Just looking for some input from ppl that have a 3500 DRW and use it for an everyday vehicle. Been trying to get a 2500HD CC D/A but their hard to come by so I was considering telling them to try and find me a 3500. I will be using this truck as an everyday vehicle but I need something big to tow a '35 Fifth Wheel with a GVW of 12,000Lbs. Any input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

I wouldn't call mine a daily driver, but I have a few thoughts.


Once you pull with a Dooley, you won't go back to SRW's.


Turning radius is going to be longer on an 8' bed if you were going short with the 2500HD.


If you've never had a DRW truck, looking out for the rear fenders takes a little getting used to, but if you've got the trailering mirrors, basically the rear fenders will clear if the mirrors will.


Parking is a little more difficult if you are used to being in close to where ever it is you're going. This never was much of a problem for me since I tend to park out away from all the folks who like to slam their doors into other people's vehicles.


Empty ride is better than my last Dooley, but chuck holes will hit a bit harder due to the increased GVW on these new trucks versus a 2500HD.


Mileage will most likely be less due to the extra weight of the truck, and two more tires.


IMO, the first thought over rides any of the other considerations...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

I just bought a SRW 3500, the ratings make me feel good about my 10,000 lb dry weight 5th wheel. I have towed this 5th wheel alot with my last 1ton SRW and had no problems.


Here are some reasons why I did not buy a dually. ( I was looking until I found the 3500 SRW)


1. Dual rear wheels tend to pick up rocks and chuck them.


2. DRW replacement cost 6x200 vs 4x200.


3. Parking?


4. Garage?


5. Ease of driving.


6. Ever need to reach over the bed rail to get something out of the bed?


7. The 5th wheel rating does not go up for the dually, the 3500 SRW is rated for something like 15,900#.


8. It is pretty cool to have a unique truck. Chevy has not made a SRW 1 ton since 96.





By the way, if you do an inventory search, you will not see a diference between the DRW and the SRW, so call.


I love my truck.

Thanks for your input guys.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I've been driving my truck for about a week now(first time ive owned a dually) by now I dont even have to think about those extra tires. I use mine as an everyday driver and havent had any difficulties with it yet. 1 ton SRW sounds like it might be for you but that would be very difficult to find a dealer who even has one of those in stock, you would most likely have to factory order it. There are many pros and cons to both...IMO a 1 ton SRW CC is a very long and narrow truck I like the way the dually looks better. As far as making weights the SRW may be the way to go.

I think you can actually get a higher total weight with the SRW, but anyone who says an SRW will pull or haul a slide in like a DRW, has never driven them both.


I used to drive 2500's until I cracked a rear wheel while hauling a slide in camper and two horse trailer. That's when I went to Dooleys. The difference in stability on the road is not even close, especially in a crosswind. The traction is better for soft or slick surfaces as well. My buddy and I hauled a 36ft. fifth wheel with a race car in it around quite a bit before he upgraded to the DRW, same story there, no comparison.


So, while there are lots of people who tow and haul with SRW trucks, most have never tried it with a DRW truck. If you can make the mostly parking compromises required, a DRW setup is the way to go for towing/hauling. If that's a really small part of what you want it for, it may not be worth it to you for that consideration.