2500 Crew vs Mega (coming from 1500)

[Rellik75]

Hi Everyone...

I'm currently in a fully loaded '19 Rebel. I'm looking at a '21 2500 Laramie (crew cab) that's mostly fully loaded and a fully loaded 2500 Limited (mega cab). I had previously test driven a 2500 and test drove the mega cab tonight. Where the crew cab didn't feel much bigger than my Rebel, the mega cab definitely felt bigger. And I was really surprised with the turning radius and that I wasn't able to make a u-turn from the median of a four lane highway. I was super thankful for all the cameras it has as it made backing out of its spot on the dealer lot much easier. Same for pulling back in. I'm definitely concerned about size, as I find some parking lots can be a challenge in my Rebel. The truck would be used during road trips in addition to typical towing and hauling duties, as they arise. I have a Rzr 1000 XP4 that I currently tow with my Rebel and always find myself wishing it had diesel power when going up over mountain passes. I really liked that the Limited had full surround cameras. The Laramie does not have this feature. They both have the digital rear view, adaptive cruise, lane keep assist. The Limited also has electronic roll mitigation. I did like how the rear seats recline in the mega cab and the fact that those seats are also heated (we spend much of the winter in the snow).

What are your thoughts on the mega cab vs the crew (keeping in mind I'm coming from a 1500 and my concern about size but also liking the amenities offered by the mega cab)? Also, is there anything I should be immediately aware of in moving up to a 2500 (aside from the DEF requirement)? Price difference between the crew cab and the mega cab is approx $10k, but the limited also has a minor lift kit. At least I think it does--it does have these ugly offset wheels (35s or 37s--forgot to verify) that rub in full lock so the dealer would have to address that issue for me.

Or...I just order a '22 with Uconnect 5 with all the features I want but I'm sure by the time it arrives and I do my trade, I will not be in the same equity position I'm in right now.

Not really sure which way to go....

Appreciate your thoughts and advise.

Thanks!
Wayne

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

If all you tow is a little razor the hemi 1500 is more than enough…. If you dont work a diesel hard you will end up having issues with it so unless you plan on buying a big camper or hauling some serious weight i would avoid the diesel

 

[UglyViking]

So first off you should 100% avoid any trucks with dealer supplied lift kits for a number of reasons. I take it from reading your post that you aren't buying the one on the dealer lot with the mods so that is good.

The difference in features between the two, at least the features you noted, are all available on the laramie as well. For example, I've got a laramie and it's got heated rear seats, my laramie also has the 360 cameras, and a guy I know has a tradesman with the cameras. My point is do your homework to make sure you're ordering the correct trim to get everything you want, unless you're ok with paying more for extras you don't want, in which case have at it.

In terms of the size, the overall length of the megacab is basically the same as a long bed truck, so the turning radius is going to be worse since the wheelbase is longer. Also note that if the dealer installed negative offset wheels, or anything with a smaller number than factory, you're going to be losing turning radius.

The last thing is basically what @H3LZSN1P3R, noted. Ain't nothing wrong with owning a diesel even if you don't ever tow anything, but know that the emissions system is likely to give you more headache than you feel it's worth, especially if you tow infrequently. The modern emissions systems are leaps and bounds better than the first generation ones, but these trucks need to be worked to make sure they stay alive. If you want more power out of your 1500 there are def ways to achieve it, even going so far as a procharger or supercharger, or you can push up to the 6.4 hemi, but I don't know you'd feel much better about it. By all means give it a shot if that is what you want, but honestly it sounds like more truck than you would be comfortable with.

 

[mwalsh9152]

the Mega Cab is essentially a crew cab long bed truck, so its a huge wheelbase. If thats what you want, you will have to sacrifice some convenience for it. Parking lots require planning. Park in the back where you cant get blocked in....or some ******* smashing their door into yours too! Coming from a CCSB truck, it shouldnt be an issue once you get used to driving it. My Mega Cab turns FAR better than my old Ex cab long bed Ford with a leaf spring front end did!

 

[MtnRider]

The mega is Not the same wheelbase as a crew cab long bed length.

2500 wheelbase:
Crew Cab 6'4" bed = 149"
Crew Cab 8' bed = 169"
Mega Cab 6'4" bed = 160.5

I absolutely love my mega cab, you just can't beat the amount of interior storage and comfort (if you need that). We are a family of 5 and the little extra space goes a long way. Especially the easily accessible underseat and behind the seat storage. For kids with book bags, backpacks, you name it they can stuff those out of their way and still get to them without folding seats up etc.
Yes the Mega is a little longer then a CC short bed (shorter then a long bed) but I've never had an issue driving or parking it. HD's are all big trucks and something you will just have to get used to driving. It's all I have been driving for years so something like 1500 seems small to me.

One thing to note that some people get worked up about is the reduced payload (heavier truck) but don't get too wrapped up with that unless you plan on towing a heavy 5th wheel.

.

 

[Squatch]

I doubt you’d notice the extra 10 inches on that frame with a mega cab compared to a crew cab, it’s a big truck either way and it will drive and park that way. If you don’t want a long bed I’d get the mega cab.

 

[McHenry2500]

To the OP;

I also came from a 1500 (Silverado) and noted that when pulling our SXS's it was lacking. I recently hauled my friends RZR4 XP1000 and noted that my diesel 2500 handled it with ease, where my 1500 felt lagging. I'm not a huge fan of the mega cab but I'm in the group that prefer the CCLB configuration.

I'd say go with the Laramie Crew and be happy. Plenty of features and probably a higher tow/payload rating than the mega cab.

 

[Rellik75]

So first off you should 100% avoid any trucks with dealer supplied lift kits for a number of reasons. I take it from reading your post that you aren't buying the one on the dealer lot with the mods so that is good.

The difference in features between the two, at least the features you noted, are all available on the laramie as well. For example, I've got a laramie and it's got heated rear seats, my laramie also has the 360 cameras, and a guy I know has a tradesman with the cameras. My point is do your homework to make sure you're ordering the correct trim to get everything you want, unless you're ok with paying more for extras you don't want, in which case have at it.

In terms of the size, the overall length of the megacab is basically the same as a long bed truck, so the turning radius is going to be worse since the wheelbase is longer. Also note that if the dealer installed negative offset wheels, or anything with a smaller number than factory, you're going to be losing turning radius.

The last thing is basically what @H3LZSN1P3R, noted. Ain't nothing wrong with owning a diesel even if you don't ever tow anything, but know that the emissions system is likely to give you more headache than you feel it's worth, especially if you tow infrequently. The modern emissions systems are leaps and bounds better than the first generation ones, but these trucks need to be worked to make sure they stay alive. If you want more power out of your 1500 there are def ways to achieve it, even going so far as a procharger or supercharger, or you can push up to the 6.4 hemi, but I don't know you'd feel much better about it. By all means give it a shot if that is what you want, but honestly it sounds like more truck than you would be comfortable with.

Just curious as to why to avoid dealer provided lift kits? I was under the impression that if the dealer installs it, they have to warranty it (while also charging a premium for doing the install).

 

[Rellik75]

If all you tow is a little razor the hemi 1500 is more than enough…. If you dont work a diesel hard you will end up having issues with it so unless you plan on buying a big camper or hauling some serious weight i would avoid the diesel

Can you please elaborate on this? What sort of issues might I cause by not towing enough/heavy enough?

 

[RPS1030]

Just curious as to why to avoid dealer provided lift kits? I was under the impression that if the dealer installs it, they have to warranty it (while also charging a premium for doing the install).

Outside of a handful of exceptions, it’s usually a super basic spacer lift that either doesn’t improve the rides, worsens the ride, or will not hold up to heavy use. All while being charged 5-20x the actual cost of the components.

 

[gimmie11s]

Is your Rebel a crew cab or quad cab?

The 5th gen 1500's have a larger crew cab than the 4 gen+ HD trucks. The Mega cab on the HD's is about the same or just slightly larger than the crew cab 1/2 tons.

Doubtful you will find any Mega cab owners that have regrets.

 

[Rellik75]

Is your Rebel a crew cab or quad cab?

The 5th gen 1500's have a larger crew cab than the 4 gen+ HD trucks. The Mega cab on the HD's is about the same or just slightly larger than the crew cab 1/2 tons.

Doubtful you will find any Mega cab owners that have regrets.

It’s a crew cab. The mega can certainly seemed wider but maybe just a bit less legroom in the rear.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Can you please elaborate on this? What sort of issues might I cause by not towing enough/heavy enough?

Vgt turbos are prone to siezing up many emission issues, diesels are ment to be worked… there is a reason the diesel trucks that get worked hard last the longest

 

[TankerTrash]

I love my mega cab to absolute death... I live in SW Florida, traffic can be a bear sometimes and parking lots are full of people that dont know how to park. Coming from a ex-cab long bed f250, my 2500 turns better. Backing in 99% of the time and using your mirrors to watch your rear tires and youll be golden.
Dont let the size of the truck deter you. The interior space (as well as exterior looks) is killer.

 

[UglyViking]

Just curious as to why to avoid dealer provided lift kits? I was under the impression that if the dealer installs it, they have to warranty it (while also charging a premium for doing the install).

Dealer lift kits are generally the cheapest mass manufactured kit that can be added. Sometimes you'll get a known brand, but generally they are cheap unbranded kits. They charge you generally 6x or more the installed price that you could get a similar kit installed for. They generally use low quality tires and cheap wheels. The only benefit you get is that you can drive it home that day. The only realistic thing you could potentially lose warranty for would be the trans if you're running large tires, but I don't know if you would even get dinged for that.

A lifted truck from the dealer is never a good deal for the buyer, why would it be? The dealer is taking a huge risk in slapping all the cheap gaudy stuff on it they can to appeal to the average man during his midlife crisis, so they need to justify it by raking you over the coals for it. Honestly, you could probably buy a lift, wheels and tires of similar quality and get a reasonable built trans all installed for the same price or less than what the dealer puts as up-charge for those things.

If you are one of those guys who is terrified of having a vehicle out of warranty then you're their target market, but think why would they do it if there was a reasonable possibility of them having to pay out to warranty the product/work?