2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Review

Why buyers, traditionally men, continue to opt for massive trucks, despite rising gas prices and increasingly congested traffic, may seem cut and dried. There is a genuine need for large, capable trucks to haul and tow burdensome loads, clamber over muddy and rock-strewn trails, all while carrying a cabin full of five or six passengers. However, take a gander at the number of such trucks mired in nothing more than the daily commute, and one easily sees that the drivers are headed to their executive offices, sporting their finest silk ties, in four-wheel-drive behemoths that sport nary a speck of dirt on sparking undercarriages and shiny beds completely devoid of even miniscule scratches. Face it, gents – big trucks are cool, and suggesting that they’ll be used for grand family vacations or helping out with that home renovation project are simply excuses. More to the point, what was once only available in the form of a pill or injection, testosterone, now comes packaged in a 6,000-7,500-lb. Dodge Ram Mega Cab pickup. Queen Elizabeth, Pamela Anderson, and even Richard Simmons would look manly driving this thing. Big trucks have been around for quite some time with names like “Heavy Duty” and “Super Crew” adorning their flanks, but “Mega Cab” takes the cake and imparts an image of dwarfing dimensions. Indeed, that’s just want Dodge’s new full-size pickup does, offering about eight inches of additional rear leg room versus the Ram Quad Cab, incremental gains in shoulder and hip room, a slight nudge in ground clearance, and a three-inch gain in height. For 2006, all Ram trucks ride on a beefier frame, sport a new front end and interior design, and are available in two- and four-wheel-drive with 1500, 2500, or 3500 badges. Each model features a 160.5-inch wheelbase, a bed reaching about six and a half feet in length, and SLT or Laramie nomenclature. The standard engine for the Mega Cab is a 5.7-liter, 16-valve Hemi V8 pushing 345 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 375 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm, with power directed to the wheels by a five-speed automatic transmission. Optional on 2500 and 3500 Mega Cabs is a 5.9-liter, 24-valve, Cummins inline six-cylinder turbocharged diesel mated to a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel-drive models ride on a short- and long-arm front suspension with a sway bar, while four-wheelers utilize a multi-link setup; all feature a live rear suspension with leaf springs. With its substantial weight (6,082 pounds for the two-wheel-drive 1500, 7,468 pounds for the four-wheel-drive 3500) the Ram Mega Cab needs some serious stopping power. To that end, each truck features beefy antilock disc brakes aided by electronic brake force distribution. The steering system is a durable, old-school recirculating ball setup. Four-wheel-drive models use a part-time system with self-locking hubs, and 17-inch 265/70 light-truck tires connect the whole package to the pavement…or the dirt. The Mega Cab 3500 can be equipped with six of those Michelins if it has the optional dual rear wheel package. Amazingly, that truck can tow up to 15,900 pounds, while the base 1500 version tugs up to 8,650 pounds. Payloads climb up to 2,930 pounds with the rear-wheel-drive Mega Cab 3500. Despite the numerous powertrain and drivetrains available with the Dodge Ram Mega Cab, ordering one is easier than you might expect. Get past the issues of 1500, 2500, or 3500 and two- or four-wheel drive, and that just leaves the question of SLT or Laramie trim. The base SLT starts at $32,960, including a $900 destination charge, and delivers steel wheels, a single-disc CD player, split bench cloth seats front and rear, air conditioning, heated mirrors, and the usual assortment of power features. With a base price of $38,055, the rear-wheel-drive 1500 Laramie adds alloy wheels, an Infinity sound system with Sirius satellite radio and a six-disc CD changer, heated and power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, faux woodgrain interior trim, adjustable pedals, a power sliding rear window, and privacy glass. Options run the gamut from a limited-slip rear differential, upgraded audio systems, a power sunroof, a rear DVD system, tow mirrors and hitches, side-curtain airbags, Bluetooth connectivity, front bucket seats, and lots more. That’s still a lot to consider, but we got to avoid all the decision making by getting a truck of Dodge’s choosing delivered to our front door. At $47,125, our four-wheel-drive 1500 Laramie tester was clearly expensive, though that price included Red Crystal Pearl paint ($225); leather bucket seats ($490); tow hooks and a transfer case skid plate ($95); a Trailer Tow Group with an upgraded battery, Class IV hitch, and wiring harness ($335); side-curtain airbags ($490); a 4.10 rear axle ratio instead of the standard 3.73 ($50); a limited-slip rear differential ($285); towing mirrors ($100); the power sunroof ($850); an engine block heater ($90); a navigation system ($1,595); a bedliner ($245); the rear DVD system ($1,200); and that $900 destination charge. Basically, a few essential things and a lot we’d cut for a more reasonable price. Perhaps the added burden of that optional equipment played a part in our truck’s dismal 11.5 average fuel economy. That’s particularly poor considering that at least 500 of the 1,000+ miles we traveled were on the highway between Orange County and San Diego, with the rest being around town. Curiously, we neglected to test the Dodge Ram Mega Cab on the twisty, cliff-infested roads above Malibu and the tight, torn dirt trails near Lake Elsinore that we usually use for testing. Somehow, it just didn’t beg to be flung from apex to apex or trundled from valley to peak.

Driving Impressions

Brian Chee’s 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Driving Impressions: It’s a simple enough procedure, most of the time. You pull into a parking lot, let’s say, aim your vehicle for the best available space, turn in, turn off the ignition, open the door and climb out of the cab. Sometimes, if the spaces are small or your aim is off, well, you have to be careful when you open the door – swapping paint and handing out dings being a very unfriendly gesture. It’s simple. People do it all the time. Except, that is, for people who drive the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab. For these poor souls, parking is a three-point adventure into the unknown: Only your insurance agent knows for sure. Parking is just one example of the challenges people face using the Mega on a daily basis. Driving the Mega – the only appropriate name for such a monster – is a trying experience in common practices such as parking, changing lanes, backing up and, really, doing anything that requires more than straight-ahead maneuvering. As a commuter, it’s a joke, so buyer beware: if you’re thinking about getting one, prepare to change the way you approach driving – even if you’re coming into it from another truck. It’s simply a matter of size: the Mega takes some getting used to, from the width of the machine to its height. Taking its size into account, then, we found the Mega to be pretty nimble, offering quick acceleration from a standing start and a nice cruising pace. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 is a great engine, the highlight of the truck, with its 345 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s also remarkably quiet inside the cab; with far less vibration and wind noise than one would expect from a vehicle this size. All the way around, the Dodge Ram Mega Cab proves itself as a capable and comfortable BIG truck. Steering is good, providing surprisingly good feel and accuracy for a recirculating ball setup. With an empty bed, the ride is a bouncy, which is to be expected. Fill up the bed or hitch a trailer to this monster, however, and the ride will improve considerably. It’s just so darn big. Ron Perry’s 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Driving Impressions: Maneuvering this behemoth of a truck around the freeways and side streets of southern California requires skill and the driver’s utmost attention to the surroundings. The Mega Cab doesn’t drive like a normal-sized truck because it isn’t. Turns require a wide line and changing lanes means checking both side view mirrors (two mirrors, one convex and one standard, are provided – just like a big rig). It takes two of those compact spaces that shopping centers increasingly offer, so be prepared to park out in the north forty. The ride is rough to say the least, though with a load on the springs it might handle road surfaces better. Acceleration and torque was good, as you would expect from the Hemi engine. Brake pedal feel was solid and the ability to pull the massive truck to a stop was never questionable. The steering on the Mega Cab felt a bit too light, but when hauling a big load this overboosted assist would be appreciated. Once you’ve climbed up inside the Ram Mega Cab, you’re sitting high above traffic. It gives you a sense of power you don’t get from smaller trucks. The interior is huge, front and back, so space isn’t an issue inside the Mega Cab. The seats were comfortable and could be easily adjusted to meet my seat position requirements. The large center console was definitely designed with the contractor in mind. It is very large and deep, capable of holding lots of paperwork or small tools and provides a great resting area for your right arm. Everything is laid out for easy access with no negatives to speak of. This isn’t a truck you would buy just to have a truck. It is a serious work vehicle best purchased by those who need to tow large loads or haul alot of materials. Thom Blackett’s 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Driving Impressions: Love is a Hemi badge and a gargantuan rig that spreads traffic like melted butter. Whether it was the massive chrome cross-hair grille barreling down on them at 85 mph or just coincidence, I noticed a definite tendency by Camry and Accord drivers to yield as I hauled butt in the Mega Cab to a press event in San Diego. With 345 horses and 375 lb.-ft. of twist on tap, the biggest Ram provides surprising acceleration, though that 6,628-lb. curb weight is noticed. Around town, the truck’s drive-by-wire throttle allows for smooth acceleration. Drop the hammer out on the highway and the five-speed automatic transmission, normally a seamless operator, is quick to drop down a gear or two for better response, making it easy to slide the Mega Cab into tight spaces amongst quick-moving traffic. In more confined quarters, however, the 160.3-inch wheelbase and 247.7-inch body make for some skilled maneuvering. School bus drivers would likely love the Mega Cab’s need for a wide, sweeping arc when attempting a 90-degree turn into a parking lot, or the cross-your-fingers-and-pray approach to blind reversing. And make sure to brush up on multi-point turns before taking the wheel. Clearly, the 2006 Dodge Mega Cab is a big truck, and driving it takes some getting used to. Yet, once acclimated, the Ram is just like most other pickups, with capable brakes, light steering providing little road feel, and a high center of gravity that makes fast corners a very bad idea. For that matter, drivers will want to keep the speed down on bumpy highways, too, as the Mega Cab’s unladen rear end has a tendency to buck; maintain 65 mph or less and at least three out of the four contact patches should stay connected to the road.

Comfort

Brian Chee’s Opinion of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s Comfort: If you like donuts, this is the truck for you. Large and in charge, the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is Big Boy for big boys and their friends. In other words, I loved it. The wife, kid and dogs could live in this thing. It’s that big inside – and that comfortable. You half expect to find a television set in back. Dodge has equipped it with an optional DVD entertainment center, but there’s probably enough room for a nice big screen LCD. And with its reclining back seats, rear environmental controls, and big cupholders, you really could get comfy back there, stretch out and watch your favorite show. Front or back, everything is oversized and comfortable, with quality plastics, supportive seats and acres of room for all extremities. Up front, drivers can get optional bucket seats with a dinner table in between (not a joke – really) and a six-way power driver’s seat. Considering that you’re buying a rig like this – you probably have plenty of money – so spring for the buckets in leather, ride in style, and get ready to shout, for while the cab is quiet, there’s just so much space inside that you feel like you’re driving a living room down the road. Heck, you could play a game of hide-and-seek inside this truck, and lose. Ron Perry’s Opinion of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s Comfort: The interior of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is huge. Foot and knee space isn’t an issue here. Both the front and rear passengers have all of the head, leg and shoulder room they could require – even if they’re large. The front seats offer plenty of adjustment, lots of cushion, and were well bolstered for a truck seat. Fact is, you’re not going to be doing any hard cornering in this truck. Stepping up into the cab and slipping into the seats front and back requires developing your own style, but with the interior room and grab handles it is not difficult. The full-size doors also aid comfortable entry and exit. There aren’t many things to clutter the dash, so the layout and access is simple and easy. Back seat passengers benefit most from the extra room in the Mega Cab. Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s Comfort: Thanks, Dodge, for triggering that Napoleon complex afflicting all of the short guys out there. Walking up to the Ram Mega Cab, I thought “Damn, that thing’s huge. Cool.” Then I got closer, reached to the door handle, opened the door, and found myself level with the middle of the steering wheel. And there’s no cab step or running board. Damn it. At least there’s a grab handle on the front pillar, and the steering wheel serves as a good hoist, too. Those who are able to climb the Mega Cab hill will enjoy the seat at the top. Our tester featured upgraded leather seats that were big and comfortable – perfect for a long drive. Of course, seat heaters that worked quickly, padded armrests, a tilt steering wheel, adjustable pedals, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat helped. Rear seat passengers, the real focus of Mega Cab engineers, are afforded copious amounts of head, leg, and foot room and a firm split bench seat that reclines. A fold-down center armrest features two cupholders, while the center console includes air vents and a power outlet. When equipped, the DVD screen folds down from the ceiling and is operated with a handy remote.

Quality

Brian Chee’s Opinion of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s Quality: Big and beautiful, the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is also well-built. Cabin materials are high in quality and nicely assembled; there’s little glare bouncing off the dashboard, and the door handles are large and sturdy, as are the dashboard’s knobs and buttons. I was especially impressed with the type and assembly of plastic materials inside: with so much plastic everywhere, it would be easy to come off as cheap, but the Mega Cab’s execution carries it through, for the most part. Also impressive is the type of safety equipment, such as large side curtain airbags with individual sensors – a requirement for this type of vehicle. All in all, you get what you pay for, and for Mega Cab customers, you get a quiet cabin, a superb engine, good fit and finish, and materials that look like they’ll last a good long time. Ron Perry’s Opinion of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s Quality: No obvious design issues or flaws were apparent during my drive in the Dodge Ram Mega Cab. This truck looks to be built tough to endure the punishment sure to be dealt by those that use trucks for work purposes. There aren’t a lot of exterior trim pieces on the truck that can come off and panel fit was up to par. Inside the quality continues. Our truck was equipped with leather seats that were of good quality and, in fact, I saw no issues to complain about. I felt the interior of the Mega Cab was well-thought out and executed. If I were to change anything it would be to beef up the hinges and latch on the center console since this is an area that will get a lot of use. Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s Quality: At nearly $50,000, a well-equipped 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab needs to be a quality piece of work, and to some degree, it is. The exterior is marked by consistent gaps and body panels that line up well. Inside, much of the plastic feels durable, capable of taking the abuse consistent with years of truck use. And, to its credit, our test truck was rattle-free. But that’s where the praise stopped. The leather felt low-grade, the fake woodgrain was cheap, and the A-pillar covers popped off easily. Panels on the lower center console were loose, casting seams from the factory were readily visible on numerous pieces, and many parts didn’t fit quite right. For a truck in this price range, more attention needs to be paid to interior details.

Design

Brian Chee’s Opinion of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s Design: It’s the Jose Canseco of Dodge Ram trucks. It’s juiced, man, bigger than life and badder than just about anything on the road. And it looks great. For those worried that the Ram look was not scalable, you’re silly – this design, from the grille to the hood and fenders, was made to be big. Changes to the outside include an upgraded grille, with more chrome and the Ram insignia in the center, large rear doors and a design that features proportionally more glass – which gives the Mega Cab a very stylish design from the side. Inside, there are more compartments than your average kitchen, and the center console is so big you could stick a laptop on it. Inside the console, the area is divided, making it big and usable. Cupholders, storage and map slots abound; knobs are big and obvious. Perhaps one of the only design flaws is, indeed, inherent to its size: you have to reach for everything, because, well, that truck is just so darn big. Ron Perry’s Opinion of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s Design: Dodge trucks are hands down the best looking trucks on the market. They are immediately distinguishable and very pleasing to the eye. They look tough and rugged but also have an air of style and class that competing trucks don’t have. The design is starting to look dated and a refresh will be necessary soon if Dodge wants to continue to lead the truck segment when it comes to looks. The Mega Cab design just makes the truck experience that much better. Having the extra room is great whether for the kids or the burly co-workers. The Mega Cab also provides additional storage for tools or materials you might not want exposed to the elements or that are valuable enough to be locked up. Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s Design: No arguments here on the need for more comfortable rear seats in crew cab trucks. They’re a necessity. Got it. What I don’t understand is why Dodge went from a poor excuse for a crew cab truck (the Quad Cab with small rear doors) to a truck with limo doors. Where’s the regular crew cab truck with regular rear doors? Are pickup truck owners that concerned with rear-passenger comfort? Do they need that much interior space, when they’ve got that, ya know, bed, bolted on back? I’m betting that most buyers, the same people who primarily use these vehicles for commuting and stopping at the gas station, will opt for a traditional crew cab truck that offers plenty of room and easier maneuverability.

Advice

Brian Chee’s Advice about the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab: Okay – here’s the thing. The 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab features a great engine along with a nicely designed cabin with cavernous space and a premium on quality. It’s surely an awesome tow-and-hauler, a big vehicle that does big things and keeps its occupants swathed in comfort and quiet. That’s all true. And as hard as it is to find fault in the execution, there’s one thing that demands to be stated: this vehicle represents the type of excess that pollutes our skies and jams the price of gas upward. Buy one and you deserve the stares that come with this symbol of excessive, irresponsible and careless living. Ron Perry’s Advice about the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab: The price of admittance to the Dodge Ram Mega Cab isn’t cheap, especially when loaded up like our test vehicle was with its sticker price of $47,125. Plus, it only achieved a combined fuel rating of 11.5 mpg. Our truck was loaded with options like a leather interior, navigation system, entertainment center, power sunroof, supplemental airbags, fold-away mirrors, block heater, 4:10 gearing, and a trailer tow package – just to name a few of the pricier add-ons that bumped the price considerably. If I had to live in my truck all day long or was making long hauls, especially hauls involving towing, I would pay for the comfort and convenience of the Mega Cab. Thom Blackett’s Advice about the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab: Despite all of the fun I had driving this truck, I can’t see ever buying or recommending it. For all that money, buyers get a 1500-series truck with average build quality and materials, a capable but taxed powertrain, a six-foot bed, only 7.7 inches of ground clearance, and dimensions that make four-wheeling only prudent in a wide-open, snow-covered parking lot. Oh, and that extra room for rear passengers. Here’s my advice: Tell the kids and friends riding in back to suck it up and wear knee pads if need be. Put your Napoleon complex or whatever insecurities in check and consider a truck that provides a sensible balance between need, capability, size, and image. Do that and you’ll probably be skipping the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab.

Specifications

$47,125 (including a $900 destination charge) 5.7-liter Hemi V8 345 at 5,400 rpm 375 lb.-ft. at 4,200 rpm Five-speed automatic 6,628 Not Rated 11.5 mpg 247.7 inches 80.0 inches 160.3 inches 78.7 inches 41.0/44.2 inches 40.8/40.5 inches Six 1,880 8,200 7.7 inches Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, Ford F-150 SuperCrew, GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab, Lincoln Mark LT, Nissan Titan Crew Cab, Toyota Tundra Double Cab

Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler