2006 Dodge Ram 2500HD Mega Cab Laramie 4x4 Road Test (Video Clip)

2006 Dodge Ram 2500HD Mega Cab Laramie 4x4 (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

The shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive is a no-brainer, which I used quite often, since the truck was equipped with all-season tires in the dead of winter. You can switch from 2-wheel drive to all fours at low speeds, or at a standstill. Switching to the LOW range requires the transmission to be in neutral. I still managed to get stuck once in the snow, though.

Styling

The 2006 Ram sports a redesigned front grille and headlamps that further blends in with the Dodge corporate face. Personally, I preferred the old front end; it looked more aggressive. Still, this high-riding truck looks good, and seems more athletic than the other full-size pickups. The chrome wheels are nice, but they give the impression that you're not using this behemoth for work.

2006 Dodge Ram 2500HD Mega Cab Laramie 4x4 (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

This is a big vehicle, but I have good news to report: it can fit in an automatic car wash, but barely. I had only a couple of inches on each side, and about an inch and a half of height clearance left, but I succeeded in getting the truck clean for some decent pictures. However, I had to get out to punch the code for the car wash. These machines should have telescopic arms and sensors that automatically extend the height of the keypad interface with the driver's door, but I now have a very good reason to ask for my money back. Just kidding.

Interior

Sitting in the driver's seat, the Mega Cab is just like any other Ram. This means plenty of room. The heated leather seating in this Laramie test truck offer as much lateral support than a park bench, but are otherwise more comfortable. Visibility outside is actually quite good, despite the huge C-pillars (need room for those 'MEGA CAB' emblems...). The sound

2006 Dodge Ram 2500HD Mega Cab Laramie 4x4 (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

system offers a 6-CD changer with MP3 capability, and the heating and ventilation controls are simple to use.

Now for the highlight of the Mega Cab. There is a tremendous amount of room in the back seat area. You can stretch out, cross your legs, and recline the seatback. You can also fold down the seatbacks for locked-up cargo capability. Your gun rack will fit quite nicely. This test truck also has an overhead DVD entertainment system for back-seat occupants, who will probably never rub shoulders with the width of this vehicle.

Conclusion

This Ram 2500HD Mega Cab Laramie 4x4 has a base price of $47,665. If I got all the options right, I calculated an as-tested price of $61,650. That includes the Cummins engine ($6,950), the 4-speed automatic ($300), the navigation system with 6-CD changer ($3,930), the rear DVD entertainment system ($1,190) and the power sunroof ($1,150). For that price, I would rather get a Ram SRT10 (dare to dream...). However, entry price for a 1500-series Mega Cab SLT 4x2 is $35,880, or $2,840 more than its Quad Cab equivalent.

2006 Dodge Ram 2500HD Mega Cab Laramie 4x4 (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

The Ram in itself is a strong contender in the full-size pickup arena. It offers a good choice of powertrains, body styles and trim levels. It drives well and seems solid. However, save for certain particular cases, I find this Mega Cab configuration useless. Why spoil your friends with so much room in back? Do they deserve it? What's in it for you? Not much, besides having to pay more for it. A family member though I was harsh, saying that this Mega Cab is practical for transporting a bunch of construction workers around, with their steel-cap boots, hardhats, and other gear. I agree, but this Laramie doesn't seem to apply to them.