Here is
another video. I think this guy is at least honest about his choice. You can decided for yourself.
What I can't figure out is why one would consider an SRW for something as big as a 17,000 lb rig - whether-or-not they can get in or out of a gas station. And since the debate is about getting the most payload out of a gas engine platform I figure one is already thinking they are going to be at, if not over, whatever an SRW can handle. Seems to make the DRW the winner here regardless of fuel choice.
Getting a gas to get more payload, IMHO, is really a questionable way to get safety. Yes, you can probably get under the sticker on a gasser where you could not with a diesel, especially in a 250 because of the de-rate.
But, let's think about this for a second here. Yes, the gas engine is lighter. Almost all that weight, however, is on the front axle. I can't see how having a gas engine has much/any impact on the weight carried by the rear tires, which, of course, is where the actual potential problem is with a SRW vs DRW (there's a reason there aren't dually tires up front).
Add in the diesel having much more braking potential (engine brake), I can't see how anyone would be safer in a gasser vs diesel even if the "sticker" says so. Maybe safer from the law?
If you can make a DRW work, no matter what you're towing, that's what you should get. It's just a better towing experience, small trailer, big trailer, it's better and, of course, it gives you more options if/when you decide to upgrade.
If you can't make a DRW work, as long as you don't live in a state like mine, get a 350 SRW. The 250 is only for people who live in states that tax based on GVWR (and there's only a few of them). Yes, I'm aware they sell the heck out of them, but, for most people, they should really be buying a 350 SRW vs a 250.
If you can make a dually work, just go right to the 450. Better tires, better brakes, better turning radius, very little cost increase.
