2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Preview

Critics and consumers have taken Dodge to task over the lack of rear seat space in the Ram Quad Cab pickup. When redesigning the Ram for 2003, Dodge saved development cost by limiting cab styles to a regular cab and a crew cab (Quad Cab) - an extended cab was off the list. But because Dodge wanted a conventional bed for the Quad Cab, rear seat space took a hit to allow for a larger cargo box on the back. Shortly thereafter, roomier models from every other manufacturer of full-size pickups debuted, leaving Dodge with a serious, uh, shortcoming. With the introduction of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab, interior space is no longer a problem. To create the six-passenger Mega Cab, the roomiest pickup truck ever built according to Dodge, engineers started with the 2500-Series Quad Cab longbed. By replacing the eight-foot cargo box with one measuring six-feet, three-inches, the Quad Cab received a 20-inch stretch that results in more rear legroom than the Maybach ultra-luxury sedan. You know, the one with reclining leather seats and a full entertainment system in the back.

Powerful Engines

Available in 1500-, 2500-, or 3500-Series trim dressed up in SLT or Laramie garb and either 2WD or 4WD, the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is available with one of two engines. The RAM 1500 Mega Cab is only offered with a 5.7-liter, 345-horsepower Hemi V8 making 375 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The Hemi is also standard on the RAM 2500 Mega Cab, and an industrial-strength, 5.9-liter, 310-horsepower Cummins turbodiesel engine with 610 lb.-ft. of earth-shaking torque peaking at 1,600 rpm is optional. The RAM 3500 Mega Cab is equipped with the turbodiesel engine right out of the chute, and when properly equipped, the 3500 Mega Cab can tote 2,840 pounds of payload and tow a trailer weighing 15,800 pounds. The Hemi is hooked to a five-speed automatic, while the Cummins comes with a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. In addition to impressive powertrains, Dodge claims that the Mega Cab is equipped with the largest brakes in the segment, and they come with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution. Standard equipment includes the usual litany of power accessories plus 17-inch wheels and tires, a 60/40 split-fold rear bench seat that reclines and slides, and storage bins behind the back seat that measure 7.6 cubic feet of volume. With the rear seat folded, the Ram Mega Cab swallows 71 cubic feet of stuff, better than most compact SUVs for weather-protected cargo space. Options include a 384-watt Infinity sound system with Ceramic Metal Matrix speakers, Sirius satellite radio, a navigation system, UConnect Bluetooth wireless communications, and a rear seat DVD entertainment system with game ports and a 6.5-inch wide screen. Side-curtain airbags, power adjustable pedals, a power sunroof, and heated front seats are also available.

Revised Styling

But just because you can load the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab with features, don't think this sumbitch is going to be easy to drive around town. It's more than 20 feet long, and urban parking areas are tight, making maneuverability a weak point. Revised styling for the entire 2006 Ram lineup debuts on the Mega Cab, which has a new look in front that is reminiscent of the smaller Dodge Dakota pickup. Inside, the cabin gets spruced up, too, with higher quality materials, new seats, and a redesigned instrument panel. Dodge likes to boast that the RAM pickup lineup includes the most powerful light-duty truck on the market (Ram 1500 with the Hemi engine), the fastest production pickup in the world (Ram SRT-10), the strongest pickup for sale today (Ram 2500 and 3500 equipped with the Cummins turbodiesel), and the most capable off-road pickup ever created at the factory (Ram Power Wagon). Now, with the debut of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab, it aims to lay claim to the largest cab of any pickup ever created. When you've got it, you might as well flaunt it.

Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler