SRW or DRW

[AH64ID]

Fought it for 13 years then bought the current 2017 RAM 3500 DRW. Huge difference, no sweat driving at all very stable and tracked perfectly.. We then upgraded to a 2019 TT that weighed 12000# No sweat at all.

I suspect you would get the exact same results with the same truck in a SRW configuration. The reasons why it made such a huge difference are common to the SRW and DRW.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

I agree about sometimes you go with whatever suits the trailer you are pulling. In my case, we used to pull a 8000# TT with a 2000 MY Ford Excursion 7.3 TD. Despite being heavily modified with turbo, Redhead steering box, F350 HD springs sway bars and Bilsteins, it did not track very well. Fought it for 13 years then bought the current 2017 RAM 3500 DRW. Huge difference, no sweat driving at all very stable and tracked perfectly.. We then upgraded to a 2019 TT that weighed 12000# No sweat at all.

Despite the issues with parking and maneuverability that all DRW have, I would never go back.

8000lbs would be easily towed with a 2500 really but the DRW is nice as you don't need to watch your weights as it can handle it one reason i keep my 01 around


In my experience those excursions towed like crap no matter what same with the 2500 suburbans, the minute you put any real weight on them they got squirmy on the road. the only reason they were liked was the room inside IMHO. When they first came out i thought they were neat a buddy of mine bought one new and had the same towing experience you had he only had a 5500lbs camper.

 

[WRCLVR]

HAHA yeah that Excursion you could put 4x8 plywood sheets into it and close the rear gates. And the 7.3 ran great with all the Bank upgrades, intercooler, turbo, etc. The suspension upgrades from the stock 7.3 TD Excursion to the F350 HD springs. Bilsteins Redhead steering box and bigger sway bars f/r made the truck itself really handle well BUT as the previous poster said, even with all the upgrades, it still was a bit squirrely towing.

 

[Nick]

I have been towing a 15 k 5th wheel for 11 years . About 80k miles . I just fought heavy crosswinds and head winds from Texas to California it was very stable . AS Brutal said if you are not going to be over on your pin weight an SRW is the way to go . 2 less tires to buy . Easier to park , rides better empty and better in snow . If you plan on buying a bigger trailer down the road then go with a dually . sSnce you have bought neither go look at the 5 th wheel you want first .

 

[WRCLVR]

Im fine with the current TT and teh 2017 Ram dually. thanks tho

 

[gimmie11s]

Neither one rides nice SRW 3500 or DRW. Now....If you want a decent ride and aren't towing a massive amount, you buy a coil spring 2500 Ram.

If you need more capacity than the 2500 can handle and (and it's a big AND) you don't DD your truck -- IMO buy the dually as it's the most capable worker you can get your hands on.

DD'ing your truck changes things for me because then I'd agree I'd go SRW due to parking, drive throughs, size constraints, and having to buy 6 tires, etc.

 

[Phil T]

If you like to buy tires, a dually is fine.
Pros, higher weight capacity
Cons, more tires to buy, harsher ride, louder road noise, ugly.

 

[gimmie11s]

If you like to buy tires, a dually is fine.
Pros, higher weight capacity
Cons, more tires to buy, harsher ride, louder road noise, ugly.

I love buying tires.

Louder road noise, eh?

Obviously youve never owned a DRW, let alone ridden in one.

Great post, champ!

 

[CdnHO]

If you like to buy tires, a dually is fine.
Pros, higher weight capacity
Cons, more tires to buy, harsher ride, louder road noise, ugly.

Buying tires is a minor expense after spending 80K+ on a truck. If you can't afford the tires, then don't buy the truck. My truck rides great when adjusting pressures for the load. Road noise is no issue. Can hear my radio just fine. And I think my dually is beautiful. And my opinion is the only one that counts. LOL

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

If you like to buy tires, a dually is fine.
Pros, higher weight capacity
Cons, more tires to buy, harsher ride, louder road noise, ugly.

Really… tires last longer so thats completely negated and there is no extra road noise and not ugly

 

[MEGA HO]

DRW are not ugly when have load in the box and look outright hot when swapped with super singles.
I did however read this multiple occasions that they have an uneven wear on the fronts. Not sure if that happens when riding empty or loaded, I don't own a DRW but would totally buy one to put on a flat deck and convert to SS

 

[Cseybert]

If you like to buy tires, a dually is fine.
Pros, higher weight capacity
Cons, more tires to buy, harsher ride, louder road noise, ugly.

I’ve owned both and Prefer a Dually looks and ability. JMO No dually ver Dually