Well we finally found a deal we couldn't refuse... Our local Dodge dealer has 3 leftover 2006's - 1 2500 4dr. Laramie, and 2 1500 MegaCabs (also Laramie models).  At close inspection the 1500's appeared to have the exact same suspension as the 2500, so I went back to the trusty internet to do a bit of research.  As it turns out Dodge uses the heavy duty chassis for the Megacab on all 3 models (1500 to 3500).  The suspension is the same, at least on the 2500 and the 1500 (no 3500's to compare to). 

from Edmunds - To make it Mega, Dodge took the heavy-duty Ram platform and its 160.5-inch wheelbase, and had designers replace the 8-foot bed with a bed that measures 6 feet, 3 inches, freeing up an extra 20 inches for the cab. While there are 1500, 2500 and 3500 Mega Cab models, all are built on the heavy-duty platform.

Either way, the Hemi 1500 has plenty of tow capacity for what I'll be using it for as we're only looking at 2H Bumper pulls.

So the deal is about $14000 off sticker - from 43k down to 29k.  I simply can't find a better truck for the money.  I've posted elsewhere on here that the Tundra was also in the running, but when you figure in the pricing the Toyota simply can't match the value.

So any of you folks with the Hemi 5.7 - I'd be real interested to hear if you've found any items that may add to the function of the truck, or just your general experience with them.

And lastly - Thanks to All for the spirited, and informative information we share on here.  Everyone doesn't always agree on things, but when you boil it down there is a lot of good information on this site.

Take Care,

Steve

  Amen to that Brother... I can understand it, but the truth is (at least my truth) that I liked all of them.  With the exception of the Ford F150, which I dismissed simply because it's so far behind all the others on power, the Toyota, Chevy and Dodge were all great driving trucks.

Now that my search for Religion in Trucks is over, I simply need to decide between Black/Silver or Blue/Silver... hmmm wonder if we could get a debate going on that?

I forgot to add - Now that this purchase is over, I will start my quest for the "Perfect" trailer.  Any suggestions?

The perfect trailer depends on the job you want to do...

Everything from a 2 horse bumper pull for the weekend competitor to a 15 horse tractor-trailer rig for the professional horse transporter could be in the running...

Here is a synopsis off this forum of trailer makes...

Horse Trailer Information Sheet:

All Aluminum:

Highest rating:  4-Star, Elite, Platinum, Bloomer, C & C as highest. -- (Jamco, EBY and Stidham are small companies)

Above average:  Hart, Cimarron, Sundowner (all aluminum only after 2006 and 8'wide),
Keifer Built (Genesis), Silver Lite (made in Oregon), Exiss (if the dealer is great about warranty work),
CM (Norstar only), Bison (Stratus), Classic, Featherlite, Sooner

Mid range would be: Cherokee, Silver Star (made in SC, sold to Arabians and now owned by someone in Georgia),
Exiss (Sport model)

Aluminum with Steel Frame: Bison (Allumsport), Logan, Kiefer Built (except Genesis), CM (except Norstar), American Spirit,
Merhow, Hawk, and most Sundowners are aluminum with steel frame.

Steel: Trails West, Ponderosa (poor), Double D
 

You will love the Hemi.  At work we HAD (just traded them in) 2 -2004 Dodge Ram Crew Cab 4x4 Hemis.  They had great power.  When we got our 2006 1500s, they did not get Hemis, you can really tell the difference.  I am in law enforcement, when responding to calls with the Hemi, you press the gas you have power, like 0-60 in few seconds.  After driving the Hemis for 3 years then driving the non Hemi, it seems like it takes forever to get up some speed.  As far the supension, it is different, at least on the crew cabs, I guess it is the sam eon the mega.  But we had a 2004 1500 and a 2004 2500.  The 1500 is smooth, but the 2500 will kick your butt on dirt roads and bumbs, and 98% of the area we patrol is dirt and washboard roads.  The 2500 is a work truck, and unless it is loaded down or towing something, they shocks are stiff.  But you are getting the 1500 so you will have a baby smooth ride, enjoy.

We just got 2 - 2007 1500s on Friday, but they dont have the Hemis also :(

As for Ford not having the power, I have an 06 F-150, it has tons of power, but it also has the 5.4L V8 Triton, not the smaller V8.  I pull our 2h BP and do not even notice its there, even going up hills.

Congrats on the truck. 

Jason - Hey thanks for the great endorsement - I just wanted to add, I don't mean to say the Ford didn't have enough power - it just seemed that for now anyway, everyone else was offering V8's with a bit more gusto.  I know Ford is going to swing back with something impressive once they come out with the new F150's. 

Thanks Paul - humor doesn't always come across in these threads, but I was being a wise guy with the "perfect trailer" line.  One thing I learned a long time ago - what is the best to one person could be something another person won't even consider (i.e. Brenderup).  We did a lot of looking at the Equine affair, and we came away impressed with the Hawk - not to say that it is the one we'll get, but it offered a good "bang for the buck".  My wife and I will only be part-time haulers, so I doubt I'll go to the top end of brands, but I do want something that will hold up for years, even if it spends some time just sitting around.  I do know we'll avoid Steel wall construction - I've seen too many of them here in New England that are showing signs of rust before they even leave a dealer lot. 

At some point I wanted to start a thread on Hawk and Trailet - they look so similar that they could be from the same assembly plant.  I'm curious if there is any prevailing wisdom out here on if one is measurably better than another.  I couldn't find a significant difference between them. 

If $$ were no object I could see a Hart or Jamco in our fleet...

Take care, and thanks for the input.