Dual Rear Wheel Trucks for Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to Hauling Powerhouses

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1 week ago

In the world of heavy-duty towing and hauling, there’s a specialized breed of truck that stands head and shoulders above the rest: the dual rear wheel (DRW) truck, affectionately known as a "dually." Distinguished by its four tires on the rear axle—two on each side—these formidable machines are purpose-built to tackle the most demanding tasks with unwavering stability and immense capability. If you’re considering a truck for serious work, a massive recreational vehicle, or commercial applications, understanding the nuances of dual rear wheel trucks for sale is paramount. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know, from their fundamental benefits to practical buying advice, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Understanding Dual Rear Wheel Trucks: The Power Behind the Pair

At its core, a dual rear wheel truck differentiates itself from its single rear wheel (SRW) counterparts by distributing the load across a wider footprint and more tires on the rear axle. Instead of two tires, you have four, effectively doubling the contact patch with the road. This isn’t just for show; it’s a critical engineering decision that significantly boosts the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle itself, including its passengers, cargo, and any accessories – and its Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) – the maximum permissible weight of the truck and its attached trailer.

This design allows duallies to offer vastly superior towing and hauling capacities compared to even the most robust SRW trucks. They are the go-to choice for:

Massive Fifth-Wheel RVs and Travel Trailers: Providing the stability and pin weight capacity needed for the largest recreational vehicles.
Heavy Equipment Hauling: Transporting tractors, excavators, and other machinery on flatbed trailers.
Commercial Applications: Serving as the foundation for dump trucks, utility bodies, wrecker trucks, and large flatbeds.
Large Boat Towing: Handling the immense weight and aerodynamic drag of substantial marine vessels.

The Unmatched Benefits of Owning a Dually

The advantages of a dual rear wheel truck extend far beyond just increased weight ratings. They translate directly into enhanced safety, performance, and peace of mind when operating under heavy loads.

Superior Stability and Control: The wider stance and additional tires significantly reduce trailer sway, especially in crosswinds or when passing/being passed by large vehicles. This translates to a more confident and less fatiguing driving experience, crucial when hauling precious cargo or loved ones.
Increased Towing Capacity: This is perhaps the most significant benefit. Duallies are engineered to handle trailers weighing upwards of 20,000 to 30,000 pounds, and some even more, far exceeding the limits of most SRW trucks. This opens up a world of possibilities for those with truly heavy-duty towing needs.
Enhanced Hauling Capacity (Payload): Beyond towing, duallies offer substantial payload capacities, meaning they can carry more weight in their bed. This is vital for fifth-wheel towing, where a significant portion of the trailer’s weight rests directly in the truck’s bed (pin weight), or for carrying heavy commercial loads.
Improved Traction (in specific conditions): While not universally true for all terrains (e.g., mud or deep snow where a narrower tire can cut through), the increased number of tires provides more grip on paved surfaces, especially when carrying heavy loads.
Safety Through Redundancy: In the event of a flat tire on one of the rear wheels, the remaining three tires on that axle can often support the load, allowing the driver to safely pull over or even continue for a short distance to a service area, minimizing immediate danger and potential damage.
Better Braking Performance: With more rubber on the road and often larger, more robust braking systems, duallies generally offer improved stopping power when laden.

Types and Categories of Dual Rear Wheel Trucks

When searching for dual rear wheel trucks for sale, you’ll encounter a few primary categories based on their design and intended use:

Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks: These are the most common duallies found on dealership lots. Models like the Ford F-350/F-450 Super Duty, Ram 3500 Heavy Duty, and Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 3500HD come from the factory with a standard pickup bed. They are popular for recreational towing (large RVs, boats) and light commercial use.
Chassis Cab Trucks: These duallies are sold without a bed, featuring an exposed frame behind the cab. They are designed to be upfitted with custom bodies such as flatbeds, dump bodies, utility bodies, service bodies, car carriers, or even medium-duty wreckers. Examples include the Ford F-450/F-550 Chassis Cab, Ram 4500/5500 Chassis Cab, and Chevy/GMC 4500HD/5500HD Chassis Cab. They typically offer even higher GVWRs than their pickup counterparts.
New vs. Used:
- New Duallies: Offer the latest technology, full factory warranty, customization options, and often better financing rates. However, they come with a higher upfront cost and immediate depreciation.
- Used Duallies: Provide significant cost savings and can be a great value. However, they require more diligent inspection, may have higher mileage, and typically come with limited or no warranty.

Important Considerations When Buying a Dually

Purchasing a dual rear wheel truck is a significant investment that requires careful thought. Here are key factors to weigh:

Define Your Needs Accurately: This is the most crucial step. Don’t just buy a dually because you might need it one day. Precisely determine the maximum weight you plan to tow (trailer GVWR) and the maximum payload you’ll carry (including passengers, cargo, and fifth-wheel pin weight). Overbuying means higher costs and potentially less comfortable daily driving; underbuying can be dangerous.
Engine Choice: Diesel vs. Gas:
- Diesel: Offers superior torque for heavy towing, better fuel economy when laden, and generally longer engine life. However, it comes with a higher upfront cost, more expensive maintenance, and can be louder.
- Gas: Lower upfront cost, simpler maintenance, and often quieter operation. However, less torque for extreme towing, and fuel economy can suffer significantly when under load.
Axle Ratio: The gear ratio in the rear axle impacts both towing performance and fuel economy. A "lower" numerical ratio (e.g., 3.31) is better for fuel economy when unloaded, while a "higher" numerical ratio (e.g., 4.10) provides more torque for towing but at the expense of unladen fuel efficiency. Match it to your primary use case.
Transmission: Modern duallies come with heavy-duty automatic transmissions designed to handle immense torque and dissipate heat efficiently. Ensure the transmission is well-matched to the engine and your towing needs.
Maintenance Costs: Be prepared for higher ongoing costs. You have six tires to replace, not four, which can be a substantial expense. Brake components may wear faster with constant heavy loads, and diesel engines have more complex (and thus more expensive) service schedules.
Maneuverability and Parking: The wider stance of a dually (especially the rear fenders) makes navigating tight spaces, parking lots, and city streets more challenging. Consider if your typical routes and parking situations can accommodate the truck’s dimensions.
Fuel Economy (Unladen): When not towing, duallies are heavier and have more rolling resistance, leading to noticeably worse fuel economy than SRW trucks or smaller vehicles. Factor this into your budget if it will be a daily driver.
Insurance and Registration: Due to their higher value and classification as heavy-duty vehicles, insurance premiums can be slightly higher. Some states also have different registration requirements or fees for DRW trucks.

Tips for Finding and Buying Dual Rear Wheel Trucks for Sale

Navigating the market for a dually requires diligence and smart strategies:

Research Specific Models and Trims: Each manufacturer offers various trim levels, engine options, and axle ratios. Understand the differences and how they impact capacity and features.
Set a Realistic Budget: Factor in not just the purchase price but also insurance, fuel, maintenance, and potential accessories (e.g., fifth-wheel hitch, airbags).
Thoroughly Inspect Used Trucks: If buying used, go beyond a quick look. Check for rust on the frame, body, and brake lines. Look for signs of neglect (dirty engine bay, low fluids) or abuse (dents, scratches, worn interior). Pay close attention to tire wear patterns, as uneven wear can indicate suspension or alignment issues.
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (Used): This is highly recommended for any used heavy-duty vehicle. A trusted mechanic can identify potential mechanical problems that aren’t obvious to the untrained eye.
Request Vehicle History Reports (Used): Services like CarFax or AutoCheck can reveal accident history, previous ownership, reported odometer discrepancies, and service records.
Test Drive Extensively: Drive on highways and, if possible, with a load similar to what you’ll be hauling. Pay attention to steering, braking, engine performance, and transmission shifts.
Negotiate Wisely: Research current market values for comparable trucks. Be prepared to walk away if the deal isn’t right.
Consider Dealership vs. Private Seller: Dealerships offer convenience, financing, and often certified pre-owned options with warranties. Private sellers may offer lower prices but require more legwork and due diligence on your part.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

While duallies are incredibly capable, they do present a few challenges:

Challenge: Poor Fuel Economy (Empty).
- Solution: Accept it as the cost of capability. For daily commuting, consider a smaller, more fuel-efficient second vehicle if feasible.
Challenge: Difficult Parking and Maneuverability.
- Solution: Practice backing up, utilize parking sensors and rearview cameras (many modern duallies have advanced towing camera systems). Plan your routes to avoid tight spaces, and opt for end-of-row parking spots.
Challenge: High Tire Replacement Costs.
- Solution: Budget for it. Rotate tires regularly (every 5,000-7,000 miles) to ensure even wear, and maintain proper tire pressure diligently. Shop around for deals when it’s time to replace.
Challenge: Stiffer Ride Quality (Empty).
- Solution: The suspension is designed for heavy loads. Some drivers add aftermarket air springs or shock absorbers to improve the unloaded ride, but largely, it’s a characteristic to accept.

Representative Price Guide for Dual Rear Wheel Trucks for Sale

Please note: Prices for dual rear wheel trucks vary significantly based on year, mileage, trim level, condition, engine, options, location, and market demand. The ranges below are estimates for general guidance and can fluctuate widely. "New" prices represent MSRP for base to higher-trim models, while "Used" prices represent models typically 2-5 years old.

Category	Make/Model	New Price Range (MSRP)	Used Price Range (2-5 yrs old)	Key Features/Notes
Heavy-Duty Pickup	Ford F-350 Super Duty Dually	$50,000 – $90,000+	$35,000 – $70,000+	Strong towing, available with Gas (7.3L Godzilla) or Diesel (6.7L Power Stroke) engines. Popular for RV towing.
	Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Dually	$50,000 – $90,000+	$35,000 – $70,000+	Known for high torque (Cummins Diesel) and luxurious interiors. Offers high towing capacities.
	Chevy Silverado 3500HD Dually	$50,000 – $85,000+	$35,000 – $65,000+	Reliable Duramax Diesel or Gas (6.6L) options. Capable and comfortable workhorse.
	GMC Sierra 3500HD Dually	$55,000 – $95,000+	$40,000 – $75,000+	Premium version of the Silverado, offering more upscale features, materials, and unique styling.
Chassis Cab (Base)	Ford F-450/F-550 Chassis Cab	$55,000 – $100,000+ (before upfit)	$40,000 – $80,000+ (before upfit)	Higher GVWR than pickups, designed for vocational upfits (dump, service, flatbed).
	Ram 4500/5500 Chassis Cab	$55,000 – $100,000+ (before upfit)	$40,000 – $80,000+ (before upfit)	Similar to Ford, robust frame, high payload and towing capacities for commercial use.
	Chevy/GMC 4500HD/5500HD Chassis Cab	$55,000 – $95,000+ (before upfit)	$40,000 – $75,000+ (before upfit)	Available with Duramax diesel, suitable for a wide range of commercial body applications.

Disclaimer: The prices provided are estimates and subject to change based on market conditions, specific vehicle configuration, condition (for used vehicles), location, and dealership/seller. Always consult current market data and individual listings for accurate pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dual Rear Wheel Trucks

Q1: What is the main advantage of a dually over a single rear wheel (SRW) truck?
A1: The primary advantages are significantly increased towing and payload capacities, superior stability, and enhanced control, especially when handling very heavy loads.

Q2: Are duallies harder to drive than regular trucks?
A2: While the wider rear stance requires more awareness when navigating tight spaces and parking, the overall driving experience, particularly on highways with a load, is often more stable and confidence-inspiring than an SRW truck.

Q3: Do duallies get worse fuel economy?
A3: Generally, yes, especially when driving empty. The increased weight, larger tires, and greater rolling resistance contribute to lower MPG compared to SRW trucks. However, when heavily loaded and towing, a diesel dually can be surprisingly efficient due to its power and gearing designed for the task.

Q4: How many tires does a dually have?
A4: A dually truck has six tires in total: two on the front axle and four on the rear axle (two on each side).

Q5: Is a dually necessary for towing a large RV?
A5: For very large fifth-wheel RVs, especially those exceeding 15,000 pounds or having high pin weights, a dually is highly recommended, if not outright necessary, for safety, stability, and to remain within the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

Q6: What’s the difference between a dually pickup and a dually chassis cab?
A6: A dually pickup comes with a standard factory bed and is ready for use. A dually chassis cab is sold without a bed, designed for commercial upfitters to add specialized bodies like flatbeds, dump beds, service bodies, etc. Chassis cabs typically have higher GVWRs.

Q7: Can I remove the outer rear wheels to make it a SRW truck?
A7: No. The axle, suspension, and braking components of a dually are specifically engineered for the DRW configuration and its higher weight capacities. Removing the outer wheels would compromise safety, exceed the remaining tires’ weight ratings, and is generally illegal.

Conclusion

Dual rear wheel trucks are not just ordinary vehicles; they are specialized tools built for extraordinary tasks. Their unparalleled stability, immense towing and hauling capacities, and robust engineering make them indispensable for those who demand the absolute maximum from their truck. Whether you’re a full-time RVer, a commercial contractor, or simply someone with genuinely heavy loads to move, a dually offers a level of capability and peace of mind that a single rear wheel truck simply cannot match. By understanding their benefits, considering the practical implications, and approaching the buying process with diligence, you can confidently find the perfect dual rear wheel truck for sale that empowers you to conquer any challenge the road—or the job site—throws your way.