Shopping for a flatbed for your single rear wheel (SRW) truck? You’ve got more options than you might think — but you also have real payload limitations to respect. Whether you’re running a Ford F-350 SRW, Ram 3500 SRW, or Chevy Silverado 3500HD SRW, here’s an honest guide to what flatbeds fit, what weight limits you need to stay within, and which brands we recommend at Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX.
SRW vs DRW: Why It Matters for Flatbeds
A single rear wheel (SRW) configuration has one tire per side on the rear axle. A dual rear wheel (DRW or “dually”) has two tires per side. For flatbed purposes, this matters because:
- Payload capacity: SRW trucks typically have 1,500–2,500 lb less payload capacity than the same truck in DRW configuration. A Ford F-350 SRW typically maxes out around 4,000–4,500 lb payload; the F-350 DRW pushes 5,000–6,500 lb depending on configuration.
- Tire contact patch: DRW provides better stability under loaded flatbed conditions, especially crosswind situations.
- Clearance: SRW trucks have a narrower rear end, which helps in tight spaces and some off-road situations.
- Gooseneck towing: SRW trucks CAN gooseneck tow but are at a slight stability disadvantage over DRW trucks under maximum load.
SRW Flatbed Weight Limits: Know Your Numbers
Before ordering a flatbed for an SRW truck, you need to understand the payload math:
| Truck | GVWR | Typical SRW Payload | Steel Flatbed Weight | Net Payload Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-350 SRW (gas, crew cab) | 10,000 lb | ~3,800–4,200 lb | ~1,000–1,200 lb (steel) | ~2,600–3,200 lb |
| Ram 3500 SRW (diesel, crew cab) | 10,000 lb | ~3,800–4,500 lb | ~1,000–1,200 lb (steel) | ~2,800–3,300 lb |
| Silverado 3500HD SRW (diesel, crew cab) | 10,000 lb | ~3,600–4,200 lb | ~1,000–1,200 lb (steel) | ~2,400–3,000 lb |
Bottom line: After accounting for the flatbed weight itself, an SRW 1-ton truck typically has 2,400–3,300 lb of net payload remaining. That’s workable for most ranching, contracting, and hauling applications — just not for massive loads that require DRW or chassis cab configurations.
Best Flatbed Lengths for SRW Trucks
SRW 1-ton trucks with crew cabs (the most common configuration) typically have cab-to-axle (CA) measurements in the 56″–60″ range. This means:
- 8 ft flatbeds — Minimum practical length. Can feel short for most work applications.
- 8’6″ flatbeds — Common choice on SRW trucks. Good balance of bed space and maneuverability.
- 9 ft flatbeds — Possible on SRW trucks but you’ll have more overhang. Check your specific CA measurement before ordering.
Important: Long-bed (8 ft factory box) SRW configurations have more CA room than short-bed or standard-cab variants. Always verify your truck’s specific CA measurement before ordering a flatbed body.
Best Steel Flatbed Brands for SRW Trucks
- CM Truck Beds — ER and SK Flatbeds — CM’s ER (Equipment Rack) and SK (Skirted) flatbed models are popular SRW choices. Available in 8’6″ and 9 ft lengths that fit SRW crew cab configurations. Steel construction at a competitive price point.
- Norstar SD Flatbed — Heavy-gauge steel with clean fitment on SRW trucks. The Norstar SD in 8’6″ is a popular SRW option for Texas ranchers who want a durable, no-nonsense flatbed without DRW complexity.
- Bedrock Diamond Series — Powder-coated steel. Available in SRW-appropriate lengths. Clean design with functional gooseneck pocket and stake pocket options.
- NXG Flatbeds — Competitively priced steel flatbeds in SRW-compatible sizes. Good entry-level option for buyers who want steel construction at a lower price point.
Aluminum Flatbeds: Weight Savings Matter on SRW Trucks
Because SRW trucks have tighter payload margins, aluminum flatbeds are worth considering — they save 300–500 lb over equivalent steel flatbeds, giving you more net payload capacity:
- Aluma Aluminum Flatbeds — Aluma’s aluminum flatbed lineup includes SRW-compatible lengths with extruded aluminum construction. Significantly lighter than steel alternatives — a major advantage when payload margin is tight on SRW configurations.
SRW Flatbed for Gooseneck Towing
SRW trucks CAN pull gooseneck trailers — all three major 1-ton SRW trucks support gooseneck hitches. Key considerations:
- Most flatbeds for SRW trucks include a pre-cut gooseneck pocket or full cutout for hitch installation
- SRW towing ratings: F-350 SRW up to ~21,000 lb gooseneck, Ram 3500 SRW up to ~23,000 lb, Silverado 3500HD SRW up to ~20,000 lb (varies by configuration)
- For regular heavy gooseneck loads (20,000+ lb trailers), DRW is a safer, more stable option — consult with us before committing to SRW for heavy towing use
Is SRW Right for Your Flatbed Application?
SRW flatbed works well for: Ranchers hauling moderate loads, contractors hauling materials and tools under 3,000 lb net, light oilfield or ag support, gooseneck towing under 18,000 lb, buyers who want a narrower, easier-to-maneuver truck.
Consider DRW instead if: You regularly haul maximum payload, tow heavy gooseneck trailers over 20,000 lb, mount a service body with heavy tool storage, or need the additional stability of dual rear wheels for your work.
Get Your SRW Flatbed Installed in Wharton, TX
Star Truck Equipment installs flatbeds on SRW trucks at our Wharton, TX facility. We carry CM, Norstar, Bedrock, NXG, Aluma, and more — all in lengths compatible with SRW 1-ton configurations. We serve Texas and Louisiana buyers who want professional installation and honest advice about what setup works best for their specific needs.
Call us at (979) 532-1486 to discuss your SRW flatbed options, get measurements verified for your specific truck, and schedule installation at our Wharton shop.