AUBURN HILLS, MI – The 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab has added a dual-rear-wheel model, improving towing and hauling capability.

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 5.9L 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.

Building on Dodge Ram Mega Cab's 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. The Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually features a Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) of 23,000 lbs.

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.

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

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.

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 flip up 90 degrees for viewing beyond wide trailers.

The 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel offers 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.

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.

Standard 60/40 two-position fold-down rear seats that may be used in several configurations to accommodate passengers and gear.

Large storage bins behind rear seats in the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab store tools and sports equipment. Flip-open bin covers may be closed to conceal items or opened to stow larger items behind rear seats.

The 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually features standard hydraulic brake boosters and an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and four-wheel-disc brakes. 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.