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Basically, Dodge took a 2500 Quad Cab longbed frame and put a shortbed box on it. Then engineers filled up the leftover space with a cab that is 20 inches longer than a Quad Cab. The Mega Cab is 111.1 inches long, only a couple feet short of being able to swallow an entire Mini Cooper. The Mega Cab offers 145.2 cubic feet of interior space, including 7.5 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat. The rear 60/40 split bench seat now has a back that reclines 22 to 37 degrees, and rear-seat passengers can stretch out their legs with 44.2 inches of leg room. That’s about 2.5 inches more than a Super Duty crew cab, but the Ford continues to have advantages in head room, shoulder room and hip room.

The extra room in the Mega Cab does open up many storage options. There is a flat load floor area of almost 25 square feet that is accessible through a rear-door opening width of 34.5 inches. Since the rear door opens at an 85-degree angle, it’s a straight path for large items. This large, secure cargo area should be appealing to RV owners.

“One group we’re looking at is the empty nester,” says Pinter. “Research shows they would look forward to Mega Cab’s interior space to hold cargo.”

Rear seat versatility is showcased three ways: fold-down seatbacks, fully deployed seats to create flat load floor and 60/40 split. There are large storage bins behind the seats for tools or sports equipment. Tie downs are also available.

The big cab also opens up the possibility of captain’s chairs in the rear for the ultimate 4-seater touring/towing vehicle. To satisfy any road warrior, Dodge will be offering premium amenities on the Mega Cab, including full-screen navigation, power sunroof, power-sliding rear window, 348-watt/7-speaker Infinity sound system, Sirius satellite radio and rear-seat DVD entertainment. And customers that don’t fit into the 90th-percentile size and weight categories will be pleased with the adjustable-pedals. Other interior features include a wide center console, separate rear A/C and heating outlets, reading lights, generous storage bins and flexible-sized cup holders.

Mega Cab will be distinguished by a prominent chrome grille, more contemporary headlights and massive front bumper. Both 4x2 and 4x4 models will be offered in either SLT or Laramie trim. The 345-horsepower Hemi engine is standard in the 1500 and 2500 models while the diesel—with its stump-pulling 610 lb-ft of torque—is standard in the 3500 and optional in the 2500. The Hemi comes with a 5-speed automatic while the diesel gets a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

The 2500 series come in either 8800- or 9000-pound GVWR with a payload range of 1430 to 2620 pounds, depending on engine, transmission, trim level and choice of 2- or 4-wheel drive. Towing capacity ranges from 8100 up to 12,900 pounds. Mega Cab adds about 400 pounds over a 2500 Quad Cab.

The 3500 line sports a GVWR of 9900 pounds with a payload range of 2280 up to 2840 pounds. Towing capacity ranges from 13,250 up to 15,800, depending on transmission, rear axle ratio and choice of drivetrain.

Big numbers can get in the way. Overall length is 247.7 inches, which may not fit in some garages and translates into a frustrating 52.5-foot turning circle for 4x4 models. Since the 1500 model is 10 pounds over the 8500-pound cutoff, Dodge won’t have to release EPA estimated fuel economy numbers. But with a half-ton more curb weight, don’t expect the 1500 Mega Cab to come close to the 14 city/18 highway listed for a Hemi-powered 1500 Quad Cab 4x2.

Officials don’t expect the Mega Cab to cut into Quad Cab sales, saying both groups have different needs.

“Research indicated these are two separate groups,” explains Pinter. “When we came out with the Quad Cab, we were basically offering extended cab buyers a little more. We still see Quad Cab going after extended cab buyers and Mega Cab going after crew cab buyers.”

The Mega Cab will be available in the fall of 2005. Pricing was not announced.

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