Towing vehicle cunundrum

proxim2020 wrote:

njdad2016 wrote:

Hi and thank you. I am considering another X - there's just something about paying 20-30k for a 15 year old truck with over 100k miles, just bcs they're dinosaurs. Technology has advanced quite a bit and I'm sure newer 3/4 and 1ton vehicles offer better everything than the good ol X, with the exception of putting it all together in one package. Probably go check out the Dodge ram Mega cab... have to see the specks and get a good look at that extra space behind the bench seat.

As far as vans, I also need a 4x4 - are the new ones 4wheel or not? The Nissan HD ones are not - I like those boxy things though.

The mega cabs have a lot of legroom in the back. You get an additional 3 inches of legroom over the crew cab configuration. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a lot of space. Enough space to comfortably get back there and help kids with their seat belts if need be. There's about 10 inches of space behind the seats at the floor level, enough to stick groceries back there.

When it comes to the gas vs diesel, really both can pull your current trailer and an average sized 5th wheel. A 6.4L mega cab with 4.10's tops out around 15,500 on the tow capacity. Crew cab configuration are closer to 16k. I would take a hard look to evaluate if you really "need" a diesel because it is a lot of money upfront. Currently the 6.7L is a $9,200 option and a $11,895 option if you go crazy and mate it with the AISIN transmission.

Take a look at the weights of 5th wheels you would like to own in the future. If the weights max out around 14k or less then you probably get away with the gas and save the money. That $9k would buy a lot of gas and pay for a lot of trips. If they're 16k+ then you're better off futureproofing yourself and getting the diesel.

Yes - future proofing is the word of the day... if only was that easy! :)

I appreciate you getting to the core of my issue. Rams are nice - I really like what they've done and they're a bit cheaper compared to the other big boys.
As much as I like the stones of a diesel, the price tag and planned use makes them illogical. I just want to make sure payloads are accommodating, as towing capacity can look great, but these large things are heavy, and the payload suffers. Any idea (anyone) about the payload difference in the same configuration Ram (2500 or 3500 Mega) with 6.4l gas vs the 6.7L diesel?