By Tom Crosby
AAA Carolinas

Dodge says the Dodge Ram Mega Cab is the largest pickup cab on the planet and when test-driving the Ram 1500 Laramie, it quickly became apparent this isn’t your typical pick-up truck.

First, the interior is suitable for NBA players, with 143.2 cubic feet of interior space, reclining rear seats adjusting from a 22-degree angle to 37 degrees, and 44.2 inches of legroom – suitable for a limousine. While there are three engines used by the Mega Cabs, ours was the 5.7-liter, V-8 Hemi, which generated adequate initial power on the starting line with two-wheel drive (a four-wheel drive is available).

Its real strength comes in towing 7,650 pounds or more, depending on the rear axle. The Hemi engine also uses Dodge’s multi-displacement system to deactivate unneeded cylinders to improve gas mileage, which averages just over 15 miles per gallon. Laramie comes with a short truck bed (6.3 feet) and is the heaviest of the Dodge 1500 Ram pick-ups, exceeding three tons in curb weight. Built in Mexico, the Ram 1500 line of trucks is extensive from a base ST, 2WD, regular cab with a short bed for $21,270, to the Laramie 4WD, which costs almost twice as much ($40,510). Like most pickup trucks, customization options are plentiful. Our two rear-wheel drive tester added numerous options such as remote start, rear seat entertainment video and engine block heater that pushed the final price tag to $44,385 (without destination charge).

Options included a navigation system for $1,595 that wasn’t easy to use, combining a toggle switch and “enter” button to compose addresses and choose options. For 2007, the Dodge Ram now has stain-and-odor-resistant, anti-static seat fabric, although ours added perforated leather-trimmed bucket seats for $490. Storage space, and just plain space for any sized body, makes the Mega Cab comfortable for longer trips.  There are trays, cup holders, open areas, a two-tier center console and map pockets. Acceleration is performance strength, rear drive wheels provide plenty of torque and there is an anti-skid system.

The independent front suspension is truck-like, providing bounce over the bigger bumps. Small touches of wood trim on the doors, dashboard and center storage area improve the interior ambiance. Nice touches include an overhead temperature monitor in the moonroof control area, a power rear sliding window, a cargo light, a power outlet that works 24/7, even when the engine is off.