How Wide is a Dually Truck?

If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty pickup truck, a dually truck might be on your radar. These trucks are known for their impressive towing and payload capacity, making them a popular choice for those who need to haul heavy loads. But one question you might be asking yourself is, how wide is a dually truck?

Most dually trucks are between 79 and 91 inches wide, including the side mirrors and any exterior accessories. The exact width can vary depending on the make and model of the truck, as well as the size of the wheels and the measurement method used.

If you’re considering a dually truck, it’s important to understand the width and how it compares to other pickup trucks on the market. We’ll dive into the specifics of dually truck width, as well as the pros and cons of these heavy-duty vehicles.

We’ll also take a look at some of the top brands and models of dually trucks, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing your next vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Dually trucks are typically between 79 and 91 inches wide, including side mirrors and exterior accessories.
  • These heavy-duty trucks are known for their impressive towing and payload capacity.
  • When considering a dually truck, it’s important to understand the pros and cons, as well as the top brands and models on the market.

What is a Dually Truck?

vintage chevy dually truck

If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty truck, you may have come across the term “dually.” A dually truck, also known as a dual-rear-wheel truck (DRW), is a type of truck that has more than two wheels on its rear axle.

The most noticeable feature of a dually truck is its large fender flare, which accommodates the extra set of wheels.

The design of a dually truck provides several benefits. The extra wheels on the rear axle allow for greater stability, balance, and traction while driving.

This is particularly useful if you plan on towing heavy loads, as the extra wheels help distribute the weight more evenly.

Additionally, the wider stance of a dually truck can also provide better handling in certain driving conditions.

Dually trucks are also versatile in their purpose. They can be used for a variety of tasks, from hauling heavy equipment to transporting large groups of people. 

The specific size of a dually truck will vary by the manufacturer and model, but they generally range in width from 79 to 91 inches, including the side mirrors and any exterior features.

Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty truck that can handle tough jobs and provide added stability and traction, a dually truck may be the right choice for you.

How Wide Is a Dually Truck?

measuring tape

If you are considering purchasing a dually truck, you might be wondering how wide it is. Generally, dually trucks are only about six inches wider than standard trucks. However, this can make a big difference when trying to fit through tight spaces.

The width of a dually truck includes the side mirrors, which are typically mounted on the outside of the cab. The width also includes any accessories such as bumper guards, running boards, and other exterior features.

It’s essential to consider the extra width and weight of a dually truck, which can make it more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

According to state regulations, the maximum width of a vehicle is 102 inches or 8.5 feet. Duallys usually never go over the legal width of 8.5 feet, but if they do, they will require a special permit.

A dually pickup truck has a width between 79.4 inches and 81.8 inches. The width varies depending on which model you select. Dually trucks come in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models.

The dual rear-wheel truck (DRW), often referred to as a dually, is a heavy-duty pickup truck with two rear wheels on each side, allowing more road contact and width for greater stability, balance, and traction while driving.

In conclusion, a dually truck is only slightly wider than a standard truck, but its extra width and weight can make it more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

When selecting a dually truck, it’s essential to consider its width and any accessories that might increase its overall width.

Comparing Dually Trucks with Regular Pickup Trucks

ram dually

When it comes to pickup trucks, there are two main types: regular pickup trucks and dually pickup trucks. While both types have their advantages and disadvantages, one of the most significant differences between them is their width.

Regular pickup trucks typically have a width of around 6 to 7 feet, while dually pickup trucks can range from 7 to 8.5 feet wide. This extra width is due to the additional set of wheels on the rear axle, which provides more stability and towing capacity.

In terms of length and height, regular and dually pickup trucks can be quite similar. However, dually trucks are often longer due to their extended wheelbase, which allows for more cargo space and a smoother ride.

One thing to keep in mind when considering a dually pickup truck is that it may require special permits to be on the road due to its width. It’s essential to check your local regulations before purchasing a dually truck to ensure that you can legally drive it on the roads.

Key Brands and Models

When it comes to dually trucks, there are several key brands and models to consider. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits that make it a popular choice among buyers. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular dually trucks on the market today.

Ford Dually Trucks

Ford is a well-known brand in the world of pickup trucks, and their dually trucks are no exception. The Ford F-350 Super Duty is one of the most popular dually trucks on the market today. It has a maximum width of 6.7 feet and a wheelbase of 13.4 feet. Other popular Ford dually trucks include the F-450 Super Duty.

Ram Dually Trucks

Ram is another popular brand in the world of pickup trucks, and their dually trucks are known for their power and performance. The Ram 3500 is one of the most popular dually trucks on the market today. It has a maximum width of 8.5 feet and a wheelbase of 14.3 feet.

Chevrolet Dually Trucks

Chevrolet is known for producing high-quality pickup trucks, and their dually trucks are no exception. The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is one of the most popular dually trucks on the market today. It has a maximum width of 8.5 feet and a wheelbase of 14.5 feet.

GMC Dually Trucks

GMC is another popular brand in the world of pickup trucks, and their dually trucks are known for their durability and reliability. The GMC Sierra 3500HD is one of the most popular dually trucks on the market today. It has a maximum width of 8.5 feet and a wheelbase of 14.5 feet.

BrandModelMaximum WidthWheelbase
FordF-350 Super Duty6.7 feet13.4 feet
FordF-450 Super Duty8.5 feet14.7 feet
RamRam 35008.5 feet14.3 feet
ChevroletSilverado 3500HD8.5 feet14.5 feet
GMCSierra 3500HD8.5 feet14.5 feet

Pros and Cons of Dually Trucks

If you’re in the market for a pickup truck, you may be wondering whether a dually truck is the right choice for you. Dually trucks, also known as dual rear-wheel (DRW) trucks, have two sets of wheels on the rear axle instead of one.

This design offers both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider before investing in a dually truck.

Pros

Increased Towing and Payload Capacity

One of the biggest advantages of a dually truck is its increased towing and payload capacity. The extra set of wheels provides greater stability and support, allowing you to haul heavier loads with ease.

This makes dually trucks a popular choice for businesses and individuals who need to transport heavy equipment, trailers, or other large items.

Enhanced Stability and Traction

Dually trucks offer enhanced stability and traction, especially when driving on uneven or slippery surfaces.

The extra wheels provide more contact with the road, which helps to distribute the weight of the vehicle more evenly. This can be particularly useful when driving in wet or icy conditions, or when towing a heavy load.

Sway Control

Dually trucks also offer better sway control when towing a trailer. The extra wheels help to distribute the weight of the trailer more evenly, which reduces the risk of swaying or fishtailing. This can make driving with a trailer safer and more comfortable.

Cons

Decreased Fuel Economy

One of the biggest downsides of a dually truck is its decreased fuel economy. The extra set of wheels and tires adds weight to the vehicle, which can reduce its overall efficiency.

This means that you may end up spending more on gas than you would with a standard pickup truck.

More Difficult to Park

Dually trucks can also be more difficult to park than standard pickup trucks. The extra width of the vehicle can make it challenging to navigate tight spaces or park in a garage.

This can be a particular issue if you live in an urban area or have limited parking space.

Higher Investment

Finally, dually trucks can be more expensive than standard pickup trucks. The extra set of wheels, tires, and other components can add to the overall cost of the vehicle.

This means that you may need to invest more upfront to purchase a dually truck than you would for a standard pickup.

If you need the increased towing and payload capacity, the investment may be worth it in the long run.

Towing and Payload Capacity

dually towing an rv

When it comes to towing and hauling, dually trucks are some of the best options on the market. With their dual rear wheels, they offer increased stability and weight distribution, making them ideal for towing heavy loads.

The towing capacity of a dually truck varies depending on the make and model, but on average, they can tow between 20,000 and 30,000 pounds. However, with the right equipment and configuration, some dually trucks can tow up to 37,000 pounds.

Payload capacity is another important factor to consider when choosing a dually truck. Payload capacity refers to the weight a truck can carry in its bed and cab. Dually trucks generally have a higher payload capacity than single rear wheel trucks, with some models capable of carrying up to 7,600 pounds.

If you plan on towing a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer, you’ll need to make sure your dually truck is equipped with the right towing package. A fifth wheel hitch is designed to attach to the bed of a truck and provides a secure connection between the truck and the trailer.

A gooseneck hitch, on the other hand, is mounted in the bed of the truck and provides a more stable connection for heavier loads.

See Related: Gooseneck vs 5th Wheel Hitch Differences

When it comes to towing and payload capabilities, it’s important to remember that your truck’s maximum towing and payload capacity will depend on a variety of factors, including the make and model of your truck, the engine and transmission configuration, and any additional equipment you have installed.

Design Features and Accessories

When it comes to dually trucks, there are several design features and accessories that you should consider. These features can make your driving experience more comfortable and convenient, as well as improve the overall functionality of your truck.

One of the most important design features of a dually truck is the bed size. The bed size can vary depending on the make and model of the truck, but it’s important to choose a bed size that suits your needs.

If you plan on hauling large items, you’ll need a larger bed size. On the other hand, if you plan on using your truck for everyday driving, a smaller bed size may be more practical.

Another important design feature to consider is the side mirrors. Dually trucks have wider bodies than regular trucks, so it’s important to have side mirrors that provide a clear view of your surroundings. Some dually trucks come with extended side mirrors that provide a wider view, while others may require you to purchase aftermarket mirrors.

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