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We read the posts about the short bed vs long bed, but how about towing with a megacab short box vs a quad cab? Since the megacab is a long chassis, that should offer a stable ride like a longbed even though it has a 6 ft bed, correct? Any other issues to consider with the shorter bed megacab? This would be a 2009 Dodge 3500 Heavy Duty Deisel Megacab (not dually) pulling a 15K (loaded apporx) 5th wheel.
Your rear tires and axle will probably be at max load. That's why I turned our Quad Cab Short bed into a dually. It will tow it, almost stop it, but was maxed on the weight numbers. The dually is much more stable as well in cross winds such as being passed by a truck.
Thanks for the reply, but what I really want to know is if we should NOT get the short bed megacab and get a long bed quad cab instead? While there is no doubt a dually is better all-around, it's not something we will be looking at for a variety of reasons. I will have to look at all the tow ratings, but was hoping someone can tell me from personal experience why a megacab is not as worthy as the other.
Depending on what the front of the 5th wheel looks like, you will probably need a "slider hitch". A Pullrite Superglide is the preferred sliderer. Expensive but you don't have to worry about getting out and unlocking. If your not bringing kids with you, then the long bed would be my choice now. With kids, then the Megacab wins hands down.
While I personally don't have much to say except that I would prefer the full-sized bed, I did find a couple of threads on another forum that dealt with the Megacab pickup. I'll provide a link to them, but keep in mind that these threads are to a forum that is for DRV Suites model owners. Obviously, if they speak of being overweight on those links, it is because they are dealing with the heavier DRV Suites models.
So, all that said, these are just a bit more "for your information" sources.
When I was doing research on buying a new truck, I loved the idea of the extra room in the interior of the Mega Cab but hated that I would lose my tool box and most importantly, my 100 gallon auxiliary tank. Then add in the cost of a slider hitch, which I think is still necessary, even with the Heartland patented 88* turn front cap.
I decided on the Ram 3500 dually which I am very happy with.
Thanks for the reply, but what I really want to know is if we should NOT get the short bed megacab and get a long bed quad cab instead? While there is no doubt a dually is better all-around, it's not something we will be looking at for a variety of reasons. I will have to look at all the tow ratings, but was hoping someone can tell me from personal experience why a megacab is not as worthy as the other.
Thanks again!
Debbie:
To answer your question specifically, IMO, do not purchase a short bed. Get an 8 foot bed.Short beds require a slider hitch.More complicated and trouble.You also lose any space for a tool box or, if desired an aux fuel tank.
IMO, 8 foot bed, crew cab, DRW, is the most useful and safe configuration as a tow vehicle.But an 8 foot long bed, DRW regardless.After that, start figuring the towing and pin weight capacities, etc.
I would not get a Mega Cab short bed under almost any circumstances as a tow vehicle.My opinion based on experience.
Thanks for the opinions. That was what I was looking for. We won't be towing over 13K loaded. Just wanted an opinion on getting more room in the truck vs in the truckbed.
If you REALLY WANT a long bed megacab Ram truck HERE is a company that specializes in this conversion. This thing would be very long! Probably be a real bear to get it turned around too.
That's crazy. We currently have a Dodge Mega-cab, love it, but it's only a 1500 and not a deisel. I can't imagine driving something that long! I'm sure that's nice for some though.