I'm on the fence about this, having owned 3 HDs over the years (00 F250 7.3, 04-1/2 2500 5.9 and 08 3500 6.7). Each were more than I needed , which was a comfort when towing. However, we're starting to get away from the fifth wheel market, instead looking at an 8500 GTWR TT, and the XD can definitely handle it.
However, it not quite Goldilocks just yet:
First, I didn't like the lack of (initial) bed length option; after owning an 8'bed, I don't want a shorter bed again.
Second, the lack of fuel capacity. I managed to modify the stock tank on my 08, which used to take forever to fill, and never seemed to give me anywhere near the claimed 35 gallons; after mod I could fit 44 gallons in a hurry. Nice not having to stop for fuel for 1,000 miles unloaded.
Third is the ridiculously low bed capacity. As the TFL vid showed, you can't really use the gooseneck and carry passengers. Seriously? The truck can pull like a 3/4 but with the cargo capacity of a Ram ED? Why have the hitch option at all? Considering who this truck is marketed to, I believe the hitch is a marketing ploy. Anyone who actually uses a gooseneck is pulling 2x - 3x what this truck is rated at.
Fourth are the lack of certain work related options in a truck that costs this much. No power folding or extending mirrors in any trim, no built in bed access assist, no 3rd light camera for gooseneck hookup assistance, no automatic leveling rear suspension. Considering how long it took to develop the truck, and how long the competition has had some of these features, they missed the ball on at least some of these.
Fifth is fuel economy. From experience, you can expect better mileage from an unloaded 6.7 (22 on the road, 18 overall), and I had a quad long bed 4x4 - a 7,100# brick with ATs. Current owners of undeleted trucks are registering similar numbers.
Finally, the price. As stated elsewhere, you can buy a similar trim 3/4 or 1 ton for not much more money, and have much more capability. I priced a Laramie Ram 3500 dually for about $2500 more than an SL.
The aftermarket will most likely step up in fuel and cargo capacity; tank options and bags/Timbrens. The bed possibly one of the companies that stretch the Mega, once Nissan starts offering the 8' bed option with other configurations; they've done it with the Tundra CrewMax for years, as well.
However, it not quite Goldilocks just yet:
First, I didn't like the lack of (initial) bed length option; after owning an 8'bed, I don't want a shorter bed again.
Second, the lack of fuel capacity. I managed to modify the stock tank on my 08, which used to take forever to fill, and never seemed to give me anywhere near the claimed 35 gallons; after mod I could fit 44 gallons in a hurry. Nice not having to stop for fuel for 1,000 miles unloaded.
Third is the ridiculously low bed capacity. As the TFL vid showed, you can't really use the gooseneck and carry passengers. Seriously? The truck can pull like a 3/4 but with the cargo capacity of a Ram ED? Why have the hitch option at all? Considering who this truck is marketed to, I believe the hitch is a marketing ploy. Anyone who actually uses a gooseneck is pulling 2x - 3x what this truck is rated at.
Fourth are the lack of certain work related options in a truck that costs this much. No power folding or extending mirrors in any trim, no built in bed access assist, no 3rd light camera for gooseneck hookup assistance, no automatic leveling rear suspension. Considering how long it took to develop the truck, and how long the competition has had some of these features, they missed the ball on at least some of these.
Fifth is fuel economy. From experience, you can expect better mileage from an unloaded 6.7 (22 on the road, 18 overall), and I had a quad long bed 4x4 - a 7,100# brick with ATs. Current owners of undeleted trucks are registering similar numbers.
Finally, the price. As stated elsewhere, you can buy a similar trim 3/4 or 1 ton for not much more money, and have much more capability. I priced a Laramie Ram 3500 dually for about $2500 more than an SL.
The aftermarket will most likely step up in fuel and cargo capacity; tank options and bags/Timbrens. The bed possibly one of the companies that stretch the Mega, once Nissan starts offering the 8' bed option with other configurations; they've done it with the Tundra CrewMax for years, as well.