Market Segment:
Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck
Competitors:
Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD
Vehicle Focus:
Designed for heavy towing and hauling, spacious Mega Cab offers significant rear-seat room.
Purpose:
To empower owners with essential knowledge for safe operation, routine maintenance, and understanding of their vehicle's features.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, starting and charging system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic), transfer case operation (4WD), driveline, axles
Chassis:
Braking system (ABS), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Instrument cluster, lighting system, wipers, power accessories, fuses, basic electrical system overview
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC system, seating adjustments, power windows, door locks, mirrors, audio system, remote keyless entry
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (LATCH), vehicle security system
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, towing information, trailer brake controller operation
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), fluid specifications, filter replacement guidance
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights and indicators, basic diagnostic information for common issues
Emergency:
Emergency procedures, changing a flat tire, jump starting (if applicable)
Depth:
Owner-level information focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting; not a full service/repair manual
Engine Option 1:
6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6
Engine Option 2:
5.7L HEMI V8 (Gasoline)
6.7L Cummins Horsepower:
350 hp @ 3,000 rpm
6.7L Cummins Torque:
650 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
5.7L Hemi Horsepower:
345 hp @ 5,400 rpm
5.7L Hemi Torque:
375 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
6.7L Cummins Fuel System:
Common Rail Direct Injection, Turbocharged
5.7L Hemi Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI), Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled
Standard Transmission:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (with 5.7L HEMI)
Optional Transmission 1:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (AISIN AS68RC, with 6.7L Cummins)
Optional Transmission 2:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (48RE, with 5.7L HEMI)
Transmission Features:
Tow/Haul mode, Electronic range select (automatic)
Overall Length:
259.4 inches
Overall Width:
79.4 inches
Overall Height:
78.7 inches
Interior Volume:
Approx. 155 cu ft (cabin volume)
Rear Seat Legroom:
Approx. 40+ inches (class-leading for its time)
Cargo Volume:
Significant, configurable with rear seats up or down
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, typically 6,500 - 7,500 lbs
Gvwr:
10,000 - 11,000 lbs
Gcwr:
Up to 23,000 lbs (diesel w/ appropriate trailer)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to 16,000 lbs (diesel, properly equipped)
Max Payload Capacity:
Approx. 3,000 - 4,000 lbs
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 5-star passenger (when equipped with side airbags)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested)
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - on some models/trims), Traction Control
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, available front side-impact airbags, available side-curtain airbags (front and rear for Mega Cab), advanced seat belt technology, LATCH child seat anchors
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM/CD audio system, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional navigation system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, trailer brake controller integration (factory or aftermarket).
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary input jack for audio devices, optional Bluetooth hands-free calling (Uconnect system).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended)
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
6,000 miles or 6 months (using synthetic recommended)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions)
Fuel Filter Diesel:
Replace every 15,000 miles (critical for protecting high-pressure fuel system)
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Check at 30,000 miles, service typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on use (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Engine Oil 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or newer)
Engine Oil 6.7L Cummins:
SAE 15W-40 (API CJ-4 or newer, synthetic 5W-40 often recommended for cold weather)
Coolant:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant, Mopar Part Number 68048553AB (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Automatic 48Re:
ATF+4 (Mopar Part Number 68043748AA)
Transmission Fluid Automatic As68Rc:
ATF+4 or Mopar Filtered Automatic Transmission Fluid (Mopar Part Number 68083033GA)
Common Issues:
Potential for EGR cooler failure (6.7L Cummins), fuel injector issues (Cummins), potential for transmission issues (especially under heavy use if not maintained), U-joint wear, exhaust manifold cracks (older Cummins models but less common on 6.7L).
Brand Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing durable and capable trucks, with the Ram line being a cornerstone of their commercial and heavy-duty offerings.
Model Generation:
Fourth Generation Dodge Ram (2002-2008, with a significant refresh in 2006)
Mega Cab Introduction:
The Mega Cab body style, offering unparalleled rear passenger space, was introduced for the 2005 model year, combining the Crew Cab's four full doors with an extended cabin.
Production Location:
Saltillo, Mexico
