Interior Cargo
103.5 cu-ft behind the 1st row, with the 2nd and 3rd rows folded; 54.5 cu-ft behind the 2nd row, with the 3rd row folded; and 18.2 cu-ft behind the 3rd row.
Seating
2/3/3
MPG
13 as tested
Standard Features and Options
Exterior:
18-inch aluminum wheelsHID headlightsPower/heated/signal/memory mirrorIntegrated running boardsLuggage roof rackChrome exhaust tip
Interior:
Satin, nickel, and wood accent10-way power, leather, heated and cooled front seatsDual-zone electronic auto-climate controlRear auxiliary climate controlLeather power tilt wheel with audio, speed, and climate controlsElectronic message centerPower-fold 3rd row seatsPower liftgate
Functional:
Reverse sensing systemVariable assist power steeringPower adjustable pedalsAuto dim rearview mirrorRemote keyless with keypadClass III towing4WD
Safety and Security:
Side air curtains for all rows
Thorax side air bag for first row
Securilock anti-theft
Tire pressure monitoring
Lower anchors and tethers
Options:
Second row 40/20/40 split-bench leather seat
Power moonroof
Class IV towing
Entertainment Package
Exterior Color: White Chocolate Tri-coatP275/55420 All-season tires
20-inch chromed aluminum wheels
Elite Package (Premium Appearance Package, Entertainment Package, power-deployed running board, electrochromic rearview mirror with microphone, navigation radio with THX, rearseat entertainment)
Sirius Satellite Radio with a six-month subscription
2006 Dodge Ram 2500
SLT Mega Cab 4x4
Driving a massive amount of truck down the road instills the driver with a sense of over confidence and a general air of cockiness. You can call it a superiority-or even inferiority-complex; depending upon which side of the argument you want to be on. There was no denying that sliding behind the wheel of the '06 Dodge Ram Mega Cab 4x4 made me feel like I owned the road. The meek shall bow to the mayor.
But really, getting behind the wheel of the Dodge makes everyone feel small. The truck's interior layout is spacious and comfortable. The top end interior package consisting of heated leather and suede-trimmed seats matches the faux-wood dash panels, and I almost get the sense that I was in a luxury vehicle and not a truck. It takes a bit of acclimation while peering out over the hood, awaiting for the realization that I was about to embark into public with nearly four tons of vehicle. Now get out of my way, you little commuter cars!
I have been a truck guy my whole life, and the Mega Cab is just the ticket for me. I have never been a fan of Dodge trucks. Sure, I have seen many that looked cool, but I never cared to own one. This truck changed my whole view with a mere twist of the ignition and a quick ride. I was not one of the first to drive the truck, but I did manage to do some back-seat testing while my other editorial brethren were taking turns behind the wheel for eight-week stints. I stand in at 6'3'' tall, and a couple of the guys- whom I loosely call my friends-are near that and taller. Sitting in the rear seat of the Mega Cab is a joy. No more calling "shotgun" to be in the front to be comfortable. Now, I would rather sit in the back with the truck's seat reclined and watch a movie or play a game on the optionally included overhead LCD screen. That is traveling in style.
But, alas, I also had to drive, but managed to keep the doldrums at bay by the truck's decent-sounding stereo. Six-discs in the changer and a Sirius satellite as back up will surely make any drive more than bearable. I entertained myself behind the wheel doing the route to and fro for work, and mixed that with a couple of truck trips. I piled the family in for a run to Northern California to enjoy Thanksgiving with some family there, and even managed to get in a winter off-road driving session at Hungry Valley OHV in Gorman, California. Snow was falling and I was looking for it, but as you can tell from the photo accompanying this story, there wasn't much to play in. So much for testing my snowman manufacturing skills.
All in all, the Dodge Mega Cab offers a serious amount of room for either work or play. The family and your employees will be more than happy to ride in your truck. And, with the killer Cummins under the hood you can tow, haul, or go to the mall with nary a complaint. You're supposed to get better fuel economy from a diesel powerplant, but, in my case, a lead foot equals piss-poor mileage. Don't be worried about other traffic, though. The menacing grille dimension will send lesser vehicles scurrying out of your way like a bear surprising diminutive woodland creatures. Try not to let it go to your head.
This was the fifth installment of our long-term coverage of the Dodge Ram Mega Cab 2500. Total miles driven during this period was 4,546 and the overall MPG has been 13.72.