Dually or not ?

[Danimal]

i am looking to get a used 1 ton dodge and i am wondering the pros and cons of a dually, i know one thing it would be to big for my garage, any others ?

i will be going to a diesel this time

dan

[acadianbob]

I see you live in Michigan. I've never owned a dually, but my impression is that they are worse in the snow and ice when "empty". Perhaps someone with actual experience can be of help on that issue. The real question is; how much rear axle capacity, tire capacity, and load capability do you need to tow what you want to tow. I wouldn't do it unless I really needed a dually.

[Dave_Monica]

A 1 ton SRW or DRW is way more than you need for your current camper...are you looking at bigger 5th wheels in the near future?

Dave

[cardinal4fun]

I have a 06 DRW with 8' bed. The biggest con is parking. In the winter (maybe just me) driving the city streets gets alittle tought as the plows make the streets narrower. Pros: I like the stability while pulling camper, to me its just a better feeling, more rubber on the road kind of thing. I think somethings more is better

[extremebike]

I'm with Cardinal4fun. I have an 04 dually and the truck definitely has control over the trailer even in the wind and on curves. I would not give it up, but then I use the truck primarily for towing the 5th and parking usually means walking a bit further.

[Danimal]

A 1 ton SRW or DRW is way more than you need for your current camper...are you looking at bigger 5th wheels in the near future?


i am not looking to upgrade the camper, and my 05' 1/2ton does an ok job of towing now the only thing that bothers me is the rear springs they are only 2.5'' and i think thats my weakest link , so iam thinking of going to a diesel (used) and i figure with a 1 ton i wont need to add leafs or air bags and should be a plug and play

[donn]

Since you say you are NOT looking to upgrade in the future I would shy away from a dually and get a SRW. Heck, if you are not going to upgrade why not get a 3/4 ton?
If you are going to upgrade during the life of this truck to a large fiver, then get the dually.

[sreddy]

One of the other things with 1t - 10k+ GVW - here they require an annual safety inspection and certification every year = $$, I would check to see if your area req. the same.
Maint. is going to be more than your 1500 for every thing from oil changes, brakes, shocks, tires etc = $$
for the above it does not matter if it is SRW or DRW on the pro side as others have said it does make a difference when towing & you can't put $$ on that IMHO.
BTW one option if you really want a dually is something like what these guys offer: RV Hauler class 8 conversion sport truck alternative puller toter might be a bit of overkill for you current trailer but it might keep the weight police off your back & it's a heck of a dually

[Cinrock]

Can't add much more to what the other guys said. With a diesel in it, you can't get a more enjoyable towing experience. Is it worth the parking hassle, tire cost, etc? You need to be the judge.

[Rugged Brown]

"Do le or not do le", that is the question.