 |
|
|
|
|
|
Step up to our 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab 2500 4X4. In for a short stay, this full-size pickup with its extra-large crewcab, is proving to be a star when it comes to being a television production support vehicle.
With its huge 5-passenger cabin, the largest of any full-size pickup, and deep, 6-foot 4-inch cargo bed, there wasn't much we can't haul. Or tow. Our 4X4's 325-horsepower 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel 6 and automatic is rated for 12,400 pounds of trailer.
The combination of a $5,555 premium for the Cummins diesel, a 4.10 rear axle ratio, and 14.4 mile per gallon of diesel economy, does not make this Mega Cab a frivolous-use truck. The Ram Mega Cab is big, and proud of it.
|
|
|
|
|
Smart and tough describe the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab 2500 4X4. With its oversized 6-passenger cabin, and deep, 6-foot 4-inch cargo bed, there isn't much we can't haul. Or tow. Our 4x4's 325-horsepower 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel inline-6 and automatic combo is rated for 12,400 pounds of trailer.
Indeed, this is a truck that can work, but with a $5,555 premium for the Cummins diesel, 15.2 mile per gallon of diesel economy, a choppy ride, and a 52-foot turning diameter, the Mega Cab is no casual grocery getter.
Still, our Mega Cab is not without its softer side. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Dual-zone climate controls keep everyone comfy. The 6-Disc Infinity audio system has great fidelity, and the power sunroof brings the welcomed sunshine in. So, it may be a brute, but the Ram Mega Cab still has heart.
|
|
|
|
|
Sometimes there is just is no substitute for size and power. That's where you need a truck like our 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab 2500 4X4. With its oversized 6-passenger cabin, and deep-walled, 6-foot 4-inch cargo bed, there isn't much we can't haul or tow.
Our 4x4's 325-horsepower 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel inline6 and automatic combo is rated for 12,400 pounds of trailer.
But you do pay for that pull. Over 5 grand in price for the diesel, a sometimes buck-board ride, and still modest 15.3 mile-per-gallon economy.
And this is a diesel. So on cold mornings the glow-plug light stays on a long time before you can start.
When the 2008 diesel Ram goes on sale this spring, its 6.7-liter Cummins will be the cleanest diesel engine in any pickup truck, meeting the most stringent emissions limits three years early. That puts the Dodge Ram turbo diesel years ahead of both the regulations and its rivals.
|
|
|
|
|
Our 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab 2500 4X4 says a lot about the future of full-size pickups too. When new Global Warming inspired fuel economy rules finally emerge, turbo-diesel power may well be as common in a pickup truck as an open cargo bed.
Some experts feel that is the only way heavy duty models like our Ram, with its long and wide 6-passenger cabin, deep-walled, 6-foot 4-inch cargo bed, and 12,400 pound trailer tow limit can exist.
Our 4x4's 325-horsepower 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel inline6 and automatic combination certainly pulls with ease. And while 15.4 miles-per-gallon of diesel may not sound great, it's about 25% better than a Ram with a gasoline-fueled HEMI V8.
One thing is for sure. Americans will continue to love their pickup trucks, even if they turn a lot greener.
|
|
|
|
|
Our 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab 2500 4X4 can certainly make a day's work easier. This full-size diesel pickup comes ready to rock, with more than 6-tons of towing capacity, plus long distance room for 6 adults.
Our 4x4's 325-horsepower 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel inline6 pulls as the day is long. And while 15.4 miles per gallon of diesel may not sound great, it's about 25% better than a Ram with a gasoline-fueled HEMI V8.
We've had no quality problems in 10 months and 18,000 miles. But for long distance comfort, the seats could use more lower-back support. Still for a big work ethic, this Ram's a keeper.
|
|
|
|
|
Summers come and summers go, and our 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab 2500 4X4 that arrived during the hottest months last year is now hot footing it out of town. We had a good experience with this full-size diesel pickup. With room for 6, and 6-tons of towing capacity, it's easy to see why heavy duty pickups remain popular with families that work and play hard.
Our 4x4's 325-horsepower 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel inline6 returned 15.2 miles-per-gallon of diesel. While that may not sound impressive, it's about 25% better than a Ram with a gasoline-fueled HEMI V8.
We've had no quality problems in 13 months and 22,000 miles, but the Ram could use more back support in the folding rear seats. And maybe a backup camera to help us park this beast. Regardless, the Ram turbo diesel is a great partner for those that still need to drive large.
|
|
