Silverado vs Ram, Dually vs Single

[craigw]

Ok in Jan 2012 I had my '01 2500HD Duramax stolen. With an upcoming move from Tennessee to Colorado we put things on the back burner. Now we are beginning the thought process of what to replace our stolen truck with.

A few stats on what we are pulling. Our Cardinal is an LE312BH which has a dry weight of 10,000 and is 33'. My I'd truck which was a 2500HD with the Duramax and was a short box crew cab 4x4. I had thought of a Ram but everything I read the tow ratings are pretty low unless you get the 3500. I am not looking for new and will look at something a few years old. My tendency is to go back to what I had. Initially I had thought of staying away from Dually's being it will be my daily driver and I will need to drive into downtown Denver from time to time.

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

[Rob & Cathy]

If you're using your truck as your daily vehicle, and especially in downtown city driving, I'd go with the non-dually with a short bed. As far as ride is concerned I don't think you'd notice much difference between a 2500 and 3500 SRW.

Rob

[ski boy]

My dually truck is an awfully big target in parking lots and city driving. My pin weight leaves no option for a single rear wheel, though. The 2013 Dodge HD (completely redesigned) is supposed to have best-in-class numbers. True or hype I don't know. Interesting to see what they've done - Feb. availablity in Canada at least...

[craigw]

I'll have to check the tow ratings and such again on the Dodges. I can find them at a lower $ on the used market.

[Travelers]

Probably a 2500 in any combination length box will work. And they're readily available. A 3500 short box 4x4 would ride stiff. The saving grace of a dually is that the rear tires are aired up at 55# versus 65# to 70# for srw. AND a dually commands more respect in city traffic.

[craigw]

As I have been doing some 'rough' looking at the used market it seems a 3500 Dually are priced better than 2500's. I'm guessing this may be due to more people are wanting a single rear wheel than duals. Fortunately for me if I am to get a dually and need to go to an area where space is an issue I can use the wife's car. I have had a CC long box 3500 single wheel in the pase so I understand some of what is required respect wise as far as the size.

[Mike Clay]

My 3500 rides nice, not much worse then my 08 2500 did. When I am not in the towing season my rear tires are at 60 and front at 65 psi.

[craigw]

I have never owned a dually so that is probably part of my apprehension. I know that in towing having a larger footprint on the back will definatley help on the stability front. I would imaging that 2500's in many situations are the default or what most commonly go for. In checking my tongue weight (approx 2500 lbs) I may have to be creative going Dodge. I know Chevy with the Allison can handle things no problem. Really not considering Ford because a few years ago I had a lot of problems with no answers. Plus I hear horror stories. I will look for something that will give me minimal problems as I tend to keep vehicles till there wheels fall off.

[Chief409]

I have had a CC long box 3500 single wheel in the pase so I understand some of what is required respect wise as far as the size.

You shouldn't have a problem once you get accustomed to the dually "hips" (DW term) in the back then. You just can't cut the corners as tight.

Jeff

[Travelers]

I would imaging that 2500's in many situations are the default or what most commonly go for. In checking my tongue weight (approx 2500 lbs).

With that pin weight, I would get a 3500.

[snoking]

I have run my rear LT265/75R16E's at 44 lbs empty for 11 years and 102K with two sets of Michelin tires and never had a tire issue. Drives much better, and it still not as low as the inflation chart indicates I could go. Those that have never air down the rears, do not know how well their truck can really ride. I also have Rancho 9000 shocks on the rear that I turn down when empty. Turns the old brick truck into something that is comfortable.

Chris

[Chief-e9]

Vickie and I love our dually for pulling. However, we don't enjoy having to use it as an ever day vehicle once we've parked the RV. It can be troublesome driving on narrow, two-lane mountain roads, in busy towns with multiple lane traffic, and parking definitely creates problems. I'm always worried about someone hitting the dually fenders, etc. Therefore, our next 1-ton will be a single axle which will hopefully work out better for us. Difficult decision when you're spending that much money. I'm sure you will be happy whichever way you go. Best of luck!

[craigw]

The ideal truck for many would be one that was a single rear with bolt on dually wheels for when you need it. Probably more trouble than its worth but a thought. LOL

[Travelers]

The ideal truck for many would be one that was a single rear with bolt on dually wheels for when you need it. Probably more trouble than its worth but a thought. LOL

You would still have a "fender" problem. So you would need to bolt on a fender as well.

[Travelers]

Vickie and I love our dually for pulling. However, we don't enjoy having to use it as an ever day vehicle once we've parked the RV. It can be troublesome driving on narrow, two-lane mountain roads, in busy towns with multiple lane traffic, and parking definitely creates problems. I'm always worried about someone hitting the dually fenders, etc.

I agree on all of the above. I still wouldn't get rid of the DRW.