FishinGuy

Wow. 1st post.

I am looking at getting a new 08 Mega with the Laramie package. I will be using the truck for pulling trailers & campers as a part time job. I will get the new diesel with the 6 sp auto (I think this comes with the engine brake).

My questions are, dually or single? 4x4 or 4x2 ? what is the difference in mileage (empty vs towing), and maintenance. A friend of mine said he gets 21mpg empty and about 13mpg triple towing. He has 08 Mega 6 sp auto 4x2. Is this what others are seeing or is he blowing smoke?
Any other input would be great as I am just getting into this.
Thanks.

Evil Genius

Welcome FishinGuy:

A dually 4X2 will give you the best towing numbers (i.e. highest payload) although a quad cab's (or even reg cab's) numbers are even better than the Mega. A 2wd also has fewer parts for maintenance/replacement although many feel it is worth the tradeoff to have 4X4 capability (personal preference.) I think the DRW tow cap is about 16,500 with 4.10's and 13,500 with the standard 3.73 rearend.

Keep in mind that an '08 will have an entirely different powertrain than your buddy's '06 so your mileage won't be as good as his (although you'll have higher hp/torque and a 6 spd tranny ). The 6.7 has MY 2010 compliant emissions which adversely affects the mpg. The 4.10's will give you a little less mileage than the 3.73's.

The EB is standard which is great for towing. You'll need a quality aftermarket brake controller (prodigy(?)) A DRW probably has tow mirrors standard and a Laramie's will probably be heated/powered. I would think Navigation (either factory or aftermarket) would be a big plus if you're hotshotting around the country.

gsbrockman

Most leasing companies won't contract with you if you have a bed shorter than 8'. The MegaCab has a 6.25' bed, so a MegaCab may be outta the question.

I'd go 2wd Dually Quad Cab personally, based on your description of the future use of the truck.

I personally find 21 mpg empty and 13 mpg triple towing hard to believe.

scootertrash35

4x4 depends on where the majority of your driving will be,and if your pulling campers you may be empty half the time,i would get the auto with 3.42s

FishinGuy

Thanks for the input. Looks like I have a lot of things to consider before ordering a truck

I would like to just order it and get it coming, but I know I need to make good choices when spending that kind of money.

Thanks again.

If anyone else whats to chime in, I will be checking back.

spider_1954

I would go 4x4, QC, long bed, dually. I would not order the nav system but buy you a good garmin they are much better then the junk from dodge (I have both)

I would think that your mileage would be under 15 towing or empty dont expect much.

Factory nav is $2k + and garmin is around $600

4x4 when you need it, there is nothing like it, or you would have to call someone to get you moving again,, I would not get less then the 3.73's in the rear end and would think hard about the 4.10's

Order the block heater cord also!

Your buddy is just blowing smoke I think but then that is just my opinion!!!

Evil Genius

I'm pretty sure he's gonna be limited to 3.73 or 4.10 gears from the factory.

scootertrash35

i've already looked at a 08 mega drw g56 3.42s so im pretty sure it's an option

Evil Genius

Oh, right, I wasn't thinking about a handshaker.

Fisherguy

Welcome Fishinguy!


I'd deffinately get the 4x4 if towing, it doesn't take a whole lotta rain to turn some dirt into a sloppy mess when your moving a trailer around.

I prefer a standard tranny myself, but maybe the new 6 spd autos are better than the old ones which were always the weakest link, especially when adding some HP.

SRW or dually's is up to you, if you're towing a big heavy camper or one of those huge 5th wheels it might be an idea? I didn't want anything that big and wide, (mine goes into my garage) and there's more limitations to what you can do for bigger tires etc.

21 mpg empty? I got that only a couple times when it was stock, but keep in mind I'm also talking bigger Canadian gallons which works out to 17 per US gallon. I never believe people when they say they get over 20 MPG US, I average around 17-18 per Cdn.


ps
Where you fish?