Mega Cab DRW - waste of $$

[KCJackson]

The DRW option (code WLA) for a 3500 Mega Cab is almost as much as the credit given on a 3500 Quad DRW for the single rear wheel package - MC DRW is a $1235 option, the 3500 QC SRW option is a $1315 credit.



What do you get for your $1235? Almost 100% cosmetics.



You get the six LT235/80R17E tires and dually wheels (replacing the four 265/70s), the fender flares, hub extensions, and clearance lights. And a measly 600 pound gain of GVWR from 9900 to 10,500, while the QC DRW is a much higher 12,200. The extra equipment of the DRW eats up half of the 600 pound increase, so you get no functional gain by ordering the dually except for the training wheel effect for handling/stability.



Visually, the MC dually doesn't look too bad, but there is no substance to the additional rolling gear. The Ford F350 Crew Cab short beddually doesn't give up GVWR or payload from the long bed dually. This may be Dodge's first true mistake with the Ram line in many years.

 

[JonathanBurk]

I suspect 5th wheel pullers will really like this option though. They don't need the long bed, and the extra stability of the dually is much preferred. There is more to it than the GVWR alone.



Personally I think it's going to be a big seller for those type of people. Me, personally, I'm not a dually fan at all. I pull 4 wheelers and a 4-banger Yota could pull them around.

 

[RustyJC]

I suspect 5th wheel pullers will really like this option though. They don't need the long bed... .

Oh, really? I for one do not prefer the short bed/sliding hitch "solution" to keep the rear cab pillars undented and the rear cab window unbroken. Therefore, the long bed option is mandatory for many of us who pull 5th wheels.



Insofar as ratings are concerned, when Dodge comes out with a Megacab LB dually with something equivalent to Ford's Tow Boss package, give me a call. Until then, I'm not interested.....



Rusty

 

[KCJackson]

Oh, really? I for one do not prefer the short bed/sliding hitch "solution" to keep the rear cab pillars undented and the rear cab window unbroken. Therefore, the long bed option is mandatory for many of us who pull 5th wheels.

Plus, with only a 300 pound increase in payload, the MC dually can't really handle a heavier pin weight than the MC SRW. The QC dually can handle MUCH heavier 5th-pin loads.

 

[MABurns]

I suspect 5th wheel pullers will really like this option though. They don't need the long bed, and the extra stability of the dually is much preferred. There is more to it than the GVWR alone.

Not when you put 3000 pounds od hitch weight from your bigger fiver, now you over on GVWR.

 

[TX Gooseneck]

Counts me out.

 

[JMingledorff]

All the above complaints are why I ordered a Quad Cab dually not a MegaCab.

 

[scotty1]

After looking at the hitch options, hassles and going from my own experience towing for many years... I have all but canned my thought of getting one in a short bed. I will have to keep what I have and look at a long bed, when and if they show up.



Scotty

 

[lizzyhermit]

and Joe, did you order a manual 6 speed transmission? if not, why not? if so, why so ? the spouse and I just came back drooling from the local dealer over the 06 trucks.

 

[JMingledorff]

Yes I got a 6 speed manual. Why b/c this trucks main purpose is towing and from my experience with autos, unless you want to spend good sized money on one, they don't like to survive regular heavy towing... especially with any power adders. I drove a G56 and like the shifting better than the NV5600 I had in my 04. My 04 manual was a towing beast so I can't wait for this one. If this was my DD I would have had a hard time turning down an auto since I live in Atlanta and spend lots of time in traffic... if fact thats one reason why I sold my 04... couldn't take shifting it anymore. If you don't mind rowing the gears go for the manual.

 

[jelag]

I own several quad cab dually's and really like them... . I also would love to own the MC option but not with a short bed... . I'm really after a couple of the 5500 if they ever get around to making them..... I've been very sad about my purchase of a 2000 F550 that now has about 375K miles on it... the most expensive truck I've ever owned... but its now on the second engine... this one has a 3 year unlimited warranty. . something I couldn't get from Fix OR REPAIR DAILY,,,, (FORD) but the chassis, and body, and drive train have held up exceptionally well...



Really wish I could get a Chevy interior, Ford body and Chassis with Cummins Power. . than I'd have a truck...



BTW my 04 now has 170K miles and had it first brake job 2 weeks ago... .

 

[klenger]

So for all the hastle and expense of getting the dually on the MC, you gain about 300# of usefull load. You could overload a SRW by 300# and never notice it. What is DC's explanation for the 1500# reduction between the QC and MC dually? Theoratically, its the same frame, only the cab is different.

 

[BrianJ]

So for all the hastle and expense of getting the dually on the MC, you gain about 300# of usefull load. You could overload a SRW by 300# and never notice it. What is DC's explanation for the 1500# reduction between the QC and MC dually? Theoratically, its the same frame, only the cab is different.

The difference is the distribution of the load/weight over the frame, with it falling further back on the MC and not as "centered" as it is with the QC.

 

[KCJackson]

The difference is the distribution of the load/weight over the frame, with it falling further back on the MC and not as "centered" as it is with the QC.

Problem with that is, that doesn't explain the difference in GVWR for the MC SRW. The 1500 MC is 8510, the 3500 MC is 9900, and the 2500 falls in between, and they are basically the same truck. So if the 3500 MC dually gains no real load capacity over the 3500 MC SRW, the extra tires don't give the benefit that one expects from that upgrade. People look at the 3500 QC and see the SRW as 9900 and the DRW at 12,200, and can't figure out why the MC only gains 600 pounds of GVWR (and as I pointed out, most of which is eaten by the physical equipment anyway). The weight distributuion of the larger cab can't cost the truck 1700 pounds of available payload. I would guess that DC did this just as a stopgap because they didn't have time to properly design and procure the rear springs that can really do the job.



If the 2007 MC duially is still 10,500, then there's a problem - but if it does increase to the QC dually level, then they probably should have waited.

 

[BrianJ]

I would guess that DC did this just as a stopgap because they didn't have time to properly design and procure the rear springs that can really do the job.

That doesn't make any sense to me. As far as I know the springs, axles, shocks, frame, etc. are all the same on the MC as on the QC. The only difference is the body panels. Why would they need a stop gap if they are using the same springs and axles



What does make sense is that all the weight is distributed differently along the frame with a SB behind a MC. It's not about the weight of the extra cab, it's about the weight distribution of any TOTAL load. And I was just relaying information that I read out of a trade magazine, sorry I don't remember which one. If I happen to remember or find out I will post it.



If the MC doesn't work for you, don't buy the thing. It obviously will work for some people. Just like some people wouldn't think of buying a regular cab, doesn't mean that Dodge shouldn't make it for the people that do want or need it.

 

[NDanecker]

I wonder if DC thought that since the MegaCad Dually will have a short bed, why bother to spend huge $ in cosmetics if we're only going to sell a small number when compared to a long bed dually.



I'm in no market for a truck and swore to NEVER own another Dodge... . but if they would build a MegaCab Dually with an 8' bed I may have to reconsider! I love the Cummins and REALLY like the MegaCab for two reasons: 1) fit two baby seats and 2) extra storage behind rear seats. My quad cab is so small that my single baby seat hits me in the right shoulder while driving. I don't know what I'm going to do when my next child is born and I need to have two seats!!! I knew this buying the Dodge but swayed this way because Ford & Chevy diesels lack the durability I was looking for.



My prediction is DC will eventually tool up for a new frame that will enable them to build an 8' MegaCAB!

 

[scotty1]

My prediction is DC will eventually tool up for a new frame that will enable them to build an 8' MegaCAB!

Speaking with a friend today I confirmed it is in the works. I know I read it somewhere and I am kicking myself for not getting that article. I'll wait.



Scotty

 

[amsoilman]

The 1500 MC is 8510, the 3500 MC is 9900, and the 2500 falls in between, and they are basically the same truck.

e

Somewhere I read that the 1500 has a different frame than the 2500/3500 trucks.

 

[MCrossley]

On the quad cab you are correct however the megacab 1500 is a rebadged 2500 so it is the same chasis as the 2500...

e

Somewhere I read that the 1500 has a different frame than the 2500/3500 trucks.

 

[MMeier]

Counts me out.

Same here, probably for the best anyways, my 03 has been paid for for a year now !!! AND it has officially just became an OTR tractor this week !!!