Jim in Wisconsin here. After selling my 06 3500 dully,due to a split with significant other] I now find I need a truck again. I am looking at an 2008- Mega Cab with a 5.7 Hemi in it. It is the 1500 but when I need more towing capabilities I have been told that I can upgrade the amount it will safely tow. & that it is a relativly easy fix. The Mega-Cab in question only has 12-K on the clock and I can get it for $20,000 + tax and plates of course. I can't seem to find anyone with knowledge about this truck. Down the road I hope to beef-up the nessesary suspention to allow me to pull a small 5th wheel toy hauler.
Please if anyone can help me make an informative decision about buying this truck with 21/2 years and 24-K miles left on the bumper -bumper warrenty on the truck. I NEED HELP! From those of you in the know.
Please email me at [ trikerjim@sbcglobal.net ] or call me at 262-914-5105,

THANKS IN ADVANCE=== CONFUSED JIM IN WISCONSIN

 

I dont know if it is an issue with you, but that Mega with a Hemi is going to get horrible gas milage, especially when towing.

 

You may look at the Cummins trucks... I saw an ad locally for a new '08 Mega 4x4 Cummins with a MSRP of 46k that they were really wanting gone...for 23k!

Now is the time to buy diesel for sure. I'm sure you know all the benefits, but the fuel mileage (especially pulling your toy hauler) will be much better with the Cummins, better resale, suspension already upgraded for you, etc

--Eric

 

A Honda Ridgeline has more carrying capacity than a Mega 1500. I'm serious, look it up if you don't believe me.

 

The Hemi is powerful but it'll never be a Cummins, and like the prior posters said, when it comes to fuel mileage you aren't going to like it. Look for either a used Cummins or a dirt cheap new 08, there a dime a dozen these days.

 

Get The Diesel And Don't Look Back

 

The Honda Ridgeline has more RATED payload capacity than a 2500 Cummins Diesel Megacab. How often do you plan to tow, what weight? If your towing over 8Klbs more than 1 time a week, I would say your require the Diesel. If you tow once a month and it is under 8K lbs, then you can survive with the Hemi. You just have to realize that the new truck will not have the capabilities of a 3500 Dually Diesel.

 

has the same tranny as a durango

 

Megacab with the Cummins is where it is at. Megacabs are heavy, and will get less than desirable mileage with a HEMI. Don't skimp on your tow rig, the diesel will work so much better, and will make your pulling time alot nicer. More control going up and down big hills and they will keep running. HEMI's are nice for light stuff, but the Cummins will shine. I am sure you already know all this though, being a former owner. Scotty

 

Better to have too much truck than too much trailer.

 

Not true. Get the diesel if you are towing a 5th wheel, end of story.

 

If you consider a gear swap "Easy" then yes. It's expensive though.
I can believe about the low payload capacity too. My truck squatted when I hooked my empty trailer to it. Timbrens helped that immensely. Now it barely squats even with the trailer fully loaded....
A truck with a Hemi is really just a car with a bed......

 

I bought an '03 Quad 1500 with a hemi. HATED it from the time I drove it off the lot. Kept it 9 months & went back to diesel. Awful mileage. The new ones have that feature that turns off some cylinders so they get better. Why a mega cab? Do you really need that much space? IMO, a quad will do just fine. A quad hemi 1500 would lkely do you if you don't plan on towing often or far.

 

I`m pretty sure the 1500 Megas don`t have the 8-to-4-cylinder mode thingy....

I don`t think you`ll be happy with a Hemi in one of these trucks though...esp. if you tow ANYTHING.

 

I just looked at dodge.com and they make no differentiation between the hemi in the mega and in any other cab style. Says it has the MDS which makes it a "fuel sipper". Ha! 390hp.