Traction??

[DieselCT]

Hey guys (and gals?) -
Does anyone know how much more traction you get from a single rear wheel as compared to a dual rear wheel?

Contemplating a dual rear wheel 2 wheel drive instead of another 250 4x4...thoughts....??

[daveb198]

Depends on your driving conditions. Towing on or off road. I had a 2wd dually and i got stuck all the time towing trailers off road. Just the slightest bit of moisture and i would spin. I got tired of having to get pulled out of the grass all the time. So now I have a 2001 dually 4x4 and I find myself using 4 wheel drive a lot. Especially since the diesel engine weights so much and not enough weight in the back. The dually also has more surface area so the tires don't dig in as much and spin on top of the loose mud and dosn't grab as much. That also depends on the kind of tires you have of course. Hope that helps.

[23608]

I don't recall seeing any comparison charts or hard data. I would imagine that the SRW does not have any traction advantages over the DRW though. Possible in some very unique 4x4 situations.

However, having gone from DRW to SRW, I really miss my training wheels. IMO, there is considerable difference as far as stability and ride goes, especially if the truck has aftermarket shocks. In most instances, the DRW will have higher tire/wheel ratings including the obvious increases. I was running stock size tires on my 4x4 and from what little time I have had to compare the two wheel configurations, the DRW did perform better in snow and ice. But, I don't think my current brand of tire isn't the quality of the last. If your in the diesel market, be advised that the weight of the front end is a liability with stock width tires in soft soils. You have the option of LS, but you could settle the debate with some lockers.

.

[dirtyharry]

I drive both and SRW has far better traction than DRW. It is all a question on weight/surface area. Duallys float around too much in slick mud or snow, or wet grass if you keep the crapinentals. I love my dually and would not get rid of it but if you are basing your desicion on traction SRW 4x4 is the only way to go. That and trade the crap factory tires straight off the bat for something decent.
Rob