2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually

[BrewSwillis]

Dodge Kicks Off Texas State Fair with Introduction of All-New 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually



Largest pickup cab on the planet adds dual rear wheels for 'Mega' towing and hauling capability

* 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine provides best-in-class 610 lb.-ft. of torque - more than Ford's PowerStroke or Chevrolet's Duramax® diesel engines
* The biggest, most innovative pickup cab ever - more than 12 inches longer than the Ford F-250 Crew Cab


Dallas, Texas, Sep 29, 2005 -

In a salute to the largest pickup truck market in the United States, Dodge tipped its hat to Texas today and unveiled the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually.

Building on Dodge Ram’s leadership momentum, the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab – the most spacious and versatile pickup cab on the planet – adds a dual-rear-wheel model that takes towing and hauling capability to new levels of performance.

“The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually will attract consumers who require the utmost in space, utility and capability,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. “With the ability to tow and haul heavy loads, securely stow gear and simultaneously bring the entire family along, the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually is the ultimate truck.”

Featuring dual rear wheels that expand the rear-wheel track to six feet, four inches, the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually provides more payload capacity and enhanced trailer-towing stability. To supply class-leading muscle, the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually model comes standard with 610 lb.-ft. of torque, courtesy of its 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine.

Available as a 3500 series, configured with 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains, in SLT or Laramie trim and with a six-foot, three-inch box, the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually comes standard with a six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission. An electric-shift transfer case is standard on four-wheel-drive models, and a limited-slip differential is optional.

The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually arrives in Dodge dealerships in January.

“Dually” Capable
Building on Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s prodigious towing and hauling capability, the new dual-rear-wheel model boosts the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to 10,500 lbs., payload capacity to 3,240 lbs., and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) to 9,350 lbs. An impressive Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) of 23,000 lbs. and maximum trailer weight of 15,600 lbs. place the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually at the top of its class.

The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually’s rear suspension is similar in both two- and four-wheel-drive models and is equipped with a heavy-duty 11.5-inch solid axle and longitudinal leaf springs. Three leaves carry normal loads and an auxiliary leaf supports additional load capacity.

“Capability is a Dodge bragging point and we are taking it to the next level with the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team. “With the added stability of dual rear wheels, the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually enables customers to tow or haul the heaviest farm, ranch, construction or recreational equipment – anywhere, anytime – while also transporting passengers in ‘Mega’ comfort.”

New gas-charged monotube shocks in the rear suspension feature unique valving to accommodate the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually’s increased payload capacity, providing exceptional control and durability. In addition, dual 17-inch rear wheels with LT235/70R17E tires deliver a smooth ride, as well as enhanced load-carrying capability.

Mega Towing
The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually provides a combination of standard and optional features that make towing easier, such as a Class IV hitch receiver with a seven-circuit wiring harness, 750-amp battery, heavy-duty engine cooling and an auxiliary transmission oil cooler.

“Towing and hauling capability is critical for our customers, as more than 90 percent of Dodge Ram Heavy Duty customers tow with their truck,” said Donoughe.

A “Tow/Haul” mode, as well as “Overdrive Off,” delivers maximum trailer-towing performance by providing crisp shifts and reducing gear searching when climbing hills. These systems will also select a lower gear in downhill conditions in order to utilize the engine’s breaking capability.

Distinctive trailer-tow mirrors featured on the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually offer a large rear-viewing area that may be customized to drivers’ needs and preferences. Mirrors provide two views on both sides: close-up and wide-out. In addition, mirrors flip up 90 degrees for viewing beyond wide trailers.

Class-dominating Cummins Power
The 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel is the king of the heavy-duty diesel segment with class-dominating 610 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm – peaking earlier than either Ford’s PowerStroke or Chevrolet’s Duramax® diesels – translating to a noticeably better vehicle launch when towing and accelerating, as well as better drivability.

“The Cummins Turbo Diesel is the engine of choice for 85 percent of Dodge Ram Heavy Duty customers,” said Donoughe. “Unlike other diesel options on the market, Cummins is synonymous with smooth power delivery, best-in-class torque, excellent fuel economy and durability that is unmatched in the industry.”

The Cummins Turbo Diesel offers reliability, durability and efficiency with an in-cylinder combustion and a diesel oxidation catalyst solution that requires no exhaust gas recirculation components. In addition, gallery-cooled, high-strength aluminum pistons provide increased durability, resulting in an average of 350,000 miles before overhaul.

Best-in-class Interior Room and Comfort
All 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab models – including the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually – offer the largest pickup cab on the planet:

* Largest, longest cab – 143.2 cubic feet, 111.1 inches long
* Largest interior cargo volume – 72.2 cubic feet
* Largest cargo volume behind rear seat – 7.7 cubic feet
* Largest flat floor load area – 16.8 square feet
* Largest second-row leg room – 44.2 inches
* Largest rear-door opening – 34.5 inches wide, 35.5 inches tall
* Largest rear-door open angle – 85 degrees
* First-ever reclining rear seats – 22- to 37-degree seat-back angle

The innovative interior of all 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab models takes comfort and convenience to a new level in the full-size pickup segment. Its larger-than-life interior space offers seating for six adults, with plenty of head, shoulder, leg and hip room, and the most interior cargo storage and seating configurations available in the full-size pickup truck market.

Inside the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab, premium amenities offered include a full-screen navigation radio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, power-sliding rear window, heated front bucket seats, power sun roof and power-adjustable pedals.

Space in a Different Place
The starting point for all 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab models is the Ram Heavy Duty 160.5-inch wheelbase, long-box model. Dodge Truck engineers re-proportioned the cab and the pickup box by replacing the eight-foot box with the Ram 2500’s six-foot, three-inch box, providing an additional 20 inches for the cab. The result is a cab length of 111.1 inches – more than 12 inches longer than the 2005 Ford F-250 Crew Cab.

Highlighting numerous seating and storage options is the standard 60/40 two-position fold-down rear seats that may be used in several configurations to accommodate passengers and gear.

Unique, large storage bins behind rear seats in the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab store tools, sports equipment or just about any other every day item. Flip-open bin covers may be closed to conceal items or opened to stow larger items behind rear seats.

Mega Stopping Power
The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually features robust standard brakes with brake rotors that measure 13.9 inches front and rear. Combined with standard hydraulic brake boosters and an anti-lock braking system (ABS), large four-wheel-disc brakes provide the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually with excellent stopping power.

Electronic Variable Brake Proportioning (EVBP) is a component of the standard four-wheel anti-lock braking system on all Dodge Ram Mega Cab models. EVBP is designed to better balance front-to-rear braking effort by making better use of rear brakes when the truck is lightly loaded.

Precise Steering and Handling
All 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab models offer two different steering systems: one for two-wheel drive and another for four-wheel-drive versions.

Standard on all two-wheel-drive Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually models is a rack-and-pinion steering system, delivering precise feel and response, and tuned to give the driver control and positive feedback. On four-wheel-drive versions, a recirculating ball system provides the quickest steering ratio in the industry. The 13.4:1 overall steering ratio and 2.75 turns lock-to-lock are especially effective when making tight turns or maneuvering a trailer in close quarters.

An independent front suspension is standard on two-wheel-drive Dodge Ram Mega Cab models. On four-wheel-drive versions, a rigid-beam front axle, with a refined five-link, coil-spring suspension is included. The solid-beam front axle is validated for a 5,200 lbs. GAWR.

Dodge Truck Leadership
The all-new Dodge Ram Mega Cab solidifies Ram’s leadership in the full-size pickup market by offering the largest pickup truck cab on the planet with best-in-class interior room and comfort. Dodge Ram’s leadership includes:

* Most POWERFUL pickup: Dodge Ram 1500 with legendary HEMI power is the most powerful mass production light-duty pickup on the market
* FASTEST pickup: Dodge Ram SRT10 is the Guinness Book of World Records’ fastest production pickup
* STRONGEST pickup: Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Cummins Turbo Diesel is the strongest pickup on the market, with 610 lb.-ft. of class-dominating torque
* Most CAPABLE pickup: Dodge Ram Power Wagon is the most capable off-road factory pickup ever created
* LARGEST pickup cab: Dodge Ram Mega Cab is the most spacious and versatile pickup on the market

Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of seven percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. In 2004, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles in the global market.

Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent market share in the United States. In the truck market, Dodge has an 18 percent market share. In the car market, Dodge has a 4.5 percent market share.

Credit to Charger on the Allpar.com forums. Edited September 30, 2005 by BrewSwillis

[Derek77]

I thought the Duramax has 650 lb/ft of torque? Which is more 610 or 650?

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

Looks nice in that Midnight Blue (or is it Patriot Blue?) color, but those dually fender flares are unimpressive, recalling those archaic dogs known as the 1972-93 D/W-Series/Ram pickups. What happened to the other fender flares on the DRW Ram 3500's?

[Satty]

Well, its big. Congratulations Dodge, you've shown the world that you really do feel insecure in your manhood.

[caddycruiser]

Looks nice in that Midnight Blue (or is it Patriot Blue?) color, but those dually fender flares are unimpressive, recalling those archaic dogs known as the 1972-93 D/W-Series/Ram pickups. What happened to the other fender flares on the DRW Ram 3500's?

[post="22419"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Maybe they realized, regardless of the looks of them, they were just too big and bulky for the purpose they actually served.

Here's how I think the truck market will look over the next year or so:
1) Silverado/Sierra - most refined, fuel efficient, and the best interior; most carlike
2) F-series - next to best interior, but not seeming as fresh next to the GM twins, whether from a refinement, comfort, or power standpoint
3) Ram - HUGE and with brute force power across the line, but an new interior that's still less than stellar; "sportiest" of the bunch
4) Titan - Large and nicely styled outside, strong power, but interior materials and overall build quality worst of group; still a lack of choice in model/capability
5) Tundra - Expected to offer models as "big" as the Dodge, with new power and truck-ness, plus a new interior that, if like the Tacoma but better, will run neck and neck with the new GM's Edited September 30, 2005 by caddycruiser

[Robert Hall]

I wonder if they are going to do an SRT-10 version of the Mega Cab..

[milleramerican]

I wonder if they are going to do an SRT-10 version of the Mega Cab..

[post="22511"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

That wouldnt surprise me. They do an SRT of everything now. Whats next, an SRT caravan?

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

I doubt we'll see a Caravan SRT (or even R/T-if they have a performance version, name it something else-PLEASE!), but I think we do or did have a Ram (1500) SRT-10 Quad Cab-don't quote me though. Also interesting to note that this is the first Ram crew cab (note: the Quad Cab is really a Club Cab extended cab with conventional doors and shrunken front doors fitted to it) in over 20 years-around 1985 was the last one I think.

[IntimidatorSS]

Those flairs dont look right at all..........they took away the thing that I like about dually pickups......the HUGE rear fenders. These look wimpy in comparison............ Also that is a big freakin truck..........the way the things are goin we'll have 3/4 versions of semi's drivin around with people without needing CDL's to drive em and people takin up 8 parking spots and causing accidents cause of the inability to drive such a huge truck correctly...............

[KaliRover]

Eh... not too shabby, but I like the SRT Ram, and Dakota over this.