For Texas ranch work, the one-ton class — Ford F-350, Ram 3500, Chevy Silverado 3500HD, GMC Sierra 3500HD — is the sweet spot. It hauls a loaded gooseneck of cattle, carries a bale bed, and still drives to town. Here’s how the three platforms compare once you’re putting a real bed on the back.
In stock now in Wharton, TX — real prices, installed in one business day.
Shop Norstar from $9,550 | Shop CM from $3,950 | Shop Bedrock from $3,650
See all current inventory or call (979) 532-1486.
One-Ton Comparison for Ranch Duty
| Spec | Ford F-350 | Ram 3500 | Silverado / Sierra 3500HD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max payload (DRW) | ~7,800 lbs | ~7,600 lbs | ~7,400 lbs |
| Max gooseneck tow (DRW) | ~40,000 lbs | ~37,000+ lbs | ~36,000 lbs |
| Diesel | 6.7L Power Stroke | 6.7L Cummins | 6.6L Duramax |
| Common CA after bed removal (SRW crew) | 56–60″ | 56–60″ | 56–60″ |
| Common CA (DRW crew long bed) | 84″ | 84″ | 84″ |
| Ranch strengths | Payload leader, huge parts network | Cummins longevity, ride quality | Best-in-class trailering cameras |
SRW or DRW for a Ranch?
- DRW (dually) — pick it if you pull a loaded stock trailer, run a bale bed, or haul round hay. More stability, more payload, more tire under the load.
- SRW — better in mud and soft pasture, narrower through gates, cheaper on tires. Fine for a single-axle trailer and light bale work.
- Bed choice follows that decision: DRW beds are ~97″ wide, SRW beds ~86″, and they are not interchangeable.
Which Bed for Ranch Work
Three configurations cover almost every ranch we sell to:
- Bale / hay bed — hydraulic arm beds handle round bales without a tractor. See our hay bed lineup.
- Skirted bed (Norstar SD, CM CT) — enclosed toolboxes for fencing tools, vaccine, and gear; the most popular ranch upgrade. Browse truck beds.
- Steel flatbed (Bedrock, NXG) — lightest and easiest to load hay and panels on; NXG’s recessed XDeck gives you a flat, edge-protected floor to slide bales across. See flatbed bodies.
Cab-to-Axle: Measure Before You Order
An 84″ CA dually bed will not fit a 60″ CA crew cab short bed, and no amount of shimming fixes it. Measure back of cab to center of rear axle. Our cab-to-axle guide covers the Ford numbers and the method transfers to Ram and GM.
Our Honest Recommendation
If you’re buying new for a working Texas ranch and pulling heavy: F-350 DRW crew cab long bed with a skirted steel bed or bale bed. If your loads are lighter and you spend more time in pastures: Ram 3500 SRW with a plain flatbed. Silverado/Sierra 3500HD is a strong third choice and often the best deal on the lot — the bed fitment is equally well supported.
Talk to Our Team in Wharton, TX
We spec, sell, and install truck beds and bodies for customers across Texas and Louisiana from our shop at 2507 County Rd 231 in Wharton, TX. Bring the truck by and we’ll measure CA for you at no charge. Most in-stock installs are done in one business day.
📞 Call (979) 532-1486 with your year, make, model, wheelbase and cab-to-axle measurement and we’ll tell you exactly what fits and what it costs installed.