What is the maximum amount of payload and towing capacity offered by the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab, and which configuration offers it? If you need maximum hauling and towing capacity, you want the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab 3500 with two-wheel drive, the 5.9-liter turbodiesel engine, the four-speed automatic, and the 4.10 gears. So equipped, you can tug a 15,900-pound trailer and carry 2,970 pounds of payload right out of the box. Opting for the 3500 Dually drops the tow rating by 300 pounds, but lets you add a pro-football linebacker weighing 270 pounds in the bed.

How easy is it going to be to park the Dodge Ram Mega Cab in a city or suburb? The Dodge Ram Mega Cab is no longer than a Quad Cab longbed model, but it’s still intimidating to park. Making matters more difficult is the perception that urban parking lot spaces seem to be getting smaller. But, with a little practice, you will be an old hand at wheeling the Mega Cab around. Urbanites, however, might want to think twice about purchasing this truck, leaving it to customers in the wide-open countryside for which it is intended.

I heard that the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab has more rear legroom than a Maybach. Is that true? The 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab has 44.2 inches of rear seat legroom. A Maybach 57 has 40.3 inches of space for your sticks, but a Maybach 62 has a whopping 57.2 inches of stretch-out, bask-in-luxury space room. So the answer is…kinda.

SPECIFICATIONS
Test Vehicle: 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab
Price Range: $32,760 (1500 SLT 2WD) to $48,595 (3500 Laramie 4WD) (including $900 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 5.7-liter V8; 5.9-liter V8 turbodiesel
Engine Horsepower: 345 at 5,400 rpm (5.7L); 325 at 2,900 rpm (5.9L)
Engine Torque: 375 lb.-ft. at 4,200 rpm (5.7L); 610 lb.-ft. at 1,600 rpm (5.9L)
Transmission: Five-speed automatic (5.7L); six-speed manual (5.9L); four-speed automatic (5.9L)
Curb weight, lbs.: 6,082 to 7,390
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): EPA does not rate heavy-duty pickups
Length: 247.7 inches
Width: 80 inches
Wheelbase: 160.5 inches (2WD); 160.3 inches (4WD)
Height: 74.7 inches (2WD); 78.7 inches (4WD)
Leg room (front/rear): 41/44.2 inches
Head room (front/rear): 40.8/40.5 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: 6
Max. Cargo Volume (in cab): 72.2 cubic feet
Max. Payload: 2,970 pounds
Max. Towing Capacity: 15,900 pounds
Min. Ground Clearance: 7.1 (2WD); 7.7 (4WD)
Competitors: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Super Duty, GMC Sierra

Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler