Family is going to grow bigtime in 6 months (twins coming), due for a new truck soon too. Ticked off at Ford and was thinking of going for a "cummins" anyways. Am thinking the mega cab will work really good for us.
Thinking of possibly getting a standard this time around. Any pros or cons for either the manual or auto transmission? I do lots of highway driving, tow my travel trailer in the summer - currently a 5000# 23 TT but this may change soon too, may need a bigger camping unit too.
Just reading through the forums briefly and word around the interent - I see some speculation about the new 6.7L. Is this true or just uninformed people?
Other than that, thinking Laramie with 3.73 gears.
Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

I too was just in your shoes. I traded in my 2002 F*** F-250 powerpuff 6 speed for a 2006 3500 MegaCab CTD 6 speed and LOVE IT!! The main reason for me to switch manufactures was the Cummins engine, it is sweet and quiet (wife's request--and good pitch for new truck purchase) It is true that the new Cummins engine will be a 6.7L it puts out the same HP and torgue as the 5.9L. The reason for the 0.8L increase from what I understand is to make up for all of the emissions equipment place upon them. The other cool thing is this truck drives like my 98' Toy Tacoma (sporty). It also rides 100x better than my 2002 F*** F-250, that thing rode like a lumber wagon . Anyway just my 2 cents. By the way they are still having 0% for 60 months until 10/31/06.

 

Mega is a awesome truck for the interior room. The G56 Manual is geared a little lower than the NV5600 was. At 70 mph you will be running at 2200rpm. I average 18.2 MPG at this speed. The powerband is perfect for towing at this speed and at lower speeds because of the gearing. The G56 is fun to drive also. The new 6.7l is going to be a great engine from Cummins. Everything that they put out on the market is tested until failure and then built back up and tested somemore. This engine has been in use in heavier applications for around 2 years so I think that the bugs if any will be worked out. The new 6speed Orion transmission that will be full electronically controlled will be out at the first of the year. I would bet that this will make the Cummins/Dodge an even better Combo than it already is. Oh and welcome to DTR!!! Hang around here and read up on everythin that you may have questions about. Let us all know what you end up doing!!!!????

JB

 

Oh- - - - the 6.7L will be at 360HP and 660TQ in the automatic, and 325HP and 610TQ for the G56 Manual!

 

Close. The new 6.7L is rated 350 h.p. and 650 lb-ft when mated to the 6-speed automatic tranny.

 

That's right the Cheby and the Turd are going/are rated at 360 660- - - - -Man what is Cummins thinking !!!! At least the Big C will make it past the 7 year 100,000 mile Warrenty!

 

I think the Ford is 350/650 also. Only the Chevy is 360/660. Who cares, 10 hp and torque is nothing.

 

True. These are just the numbers games they play.

I love my Mega Cab. I was thinking about the QC and now I am really glad I just stepped up to the Mega. That extra room is perfect. I also love the 6spd. I would like a better set of axle gears which I know are in the works. Untill then I am still happy with my truck.
Let us know what you end up with, and another "Welcome to the site" from me.

 

My wife and I love our Megacab also. We are a family of 3 (for now) and have a couple large dogs and the cab is perfect for those times we drag the travel trailer to the campgrounds. Sometimes we have my monster-in-law with us and there's still plenty of room inside.

We have an auto with the 3.73's. I would have bought the 6-speed manual if it was only me driving it, but since my wife drives it also (and she loves to drive it) the auto was better for us.

If you buy soon you may still find a 5.9L on the lot ('06 or early '07). After the 1st of the year the new 6.7L will be on the lots. If you go that route be sure to drive one with the new 6-speed automatic tranny before deciding. Good luck!

 

Welcome to the board.

I also love my megacab and decided to buy this year before the new engine and emissions stuff. My 2 daughters and dog love the room.
Love the mileage with our 5th wheel attached. I have the auto and think it is great. RPM's are higher on the stick from what I have read so if you like to cruise at higher speed this might be a consideration.

Strea

 

Well, took a manual trans mega out for a drive last night. Man do I like that!!
Found the standard kinda clunky (of course my only other manual trans experience is with sporty import cars) but I won't mind it. I'm usually driving on the highway over 75% of the time so I don't think the manual will be an issue, sure wouldn't get it if I was doing alot of big city driving.
Does the standard still get better mileage than the auto?
Gonna take the "boss" for a drive in both and go from there!
Thanks for all the info so far and hoping to join the club!