I am glad you brought this up. My truck GVW is 9,000#. Label on door panel is 5,200# front and 6,000# rear. I run 11,000# on truck when hauling 5er. Overall gross is about 1,500# over GCVW. My truck handles this load better than any previous truck I have owned. I added two full length leafs serveral months ago to bring rear back up to match the front 2" leveling kit. My tires are rated at 3,195#s. That is 6,400# per rear. I run around 6,000# on rear axle loaded. This truck does just fine at this load.

CUMMINZ

 

I had an 03 short box quad cab, pulling a 40' toy hauler with double slide. Just one trip over the mountain and I bought my 05 dually with 6 speed. I had no problem with the short box and slider hitch but I knew I really didn't have a good platform for the weight I was hauling.

To make a long story short. I was coming back home from Casper Wy, and had a 3 point Buck run into the side of my truck. It took the Dually fender completely off and caved in the left rear quarter panel. I am sure that I would not have walked away if I was in my 03. I know the only reason I didn't lose control was from the bigger platform. Truck has 3500.00 in damage and the camper I haven't recieved a solid quote on yet. I am told 6,000.00 plus. I would say the extra money for the dually and the lose of fuel milage (3mpg) was worth the life of myself, wife and 4 year old daughter. I have seen the mega cab dually it does have the short box but is a long wheel base. I would go there with the slider if I could. I have no doubt that these vehicles will pull more than their rating, but it only takes one panic stop to make a person wish they were safer.

 

Below photo is springs under load.



CUMMINZ

 

You make a good point and by the way, I am in the market for a dually but it will be 2007. I think they will get smart and come out with a truck with 19.5s. with GVW of better than 12k. That is what I am looking for.
Personally I hate a dually, I don't like the looks, the ride, the fact that you can't take it thru a car wash, cost more to buy tires and to drive it.

My truck is a Viper incognito. You dually dudes don't take it personal.

CUMMINZ

 

Don't count on it.

Fellers - Before I worked for Toyota (don't work for them now) in design, I would have not believed anybody (or at least not listened) regarding buying a 1st year vehicle. But even Toyota known for quality, had so many problems in the 1st year. And not just problems. I did seat design and realized quickly that I would've been pi$$ed to have gotten a 1st year seat (vehicle) if I had known all the changes that I made during the production of the 1st year, to be implemented at the start of production for the 2nd model year.

Knowing that, the soonest I'll buy a new Dodge truck will be 2008. The 2nd year of the 'long bed' Mega-Cab ... the 3rd production year of the Mega Cab. That's my advice, coming from someone who remains to be behind the scenes of vehicle production.

- JyRO

 

LOTS!!!! The Mega Cab blows both the Ford and Chevy crew cabs away.

Besides, who wants a PSD??

 

I think he was talking about the way it's squatting. If you don't mind my asking, why did you lift the front up and not the rear?

Scratch that...I just saw your photos with the new springs. That looks MUCH better. I don't like squatty trucks!!

 

It is strange how life changes. When I ordered my truck in late December 2003 I never thought I would tow a 5er and I ordered a 2500. If I had it to do over again I would have ordered a 3500. Except my wife don't like the cab lights. So I am better off doing what I did and order a 2500 and add rear leafs. Next off I installed 315s and needed the 2" front lift and I do like a truck that sits level. Low and behold I buy a 5er and it looks squatted. I then add the Timbrens and scrap them and add 2 rear leafs. Rear leafs have given me better ride than Timbrens or air bags and no chance of bag failure.

CUMMINZ

 

It is official, Dodge is coming out with the MegaCab 1-ton dually in January or February of 2006. It will still have a 6 1/2 foot bed. My Fifth Wheel has a long extended hitch which puts it really far back from the cab, so I might could get by with a 6 1/2 foot bed. With my Ford 1-ton, I can hook up to the Fifth Wheel with the tailgate down and have plenty of room to walk between the tailgate and the Fifth Wheel with the tailgate down.

 

Why worry about the single wheel. Dodge has the dual wheel for 06. They said no, but then they did. My problem with the 06 is the 6'3" bed. Two short for me. I won't buy a slider hitch. I'll stick with my 96 for now.

..Preston..

 

Dodge Kicks Off Texas State Fair with Introduction of All-New 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually
* 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine provides best-in-class 610 lb.-ft. of torque - more than Ford's PowerStroke or Chevrolet's Duramax® diesel engines
* The biggest, most innovative pickup cab ever - more than 12 inches longer than the Ford F-250 Crew Cab
Dallas, Texas, Sep 29, 2005 - In a salute to the largest pickup truck market in the United States, Dodge tipped its hat to Texas today and unveiled the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually. Building on Dodge Ram’s leadership momentum, the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab – the most spacious and versatile pickup cab on the planet – adds a dual-rear-wheel model that takes towing and hauling capability to new levels of performance.
“The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually will attract consumers who require the utmost in space, utility and capability,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Brand Marketing, Chrysler Group. “With the ability to tow and haul heavy loads, securely stow gear and simultaneously bring the entire family along, the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually is the ultimate truck.”
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 5.9-liter 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.
The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually arrives in Dodge dealerships in January.

“Dually” Capable Building on Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s prodigious 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. An impressive Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) of 23,000 lbs. and maximum trailer weight of 15,600 lbs. place the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually at the top of its class. 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. “Capability is a Dodge bragging point and we are taking it to the next level with the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually,” said Mike Donoughe, Vice President – Body-on-frame Product Team. “With the added stability of dual rear wheels, the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually enables customers to tow or haul the heaviest farm, ranch, construction or recreational equipment – anywhere, anytime – while also transporting passengers in ‘Mega’ comfort.” New gas-charged monotube shocks in the rear suspension feature unique valving to accommodate the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually’s increased payload capacity, providing exceptional control and durability. In addition, dual 17-inch rear wheels with LT235/70R17E tires deliver a smooth ride, as well as enhanced load-carrying capability.
Mega Towing
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.
Distinctive 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 provide two views on both sides: close-up and wide-out. In addition, mirrors flip up 90 degrees for viewing beyond wide trailers.

Class-dominating Cummins Power
The 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel is the king of the heavy-duty diesel segment with class-dominating 610 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm – peaking earlier than either Ford’s PowerStroke or Chevrolet’s Duramax® diesels – translating to a noticeably better vehicle launch when towing and accelerating, as well as better drivability.

“The Cummins Turbo Diesel is the engine of choice for 85 percent of Dodge Ram Heavy Duty customers,” said Donoughe. “Unlike other diesel options on the market, Cummins is synonymous with smooth power delivery, best-in-class torque, excellent fuel economy and durability that is unmatched in the industry.”

The Cummins Turbo Diesel offers reliability, 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.

Best-in-class Interior Room and Comfort
All 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab models – including the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually – offer the largest pickup cab on the planet:

* Largest, longest cab – 143.2 cubic feet, 111.1 inches long
* Largest interior cargo volume – 72.2 cubic feet
* Largest cargo volume behind rear seat – 7.7 cubic feet
* Largest flat floor load area – 16.8 square feet
* Largest second-row leg room – 44.2 inches
* Largest rear-door opening – 34.5 inches wide, 35.5 inches tall
* Largest rear-door open angle – 85 degrees
* First-ever reclining rear seats – 22- to 37-degree seat-back angle

The innovative interior of all 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab models takes comfort and convenience to a new level in the full-size pickup segment. Its larger-than-life interior space offers seating for six adults, with plenty of head, shoulder, leg and hip room, and the most interior cargo storage and seating configurations available in the full-size pickup truck market.

Inside the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab, premium amenities offered include a full-screen navigation radio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, power-sliding rear window, heated front bucket seats, power sun roof and power-adjustable pedals.

Space in a Different Place
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 – more than 12 inches longer than the 2005 Ford F-250 Crew Cab.

Highlighting numerous seating and storage options is the standard 60/40 two-position fold-down rear seats that may be used in several configurations to accommodate passengers and gear.

Unique, large storage bins behind rear seats in the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab store tools, sports equipment or just about any other every day item. Flip-open bin covers may be closed to conceal items or opened to stow larger items behind rear seats.

Mega Stopping Power
The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually features robust standard brakes with brake rotors that measure 13.9 inches front and rear. Combined with standard hydraulic brake boosters and an anti-lock braking system (ABS), large four-wheel-disc brakes provide the Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually with excellent stopping power.

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.

Precise Steering and Handling
All 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab models offer two different steering systems: one for two-wheel drive and another for four-wheel-drive versions.

Standard on all two-wheel-drive Dodge Ram Mega Cab Dually models is a rack-and-pinion steering system, delivering precise feel and response, and tuned to give the driver control and positive feedback. On four-wheel-drive versions, a recirculating ball system provides the quickest steering ratio in the industry. The 13.4:1 overall steering ratio and 2.75 turns lock-to-lock are especially effective when making tight turns or maneuvering a trailer in close quarters.

An independent front suspension is standard on two-wheel-drive Dodge Ram Mega Cab models. On four-wheel-drive versions, a rigid-beam front axle, with a refined five-link, coil-spring suspension is included. The solid-beam front axle is validated for a 5,200 lbs. GAWR.

 

I have several other pictures for those interested which I can post when I get home from work. (Dodge Information Center)

 

Is it just me....or do those wheelboxes look kinda dorkey?

 

They kindof look like those Mini Semis with a box the GM makes.

 

I like the new duallies, but I wouldn't want a short box dually.