Dually trucks are simply pickups with dual rear wheels. They’re wider than a standard truck, which gives them added stability and traction – perfect for towing heavy loads.
However, you may or may not need this added stability, depending on what you’re going to be using your truck for.
If you’re not planning on towing anything heavier than a couple thousand pounds, then you probably don’t need the extra weight and width of a dually truck.
But if you are planning on towing something really heavy – like a fifth wheel trailer or a toy huller – then a dually truck is definitely the way to go. Keep reading to learn more about when you may need a heavy-duty pickup truck and some of the best dually trucks for towing large RV trailers.
What is a Dually Truck?
A dually truck is a pickup truck with four rear wheels – two on each side. They’re wider than standard trucks, which gives them added stability and traction.
Dually trucks are available in both two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD), and they usually have a larger engine than a standard truck so they can handle the extra weight of the two rear wheels.
They’re sometimes called one-ton pickups, 3500s, or heavy-duty trucks.
How Wide Is A Dually Truck?
Dually trucks are some of the largest personal vehicles you can get. In fact, some states categorize them as commercial vehicles, and many towing, freight, and delivery companies use them for work.
Dually trucks are usually at least 8 feet wide and can be up to 10 feet wide. The length varies depending on the model, but in their largest configuration with four doors and a long bed, they can be up to 22 feet long.
The extra width of a dually truck can make them difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, like parking garages or city streets. And, since they’re so large, they can be challenging to drive if you’re not used to it.
What is the Weight of a Dually Truck?
Dually trucks are much heavier than standard trucks because they have to support the weight of two rear wheels. A typical dually truck weighs between 6,000 and 8,500 pounds.
The extra weight of a dually truck also means that they can tow more weight than a standard truck.
Many dually trucks can tow up to 40,000 pounds, which makes them very useful if you have a large toy hauler.
How Much Does a Dually Truck Cost?
The price of a dually truck depends on the make, model, and features.
A basic dually truck can start around $35,000, but the price can go up to $60,000 or more for a fully loaded model.
Don’t be fooled by their rugged appearance. Dually trucks are available with all the bells and whistles of a luxury SUV, like heated leather seats, navigation, and a premium audio system.
Should You Get a Dually Truck?
If you’re not planning on towing anything heavier than a couple thousand pounds, then you probably don’t need the extra weight and width of a dually truck.
However, dually trucks are good for a lot of things, including:
If you think you might need a dually truck, then it’s a good idea to test drive one to see how you like it.
You may find that the extra size and weight is worth it for the added stability and traction. Or, you may decide that a standard truck is just right for you.
Now that you know more about what dually trucks are, you may be wondering if you should get one.
Here are a few things to consider before making your decision:
No matter what you decide, be sure to test drive a dually truck before you make your final decision.
That way, you can see how it feels to drive one and make sure it’s the right choice for you.
Pros of a Dually Truck:
Cons of a Dually Truck:
The 4 Best Dually pickup Trucks for Towing
There are four primary manufacturers of dually trucks in the United States: RAM, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford. Here are your options when it comes to choosing a dually truck:
All manufacturers offer either 3500 models with a diesel engine, which most people will tell you is better for towing.
It’s more expensive up front, but it also gets much better fuel economy than a gas engine.
If you’re opting for a gas engine, you’ll have to downgrade to the 2500 model to get it, but they don’t offer the dually as part of this package. You have to upgrade to a 3500 to get a dually.
Everyone has their opinion about which manufacturer offers the best dually truck.
My personal preference is the RAM, because I think they offer the best combination of power, features, and comfort.
The Chevy Silverado is a close second, and the GMC Sierra is a decent option as well. The Ford F-350 is a bit behind the other three in my opinion, but it’s still a good truck.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best dually trucks!
1. Best Overall: RAM 3500
The RAM 3500 offers a great combination of features and price. It’s comfortable to drive and can tow just about anything you need it to.
They can get expensive fast if you add a lot of features, but the available options make it worth the price, including plenty of useful tools for towing.
You can typically find pretty affordable used options, but they still retain their value well and will run for hundreds of thousands of miles.
The reason I believe the RAM is the best overall is because its maximum towing capacity is rated at 37,100 pounds, which is more than any other manufacturer.
You’ll also get a payload capacity of 7,680, which tops the charts and beats out everyone else.
2. Best Luxury: Chevrolet Silverado 3500
The Chevy Silverado 3500 is a great luxury dually truck. It’s comfortable and loaded with features, including a high-end stereo system and plenty of space.
It’s not as powerful as the RAM, but it’s still a great choice if you’re looking for a luxurious dually truck.
You’ll generally pay more for a Chevy than you will a RAM or a Ford because they hold their value very well.
You can find affordable used options, but they’re not as common as the other two brands.
The towing capacity on the 2022 Silverado maxes out at 36,000 pounds and the payload is 7,442. That’s enough for even the biggest toy hauler.
3. Best Off-Road: GMC Sierra 3500
The GMC Sierra 3500 is the best dually truck for off-roading. It has a more powerful engine than the Chevy and RAM, and it comes standard with four-wheel drive.
It’s also lifted higher off the ground than the other two, making it easier to navigate over rough terrain.
The downside to its height is that it doesn’t offer as much clearance for towing as some might like, but it’s still a great choice and offers a good value.
You’ll get anywhere from 20,000 to 35,000 pounds of towing capacity and a payload range of 4,411-7,090 depending on which model and trim you choose.
If you have a heavier trailer, make sure you pay attention to the towing capacity of your exact vehicle.
4. Best Budget: Ford F-350
The Ford F-350 is a great budget dually truck. It’s not as luxurious as the Chevy or the RAM, but it’s still a comfortable truck that can tow almost anything you need it to.
It doesn’t have as many features, but it’s a great value for the price.
The towing capacity on the 2022 F-350 is only 15,000 pounds with a maximum payload capacity of 4,060 pounds, which means you won’t be able to buy the biggest, longest, heaviest RV on the market, but you can still tow a sizeable fifth-wheel or travel trailer.
However, if you upgrade to the Ford F-450, you can get a maximum of 37,000 pounds of towing capacity, which is more than most of the other manufacturers!
You can find affordable used options because they don’t retain their value as well as the other three brands.
Are Dually Trucks Worth It?
Dually trucks are worth it if you plan to do some heavy-duty towing and hauling.
If you intend to two a large trailer through windy conditions, the extra stability and control that the four rear tires offer makes a dually truck well worth the price.
Are dually trucks hard to drive?
No, dually trucks are not hard to drive, although they can be intimidating for someone who’s never done it before.
Once you get used to it, they’re actually quite easy to maneuver, although you do need more space. Most people have no trouble driving them.
The only thing you need to be careful of is the width of the truck. They’re wider than a standard truck, so you need to be aware of that when turning corners or backing up.
Do I need a dually truck for towing?
No, you don’t need a dually truck for towing, but they offer some advantages.
Dually trucks have two wheels on each side, which means they can distribute the weight of the load more evenly. This makes them better suited for towing heavy loads.
They’re also wider than a standard truck, so they offer more stability when towing.
If you frequently tow heavy loads or live in an area with a lot of wind, a dually truck is a good choice.
However, if you don’t need that much towing capacity, you’ll find that a single-rear-wheel truck is plenty sufficient to get the job done, and it will save you money in upfront cost and maintenance.
Are dually trucks good in snow and off-roading?
Dually trucks are good in snow because of their weight and four-wheel drive.
They’re also lifted higher off the ground than a standard truck, so they offer more clearance for obstacles.
Off-road, dually trucks are a good choice because of their height and four-wheel drive. However, they don’t offer as much clearance for towing as some might like.
Conclusion
Dually trucks are a great choice for those who need the extra towing and hauling capability.
They’re more expensive upfront, but they offer a lot of value if you need them.
If you frequently tow heavy loads or live in an area with a lot of wind, a dually truck is a good choice.
