Dually help wanted

[brobeson]

I have ordered a new 3500, SLT+, HO, 6sp, 4. 10s.

Since this will be my first experience with a dually, what are some of the watch outs?

The spare tire only works on the front? What if you get a rear flat? How do you rotate the tires? How do you go to the car wash, Drive-though, parking, tire chains, etc.

What advice can you give a new-to-be dually owner?

Thanks

Bob


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1998. 5, 2500, SLT, 24V, 4X4, Auto, 4. 10 towing 35ft. 5er
On Order due May 1. 3500, SLT+, Green/Tan, HO, 6 speed, 4X4, 4. 10, towing package, camper package, E-brakes.

 

[dresslered]

You'll be happy to know that all wheels are interchangeable on the Dodge. Spare goes where the flat was. Have fun,


Forgot to read the rest of your questions. If the front mirrors will squeze by so will the rear tires (when driving straight ahead). Chains go on the front tires as they did on your 2500. Don't drive through a carwash. Tire rotation (is important) and follows a circular pattern that will be in your owners manual. Get on the horn and order DC shop manual. I usually back in to a parking space otherwise the guy next to you won't be able to walk past your fenders. The rest is like riding a bike.

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, HO Cummins (ETH), 6-Speed (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 LSD, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Heated Leather, Sliding Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine + diff. temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, Mag-Hytec, Mopar Tow Hooks, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper. "Do it in a Dually"


[This message has been edited by dresslered (edited 04-12-2001). ]

 

[Ralph Edward]

Self carwash is OK Automatic carwash may not be. Check before going in. Drive through ATM and banks be veerry, veerry careful wabbitt.

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1999 3500 Red LARAMIE SLT,Quad Cab, 5 spd,3:54 LSD,Gear Venders OD ,Tow Package, Fiberglass Running boards, Bed Liner.

 

[arlan]

Bob,

The wheels and tires are all the same. The car wash is a hand job. Rotate tires inside rear to front, outside rear to inside then front to outside rear. Drive thru and parking just use a little more care or add a slide in camper and forget drive throughs all together. Tire chains, you have it made there, drive up on a block under the inside dual (if you can) and chain the outside.

Advice? Enjoy your new dually.

Arlan

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98. 5 ISB QC 3500 4X4 3. 54, PowerMax1, DTT TC & VB, TY303 225/70/19. 5's on Rickson Wheels, 275 Injectors, Mag-Hytec Transmission Pan/Differential Cover, 9000 LB Warn Winch, Ultra Board Running Boards, Westach Combo Boost/EGT Transmission Temperature & Fuel Pressure gauges, Pac Brake, 2-lo kit, CB, GPS, Rancho 9000's, ATS exhaust manifold, JRE 4" exhaust with muffler and resonator. Lifetime NRA Member

 

[CUMMINAGAIN]

I have owned 3 duallies in my short life time and I can honestly say and am sure most will agree that if you don't have some rear mudflaps the stones will hit and chip the paint on the back side of your flares.

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2001 3500,4x4,5 spd, delivered, 3/15/01

 

[arlan]

Yeah, mud flaps and running boards were the first thing I added to my truck. Actually I waited 6,000 miles and in those miles a got a lot of chips... Arlan

 

[Pete Peterson]

Bob, having drove duallys for quite sometime everything these gentlemen have told you is on time.....

After a few months you are either going to fall madly in love with your dually or regret buying it... . Me, I don't think I'll ever own anything but a dually, I think this is my 3rd or 4th. They tow like nobodies bussiness,and the ETH/DEE with 4:10's is as good as it will ever get. If God made anything better he kept it for himself... . Pete

 

[PUFF00]

Bob,

This is my first dually too. First diesel also.

When parking, I park as far away as possible from other vehicles. Most parking spaces are not big enough for the truck. So, I walk a couple hundred yards when going to Wal-Mart or Home Depot, but I need the exercise. Parking definitely takes more thought. As soon as I get close to where I’m going I start scanning the parking lot for a fairly open space. No big deal though. Like I said, the exercise is good.

Most drive-throughs are out. As are auto car washes.

Life is not as convenient, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I love this truck. Towing my trailer is much much better with this truck. The truck rides—as far as stiffness--as good or better than my V10 2500. It’s a big, comfortable, powerful, truck that’s a kick in the butt to drive. I got used to the size of it within a day or so. Now it doesn’t feel that big at all.

Good luck. You’ll love it.



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2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm

 

[Big_Bad_Dually]

The only thing I haven't be able to do is the automatic carwash. You can still go through drive thoughs. Just swing a little wider for the curbs and make the person at the drive up reach a little so you don't hit the window and cement filled poles.

As for parking I park far out in parking lots and back in even if I'm driving my moms Grand Cherokee. #ad


Have With the new toy.

 

[ReggieRam]

Remember the thing about the mirrors for getting through sticky situations. Avoid the automatic car wash unless you want to give some poor attendant a heart attack. Definitely back into any space you can as the moron parked next to you isn't expecting that extra fender sticking out. Mudflaps are not optional equipment, I recommend Yosemite Sam. Remember to, at least once a day, walk behind your truck, step back, look at it, pause, smile and remember that's the best view in the world.

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2000 3500 QC 4x4, 6 Speed, 4:10, LSD, Raider cap, Carpet kit, Spray-in liner, K&N Filter. "OBNOXIOUS BEAST"

 

[frijole]

Been driving dooleys since 73, when they first came out. Keep in mind, when driving in snow, if you don't chain up soon, you'll be in for an "E" ticket ride! The aft end is like one big innertube, looking for a place to go. WHOOOPEEEE!!! #ad

 

[PUFF00]

I haven't thought much about mudflaps. Sounds like I should.

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2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm

 

[Chaw]

I thought rear mudflaps were required by law on a dually. Anyone?

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2000 3500QC 4x4, 6-speed, 3. 54, Patriot Blue, SLT+, Rancho 9K's, Mag-Hytec, Hot PE, EZ, Pacbrake, 275's, 4" exhuast

 

[Bill Stockard]

Chaw,

Yep, they are in Texas. Some states don't require them, but should.

Cya Saturday at Bic's. #ad


Bill

 

[Happy Camper]

Mud flaps and running boards is a must IMO. Dealer installed prior to delivery. Have had too much paint removed from gravel. The wide hips are intimidating and makes it a little harder to quage where the rear bumper is when backing. LOVE IT!

 

[monkfarm]

mudflaps also prevent the tailgater behind you, or anyone who is remotely close from getting sprayed, or assalted by the dirt, gravel and stones that are underneath your paw prints.
I wouldn't have ordered the 4. 10. My 3. 54 is plenty strong (even towing 20,000 lbs). I just shift down as needed (with my meager 5 speed).
Your dually adds so much stability towing, there just isn't any comparisome. (over a 4 wheeler). Enjoy!!!

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'99 3500 Quadcab Laramie SLT with customized aluminum flatbed
B&D bombed with Jakebrake, firestone air bags; 3. 54 gears
5 speed,6X4, truck mirrors, trailer towing, and camper pkgs.
Ranger Cb with Messenger kicker; Amsoiled throughout. . .
2000 Peterbilt 379 with Cummins N14plus 500 hp
13 speed fuller, 70 inch Unibilt sleeper
American Class

 

[blackbeast]

If you did not get the optional towing mirrors, get some blind spot mirror. It's nice being able to see EXACTLY where your rear tires are... .

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2001. 5 RAM 4x4 3500HD Quad cab. 3. 55 LSD 5 spd.
Advanced Diesel Technology

 

[Bumble]

You'll love your new dually! It only took the first drive home from the dealer to get used to the "hips". I always park in the south 40 in parking lots, but did the same thing in the 97 2500 too.

Snow? What's that?

Chains? Them's what you hook to tha trail'r or tree stump!

Car wash? Them's tha next rain storm!

Mirror? Them's to see what yer just turned into road stew!

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2001, 3500, 5sp, 3. 54LS, 4x4, pyro and boost on the A-pillar, 165 watt backup lights, Thomas powered on-board air system, Grovers.

[This message has been edited by bumble (edited 04-13-2001). ]

 

[ACoyle]

Never thought much about the mud flaps.

Absolutely the best butt on the road. Gives the Ferds something nice to look at.

Ditto on the mirrors, hips, and the south 40.

Mine is a lot of fun in Manhattan when I play with the taxi's.

All in alkl the most stable comfortable thing I have ever been on the raod with.

 

[John Berger]

Dually's rule. Nuff said.

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1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 2wd; 5 spd; 4:10 LSD rear; Mag-Hytec differential cover; US Gear EGT and Boost gauges. Stewart Warner Fuel Pressure Guage with dual senders. Amsoil foam air filter and synthetics from nose to tail.
Cummins Power, don't leave home without it