New tow vehicle

Noodlearm · Jul 12, 2006

Just purchased a new Ram 3500 Mega Cab as my new vehicle to tow with and use as my every day driver. Towed my CK30 once with it and pulled it great, so much different than the times I used an F150 or Ram 1500. Already put about 1800 miles on it in just 2 1/2 weeks, last tanks I hand calculated 17.55 MPG. That was with no towing and mostly highway miles to and from work. I really like the Mega Cab, its huge. Only downside is for those looking for a long bed or dually as its not available in the Mega. Rear seats actually recline and a 6'4 person can fit back their with ease. Mine is an SLT, the Lariats were very nice but just couldn't justify spending that much more money. I purchased after test driving all 3 brands, I didn't really have a huge preference of any brand, just got a real nice price on this and am VERY happy with it.

Jarrett · Jul 12, 2006

Congrats! The Mega Cab does come in dually form, only it's a short bed though.

Noodlearm · Jul 12, 2006

Yep, you are right. You can get a dually but no long bed at all. Sry about that.

Marine1 · Jul 12, 2006

Noodle,
Are you crazy!

Buying a new truck with these gas prices not to mention Global Warming!!!

Seriously,congratulations on your new purchase. I test drove the Dodge and really liked them but I opted for the Ford. The Mega wasn't out when I did the test drive. They came out the following year. Both are really good trucks.
I don't get off on that "mine's better than your's garbage".

They are both really good trucks. There isn't any better feeling than driving your brand new shiny truck and inhaling that new formaldahyde car smell. After I bought mine I went to the nearest town for a drive with my Wife and two kids. That was about a 150 mile round trip. FUN!!!

Enjoy the ride.

Noodlearm · Jul 12, 2006

I agree, I really didn't care what brand it was when I first started looking. I immediately took GM off the list. Can't really say why, it was a fine truck but I personally didn't like it as much as either of the other 2. If money was no object, I probably would have gotten a King Ranch, unfortunately money is a highly prized object in my househould, so that was out of the question, it basically boiled down to me getting my truck for right about 36,000 after taxes as opposed to around 41,000 for the Ford. I can honestly say I was leaning towards the Ford because I liked the interior slightly better and really liked the integrated trailer brake controller. The plus for the Dodge was that the turbo whine seemed to be a little quiter. Other than that, they both did what I needed so price was the deciding factor.
I bet that 150 mile round trip was well worth its cost in fuel

Marine1 · Jul 12, 2006

Noodle,
Yes, The ride was worth it, especially since the gas was free.

First tank, dealer fuel.
I too looked at GM briefly, They were never really a contender in my book but I thought they deserved a good look over anyway. I got to the dealer and after 1 minute with the salesman I left. The salesman was a jerk to my wife.

That King Ranch is pretty cool. Like you, the price was what did it in.
I got the 2005 F350 XLT CC 6.0 SRW Longbed on that Family Plan deal. Got a killer deal because I had the truck transferred from another dealer and it was a manual shift that they didn't want on the lot. The truck is great.
Anyway, I wish you the best in your new Beast.

I forgot to mention that the Prodigy Brake Controller is an excellent choice and very easy to install. If you need one.

Noodlearm · Jul 12, 2006

Your truck is very close to what I looked at with the exception of an 06 and automatic. The Dodge I got was employee pricing and the Ford would have been X plan. Nice thin about being in Michigan is you can always find a family member working for 1 of the big 3.

Thanks for the tip on the brake controller. I pcked up a cheap one last year to use when I was borrowing trucks whenever I had to tow my tractor, I may look into spending a little more and getting something better now. Anyway, I hope you have great luck with yours as well.

Jimbrown · Jul 12, 2006

Good show. I just did the same thing and bough a Ford F250 crew cab. I looked at the dodges and Gm's. I really wanted a GMC durmax with an allison but none were any where to be found close by so I took the Ford. My first couple tanks of fuel are just about like yours.

Noodlearm · Jul 13, 2006

I am actually quite surprised by the MPG I am getting. I was thinking closer to 15, so I am obviously happy with it up here. I have read from others that they only get about 15, of course doing mostly highway helps my cause. What your mix Jim, mostly highway, city, or about even?

GeneD14 · Jul 17, 2006

Noodlearm said:
Just purchased a new Ram 3500 Mega Cab as my new vehicle to tow with and use as my every day driver. Towed my CK30 once with it and pulled it great, so much different than the times I used an F150 or Ram 1500. Already put about 1800 miles on it in just 2 1/2 weeks, last tanks I hand calculated 17.55 MPG. That was with no towing and mostly highway miles to and from work. I really like the Mega Cab, its huge. Only downside is for those looking for a long bed or dually as its not available in the Mega. Rear seats actually recline and a 6'4 person can fit back their with ease. Mine is an SLT, the Lariats were very nice but just couldn't justify spending that much more money. I purchased after test driving all 3 brands, I didn't really have a huge preference of any brand, just got a real nice price on this and am VERY happy with it.

Congradulations on the new truck!! 17.55 sounds pretty good for hwy mileage. I think the Cummins engine is a sweet heart.