Had an 05 2500 Mega cab with a Hemi in it. Around town we were lucky to get 10 MPG. Towing an 05 Jetta on a trailer we got between 6 & 8. [:@][:@][:@] Made for a very expensive move!

The Hemi just didn't seem to have enough power (IMO )to move all that truck. You'd be adding almost 2,000 lbs of weight to the truck you have now. With the same motor in it? It's just to much work for it.

(and before I get flamed...I have a Hemi in my Jeep right now...it has PLENTY of power...I just think the Mega cab was a stretch for the motor)

It will be interesting to see what happens to the price of used Mega cabs once they are no longer offered in production. With that fact and the fact you want to keep it for a while...try to get the CTD.

 

for what i use my truck for, the HEMI is great, but i agree for longevity and towing power(always better to have a lot more) you cant go wrong with the CTD. my next dodge will have a CTD in it.

 

If the big bucks are an issue, go with the Hemi but get a supertune chip and a fresh air kit. I was getting 12mpg around town and 19-20mpg on the interstate with 89 octane. Went down to 9 mpg pulling a 8k trailer which was a huge task for a straight 1500 quad cab, hemi had all the power i needed, the suspension left me white knuckle 75% of the time. That hemi got traded for an '07 3500 w/6.7. No more white knuckles

 

consider the better re-sale value of the Cummins Ram
consider the higher safety protection of the heavy vehicle with the 1200 lb engine up front
consider that the ULSD requirement is probably going to keep diesel about 15% more expensive than gasoline 'forever'
consider that there is some evidence that fine particles in diesel exhaust may cause health problems

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate all of the input. I'm still a little torn. I really want the diesel, but I'm not sure it is worth the extra money. Plus I would like to find a used one so I could save some of that $$$. And I would think a used mega 2500 diesel will be hard to find.

 

In my opinion unless you are towing/hauling huge loads everyday and plan on keeping your truck for 100K miles plus, it is very hard to justify a Diesel. Ipull some decent sized loads (14K Once, 9-10K once a month in the summer) with my 2500 Hemibut since I don't do it day in and day out, the little bit of fuel savings when loaded does not justify the extra up-front cost of the Diesel. The Cummins is an excellent engine and will outlast the truck with little input and has mega power. I have driven/pulled with both 5.9 and 6.7 and the both excel at these tasks and are rather whippy unloaded. If cash was not issue, I would have one but I am happy with the gasser for what I do.

 

I was looking for a diesel when I decided to pull the trigger on my hemi mega. When I sat down to do the math the hemi came out on top - The initial cost of a diesel is much higher- the cost of diesel is much higher- 35-43 cents more here in Dallas area today. Maintenance on a diesel is more expensive and if you are not towing a bunch of weight the Hemi will be fine - if you will be doing some towing then regear to 4.10's or 4.56's - that will help considerably in regards to towing and overall mpg.

Either way you go - the Mega Cab is great - let us know what you decide!

 

Hey Chongo, What kind of mileage do you get?

 

In stop and go traffic I can get as low as 9 up to about 10.5 - on the hwy at 65 I will get 14.5 or so - my best was 14.96 on a 600 mile trip.

 

Can I assume that was in 2wd not 4 at the time?