Newbie

[HAMMER77777]

OK, apology in advance for any ignorance, but I'm a total newbie to diesels (save for my dad's 1980's Mercedes diesel that I used to ride in as a kid, LOL).
Unfortunately (or Fortunately), I read that Mega Cabs only come in diesel now (someone please correct me if I'm wrong). As someone who just has to have a Mega Cab, I think my only way into a new one, is to get a diesel rig. I currently have a 2014 Hemi Mega Cab (6.4), which I Adore & am keeping, but I also wanted to add to my collection.

I Know, I Know, HAMMER77777, get to the point already . So, what should I be aware of, as a potential diesel newbie? If it was simply a matter of just pulling into a different pump at the filling station, with everything else completely identical, then I honestly wouldn't mind at all! However, I Know this isn't the case. For example, I live in ND, so we of course get extreme Cold Weather. Starting gas trucks in -30 Below is not an issue at all. How are diesels in this regard? Any other differences I should be aware of?

This will just be a Daily driver type thing. I don't tow anything, I am fully aware that a half ton would be overkill by itself, but it's just that I really like the Mega Cab, which isn't available in half ton (thus why I bought a 2500, in 2014), and apparently isn't available in gas either now. My family likes the Spaciousness of a Mega Cab, so apparently, diesel it is.

Pros, cons, Tips, tricks, whatever y'all have, let's hear it. Thanks!!!

 

[whitexc]

Not to steer you away from the HD line but aren’t the cabs of the 1/2 ton 5th gen’s bigger than our 4.5 gen HDs? You may not get mega cab but pretty close. I personally wouldn’t buy a modern diesel for grocery fetching and yes I have owned one or two. Good luck!


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[HAMMER77777]

Not to steer you away from the HD line but aren’t the cabs of the 1/2 ton 5th gen’s bigger than our 4.5 gen HDs? You may not get mega cab but pretty close. I personally wouldn’t buy a modern diesel for grocery fetching and yes I have owned one or two. Good luck!


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Are they though? If that's indeed the case, that would solve my problem, as I can get a half ton Laramie or Longhorn maybe, loaded to the gills, for use as a "grocery fetcher", LOL, for far less than any diesel 3/4 ton. Let me investigate into this. The reason I stepped up to 3/4 ton, in 2014, was literally only for the Mega Cab, which my rear passengers (AKA my wife, and my parents) really like. Plus the fact that Air Suspension was first available on the 2500, in 2014, making the ride extremely good!
I have not seen anything bigger than just standard crew, in half ton.

I appreciate the advice, in any case, sir!

 

[Brutal_HO]

You should go check out a current 5th gen 1500.

 

[HAMMER77777]

You should go check out a current 5th gen 1500.

Will do, thanks.

 

[ErikTheRed]

So, what should I be aware of, as a potential diesel newbie?

Be aware that you're gonna spend alot of time on forums like this one asking lots of questions LOL! So I didn't think I was a "diesel newbie", having owned a 06 2500 5.9 for many years. But then I bought a new 2024 6.7 back in July and its a whoooooole new ballgame now. I feel like I'm right back to being a diesel newbie cuz the only thing that seems to be the same is using the green pump at the station, like you said.

 

[HAMMER77777]

Be aware that you're gonna spend alot of time on forums like this one asking lots of questions LOL! So I didn't think I was a "diesel newbie", having owned a 06 2500 5.9 for many years. But then I bought a new 2024 6.7 back in July and its a whoooooole new ballgame now. I feel like I'm right back to being a diesel newbie cuz the only thing that seems to be the same is using the green pump at the station, like you said.

Thanks Erik! Yes, I'll have to do a lot of reading! Anything I should be aware of, off the bat? As the posters above suggested, I'll look into the 1500's, because they apparently have more leg room in the 5th gen.. The only thing is, I looked into the half tons, a bit, and it appears they are only available in 6 cylinders, with a start/stop system, of some kind, which, um, seems a bit too car-y, if that makes sense LOL. My current 2500 gasser (HEMI 6.4) is awesome, fast, and powerful which I really enjoy.

And I am really Married to that Mega Cab concept, so I might just end up having to get the 3/4 ton, LOL. Time will Tell.

 

[Dave01]

About half the time I wish I had a mega cab. The rest I'm happy with the crew cab configuration, easier to park and maneuver and plow with.

When you say you will use it for a daily driver, if those daily drives are short hops, don't buy the diesel. If you drive a decent amount of miles then it makes more sense. Starting in -30, I would definitely be plugging the truck in at night, plus adding one of the cold weather diesel treatments to every tank.

If you are used to and definitely want a mega cab, I suggest you buy a mega cab. I doubt you'd find a half ton as satisfying to drive and more leg room isn't quite the same as the mega cab.

 

[HAMMER77777]

About half the time I wish I had a mega cab. The rest I'm happy with the crew cab configuration, easier to park and maneuver and plow with.

When you say you will use it for a daily driver, if those daily drives are short hops, don't buy the diesel. If you drive a decent amount of miles then it makes more sense. Starting in -30, I would definitely be plugging the truck in at night, plus adding one of the cold weather diesel treatments to every tank.

If you are used to and definitely want a mega cab, I suggest you buy a mega cab. I doubt you'd find a half ton as satisfying to drive and more leg room isn't quite the same as the mega cab.

Thanks Dave! You're right about the mega cab being unwieldy for parking etc.. Thankfully I live in a very rural part of ND. I grew up in NY, however, and I can imagine how difficult this thing would be to park in tight places. Of course, getting -30 is rare, but this being ND, It does happen. Usually -10, is the low this Time of Year (which is of course very Cold). Yes, my HEMI has block Heater too, so I definitely plug in, if I have to go somewhere the next Day, if Temps are 0 Or below.
Thanks for your last 2 sentences. I kind of thought the same thing. I just really like that Mega Cab, LOL! I didn't think the half ton's leg room would be quite the same, either. But just for fun, I can test drive one, just to see.
I still don't see on Dodge's website, the exact specifications for 2025, so I'm still holding out hope that they might have a gas 3/4 ton available with the Mega, which would be a good solution. Alternatively, I could just keep driving my 2014, which is in perfect shape right now. Thanks for the insight man!

 

[whitexc]

Tell us more about this block heater on the gasser…..I don’t think I need it but I miss the diesels starting somewhat toasty!


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[HAMMER77777]

Tell us more about this block heater on the gasser…..I don’t think I need it but I miss the diesels starting somewhat toasty!


Sent from me

Oh, it just came with the truck. So if I Know I have to go somewhere, if the Temp.'s are below 0, I just plug her in, the Night before.