SRW vs DRW
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SRW vs DRW
OK, so when it comes to pulling a 5th wheel, what's the difference or benefits between the two?? We were gonna get the truck we like ('08 F-350, 4X4, SRW) and then get a trailer to compliment. But, we found a trailer we really like...but we really like the truck. Are there any cons to pulling a 5th wheel with the SRW truck? I'm new to 5th wheel stuff so I'll take any tips or advice, but mainly looking at the difference between the two axle options.
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From: Oak Harbor WA
The main difference between SRW and DRW is weight distribution and stability. A Dually will spread that pin weight across 4 tires instead of 2 and because of the wider profile, cornering is improved.
The other DRW advantage is if you have a rear blowout.
The other DRW advantage is if you have a rear blowout.
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From: McNairy county, TN.
Stability. Blow one tire on a dually your still rolling to get to a safe place to change tire, single your on the side of the interstate. Less sidewall flex in a sidewind on a dually. Now, on a dually tire cost are doubled (for the rear). Single, easier to manuver in a city when not pulling.
FTE Legend
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From: Millersville, MD
What's the weight and length of the trailer? You'll want a duelly for a very large, heavy trailer....say 35' or longer. Between 31-35', it's a toss up...depends on weight. Heavier trailers will handle much better with the duelly. I've got a 11K lb (loaded) 30' footer, and the single rear wheel is fine.
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Ha...this is funny....40', 13,400 lb dry weight!! Will have 1,600 lbs of motorcycles in it and then the random junk after that.
That why I said originally, we were gonna get the truck we love and then a trailer to compliment, but we fell in love with this trailer before the truck. So now what???
That why I said originally, we were gonna get the truck we love and then a trailer to compliment, but we fell in love with this trailer before the truck. So now what???
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From: McNairy county, TN.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Bakersfield, CA
Look at the hitch weight of the trailer and the cargo capacity of the truck/bed. In most 5th wheels the hitch weight is not more than the cargo capacity, so the SRW vs. DRW becomes a personal preference........both will do the job. Unless the trailer is big enough to exceed the trailer tow capacity of the SRW.
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FTE Legend
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From: Millersville, MD
Originally Posted by galaxyfe
Ha...this is funny....40', 13,400 lb dry weight!! Will have 1,600 lbs of motorcycles in it and then the random junk after that.
That why I said originally, we were gonna get the truck we love and then a trailer to compliment, but we fell in love with this trailer before the truck. So now what???
That why I said originally, we were gonna get the truck we love and then a trailer to compliment, but we fell in love with this trailer before the truck. So now what???
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Simpsonville, KY
Uhm... no? The 350 DRW will handle that load easily and still be within the recommended tow limits. You don't NEED to jump to a vehicle with a 25000lb tow capacity to tow a 17000 trailer when the 18000lb capacity truck will do just fine. Now, would the 450 be better? Sure! But the 350 will do it just fine.
For a 40' trailer I'd definately recommend a dually truck... that's a lot of twist and wind resistance from the side, and the extra stability will come in handy. Plus your pinweight will be quite high for a level that long, so the extra capacity will come in handy too.
The 350 DRW will handle that load easily and still be within the recommended tow limits. You don't NEED to jump to a vehicle with a 25000lb tow capacity to tow a 17000 trailer when the 18000lb capacity truck will do just fine. Now, would the 450 be better? Sure! But the 350 will do it just fine.For a 40' trailer I'd definately recommend a dually truck... that's a lot of twist and wind resistance from the side, and the extra stability will come in handy. Plus your pinweight will be quite high for a level that long, so the extra capacity will come in handy too.
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From: East Texas
I pulled a 30' fifth wheel that weighed about 10,000 loaded for 3 years, then a 35' Hitchhiker that weighed a little over 14,000 loaded for over 3 years. All of this with a 2000 F350 CC single rear wheel short bed 7.3 psd. Never felt unsecure towing the larger trailer and it was handled without any problems by the F350.
However, I do agree that with the size trailer and weight you are talking about it would probably be better to use a dually in this case. If you are going tow a good bit then the F450 would probably be the better way to go. It is the stopping ability that is more important than the pulling ability if you value the life of you and your family.
However, I do agree that with the size trailer and weight you are talking about it would probably be better to use a dually in this case. If you are going tow a good bit then the F450 would probably be the better way to go. It is the stopping ability that is more important than the pulling ability if you value the life of you and your family.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Living under the bosses d
The length of the Trailer has no baring against the truck you use. An F450 and an F350 have the same center of gravity, same length and same engine. The only difference is the suspension gearing and maybe transmission. In the real world the F350 can be retrofitted with higher preformance rotars and pads. I would be a little concerned about the fact that you will not have at LEAST 10% fudge factor. On planet earth sometimes the "field trial" and experiance will beat all the math in the world. I understand that you are free to do what you want, My decision would be to keep what you have and run with it. Chances are, after a few months or a couple of years you will change decisions on trucks or trailer needs.
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From: East Texas
This was an interesting article and test of heavy duty pickups, the F450 was quite impressive. If it was done accurately the results were interesting, as well as the way the manufacturers equipped the trucks. See - http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/2007...shootout1.html