is stable (mine will run 120 whenever you want) and gets better milage. All you have to do is watch a duel wheel truck in the snow -- if the inside wheel gets on ice, the other one is just along for the ride.

What do you ride, and where do you ride?

[johnnykool6]

Go with the Dually 4X4!! I sail on by srw's in the snow, with my snowmobiles or 5'er, and wouldn't trade for 6 srw's! ('cept if I used them for parts to build a couple DRWs!)

[wriott]

i have both... yes the duallys SUCK in snow when they are EMPTY. yes the SRW will do better in the snow EMPTY. if you are hauling a bumperpull trailer the SRW will do better hauling in the snow. with a 5er the DRW haul better in all conditions. i wont haul anything with a SRW if i have a choice. DRW is the only way i will go. you will really notice a difference when you are in bad weather or on a road with alot of turns. the dually will be alot more stable and comfortable to drive

[JohnO]

No, the dually empty isn't that grand in the snow, though with 4x4, it does just fine. Put a ton or so in the bed, it's great.

One downside - I just priced up new tires for mine. Yeowch! With the stock rugged trail's, best Tire Discounter could do was $1200.

Upside is that it controls a load a lot better. Doesn't squirm around when you have it loaded up. However, you'd have to haul a lot of sleds to notice the difference. The dually really comes in when you have 10k or more to tow.

Personal opinion - the dually has a mean, purposeful look to it. I've noticed that my fellow motorists are decidedly more polite when I'm rolling around in this monster. Where does an 800 pound bear... any place he wants to.

I was looking to trade my little Ranger for a F250 a couple of years ago. When they told me that for another five grand I could get the F350 dually with King Ranch, I took one look at it and said - I want it.

[2005F250]

You should be fine with your current F250. As long as you have proper load range tires, braking system on the 5th wheel, and there isn't to much tounge/pin weight the SRW F250 will be fine. I pulll a 17K lb. gooseneck 450 miles through the desert with my F250 and didn't have a problem. I would suggest that you install some kind of air helper spring setup on your truck for added stability and control.

[97 golden stroker]

If the 250 that he has dont have the payload needed then he will for sure fell a diff. I have pull a 5er 12k with my truck and then with my dads drw and no way would i buy a srw as a tow rig. srw would be great for someone that uses it as a dd and tow a couple times a year. And for towing in the snow i could not tell you but driving in the snow i will slide more then my dads drw it he is in 4hi.