DodgeForum.com - Sleeper cab Ram

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UNION-TRIBUNE

December 23, 2006

In the world of brawny pickups, a specialty truck debuting at the San Diego International Auto Show does a capable job of imitating a big rig.

The "Interstate Rated" Dodge Ram can be ordered at dealerships in January.
The “Interstate Rated” Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab, on view in the Dodge exhibit, is a heavy-duty hauler for fifth-wheels and goosenecks. The custom conversion is by El Kapitan in Westminster and will be sold through Dodge dealers nationwide.

The starting point is a stock, heavy-duty Ram Mega Cab with Class IV hitch. The functional big-rig theme includes a 16-inch raised roof for standing room in the back seat and filled-in windows at the back and rear side doors.

Power comes from a 325-horsepower Cummins diesel with 610 foot-pounds of torque. Augmenting the power and torque is a Gear Vendors gear splitter, which amplifies the gear choice of the stock six-speed-manual transmission to 11 forward speeds.

It is also equipped with a Mopar Jacobs Engine Brake, providing more control when towing a trailer – just as would be expected from a vehicle inspired by a big rig.

Highway mileage is expected to be 21 “without trying,” says a spokesman, “and 16 pulling a trailer.”

Pricing starts at $8,500 above the base price of the truck, which is around $50,000. Production begins in January.