Gas Mileage: 3500 Single vs. Dual Rear Wheels?
#1
Gas Mileage: 3500 Single vs. Dual Rear Wheels?
I am wondering if there would be a significant difference in the gas mileage between a single rear 3500 vs. a dual rear wheel 3500 both with autos? I dont do a huge amount of towing but I do like the look of the dual rear wheel look just wondering if its worth it for the looks. I will be towing a 30ft and a 38ft Formula on the weekends during the summer and it will be my daily driver the rest of the time. Thanks
HotRod
HotRod
#2
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I prefer the dually as well and I got mine not only for towing but for looks. Mine is also my daily driver. I would get the DRW because the MPG drop is minimal at best. Yes, drag is increased as is weight, so that will end up costing you some 1/10ths of a MPG, but we are only talking about a few dollars per YEAR. My DRW has averaged 16.5 MPG over the first 4000 miles of its life with all my mods and crazy driving. The peace of mind when towing to me is worth any cost offset by the fuel consumption. Go Dually!
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If you are concerned about cost, there is more to consider than just mpg. I had duals on my 450. At $350 per tire, it adds up when you buy a new set. You will likely get valve extensions to fill the inner tire. Don't know if you rotate your own tires or pay to have someone else do it . . . it's either more work or more $ either way. If you are buying it for looks, and that is what you like . . go for it. I can tell you that a 3500 isn't going to have a problem supporting the tongue weight you are talking about. I pull a 35ft TT with a 1200lb Utility vehicle in the bed . . . no problem.
On the other hand . . . my 450 dually was great for clipping squirrles!!
On the other hand . . . my 450 dually was great for clipping squirrles!!
#5
One piece of advise. Drive the 6 speed with both gear ratios. Also drive the autos with both. Then decide which one is going to be the best suited for you driving habits and conditions. I have the auto with 373 and wished that I had tried the 410 before I got mine. I came from a 6 speed 373 and its been a learning curve. One thing I noticed if you dont drive alot of highway miles and keep the auto in overdrive you will get better fuel mpg with the 6 speed.
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One piece of advise. Drive the 6 speed with both gear ratios. Also drive the autos with both. Then decide which one is going to be the best suited for you driving habits and conditions. I have the auto with 373 and wished that I had tried the 410 before I got mine. I came from a 6 speed 373 and its been a learning curve. One thing I noticed if you dont drive alot of highway miles and keep the auto in overdrive you will get better fuel mpg with the 6 speed.
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Drw
I prefer the dually as well and I got mine not only for towing but for looks. Mine is also my daily driver. I would get the DRW because the MPG drop is minimal at best. Yes, drag is increased as is weight, so that will end up costing you some 1/10ths of a MPG, but we are only talking about a few dollars per YEAR. My DRW has averaged 16.5 MPG over the first 4000 miles of its life with all my mods and crazy driving. The peace of mind when towing to me is worth any cost offset by the fuel consumption. Go Dually!
Well, the paint is stock ......... KIND OF! I went to your homepage and saw that you had the ENTIRE body covered with 3M Mylar so how can we be sure? Living out here in the sticks I never heard of that but it sure looks good! Seriously NICE truck!
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2006 3500 Megacab DRW 4x4 Laramie 6-speed: The ONLY thing that is stock on this truck is the paint!
Well, the paint is stock ......... KIND OF! I went to your homepage and saw that you had the ENTIRE body covered with 3M Mylar so how can we be sure? Living out here in the sticks I never heard of that but it sure looks good! Seriously NICE truck!
Well, the paint is stock ......... KIND OF! I went to your homepage and saw that you had the ENTIRE body covered with 3M Mylar so how can we be sure? Living out here in the sticks I never heard of that but it sure looks good! Seriously NICE truck!
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When I went from stock tires to 33x12.5 16 with 10" rims I lost 1 mpg. I think adding the duals (since they are only in the back...and pushing) I bet the difference should only be .5 mpg.
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My 37" Semi Wheels and Tires GREATLY imporved my overall MPG because much more of my driving is highway than city and at 75 MPH I am only turning 2000 RPMs!
#14
I for one NEVER thought I would like a DRW. Now that I have one (of course) I love it.
I was very surprised that even the few times I have towed bumper pull it was so much more comfortable than a SRW.
As far as MPG's,.............................. I went from a 2nd Gen to a an 06, so I can't really comment
I have been getting high 15's empty, but only have just over 4K on it and I get into it pretty much at least once every time I have it out.
Uhhhhhhhhh
Get the DUALLY!!!!
#15
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Difference should be very little, where your going to pay for it is buying a new set of tires, and with any truck what type of tires you put on will influence your mpg.