What Is a Dually Truck?

Pickup trucks are best known for their hauling and towing capabilities, but most people who buy them just end up using them as passenger vehicles. But what if you need to do some serious hauling? Enter the dually truck, a specialized vehicle for heavy-duty hauling. Read on to find out what is a dually truck and who it’s intended for.

What is a dually truck?

Simply put, a dually truck is a specialized vehicle used for heavy-duty hauling and towing. Its emphasis is on functionality, although it shares a lot of the same features as regular pickup trucks. A distinctive feature of every dually truck is that it has dual rear wheels.

For most dually trucks, you can assume it has a larger and more powerful engine. Dually trucks are also fitted with heavy-duty suspension, wheels and tires.

Dually truck vs. pickup truck

The difference between a dually truck and a regular pickup is that a dually is fitted with heavy-duty components. These have the same function as components fitted to a non-dually, but they’re able to withstand more power and weight.

Aside from having heavy-duty parts fitted, dually trucks also have four wheels on the rear axle. The extra wheels improve the hauling capabilities and add traction and stability for heavy-duty towing.

Pros and cons of dually trucks

The main advantage of a dually truck is its ability to haul and tow larger payloads. The downside is that it’s more expensive to buy and maintain. Aside from this, there are a few more pros and cons to consider.

Dually truck pros

• Increased payload capacity and towing capabilities
• Additional stability in windy circumstances
• Increased resale value
• Increased reliability

Dually truck cons

• Difficulty when maneuvering
• Increased fuel consumption
• Increased maintenance costs
• Harder to drive due to increased width and turn radius

Should you get a dually truck?

Before buying a dually truck, you’ll need to consider how one might suit your needs and whether the benefits of owning one outweigh the disadvantages.

You might need a dually if…

• You need a reliable pickup that is capable of heavy-duty work
• You need a vehicle with increased stability for towing large trailers
• You want to maintain the vehicle’s resale value
• You need a work truck

You probably don’t need a dually if…

• You need it as a daily car
• You care about fuel economy
• You don’t need to haul larger loads often
• You’re looking for an affordable pickup

Currently available dually models

There are a few models of dually trucks that stand out, including the Ford F450 Super Duty, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and the Ram 3500 HD.

The Ford F-series pickup trucks have an amazing reputation for their reliability and capabilities. The F450 Super Duty is one of the most serious and advanced dually trucks you can find on the market.

The Chevrolet Silverado comes with a 6.6-liter Duramax TurboDiesel engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Aside from great functionality, this dually is available with a number of in-cabin features.

Lastly, the Ram 3500HD is the best pick by specifications. You can choose an engine with a maximum torque of more than 1,000 lb-ft and 420 horsepower. The maximum towing capacity is a bit over 37,000 lbs. It’s an ideal pick when it comes to working dually trucks.

Conclusion

Dually trucks offer various features and are capable of hauling and towing more than any other pickup truck. But before you decide to buy one, you’ll want to carefully weigh the pros and cons.

Frequently Asked Questions