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SRW VS DRW: Which One Will Serve You Better?
By: Saiful Islam | July 22, 2022
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Do you have a super-duty vehicle? Then, you must have heard about SRW and DRW. These are two configuration options for the rear wheels. For a super-duty vehicle, the rear wheel configuration is crucial. The system should be solid and driving-friendly. So, SRW or DRW, which one is better for you?
In the SRW VS DRW dilemma, SRW means single rear wheel, and DRW refers to the dual rear wheel. A single rear wheel truck provides balance driving, has light tow capacity, and burns less fuel. In comparison, A dual rear wheel truck offers more stability, has heavy tow capacity, and excellent off-road traction.
In this article, we will explore details about SRW and DRW. Their comparison will help you understand the differences between them. Most importantly, it will help you decide.
Overview Of SRW VS DRW
| Criteria | SRW | DRW |
| Definition | Single rear wheel | Dual rear wheel |
| Fuel economy | Burns fewer diesel | Costs more diesel |
| Maintenance | Keeps low maintenance | Need high maintenance |
| Costing | Less expensive due to single tire | More expensive due to dual tire |
| Performance | Has excellent performance on-road | Gives outstanding service off-road |
| Towing | Has compatible towing capacity | Has better towing capacity than SRW |
| Cargo load | Contains regular payload capacity | Has heavy payload capacity |
| Balance | Provides adequate driving balance | Provides more stability in carrying heavy load |
Similarities Between SRW & DRW
Whether it’s a pickup truck or crew cab, SRW and DRW share some similar features. These features show that you can consider them as tow vehicles.
- Both provide a package of 5th wheel.
- Both have a hitch installed into the frame.
- Both offer large fuel tanks like 6.2 L or 6.7 L.
- Both have a monitoring system for tire pressure.
- Both provide exhaust braking and trailer brakes.
- Both have guidance systems regarding trailer reverse.
- Both supply a collision warning system and cruise control.
Detailed Comparison Between SRW And DRW
The single rear axle and dually rear axle share the same purpose. However, their performance differentiates them. Now let’s jump into their detailed comparison.
Single VS Dual
Their name is pretty self-explanatory. SRW stands for Single Rear Wheel, and DRW stands for Dual Rear Wheel.
SRW vehicles have single pair of wheels on their rear axle. On the other hand, DRW vehicles have two pairs of wheels on their rear axle.
Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is the prominent area to differentiate these wheel configurations. Adding an extra tire pair increases the towing capacity of the dually.
Dual rear axle trucks can handle towing up to 21000 lbs. On the other side, single rear axle trucks can manage to tow up to 18000 lbs.
Cargo Loads
Towing capacity of dually shows that DRW vehicles can take more load than SRW vehicles. Even DRW performs better when it has more cargo loaded.
That is why you will find dually in utility pickup trucks. People prefer them on construction sites too. Dually helps carry heavy loads.
However, if you have a trailer with lightweight to carry, SRW trucks are for you. It is not like they can not hold a heavy load. They function better with a light payload.
On-Road Performance
Single rear-wheel vehicles will win this round. Dually is primarily a single rear tire vehicle with extra tires. This fifth wheel made it more potent in towing.
But, if you use your truck for regular driving or light towing, a dually is unsuitable. Even if you carry an occasional payload, SRW is more than enough for that.
A single tire gives you outstanding on-road performance. Also, you can take your trailer to the highway. It will provide you well balance and smooth turning. So, it is made for daily commuting.
Off-Road Performance
This round is for dually as DRW trucks provide excellent performance off-road. They can pull heavy loads on a bumpy surface. Even on the sand, they execute the load smoothly.
On a bumpy or rough road, a truck needs more towing capacity than usual. Dual rear-wheel trucks give towing to their max trailering package in these cases.
Where SRW trucks face problems, a dually conduct a top-notch performance. If you have to pull too much load on a rough road, dually is the best option.
Space And Costing
Dually takes more space than a single tire. If you notice, you will see that on the average road, a dually takes up the entire area. It does not let other vehicles pass.
In a typical area city parking lot, you won’t be able to fit a dually. SRW is more suitable for city or suburban area daily commuting.
A dually is more expensive than a single tire. DRW is high maintenance. If one wheel gets damaged, you need to repair the whole rear axle.
So, a dual-rear-wheel vehicle will cost more money and time than a single rear axle.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy is crucial for truck owners. A DRW burns more diesel as it adds extra tire than an SRW. On the opposite, SRW trucks use comparatively less fuel.
So, using a dually for regular city riding will be a luxury. If you don’t want to spend extra cash on diesel, choose an SRW pickup truck.
Pros And Cons Of SRW & DRW
Our detailed comparison and contrast helped you understand the function of the trucks. Now, let’s have a look at their benefits and drawbacks.
Advantages Of SRW & DRW
| Single Rear Wheel | Dual Rear Wheel |
| Provides smooth turns on the highway | Provides even turning on sand |
| Balances driving with a light load | Sync driving with a heavy load |
| Excellent transport with flatbeds | Provides stability for flatbeds |
| Costs less fuel or diesel | Great with utility carrying service |
| Takes comparatively slighter space | Gives excellent towing capacity |
Disadvantages Of SRW & DRW
| Single Rear Wheel | Dual Rear Wheel |
| Not stable on the rough surface | Not good at on-road turning |
| Less towing capacity | Takes a lot of space |
| Tend to lose control over heavy load | Burns excess fuel or diesel |
| Not suitable for utility service | Expensive and high maintenance |
SRW VS DRW On Ford F 350
Ford offers both single and dual rear axles for the F-350 truck. This HD truck is famous for its tow rating. Why does ford offer this dually in the exact tow vehicle?
Ford serves this dually because of their customers’ demand. F350 SRW lacks in off-road performance and tow capacity. On the other hand, F350 DRW is too much for regular driving.
So, Ford offers both rear axle systems for their consumers. Let’s see what differences and similarities they have.
| Criteria | Ford F350 SRW | Ford F350 DRW |
| Towing capacity | 18000 lbs | 21000 lbs |
| Fuel efficiency | Costs compatible diesel | Costs excess diesel |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance | High maintenance |
| Engine | 6.2-liter Flex-Fuel V-8 packs | 6.2L 2-Valve SOHC EFI engine |
| Horsepower | 385 HP | 385 HP |
| Torque | 430 pound-feet | 800 pound-feet |
| Transmission | six-speed automatic | 6-speed SelectShift automatic |
| Performance | For on-road highways | For off-road heavy load |
| Stability | Balance driving | Handle heavy turning |
You can check out Ford F350 super-duty trucks with SRW and DRW features from their website.
DRW to SRW Conversion
Can you convert a DRW truck to an SRW truck? Yes, you can. Converting a dually rear axle truck to a single rear wheel truck is not an easy job. But it is not impossible.
With professional help, you can turn your DRW truck into an SRW truck. Let’s explore some facts regarding DRW to SRW conversion.
- The front axle of DRW trucks is wider than the rear axle. So, you need to manage an SRW suitable axle bed or spacer.
- Single wheel= single source. As you are shifting from dual to a single wheel, the truck’s parts should be suitable.
- Check your suspension and body modification kits. The key element is replacing Radius Arms, Heavy-duty Track Bar Mount, and Coils Springs.
- The conversion cost may be high. It would be better to find someone who wants to go DRW from SRW.
- Buckstop single-wheel conversion kit can be a great option here. They offer all the parts and tools that are needed for the conversion
Common Queries
Which Chevy Has DRW?
Chevy Silverado 3500 HD truck is a dual rear wheel truck. Also, the 4500 HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD trucks of Chevy Silverado come with dual rear axles.
What Does 1 Ton Truck Mean?
One ton or 1-ton truck is usually the most powerful truck. This type of truck can handle up to 2000 pounds of cargo loads. Also, their towing capacity is up to 36000 pounds.
Can Ram 3500 Be A Dually?
Yes, the Dodge Ram 3500 heavy-duty truck has a dual rear wheel option. It has a towing capacity of 35,100 pounds with DRW and 34000 pounds with SRW.
Can F350 SRW Be Considered As 1-Ton?
Yes, a Ford F350 super duty single rear wheel truck can be considered a 1-ton truck. It can handle up to 4000 lbs payload and 1800 lbs towing capacity.
Can You Use Air Bags In A DRW?
Yes, you can put airbags in a dually. A DRW truck is more than strong enough to manage the weight. However, airbags will level the weight of the back of the vehicle.
SRW Or DRW, Which One Wins The Race?
Rare wheel performance has a significant impact on a heavy-duty car. The rear axle must have adequate towing capacity. However, both rear axle systems provide versatile performance on-road and off-road.
SRW VS DRW is an ongoing debate. But, you have to choose one depending on your preference. The single rear axle has fuel efficiency, versatility on-road, and light towing capacity. On the other hand, the dual rear axle has more stability off-road and extra towing capacity.
The single rear wheel is for you if you are a daily driver with a moderate payload. However, if you want additional payload capacity off-road, you must choose the dual rear wheel.
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