A dually truck is a pickup with dual rear wheels on each side. Instead of one tire per side at the back, it has two, for a total of four rear tires. You may also hear the term DRW for dual rear wheel, in contrast to SRW for single rear wheel.

What makes a dually different

• Extra rear tires increase the rear axle’s load-carrying capacity and improve stability when carrying or towing heavy loads.
• Wider rear track and fender flares help keep the truck planted, especially with a heavy trailer.
• Heavy-duty frames, axles, and brakes are common. Most duallies are built on 1-ton or larger platforms.
• Long beds and crew cabs are typical, with diesel engines popular for torque and efficiency under load.

Why people choose a dually

• Payload headroom: More support for heavy cargo in the bed, including slide-in campers.
• Towing stability: Better control with large fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers because the wider rear footprint resists sway.
• Safety margin: If one rear tire loses pressure, the second tire can help you maintain control long enough to slow safely.

Trade-offs to consider

• Size and parking: The rear fenders are wider than an SRW truck. Tight stalls, bank drive-thrus, and narrow lanes require more care.
• Tires and maintenance: Six tires to buy, rotate, and monitor. Proper rotation patterns and correct inner-rear valve access matter.
• Ride and traction when empty: Without weight in the bed, ride quality can feel firmer, and rear-tire contact pressure is lower on loose or snowy surfaces. Ballast and good winter tires help.
• Fuel and insurance costs: Ownership costs can be higher than a comparable SRW.

Common use cases

• Construction and hotshot hauling: Flatbeds, equipment, or palletized loads that push payload limits.
• RVs and toy haulers: Large fifth-wheel trailers with high pin weight.
• Bed-mounted campers: Heavy slide-in units that need the extra rear axle rating.
• Farm and ranch work: Gooseneck livestock or utility trailers.

SRW vs DRW: quick comparison

• Stability: DRW wins with heavy trailers.
• Daily driving: SRW is easier to fit and park.
• Cost: SRW is cheaper to buy and maintain.
• Capability: DRW provides higher payload and, often, higher fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing ratings.

Buying tips

• Match the truck to the trailer: Check gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), rear axle weight rating (RAWR), and the trailer’s loaded weight plus pin or tongue weight.
• Prefer factory dually packages: Frames, hubs, springs, and brakes are engineered to work together. Aftermarket conversions do not change factory ratings.
• Mind tire specs: Use the load range and pressure specified by the manufacturer, and keep a quality tire gauge and valve-stem extensions for the inner rears.
• Plan for the width: Measure your driveway, garage, and typical parking environments.
• Consider diesel vs gas: Diesel offers strong low-rpm torque and engine braking benefits for mountain routes. Gas can cost less to buy and maintain if you tow only occasionally.

Driving and ownership pointers

• Weight distribution: Load the bed evenly and secure cargo. For fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing, set proper hitch height and trailer brake gain.
• Tire care: Check pressures when cold, rotate on schedule, and inspect inner sidewalls and the space between duals for debris.
• Braking and gearing: Use tow/haul modes, engine braking, and appropriate axle ratios for your terrain and trailer weight.
• Winter prep: Choose suitable tires, consider modest ballast over the axle, and keep chains where legal and needed.

Bottom line

Choose a dually if you routinely haul or tow near the upper end of pickup capabilities and value maximum stability and payload. Choose an SRW if you tow only moderately, prioritize everyday maneuverability, and want lower running costs. The right choice depends on your trailer weight, cargo needs, and where you drive.