By: Oliver Bennet

For some owners, maintaining the four wheels of their pickup truck can already take a lot of effort. However, it does not have to be complicated for others who need to maintain two extra wheels, besides the standard four.

Dually (or DRW as others call it) refers to dual wheels in the rear part of the vehicle. Duallies are pickup or utility trucks with pair of wheels placed on each side of the rear axle. The two rear wheels increase the safety margins and stability of the vehicle while towing a substantial amount of weight or carrying heavy loads. It is crucial to understand why DRWs are exceptional for hauling or towing.

Best for towing purposes

Here are the reasons why dually trucks are the perfect choice when looking for a vehicle best for towing:

Perfect for towing: Pickup trucks with dually wheels are serious workhorses as they can tow large campers, RVs, and even horse trailers. They are popular among people who need to tow enormous RV trailers, including those who typically use their vehicles to haul substantial cargo.
Higher payload and towing capacity: Dually trucks are the best option when it comes to increased payload and towing capacity. Due to the higher weight and load capacity, they can haul trailers that weigh over 20,000 lbs. The enormous capability can increase your peace of mind on long road trips while pulling hefty weight.
Increased stability: Regular pickup trucks with only four wheels provide smooth drive and stability on the road. However, their stability declines if towing a hefty amount of load. Stability is the advantage of dually trucks, which beats the regular versions. They are a great option, especially when carrying large loads on the truck bed or pulling a trailer.

Important things to know about dually

There are some crucial factors you must take note of when it comes to dually trucks. These things can help you understand its difference from standard four-wheeled trucks.

Offset

You must consider this important factor, specifically if searching for aftermarket wheels for your dually truck. Offset is the distance between the wheel’s connection surface and its center. Keep in mind that one wheel in the rear has a positive offset, and another has a negative offset.

Consequently, if you plan on buying aftermarket wheels, you must consider purchasing one set with a positive offset and another with a negative offset. Check out American Force Wheels and other aftermarket wheel brands to see if they have available wheel types for your dually truck.

Identical tires on the rear

As much as possible, keeping all the tires identical in the rear of your dually truck is important. Ensure the tires fit accurately on the rear axle, making all four tires the same in terms of size, make, and age. They should be the same style and brand to guarantee that the load index is the same across the vehicle.

Having rear tires with differences in height, size, and type will only lead to uneven and faster wear and tear. When you put a full load on the truck, you may notice an awkward bend on the axle, potentially damaging the entire rear system. Mindlessly putting different tires on the rear axle may affect the overall maximum capacity of the truck. It could lead to problems if the rear tires are not touching the ground, especially if in full load capacity.

Proper Spacing

Spacing is another essential thing to consider when fitting tires for your dually truck. The tires tend to widen at the sidewalls when they take large amounts of weight. If the tires are inflated correctly, widening won’t happen too much. However, it’s important to prioritize proper tire spacing to avoid any problems with the truck’s suspension system.

Checking if the rear tires start spreading out when you load the truck up with heavy cargo is essential. Without proper spacing, it may result in tires that push into each other. It can cause sidewall damage and eventually ruin the tires.

Snags in owning a DRW

Same as other types of full-sized vehicles, owning a DRW vehicle has its downsides. Although it has impressive power and capabilities, you must understand the obstacles to owning a truck with six wheels.

Not fuel efficient: Great power comes with unimpressive gas mileage. Nowadays, the price of gas and diesel can make a hole in your pocket, so having two extra wheels on your truck may affect fuel efficiency. Despite the extreme pulling power needed for towing, you get poor mileage, which makes it harder to save money on gas. The truck eats more fuel to support the extra weight.
Less comfy: Trucks with dually wheels are less comfortable to ride, especially when there’s nothing in the back. Expect the ride to be not as smooth as other truck models with luxurious interiors and impeccable features that both drivers and passengers would enjoy.
Not a commuter vehicle: Trucks with dually wheels are truly incredible for work because of their towing power. They are a perfect rig if you’re purpose is for business or serious handiwork. But if you’re looking for a casual day-to-day commuter vehicle, dually trucks might not be your best option.
Not for the average driver: People who already tried driving a full-size four-wheel truck may not be prepared for a dually. These truck models have an extra foot of width, that’s why parking in the city and driving on narrow streets can be a hassle. Dually trucks are a challenging rig for average motorists, so they are recommended more for experienced drivers.
More tires could lead to more problems: Replacing the tires on an average four-wheel car can take a lot of effort and money, mainly if changing all your tires at once. While the extra two tires on the rear axle add strength and towing capacity to the truck, your total bill gets pricier when you need a new set of tires.

Despite the obstacles in owning one, the biggest advantage of the dually is its power that allows you to tow substantial loads. DRWs use a little more gas, cost more because of the added tires, and are challenging to park in most places. But after putting the work in, this brawny vehicle makes it all worth it.