What is the Purpose of a Dually Truck?

A dually truck, also known as a dual-wheel truck, is a type of pickup truck or commercial vehicle that has four rear wheels instead of the usual two. The purpose of a dually truck is to provide increased stability and weight-carrying capacity for towing heavy loads.

While a normal truck can handle some amount of weight, it may not be suitable for carrying heavy loads for several reasons:

• Weight carrying capacity: Normal trucks typically have a lower weight-carrying capacity compared to dually trucks. They are designed to carry lighter loads and may not be able to handle the weight of heavy loads.
• Stability: When a truck carries a heavy load, the weight shifts towards the rear of the vehicle. This can cause the rear wheels to lift off the ground, resulting in instability and loss of control. A dually truck, with its two additional rear wheels, provides more stability and can handle heavy loads more safely.
• Braking: Heavy loads require more braking power to stop the vehicle. Normal trucks may not have the required braking power to stop a heavy load quickly, which can lead to accidents.
• Wear and tear: Carrying heavy loads can put a lot of strain on a vehicle, causing more wear and tear on its components, including the tires, suspension, and brakes. This can lead to costly repairs and maintenance.

Dually trucks can carry more weight than normal trucks because they have two sets of rear wheels instead of just one. This dual-wheel setup provides several advantages for weight-carrying capacity:

• Increased weight distribution: With two sets of rear wheels, the weight of the load is distributed over a larger surface area, reducing the amount of weight that each tire has to bear. This allows dually trucks to carry more weight without putting too much strain on any one tire.
• Improved traction: The extra wheels on a dually truck provide more tire-to-road contact, increasing the overall traction of the vehicle. This can be especially important when carrying heavy loads, as it helps prevent the wheels from slipping or spinning.
• Greater stability: Dually trucks are more stable than normal trucks when carrying heavy loads, as the extra wheels provide a wider base and lower center of gravity. This reduces the likelihood of the vehicle tipping over or losing control while driving.
• Better braking performance: The additional rear wheels on a dually truck also provide more braking power, helping the vehicle to stop more quickly and safely when carrying heavy loads.

Dually trucks can be powered by either gasoline or diesel engines, depending on the specific model and manufacturer. However, diesel engines are more commonly found in dually trucks than gasoline engines for several reasons:

• Torque and towing capacity: Diesel engines are known for their high torque output, which is the twisting force that allows a vehicle to tow heavy loads. Dually trucks with diesel engines can typically tow heavier loads than those with gasoline engines.
• Fuel efficiency: Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, which means they can go further on a tank of fuel. This can be important for drivers who need to travel long distances while carrying heavy loads.
• Durability: Diesel engines are known for their durability and longevity. They are designed to withstand the high compression and heat generated by their operation, which makes them well-suited for heavy-duty applications.
• Resale value: Dually trucks with diesel engines tend to hold their value better than those with gasoline engines. This is partly due to their durability and towing capacity, which makes them desirable to buyers looking for a reliable and capable truck.

Seth Wadley Ford of Pauls Valley has a large selection of new & used dually trucks, 4x4 dually trucks, and much more. Check out our inventory here!