BajaNomad

Dually Difficultlies?

savage44 - 7-11-2020 at 02:43 PM

While I’m stoked to be getting my first 4x4 and truck camper, a buddy mentioned I might find some difficulty getting around because of the width of the dually. Anyone encountered such difficulties while looking for surf over on the pacific side?

AKgringo - 7-11-2020 at 02:58 PM

I have never done any off road driving with a 4x4 dually (other than military trucks) but it seems to me that the width disadvantage would be out weighed by the extra pair of tires traction advantage.

One problem with a dually is that airing down for soft, or rough roads, would have the side walls rubbing.

David K - 7-11-2020 at 03:41 PM

Art's ('edm1') 4WD Motorhome had duellies...













With front and rear ARB lockers, he had no problem fitting on the road to Mission Santa María.

However, he didn't let enough air out on his next Baja trip, to Shell Island... but once he did, he floated on the sand with ease!




bkbend - 7-11-2020 at 04:09 PM

I drove a dually in the woods a lot for work when I was young. Two problems come to mind.

You have a wider track and may not fit ruts or an existing track, really an annoyance and not a problem

You will pick up rocks between the duals and they can rub a hole in the sidewall. Check frequently. Easy to remove with a chain.

blackwolfmt - 7-12-2020 at 05:12 PM

damn... DK that a Bad Azz van especially that 2nd pic coming down that hill

BajaBlanca - 7-12-2020 at 06:06 PM

I agree! That is some photo!!

AKgringo - 7-12-2020 at 06:28 PM

There is a retired ambulance for sale near me that I think could be turned into a great Baja Mobile! It is a diesel Ford F-450 dually with four wheel drive!

David K - 7-12-2020 at 07:11 PM

That "hill" is the Widowmaker just over a mile from Mission Santa María!

geoffff - 7-14-2020 at 04:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Art's ('edm1') 4WD Motorhome had duellies...





Wow, I'm impressed!
-- Geoff

David K - 7-14-2020 at 08:58 PM

Front and rear ARB lockers.

PaulW - 7-15-2020 at 06:33 AM

Yes, it can be difficult in some places
In the images below you see a big camper with nice high clearances. That is probably not applicable for your truck with camper. That rig travels with others to help when going requires help. An F350 with 37" tires and single rear wheel would still be very marginal mainly due to the wheelbase and weight.
Use at the beach or in the sand washes will definately be an issue. Be prepared to air down then air up for those places. Don't go those places without a partner with a capable tow capability.
Having said that if you stay close to the main back country roads you will do OK.
Refer to my story in Matomi (two days to get out $$) and my sons raptor trip thru Matomi. So far the dually with camper is dedicated to towing the off road rig on the highways.
Quote: Originally posted by savage44  
While I’m stoked to be getting my first 4x4 and truck camper, a buddy mentioned I might find some difficulty getting around because of the width of the dually. Anyone encountered such difficulties while looking for surf over on the pacific side?

bajatrailrider - 7-15-2020 at 08:56 AM

The dual wheel van pictured or truck with camper. No problems with duals the big problem. To high roof top can not travel many routs because of this. Pick your route carefully have a great time.

Mulege Canuck - 7-15-2020 at 06:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bkbend  
I drove a dually in the woods a lot for work when I was young. Two problems come to mind.

You have a wider track and may not fit ruts or an existing track, really an annoyance and not a problem

You will pick up rocks between the duals and they can rub a hole in the sidewall. Check frequently. Easy to remove with a chain.


We call it “picking up a potato” when you get a rock between the duallies. Definitely a concern. Off-road in the mountains in Baja brush can be a real problem for full-size campers. I bought a 6 amp pole saw that I plug into the camper inverter. Makes brushing fast work.