2020 Dually Trucks For Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Heavy-Duty Hauling

2020 Dually Trucks For Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Heavy-Duty Hauling cars.truckstrend.com

In the world of serious towing and immense payloads, few vehicles command respect like the dually truck. With their distinctive dual rear wheels on each side, these heavy-duty behemoths are engineered for stability, strength, and an unparalleled capacity to move mountains – or at least very large trailers. While brand-new models offer the latest innovations, the 2020 dually truck market presents a compelling proposition for those seeking robust capability without the premium new-vehicle price tag. This comprehensive guide will navigate the landscape of 2020 dually trucks for sale, helping you understand their appeal, what to look for, and how to make an informed purchase.

Why Choose a 2020 Dually Truck?

2020 Dually Trucks For Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Heavy-Duty Hauling

The year 2020 marked a significant point in the evolution of heavy-duty trucks, with many manufacturers introducing refreshed designs, upgraded powertrains, and advanced technology. This makes 2020 dually trucks a sweet spot in the used market – they’re modern enough to boast contemporary features and impressive performance, yet they’ve depreciated enough to offer substantial value.

Key Benefits of a 2020 Dually:

• Superior Towing Capacity: This is the dually’s primary superpower. Dual rear wheels distribute weight more effectively, allowing for significantly higher Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) compared to single rear wheel (SRW) trucks. This is crucial for pulling large fifth-wheel campers, heavy equipment trailers, or multi-car haulers.
• Enhanced Stability: The wider stance provided by the extra wheels dramatically improves stability, especially when battling crosswinds or navigating uneven terrain with a heavy load. This translates to a more confident and safer towing experience.
• Increased Payload Capacity: Beyond towing, duallies can carry more weight in their beds, making them ideal for hauling heavy materials, slide-in campers, or commercial equipment.
• Durability and Longevity: Built for strenuous work, 2020 dually trucks often feature robust frames, heavy-duty suspensions, and powerful diesel engines designed for hundreds of thousands of miles of reliable service.
• Modern Features at a Discount: Many 2020 models offer advanced infotainment systems, driver-assist technologies (like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring), integrated trailer brake controllers, and sophisticated camera systems, all at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new equivalent.



• Value Retention: While new vehicles depreciate rapidly, 2020 duallies have already absorbed the initial drop, making them a more stable investment in the long run, especially given their utility.

Key Manufacturers and Their 2020 Dually Offerings

Three major players dominate the heavy-duty truck segment, each offering a compelling 2020 dually option:

Ford F-350/F-450 Super Duty Dually

Ford’s Super Duty lineup received significant updates for 2020, including a new 7.3L "Godzilla" V8 gasoline engine option and an updated 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine. The diesel, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, offered class-leading torque and towing figures. The F-450, exclusively a dually, boasts the highest conventional and fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing capacities in Ford’s lineup.

• Highlights: Impressive diesel power, robust frame, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, extensive trim levels from XL to Platinum.

Ram 3500 Dually

Ram continued its strong showing in 2020 with the Heavy Duty lineup, known for its luxurious interiors and formidable Cummins turbo diesel engine. The 2020 Ram 3500 dually offered two versions of the 6.7L Cummins: a standard output and a high-output variant with groundbreaking torque figures. Ram’s coil-spring rear suspension (on some models) provided a surprisingly comfortable unladen ride for a heavy-duty truck.

• Highlights: Segment-leading interior quality (especially on higher trims), legendary Cummins reliability, available Mega Cab for maximum rear passenger space.

Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Dually / GMC Sierra 3500 HD Dually

Both GM trucks saw a complete redesign for 2020, featuring bold new styling, an updated 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel V8, and an all-new 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. The 2020 models significantly increased towing capacities and introduced innovative trailering technologies like up to 15 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view.

• Highlights: All-new design for 2020, powerful Duramax/Allison combo, advanced trailering tech, distinct styling between Chevy (bold, aggressive) and GMC (refined, professional).

What to Look For When Buying a Used 2020 Dually

Purchasing a used heavy-duty truck requires a meticulous approach. Here’s what to prioritize:

• Maintenance Records: This is paramount, especially for diesel engines. Look for consistent oil changes, fuel filter replacements, DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) refills (if applicable), transmission fluid services, and documented repairs. A well-maintained dually will serve you for many more years.
• Towing History and Usage: Ask the seller about the truck’s primary use. Was it a daily driver, a commercial hauler, or a weekend RV puller? Inspect the hitch receiver, fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch, and suspension components for signs of excessive wear or abuse. Commercial use often means higher mileage but potentially more diligent maintenance.
• Engine & Transmission Health:
  • Diesel: Listen for unusual noises, check for excessive smoke (a little on startup is normal, but not continuous), and ensure smooth idle and acceleration. Check for oil leaks around the engine and turbocharger.
  • Transmission: Ensure smooth shifts, no slipping, and proper engagement in all gears. Test under load if possible.
• Tires: Duallies require specific tires designed for heavy loads. Check the condition of all six tires. Uneven wear can indicate alignment issues or suspension problems. Remember, replacing six heavy-duty tires can be costly.
• Frame and Suspension: Inspect the frame for cracks, bends, or significant rust. Check leaf springs, coil springs, shocks, and airbags (if equipped) for damage or leaks.
• Brakes: Test the brakes thoroughly. Warped rotors or worn pads are common on heavy trucks.
• Recalls: Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the manufacturer’s website to see if any safety recalls are outstanding.
• Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): Always, always, always invest in a professional pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic specializing in heavy-duty trucks. They can identify potential issues that are not visible to the untrained eye.

Understanding Dually Specifications and Features

Knowing the terminology and available features will help you match a 2020 dually to your specific needs.

• Towing Capacity:
  • Conventional Towing: The weight a truck can pull from its bumper hitch.
  • Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck Towing: The weight a truck can pull from a hitch mounted in the bed, allowing for much higher capacities. Duallies excel here.
• Payload Capacity: The maximum weight a truck can carry, including passengers, cargo in the bed, and the tongue weight of a conventional trailer or pin weight of a fifth-wheel/gooseneck.
• Engine Options:
  • Diesel: The dominant choice for duallies due to their immense torque, better fuel economy under load, and longevity. The 2020 models typically feature updated versions of the Ford Power Stroke, Ram Cummins, and GM Duramax.
  • Gasoline: Less common in duallies, but options like Ford’s 7.3L "Godzilla" V8 for 2020 offered competitive power for those who prefer gas or don’t need the absolute highest towing capacities.
• Transmission: Most 2020 duallies are equipped with robust automatic transmissions, such as Ford’s 10-speed TorqShift, Ram’s Aisin (for high-output Cummins), and GM’s 10-speed Allison.
• Trim Levels: From basic work-truck trims (e.g., Ford XL, Ram Tradesman, Chevy WT) to luxurious models (e.g., Ford Platinum/King Ranch, Ram Laramie Longhorn/Limited, GMC Denali), trim levels dramatically affect interior features, comfort, and price.
• Technology Features: Look for integrated trailer brake controllers, exhaust brakes (crucial for controlling heavy loads on descents), advanced camera systems (360-degree, cargo bed, trailer views), infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and driver-assist safety features.

Pricing Considerations for 2020 Dually Trucks

The price of a used 2020 dually can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Manufacturer and Model: Ford F-450s generally command higher prices due to their specialized capability.
• Trim Level: High-end trims like Denali, Platinum, or Limited will be considerably more expensive than base work trucks.
• Mileage: Lower mileage typically means a higher price, assuming condition is good.
• Condition: A well-maintained truck with minimal cosmetic damage will fetch more.
• Engine Type: Diesel duallies are almost always more expensive than gasoline variants.
• Region: Prices can fluctuate based on demand and availability in different geographic areas.
• Dealer vs. Private Seller: Dealers often have higher prices but may offer warranties or financing options.

Be prepared to negotiate, especially with private sellers. Research comparable listings online to get a realistic sense of market value.

Practical Advice and Actionable Insights

1. Define Your Needs: Before you start shopping, clearly define what you need the dually for. What is the maximum weight you plan to tow or haul? How often will you use it? This will help narrow down the required capacity and features.
2. Set a Realistic Budget: Factor in not just the purchase price, but also potential sales tax, registration, insurance, higher fuel costs (especially for diesel), and maintenance.
3. Research Specific Model Issues: While generally reliable, every vehicle has common quirks or potential issues. Research forums and owner groups for the specific 2020 model you’re considering (e.g., "2020 F-350 common problems").
4. Test Drive Thoroughly: Don’t just drive it around the block. Take it on the highway, test the brakes, listen for unusual noises, and ideally, if you have a heavy trailer, test it with a load.
5. Consider Aftermarket Add-ons: Many dually owners add aftermarket air springs, upgraded hitches, or auxiliary fuel tanks. Factor these into your budget if you need them.

Price Table: Average Used 2020 Dually Truck Prices (Estimated)

Manufacturer/Model	Engine Type	Trim Level Range	Average Price Range (USD)	Key Features/Notes
Ford F-350 Dually	6.7L Power Stroke Diesel	XL – Platinum	$45,000 – $80,000+	High towing and payload, 10-speed auto, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, available new 7.3L "Godzilla" Gas V8. Price varies heavily by trim and mileage.
Ford F-450 Dually	6.7L Power Stroke Diesel	XLT – Limited	$60,000 – $95,000+	Exclusively dually, highest towing capacity for Ford, larger brakes, wider front axle for tighter turning radius. Typically higher-end trims.
Ram 3500 Dually	6.7L Cummins Diesel	Tradesman – Limited	$45,000 – $85,000+	Luxurious interiors, legendary Cummins reliability (standard & high-output options), available Mega Cab, Uconnect infotainment.
Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Dually	6.6L Duramax Diesel	WT – High Country	$42,000 – $80,000+	All-new for 2020, bold styling, 10-speed Allison transmission, advanced trailering camera system, comfortable ride.
GMC Sierra 3500 HD Dually	6.6L Duramax Diesel	Sierra – Denali	$45,000 – $85,000+	All-new for 2020, premium feel, multi-pro tailgate, similar powertrain to Chevy, exclusive Denali trim luxury.
Ford F-350 Dually	7.3L "Godzilla" Gas V8	XL – Lariat	$38,000 – $55,000+	Good alternative for less frequent heavy towing, lower initial cost, simpler maintenance than diesel. Limited availability for dually.

Note: Prices are highly variable based on mileage, condition, specific features, geographic location, and market demand. These are general estimates for well-maintained used vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why buy a dually instead of a single rear wheel (SRW) truck?
A: Duallies offer significantly higher towing and payload capacities, vastly superior stability when hauling heavy loads, and a wider contact patch for better traction and braking. If you’re regularly towing a large fifth-wheel, gooseneck, or heavy equipment, a dually is safer and more capable.

Q: Are 2020 dually trucks good for daily driving?
A: While they can be, duallies are large and less maneuverable than SRW trucks. Their wider stance makes navigating tight city streets, parking lots, and drive-thrus challenging. Fuel economy is also generally lower, especially unladen. They truly shine when put to work.

Q: What’s the typical fuel economy for a 2020 dually?
A: Fuel economy varies greatly depending on the engine (diesel typically gets better mileage than gas, especially under load), driving conditions, and whether you’re towing. Unladen, a diesel dually might average 14-18 MPG, while a gas model might be 10-14 MPG. When towing heavy loads, these figures will drop significantly.

Q: What’s the difference between an F-350 dually and an F-450 dually?
A: The F-450 (and its Ram/GM equivalents, though less common as separate models) is typically a more specialized dually. It often comes with a wider front axle for a tighter turning radius, larger brakes, and sometimes a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) right off the lot, making it the king of factory towing. The F-350 dually is incredibly capable but typically has slightly lower maximum ratings than the F-450.

Q: Should I get a gas or diesel dually?
A: For most dually owners, diesel is the preferred and recommended choice. Diesel engines provide superior torque, which is essential for heavy hauling, better fuel economy under load, and renowned longevity. Gasoline duallies are less common and typically chosen if the buyer has a lower budget, tows less frequently, or prefers simpler maintenance (no DEF). However, for maximum capability and efficiency when towing, diesel is king.

Conclusion

The 2020 dually truck market offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire a powerful, reliable, and technologically capable heavy-duty vehicle without the full cost of a brand-new model. Whether you’re a full-time RVer, a commercial contractor, or simply need the peace of mind that comes with immense towing and hauling capacity, a 2020 Ford Super Duty, Ram Heavy Duty, or Chevy/GMC HD dually can be the perfect partner. By understanding the models, knowing what to inspect, and making an informed decision, you can find a dually that will faithfully serve your heavy-duty needs for years to come. Happy hunting for your ultimate hauling machine!