--- title: "Where is the 3/4-ton dually truck?" url: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2020/10/3-4-ton-dually-truck/" publisher: "Pickup Truck + SUV Talk" content_signal: "search=yes, ai-input=yes, ai-train=no" author: "Tim Esterdahl" published: "2020-10-08T14:00:55+00:00" modified: "2025-07-23T15:17:47+00:00" image: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/17FordF250Lariat_4408_HR.jpg" --- # Where is the 3/4-ton dually truck? By Tim Esterdahl Published: 2020-10-08T14:00:55+00:00 Updated: 2025-07-23T15:17:47+00:00 ![Featured image]() ![3/4-ton dually truck]() This Ford F-250 can now do the job of a 1-ton truck from a decade ago, yet there is no similar dually option for it. (Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Co.) Things have certainly changed over the past few decades in the truck world with half-ton pickups such as the [2021 Ford F-150]() now achieving unheard of maximum towing numbers of 14,000 pounds for select models. This number was for 1-ton trucks just 20 years ago, and the leaps-and-bounds growth in towing capacity has us wondering: Where is a 3/4-ton dually truck? The truth of the matter is while the 14,000 pounds of capacity for the aforementioned F-150 is basically for a unicorn pickup and most owners are reluctant to tow this much with the lighter-weight half-ton, the growth in heavy-duty trucks has seen the same questions raised. ### **Heavy Duty trucks massive towing capacity** Today, a [2020 Ford F-350]() crew cab truck can tow a whopping 35,200 pounds with a fifth-wheel setup equipped with a 6.7-liter turbo diesel, 8-foot box and a 4.10 rear axle ratio according to Ford’s latest [RV and Trailer towing guide](). Considering a 2001 Ford F-350 could only tow around 14,000 pounds, this is quite the increase. That isn’t all though. A 2020 Ford F-250 crew cab truck has also seen a massive jump with 21,700 pounds maximum towing capacity equipped with a 6.7-liter turbo diesel, 3.55 rear axle ratio, 2WD and 6-3/4-foot bed. The truth is a 1-ton of 20 years ago has more similar towing capacities to a half-ton, and a 3/4 now far exceeds what a 1-ton used to be able to tow. That’s not all though. ![3/4-ton dually truck]() Things have gotten so crazy with trucks, even a half-ton truck can come with a 5th wheel setup from the factory. (Screenshot courtesy of Ford Motor Co. towing guide) You can now even purchase a fifth-wheel gooseneck prep kit for a half-ton pickup! This only used to be available on heavy duty trucks. ### **Where is the 3/4-ton dually truck then?** While towing capacities have skyrocketed and half-ton pickups are now available with maximum towing packages to help with heavier loads, one has to wonder where the differences are between these trucks beyond what’s on paper. The difference lies in the availability of a dually setup. Anyone who has towed can immediately speak to the benefits of a dually. The extra set of rear tires allows the load to feel more stable and handle crosswinds much better than a single rear-wheel setup. This is especially handy when towing high-profile loads like a fifth-wheel RV. For these RVs, you will find many 1-ton trucks pulling them to help reduce driver fatigue and provide a smoother driving experience. ![]() A Ford F-250, or similar 3/4-ton truck, can pull this same load easily, however, you can’t get a 3/4-ton dually, so you have to step up to the 1-ton. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Co.) There is really only one issue with this type of setup — it’s overkill. A typical fifth-wheel camper weighs around 12,000 pounds according to the [Roving Foley’s website](). This means a 3/4-ton dually truck will easily pull this load with the turbo diesel, yet there is no dually option for a 3/4-ton truck. ### **Why a 3/4-ton truck?** Besides the better pulling and towing experience, there is a cost savings to consider here. ![]() ![]()Looking at [ford.com]() and choosing the different trucks, we find a difference of around $1,500 between a F-250 and a F-350. This difference grows to about $3,000 when you price out a F-250 versus a F-350 dually truck. This plays out about the same on the retail side with the difference between trucks being a few thousand dollars according to a search on [cars.com](). ![3/4-ton dually truck]() Ford truck listing on [Cars.com](). (Screenshot Cars.com) A few thousand dollars on a $50k+ truck doesn’t seem like much, however, being forced to spend it because there is no dually 3/4-ton option, doesn’t seem right. Finally, often a 3/4-ton truck will ride differently than a 1-ton depending on the brand. The heavier weight of the 1-ton, the stiffer suspension to handle the extra weight and more can make the truck have a much different ride unloaded like you would do when camping and exploring the area in your truck. Consumers, who want the dually, are also forced to put up with these differences when they should be given more of a choice. ### **The bottom line on the 3/4-ton dually truck** Trucks have certainly changed over the years, and the capability of a new 1-ton is often associated with towing a house. However, there are certain things that haven’t changed like a dually 3/4-ton truck. It seems this needs to change as well to provide customers a more confident towing experience without being forced into a 1-ton. If the truck can tow more than a 1-ton used to, then why can’t it tow this load more confidently? **Related posts:** > [2021 Ford F-150 towing, payload, torque leads the pack on select pickups]() > [2020 Ford Super Duty Details Announced]() > [Most dependable pickups of last 15 years – J.D. 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