Considering going back to the Mega Cab 5.9 liter....bad move? Opinions appreciated

[Ben S]

Well I have found a decent deal on a low mileage used Mega 5. 9 liter 4 x 4 2500.



Bought my current truck thinking I was going to be towing more than 13k and that did not pan out. So I've got a decent truck that gets driven as a daily driver with some longer trips on the weekends but usually without a load and that results in frequent oil changes... q 3000 to 4000 miles.



Frankly, I miss my MEGA cab A LOT, the simplicity of the HPCR 5. 9, the fuel mileage of the 5. 9 and the MUCH less frequent oil changes.



My current truck is paid for and I like it OK. The 68 re is an upgrade vs the 48 re in the older trucks. I realize I will lose some money on the trade or sell and I am not spending the money on a 13 with urea injection.



Am I crazy?



Input is appreciated as I will be making a decision in the next couple of days.

 

[Cummins12V98]

You will never make up the money you will loose selling your rig and buying another.

These are so much better trucks that I really dont have a problem with the mileage 9. 5 towing a 28K combined load.

Oil changes 7,500 mi.

I love my truck!

 

[jgillott]

I am certainly biased, but it looks like the useage you describe is more suited to the 5. 9. Just be prepared for the issues associated with a 5+ year old used truck.

 

[rscurtis]

Go the other way, trade up to a '13. The urea is a +, as is the front axle disconnect. The new oil change is interval is 15K miles.

 

[AEdelheit]

I don't blame you at all, I really miss my 5. 9 mega!

 

[AH64ID]

Why not delete the 6. 7? Then you get the simplicity/reliability of a 5. 9 with the benefits of a '12.

 

[JHumphries]

I traded a 2010 Crew Cab 4x4 for a 2006 Mega Cab 4x2.
With the exception of the 4wd and long bed, I am happy with the trade. The emission systems on the 6. 7 is not suited for daily unloaded driving.
My fuel milage did not go up as much as I expected, but I also had a leaking exhaust manifold when I bought it and did not know it. I picked up 2 mpg going from the '10 to the '06 and almost another 1. 5 with the new manifold.

Oil Changes
Yes the oil chamge interval is 7500 miles per the manual, but the computer tracks regeneration cycles and "calculates" fuel dilution of the oil. It will then tell you to change the oil. I put just over 10,000 miles on my '10 and did 4 oil changes by the message. That is absurd.

I also cut my monthly payment by quite a bit, and I have done good things with that savings.
Since your truck is paid off, I would delete it. Cummins12V98 is right, you will eat money on the trade.
Also, since you are an automatic guy, I would definitely stick the newer automatic. It is leaps and bounds better. Integrated exhaust brake and no add-on boxes to control the converter.

 

[RonD]

If as you are saying, a daily driver empty, why not just get a gas one, and forget the diesel.

Well I have found a decent deal on a low mileage used Mega 5. 9 liter 4 x 4 2500.

Bought my current truck thinking I was going to be towing more than 13k and that did not pan out. So I've got a decent truck that gets driven as a daily driver with some longer trips on the weekends but usually without a load and that results in frequent oil changes... q 3000 to 4000 miles.

Frankly, I miss my MEGA cab A LOT, the simplicity of the HPCR 5. 9, the fuel mileage of the 5. 9 and the MUCH less frequent oil changes.

My current truck is paid for and I like it OK. The 68 re is an upgrade vs the 48 re in the older trucks. I realize I will lose some money on the trade or sell and I am not spending the money on a 13 with urea injection.

Am I crazy?

Input is appreciated as I will be making a decision in the next couple of days.

 

[Ben S]

Go the other way, trade up to a '13. The urea is a +, as is the front axle disconnect. The new oil change is interval is 15K miles.

Don't want to throw more money at a new depreciating asset.

 

[Ben S]

Why not delete the 6. 7? Then you get the simplicity/reliability of a 5. 9 with the benefits of a '12.

Because that would void my warranty on a 5 figure engine for what is a nominal gain.

 

[Ben S]

I traded a 2010 Crew Cab 4x4 for a 2006 Mega Cab 4x2.
With the exception of the 4wd and long bed, I am happy with the trade. The emission systems on the 6. 7 is not suited for daily unloaded driving.
My fuel milage did not go up as much as I expected, but I also had a leaking exhaust manifold when I bought it and did not know it. I picked up 2 mpg going from the '10 to the '06 and almost another 1. 5 with the new manifold.

Oil Changes
Yes the oil chamge interval is 7500 miles per the manual, but the computer tracks regeneration cycles and "calculates" fuel dilution of the oil. It will then tell you to change the oil. I put just over 10,000 miles on my '10 and did 4 oil changes by the message. That is absurd.

I also cut my monthly payment by quite a bit, and I have done good things with that savings.
Since your truck is paid off, I would delete it. Cummins12V98 is right, you will eat money on the trade.
Also, since you are an automatic guy, I would definitely stick the newer automatic. It is leaps and bounds better. Integrated exhaust brake and no add-on boxes to control the converter.

You makes some good points with the last few sentences. I do get your point about resale. However you are eating the money on depreciation sitting in your driveway too.

I never had a problem with my 48re ever and I changed the fluid in it every 25k

It seems insane to me to perform the exhaust and emission deletes on here that so many speak of a NEW truck with WARRANTY. I do not choose to repair that truck or engine out of my pocket. Based on an article in the TDR a few years ago they measured almost no real gain from the deletes anyway.

Biggest problem is the Crew Cab lacks under seat and behind seat space for storage. The lack of OPEN underseat storage is a real pain. I bought it with my eyes open so it is my fault. I miss all the space of my Mega Cab... . a lot.

 

[Ben S]

I still occasionally tow up to 10k.

BOTTOM LINE IS THAT I JUST LOVE THAT CUMMINS DIESEL SOUND. No gasser truck for me at this stage in life... maybe later... but I doubt it.

 

[JHumphries]

I agree with the Mega Cab benefits. If and when I buy another new one, I will probably get another Mega Cab and have it stretched to a long bed as part of the purchase.
I fit all of the camping gear except the cooler, tub of dishes and firewood, for a family of 4 behind and under the seat in my Mega Cab! I did the packing and was still amazed that it all fit.

My comment on deleting the truck is this: it is cheeper to delete than the money lost selling it. As long as you research it, and get a good quality delete kit, you headaches will be minimal. And if you buy a 5. 9, you will be your own warranty station any way. Why not start with something newer and less miles, therefore, less likely to break?

By the way, I still wonder if trading back was the right thing.

 

[Ben S]

Hahahaha..... took a drive on an 07 mega 5. 9l 4x4 today and even though I had owned an 06 WOW did I forget how much noise and vibration you feel in the drivers seat and interior. Not to mention the interior on the 12 is much less..... plastic.

Really made me appreciate how much smoother and quieter these new trucks are..... So I said no thanks and I guess I'll just live with the oil changes until the 13s come out and then reevaluate.