2003 Dually stinks in snow/mud

[pstillo]

I didn't realize 4wd dually are bad in snow/mud. I just read a few topics on that. I just order my 1st dually. Are the 2003 4doors, HO duallys just as bad?

 

[ddutil]

I'm canadian (eh!). Here's my 2 cents' worth:



From my experience, the longest the wheel base the more stable on highway the truck will be (viva long bed quad cabs). I have a 2x4 2500 and only a few Quattro and Outbacks outpassed me during the last 6 winters.



The problem w/ duallies is that the path is wider so you have the external tires on snow/slush/ice while the internal ones are in the tracks cleaned by the other vehicules. Gets very bad when you are not loaded as your tires will float over the white sh... (eh! again).



Better put some load in (I use 10 bags of 60lbs of 1/4 inch crushed stones) and get tires with a slim profile (avoid the monster truck style) and the right thread (avoid 4 seasons tires, tool yourself like a man --> get winter tires for god's sake).



And let me know how the Quattro and Outback feel you they see you cummin(s)



Dan

 

[BV]

Duallies

Training wheels are great for towing but they suck in the mud/snow - Think about it - You split the traction between 4 tires instead of 2.

Solutions are 1. take off 2 tires/wheels (looks ugly) 2. chain up (not fun) or 3. Put 1 a yard of gravel in the bed to hold it down.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Or just park it for the winter, eh?



Cheers, Casey

 

[ddutil]

Originally posted by CBalvert

Or just park it for the winter, eh?

The Canadian Connection stroke again...

 

[THartel]

Don't know about the 2003's, But I have a 99 3500 QC 4X4 and it goes like crazy in the snow. I do have to put it in 4X4 when ever there is snow, won't go at all in 2 wheel.

 

[pstillo]

How about in heavy rain. Dose it hydroplaine easy when not loaded? If they float on top of mud that is good right?(not sinking)

 

[Dean Upson]

A dually certainly isn't as good in the snow as a srw, but my '03 is night and day better in snow than my 98 and 94 duallies were.



Dean

 

[chessie-system]

Howdy,

It is very difficult to get a Cummins to hydroplane unless your front tires are almost bald. I only had the front end lift up once in the rain and that was because I hit a 2 foot deep puddle at 60 mph . After I went through there was no more puddle . Like others suggested put some weight in the back end. Heck fill the bed with driveway snow. It works well and when spring comes it automatically gets rid of itself .



Tires are very important and all seasons work for occasional light snow but if you are in a region that gets some serious snow then it would be a real good idea to invest in some all terrain or mud terrain type tires. And since the truck is already a little noisy a little tire hum down the road never hurt anybody

Jeff

 

[dezeldog]

My .02

Only owned 1 4wd in 45 yrs of driving I can count the times I've been stuck on one hand. This is my first dually and it is challenging at times. I have about 800lbs in the back and I'm good to go. Just took a boat to MD. in their big storm last week. I got it done just like everybody else. Slow and easy

 

[CAKUZ]

Just another reason I'll be getting a 115 gal. auxuillery fuel tank. The extra weight should help.



To pick up my new ride Friday. Oo. Oo.

 

[Fireman]

What's Snow ? eh ?



Fireman

 

[ddutil]

Snow "dressing":

#ad




Think I should open a Canadian Tire store in the States?

 

[Roy1]

Get a dedicated snow tire. I have had real good luck with Blizaks.



Roy

 

[David Muench]

My 2001. 5 4x4 dually was the best truck I've ever driven in the snow, and I've driven a lot. I hope my 2003 SRW will be the same, but the roads haven't been sloppy enough to really tell yet. One thing I can't say enough - if you have a dually, get the limited slip.



Nothing ever stopped that 2001, it just cut right down to the pavement. Never got it stuck in mud either, although I was always cautious (especially when towing a trailer through mud).



I had an 11' flatbed and a 38 gallon aft-axle aux tank in it, so I never carried winter weight.

 

[OHale]

My '95 dually floats a bit in the rear when unloaded, but with a goodly amount of weight the traction is excellent.



I drove through a blizzard in northern Michigan with about 1900 pounds of equipment in the bed. The truck ran like it was on railroad tracks.

 

[pstillo]

I order the off/road tires on my duelly. Hope they have good bite. Anyone running those tires on a duelly? Are they any good or should I save the 100 bucks?

 

[dezeldog]

OHale, 1900 would definatly keep er on the straight and narrow



Jim

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Mud and snow

Duallies do seem to stay straighter on loose or shallow muddy areas. The SRW trucks may follow the front wheel rut, but they will get sideways when they chew or slide over the rut. It takes a little more to push four sidewalls sideways in shallow mud or snow. Too deep of mud and you end up cleaning a mess out of the center area.

 

[DPKetchum]

Down here in Georgia all newbie horse owners have to have a dually until they get on wet grass or mud or in deep gravel etc. Next truck they buy is a single wheel 4x4. I've seen old ford 6. 9diesels spin on a slight dew covered incline of thick green grass and single wheels pull off with only slight spin. Until i haul mega weights on a regular basis no dually here at this ranch.