Long Term UpdateDriver: Bob Ryder2006 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT Mega Cab 4X4 After sliding behind the wheel of our '06 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab 4x4 diesel for six weeks, I can now say, I had a "Mega Cab experience." Which was, much like the 1500 Mega Cab long-term loaner that we recently returned to the manufacturer, but with more power.
The spacious cab interior allows you to relax in style and comfort. The front seats have great lower-back support and lateral bolsters, in both the bottom and back of the seat. You are definitely sitting tall in the saddle and looking far down the road. A mega-sized, dual-level flip-up center console/armrest/work desk allows for enormous storage. If the family dog or your youngest child is missing, you might want to check there. The console flips back and can be used as a seat back for a third person, in a pinch. Once you are planted in the rear 60/40 split bench seat, you will notice enough legroom for Sasquatch. As you recline, the rear seat still has plenty of room for a TV tray.
The mega rear seat will remind you of sitting on your living-room couch. The only thing missing is the 52-inch plasma TV and refrigerator stocked with cold beverages. The Mega Cab has all of the comforts of home. Every time I park it, I feel like I should drop my welcome mat beneath the door. All of the instrumentation was displayed in clear view, and the entertainment audio-sound controls were within reach. The steering-wheel finger stereo radio and the CD control both the volume and channels.
An intimidating 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel develops a kick-butt 325 hp and 610 lb-ft of house-pulling torque. And we had some fun with it in our staging of the photo that accompanies this story. This engine really brings the weighty Mega Cab into its own. After mashing the loud accelerator pedal, you hear the turbo spool up, and you feel the power kick in with an incredible continuous pull. Making a run to the hardware store and maxing out the bed with twelve 2x4s, nine-sheets of 3/4-inch plywood, hardware, and six bags of ready-mix was an effortless task for the mighty Cummins. A trip up to the Sierra mountains gave me a chance to experience some of the Ram's 4x4 off-road capability. With just a twist of the high-low range-control selection knob, the Ram was up and over any challenging obstacles or treacherous terrain. All of the while, maintaining its ground clearance of 17 inches, not to worry about getting high-centered. After experiencing my mega ride for six weeks, I would highly recommend a Dodge Ram Mega Cab 4x4 for the mega-minded.
This is the fourth installment of our long-term coverage of the Dodge Ram Mega Cab 2500. The overall MPG for this period is 16.9.