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Single Rear Wheel Diesel Trucks for Sale Under $50K (2025 Buyer’s Guide) GuideMechanic.Com When you need serious towing power, fuel efficiency, and long-term durability—but want to avoid the bulk of a dually (dual rear wheel) setup—a single rear wheel (SRW) diesel truck is the perfect balance.
The good news? You don’t have to spend $70,000+ on a brand-new one. There are plenty of diesel SRW trucks under $50,000 on the market that still have plenty of power, life, and utility to offer.
See Also: Short Bed 4×4 Trucks for Sale Under $20K
In this complete guide, we’ll break down:
- Why SRW diesel trucks are in high demand
- What features matter most
- Where to find them
- And a price comparison table to help you shop with confidence
Single Rear Wheel Diesel Trucks for Sale Under $50K (2025 Buyer’s Guide)
Why Choose a Single Rear Wheel Diesel Truck?
While dual rear wheel (DRW) trucks are great for extreme loads and fifth-wheel towing, SRW diesel trucks are ideal for everyday use with serious work potential. Here’s why buyers love them:
- More maneuverable than DRW trucks
- Easier to park, especially in urban settings
- Better fuel economy than gas or dually counterparts
- Higher resale value in some markets
- Still capable of towing 10,000–18,000 lbs depending on spec
Whether you’re a rancher, contractor, RV hauler, or weekend warrior, an SRW diesel offers excellent power without the added size or maintenance of a dually.
Top Single Rear Wheel Diesel Trucks Under $50K (2025 Picks)
Here’s a curated list of reliable SRW diesel trucks commonly available in the used market for under $50,000. These models are selected for their powertrains, build quality, and value retention.
| Model | Year | Mileage | Engine | Drivetrain | Estimated Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT | 2019 | 80,000 miles | 6.7L Power Stroke V8 | 4×4 | $47,800 | Tow pkg, SYNC, crew cab, 18K towing |
| Ram 2500 Tradesman | 2020 | 75,000 miles | 6.7L Cummins I6 | 4×4 | $48,500 | Factory exhaust brake, gooseneck-ready |
| Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT | 2018 | 85,000 miles | 6.6L Duramax V8 | 4×4 | $46,900 | Z71 package, backup cam, crew cab |
| GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE | 2019 | 90,000 miles | 6.6L Duramax V8 | 4×4 | $45,500 | Remote start, power seats, spray-in bedliner |
| Ford F-350 SRW Lariat | 2017 | 95,000 miles | 6.7L Power Stroke V8 | 4×4 | $49,500 | Leather interior, FX4 pkg, trailer assist |
| Ram 3500 SRW Big Horn | 2018 | 100,000 miles | 6.7L Cummins I6 | 4×4 | $44,800 | Long bed, tow pkg, clean Carfax |
| Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X Diesel | 2019 | 60,000 miles | 5.0L Cummins V8 | 4×4 | $42,000 | Lower payload, off-road trim, unique platform |
Note: Prices vary by region and dealer. Always inspect the bed type, towing package, and mileage.
Single Rear Wheel Diesel Trucks for Sale Under $50K (2025 Buyer’s Guide)
What to Look for in a Used SRW Diesel Truck
Buying used diesel trucks involves a few extra steps compared to gas models. Here’s what to watch out for when shopping under $50K:
1. Engine Type
Most diesel SRW trucks are powered by one of three legendary engines:
- Ford 6.7L Power Stroke – Smooth, quiet, strong towing
- Ram 6.7L Cummins I6 – Durable, great engine braking, better MPG
- Chevy/GMC 6.6L Duramax – Strong powerband and Allison transmission pairing
- All three are excellent—choose based on your driving style and parts availability in your area.
2. Towing Equipment
Look for:
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Gooseneck or 5th-wheel prep package
- Tow mirrors and backup assist cameras
- Transmission cooler or exhaust brake
3. Emissions System Condition
Diesel trucks from 2008+ have emissions systems (DEF, DPF, EGR). Replacements are expensive. Make sure:
- No check engine lights
- DEF levels are maintained
- Regeneration cycles are working properly
4. Service Records
- Diesel maintenance is essential. Ideally, look for:
- Oil changes every 5k–7k miles
- Fuel filter changes every 15k–20k
- Transmission fluid changes at 60k–100k
Where to Buy SRW Diesel Trucks Under $50K
Here are the best places to look in 2025:
Commercial Truck Dealers
- Many sell off-lease trucks with full maintenance history. Great for work-ready units.
Used Truck Marketplaces
Try:
- CarGurus, Autotrader, Cars.com – Use filters: Diesel, SRW, Under $50K
- Facebook Marketplace – Great for local deals (always inspect first!)
- GovDeals or IronPlanet – Government/fleet trucks often sold at lower prices
Private Sellers
- You might score a well-maintained truck with fewer fees. Always request service records and get a pre-purchase inspection.
SRW vs. DRW: Which Is Right for You?
| Feature | SRW (Single Rear Wheel) | DRW (Dual Rear Wheel) |
|---|---|---|
| Maneuverability | Easier to park and handle | Wider rear axle, harder to park |
| Bed width | Standard bed width | May require flatbed for full use |
| Maintenance | Fewer tires = lower costs | More tires, more upkeep |
| Towing capacity | 12k–18k lbs (approx.) | 14k–24k lbs or more |
| Fuel economy | Better than dually | Worse, due to weight and drag |
For most buyers not towing 5th-wheel RVs or extreme equipment, SRW diesel trucks offer the perfect balance of capability and convenience.
Modifications to Consider (Post-Purchase)
Want to upgrade your used SRW diesel truck? Here are some smart mods under $2,000:
- Upgraded tow mirrors with blind spot indicators
- Tuner/programmer for fuel efficiency and towing modes (emissions-legal only)
- Bed liner or tonneau cover
- Air suspension assist kits for better ride under load
- LED lighting upgrades for safer night towing
Why SRW Diesels Hold Their Value
In 2025, demand for diesel work trucks remains high due to:
- Lower supply of new diesels (stricter emissions laws)
- Higher cost of new HD trucks ($70K–$90K new)
- Contractors and fleet buyers preferring proven platforms
Buying used under $50K lets you avoid heavy depreciation, while still owning a capable truck that’s good for another 100,000+ miles with proper care.
Final Thoughts: Big Power, Smart Price
If you want diesel performance without the footprint of a dually, a single rear wheel diesel truck under $50K is one of the best values in the used truck market.
With high towing capacity, proven reliability, and improved fuel economy, SRW diesels from Ford, Ram, Chevy, and GMC continue to deliver long-term performance at an affordable price.
Whether you’re hauling equipment, towing your trailer, or building your fleet—there’s a tough, reliable SRW diesel truck that fits your budget and your needs.
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