If you’re running a dually (dual rear wheel / DRW) truck — a Ford F-350 DRW, Ram 3500 DRW, or Chevy Silverado 3500HD DRW — you’ve got more payload capacity, better towing stability, and more flexibility to mount larger truck bodies than your SRW counterparts. Here’s a practical guide to dually truck bed and flatbed options from Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX.
Why Dually (DRW) Trucks Are the Preferred Flatbed Platform
The dual rear wheel configuration adds real capability for work truck applications:
- Higher payload: DRW 1-ton trucks typically carry 5,000–7,000 lb payload vs 3,800–4,500 lb for equivalent SRW trucks. That extra 1,500–2,500 lb of payload matters when you’re loading tools, materials, and equipment onto a flatbed.
- Better stability under load: Four rear tires spread the load and provide better tracking stability, especially in crosswind conditions when towing a loaded flatbed or gooseneck trailer.
- Larger flatbed compatibility: DRW trucks can accommodate longer and heavier flatbed bodies — up to 11 ft on most 1-ton DRW platforms — without exceeding GVWR limits.
- Gooseneck towing confidence: DRW trucks are the preferred platform for serious gooseneck towing. All three major 1-ton DRW platforms can gooseneck tow 30,000+ lb with the right configuration.
DRW Payload Comparison: F-350 vs Ram 3500 vs Silverado 3500HD
| Truck | GVWR | DRW Payload (approx.) | Flatbed Weight (steel, 9 ft) | Net Payload After Flatbed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-350 DRW Diesel Crew Cab | 14,000 lb | ~5,500–7,000 lb | ~1,100–1,300 lb | ~4,200–5,700 lb |
| Ram 3500 DRW Diesel Crew Cab | 14,000 lb | ~6,000–7,000 lb | ~1,100–1,300 lb | ~4,700–5,700 lb |
| Silverado 3500HD DRW Diesel Crew Cab | 14,000 lb | ~5,400–6,500 lb | ~1,100–1,300 lb | ~4,100–5,200 lb |
Key takeaway: Even after accounting for a 1,100–1,300 lb steel flatbed, a DRW 1-ton truck still has 4,000–5,700 lb of net payload available for tools, materials, and equipment. This is the reason most serious work truck buyers choose DRW when spec’ing flatbeds.
Cab-to-Axle Measurements for 1-Ton DRW Trucks
DRW 1-ton trucks with crew cabs typically have cab-to-axle (CA) measurements in the 56″–62″ range. Regular cab and extended cab configurations have longer CA measurements. This CA length determines what flatbed body lengths fit your truck:
- 8’6″ to 9 ft flatbeds — Standard fitment for DRW crew cab 1-tons. These are the most popular lengths for ranch, contractor, and oilfield flatbed applications.
- 9’6″ to 11 ft flatbeds — Possible on some configurations, particularly regular cab and long-wheelbase DRW trucks. Always verify CA measurement before ordering.
Best Steel Flatbeds for Dually Trucks
- CM Truck Beds — RD, ER, and TM Flatbeds — CM’s most popular flatbed models in sizes from 8’6″ to 11 ft. The CM RD (with hay rails and headache rack) is the top-selling flatbed for DRW ranch trucks in Texas. CM’s ER model is the preferred choice for contractors who need an open, clean flatbed surface.
- Norstar SD, ST, and AM Flatbeds — Heavy-gauge steel construction that DRW truck buyers specifically seek out. The Norstar SD is the go-to flatbed for Texas ranchers and oilfield support operators who want thick steel and clean finish.
- Bedrock Diamond and Granite Series — Powder-coated steel flatbeds with bolt-together construction. Clean design with stake pockets, LED lighting, and gooseneck cutout options. Popular with contractors and farmers who want a professional-looking DRW flatbed at a competitive price.
- Pronghorn Flatbeds — Purpose-built steel flatbeds for ranch and agricultural use. Rugged and practical, with configurations popular on DRW ranch trucks throughout Texas.
Aluminum Flatbeds for Dually Trucks
While steel flatbeds dominate DRW truck sales in Texas, aluminum flatbeds have real advantages for specific use cases:
- Aluma Aluminum Flatbeds — Aluma’s extruded aluminum flatbeds are 300–500 lb lighter than equivalent steel flatbeds. On a DRW truck, this means an extra 300–500 lb of net payload capacity. Aluminum also resists corrosion, making it particularly valuable in coastal Texas and Louisiana environments.
Hay Beds for DRW Ranch Trucks
Many DRW ranch trucks in Texas get fitted with hay beds instead of standard flatbeds. Top hay bed choices for DRW trucks:
- CM Hay Beds — Purpose-built for bale hauling with integrated hay stops and heavy steel floor. Popular on both F-350 and Ram 3500 DRW ranch trucks.
- Norstar Ranch/Hay Beds — Heavy-duty steel with hay rail configurations. Built for the Texas ranch market.
- Bedrock Hay Beds — Clean powder-coat finish with solid hay stop and rail options.
Dually Gooseneck Towing with a Flatbed
DRW 1-ton trucks are the gold standard for gooseneck towing with a flatbed configuration:
- All major flatbed brands offer gooseneck pocket cutouts or full gooseneck-ready designs
- DRW towing ratings: F-350 DRW up to ~37,000 lb gooseneck (diesel, properly configured), Ram 3500 DRW up to ~37,090 lb, Silverado 3500HD DRW up to ~36,000 lb
- For regular heavy gooseneck use, choose a flatbed with integrated tie-down rails, heavy-duty floor bracing, and a properly reinforced gooseneck pocket
Get Your Dually Flatbed Installed in Wharton, TX
Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX is South Texas’s source for dually flatbed installation. We carry CM, Norstar, Bedrock, Aluma, Pronghorn, and more. Professional installation at our Wharton shop, with the knowledge to spec the right flatbed for your DRW truck, your payload needs, and your work.
Call us at (979) 532-1486 to discuss your dually flatbed options, get a quote, and schedule installation. We serve the greater Houston area, the Gulf Coast, and all of Texas and Louisiana.