Determining how wide a pickup truck is that you're considering will yield some useful information for you. While most model trucks are narrow enough to fit into a standard garage or parking space, some types of trucks might not fit. Should you be considering a dually and want to know how wide this style of truck can be, we can help. We researched these trucks so that you'll know for sure how much room they will take up.
A dually pickup truck has a width between 79.4 inches and 81.8 inches. The width varies depending on which model you select.
Now that you know the range of widths for a dually, we'll look at the widths of the most popular models on the market. You might also be wondering if dually trucks are good in the snow or how wide the beds of dually trucks can be. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead.
The Widths Of The Most Popular Dually Pickup Trucks
Dually pickups are super-duty trucks that are built with two sets of rear tires. This configuration will allow for more contact with the pavement, which increases traction.
These types of pickups are great for towing, as this increased traction will make the tow vehicle less susceptible to sway from winds. Dually trucks are also outfitted with stronger rear axles, making them able to increase both payload capacity and maximum towing capacity.
Below we have listed the widths of the four most popular dually pickup trucks:
Ram 3500
This dually pickup truck has a total width of 83.5 inches. The bed width for the Ram 3500 is a minimum of 51.0 inches between the wheel housings and 66.4 inches from side to side. The payload capacity is 4,640 pounds, and the maximum towing capacity is 14,970 pounds.
Chevy Silverado 3500
The Silverado 3500 has an overall width of 81.8 inches. The bed width is a minimum of 50.55 inches at the wheel housings and 71.40 inches from side to side.
The payload capacity is between 4,316 pounds and 7,442 pounds depending on trim level and how it is equipped and a maximum towing capacity between 14,500 pounds and 16,800 pounds depending on trim level and how it is equipped.
Ford F-350
The Ford F-350 has an overall width of 80.0 inches. The bed width is a minimum of 50.5 inches at the wheel housings and 66.9 inches from side to side.
The payload capacity is between 2,890 pounds and 7,190 pounds depending on trim level and how it is equipped. The maximum towing capacity is up to 21,000 pounds depending on trim level and how it is equipped.
GMC Sierra 3500
The GMC Sierra 3500 has an overall width of 81.24 inches. The bed width is a minimum of 50.73 inches at the wheel housings and 71.40 inches across.
The payload capacity is between 4,481 pounds and 7,442 pounds depending on trim level and how it is equipped. The maximum towing capacity of this truck is between 14,500 pounds and 17,200 pounds depending on trim level and how it is equipped.
How Much Wider Is A Ram Dually?
The 2022 Dodge Ram 3500 has an overall width of 83.5 inches. Though this exterior dimension is wide, it is only a bit wider than the other dually pickup trucks.
The box width is a bit wider from wheel housing to wheel housing than other dually trucks, at 51.0 inches. This compares to the Ford F-350, Chevy Silverado, and GMC Sierra, which measure at 50.5 inches, 50.55 inches, and 50.73 inches, respectively.
When comparing the Ram 3500 dually to other Rams, there is a minimal amount of difference in width. The 2022 Ram 1500 has a width of 79.9 inches. The 2022 Ram 2500 has a width of 83.5 inches, the same as the 3500.
These width measurements do NOT include the mirrors.
Are Dually Trucks Good In The Snow?
You might be thinking that with the extra set of rear tires that a dually would fair better in the snow when compared to other pickup trucks. After all, they have more rubber to the ground. But the reality might surprise you.
A dually, in fact, performs at a lesser standard in the snow and mud than trucks with a single set of back wheels. Empty of cargo, the dually has to spread all of its weight between four rear wheels instead of just two.
This gives each wheel half the traction by comparison. Truck forums are filled with owners who complain about their dually trucks "floating" when driving on snow or mud.
However, when the bed is full of heavy cargo, a dually will perform much better in these conditions than when empty. The added weight to the bed will allow for more traction to the rear tires. But those who live in snowy areas generally prefer to drive standard pickup trucks.
How Wide Are Dually Beds?
Knowing the interior dimensions of your pickup truck bed is an important figure to have on hand. These measurements will allow you to calculate how much you will be able to haul and will help you determine what your particular model truck's limitations might be.
Dually beds, like the beds of most pickup trucks, will have two sets of measurements when it comes to the widths.
The first measurement is how wide the bed is between the wheel housings. In between them, you will find that the average width is 50.7 inches. The second measurement is the overall box width, measured from side to side above the wheel housings.
When this measurement is taken across the leading model dually pickup trucks, the average is 69.03 inches.
Should I Get a Conventional Pickup Truck Or A Dually?
Trying to determine whether or not you need a conventional truck or a dually will depend on what your overall needs will be. A dually will, of course, be more expensive than a conventional truck, but it will come with extra benefits.
The towing and payload capacities of dually pickup trucks are substantially higher, as they are equipped with a stronger rear axle and have four rear wheels that can handle the extra weight.
But as we pointed out earlier in this post, a dually will not handle as well in the snow or the mud. If you live somewhere snowy or want to use a pickup truck for an off-road experience, then a conventional truck will do you much better.
You'll find that even though it lacks the extra set of wheels of a dually, these pickup trucks can still tow a lot of weight.
Should you live in a place where there is a lot of snow but still need the extra towing capacity, be sure to keep the bed of your dually weighted with heavier objects when towing.
This added weight will lend more traction to the tires of your dually. Just be certain that you are not overloading your pickup truck by exceeding its payload capacity or its towing capacity.
In Closing
A dually pickup truck has four rear wheels instead of two, which lend a lot more traction, as there is more tire to grip the pavement.
These trucks have much higher payload and towing capacities as long as they are properly equipped. While there is a bit of a difference in the overall width across this class of pickup trucks, the differences are within a few inches of each other. Drive safe!
If you found this post on the widths of dually trucks to be informative, take a look at these others:
What’s a Dually Truck (And Do You Need One to Tow a Travel Trailer)?