[norfla71]

I'm planning on a year long family trip to see our history, rather than just read about it. Though our trips won't be more than 7-8 hours, with 2 growing kids, 2 arthrtic adults and 2 small dogs, the once adequate quad is no longer that adequate. I've always wanted a Mega, but could not find a good one in my price range when I bought the quad. This should be an easy questions to answer; just bite the bullet. However, I have some concerns as to wether the purchase is feasible. Looking at a 4th gen dually, don't care if SLT or Laramie. Trailer is a smaller toy hauler fiver; still about 7 tons GVW (probably won't be much over 13k)

We are both working full time, but will semi-retire for a year, being strapped to a fixed income; however, we are not planning on doing this until September of 2019, so there is some time. Even if I bought now, we would still have a rather sizeable payment for that year. I've done some research; even basic 3rd gen SLT's are still pretty high. Mine needs some work (new trans, about $8k; new turbo, about $2500 (2nd gen swap or compound the 351; cost is a wash); dually conversion about $3k; hitch about $800 (B&W with an Anderson Ultimate); EB about $1200, plus studs. Total is pretty close to $16k, or a nice down payment on a Mega. Other than the stated issues, the truck is pretty sound.

So, back to the question; should I keep what I have or upgrade? Is the larger cab worth the cost of having more comfortable passengers (better front seats and the ability to recline further on the passenger side without hitting any legs, and recline for both rear passengers)? Does it make the towing experience that much better? What would you do?

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Why a dually???

You have no need for it with the trailer you are talking about towing.

 

[Mr Shoer]

Go for it. It's only money.

 

[seery]

Without a doubt, the MEGA would make your trip so much more pleasant.

 

[norfla71]

Why a dually???

You have no need for it with the trailer you are talking about towing.

Plan on a much larger fiver in the future, possibly 16k GVW; I also like the margain of safety and stability 2 extra tires brings, regardless of weight.

Checked out an Aisin with 4.10 gearing; that thing is a beast.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Plan on a much larger fiver in the future, possibly 16k GVW; I also like the margain of safety and stability 2 extra tires brings, regardless of weight.

Checked out an Aisin with 4.10 gearing; that thing is a beast.

Each to his own but the 2500 mega cab will even tow a 16K GVWR trailer, it's rated even higher than that, over 17K actually. And with the available rear air suspension it will make for a really smooth ride for those family trips.

 

[simplysmn]

a newer Crewcab3500 SRW Longbed would be Just fine . Being you have a Longbed 08 Go Test drive a Crewcab we had a 11 3500 srw and it handled just fine hauled a load up to upper Wash. State and didn't have any troubles with 13,500 on the trailer If your going to be sitting in Back seat and really have to Lean back then by all mean's get a Mega cab but if your the driver the Crewcab has Plenty of room for grown Adult's to travel on long trip's .Best bet is go Test drive a newer truck you will see how nice they really are .

 

[smok'em]

Hard to beat the reclining rear seats and the spacious cab of the manivan aka Megacab. I just don't see the extra tires being necessary but to each its own. Less traction in snow (if at all important) 2 extra tires= caching, harsher ride, parking space issues and the added cost at toll booths would most def steer me away from owning one. They look wicked cook, love them, just can't justify owning one.
Best of luck with your decision and the trip, I have been wanting to do something like that for the last 15 years...

 

[TriBeard]

I think a Mega 2500 with air suspension would be your best bet. The Mega does only get you an inch or two for rear leg room. The rest is in storage behind the seats and the ability of the back seat to recline.

A 2500 will tow either of the trailers you are talking about, and give you a better ride, particularly while empty/lightly loaded. A dually is a little more stable, and if you are considering a 5th wheel more than about 14000-15000 you may need a 3500 anyway, depending on how much pin weight they have. However, the two less tires will save you fuel and tire cost as well.

 

[norfla71]

I want the bigger cab, always have. After the kids leave the nest the seat will be folded flat and a matress placed on it for the wife to stretch out and take a nap. We have a Grand Caravan and the kids love being able to recline the seats. I've sat in both, and can say I still don't think the crew has enough room (more than a quad, but at this price point I'm getting what I want). I also like the ability to store crap behind the seats; kids always seem to have a ton of it that just kind of winds up on the floor in the quad. So far, I haven't heard a single owner say they should have bought the crew instead; good enough endorsement for me.

Always wanted a dually, and may need it, depending on which fiver we get. Some are rather heavy when loaded, and have over 3k tongue with generator. Opinions vary on the whole single/dual debate (some swear by singles, others say they would never tow heavy without them again). Personally, I'm buying an HD truck, and ride comfort is not at the top of my priority list (or fuel economy, for that matter). Considering how much time I have to decide, we may also change our minds about a bigger rig and decide to pull a classic trailer or Airstream instead, which we could pull with a 6.4 2500 (17k rated with 4.10 axle, over 3k payload).

No snow, ever, for us; we both have several health issues that cold weather makes 10x worse. We plan on south Florida living during colder months.

If your toll booth is charging by the tire, you're getting screwed; in FL were charged by the axle. Saying that, the ransom can jump 3 to 4 times at some bridges if you're towing a fiver, and they're now talking about doubling the fee at our local one (a fiver may push $20 if the increase happens).

 

[wixthedog]

I made the jump and am very happy about it, my 3 boys (7 year olds) love it as well.

A 3rd gen Mega is equal to a 4th gen Crew. A 4th gen Mega is massive and provides tons of interior room and as long as you can deal with a short bed I think you will be happy.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

A 3rd gen Mega is equal to a 4th gen Crew.

Do what???

Mega cab is the same size it has always been.

 

[frosty42]

I went from a Quad Cab to a Crew Cab and now I have the Mega.

For the trip you are planning, a Mega is well worth it. Your family will be comfortable and you will have your sanity because everyone is content.

I did multple long trips in my old Quad Cab with four passengers (sometimes 5) and it was only a matter of time before the mood inside quickly went downhill.

The trip you are planning will be epic regardless of which truck you choose.

 

[seery]

The Mega does only get you an inch or two for rear leg room. The rest is in storage behind the seats and the ability of the back seat to recline.

Actually it's 3" of additional leg room. May not seem like much...

But for grown adults, it's the difference between riding comfortable, and riding in comfort! :thumbsup:

 

[Gadgetman]

I just sold my 2005 Quad Cab and bought a 2013 Mega.
We love it,we have 2 kids,and 2 large dogs,and a toyhauler in the near future.arty018:
I say go Mega......

 

[norfla71]

I like everything about the 4th gens except the price; even a base 6.4 is pushing $45k, add the diesel with the Aisin and it's over $12k more. If this is the biggest trailer we get, I'm getting a 6.4. Sad, really, as I've owned several diesels over the years, but they are getting incredibly expensive to own and repair, especially with component longevity (turbo, mine lasted about 90,000 and DPF, which lasted about 45,000, cost Dodge nearly $3,500 parts and labor and took a week to get, fortunately under warranty. Then add in the $1 or more per gallon difference and the DEF; no thanks). A gasser may not get as good mileage unloaded, but loaded is similar (single digits either way), and I can still get pretty good unloaded with old fashioned good driving. A gasser may also not last as long as a diesel, but am not concerned, since I've seen 5.7 Hemi's with over 300,000 still running strong in HD trucks pulling anywhere from 7-10,000 full time. It may struggle a bit in the mountains, but we won't be pulling there full time, so not that much of a concern. We can also cut back on the crap we haul in the rig, probably dumping another 1,000 pounds, bringing it under 11,000 dry.

A bit off topic, but there's a point; she really wants a classic bumper pull or older Airstream for retirement, and the family trip will only be a year, the diesel would be too much of everything for our needs. The Mega, however, is needed without question.

 

[norfla71]

Actually it's 3" of additional leg room. May not seem like much...

But for grown adults, it's the difference between riding comfortable, and riding in comfort! :thumbsup:

Compared to the quad, the Mega has about a foot more legroom; well beyond the 2-3" quoted, and jump up to near limo legroom. Either of us can fully recline the passenger seat and actually sleep while the kid on that side can still relax, read or whatever; a feat currently impossible with the quad.

 

[seery]

A gasser may not get as good mileage unloaded, but loaded is similar (single digits either way), and I can still get pretty good unloaded with old fashioned good driving.

I'd have to disagree with both those statements.

On long road trips, we consistently get 22.5 - 23.0 MPG by seting the cruise at 55mph. You won't come close to touching that with a 3500 gasser.

And similair MPG's towing??? We haul our horse trailer around and get better MPG's towing that than most gassers get running empty.

 

[NLF]

It all comes down to preference and what you want to spend.

I picked up a 14 megacab ctd a week ago and couldn't be happier. I have had F150 ecoboosts for the last two trucks and love the size of the ram. Long trips will never be the same.

 

[sospd]

We went from an 06 quad to a 13 crew and just moved again into a 13 Mega. The Mega is way more comfortable than either previous trucks. Buy the Mega and you will not regret it By far the best truck Ive ever had !