We urbanites enjoy our mostly compact, sometimes fuel efficient modes of transportation. We are very content with being able to carry our groceries or take a trip to grandma's house on the weekends with our small families. But for some, a Ford Focus, a Mazda 6 or even a Honda Pilot simply will not do. For those of us that work the land, construction sites, live in the woods or simply want to tower over everything, we need a vehicle that nothing but hurricane Hugo could stop. Enter the Dodge Power Wagon; the biggest, the meanest and just about the baddest truck ever to leave an assembly plant.
Based on a 2500 series 2005 Dodge Ram pick up, DaimlerChrysler has revived a name that was known for its many uses during the time of the Second World War. It served as everything from army personnel carrier to fire truck and ambulance. This new version relies just as much on the impressions that the name conjures up as its actual abilities to tackle any type of terrain.
The Power Wagon starts out at $37,270 for the regular cab type. A Quad Cab with all options can fetch around $55,000. Our leather clad Quad Cab retailed for $51,805.
Styling
The Ram pick up that put Dodge trucks back on the map was introduced in the 1994 model year. In 2002, the current Ram was launched. Imposing and handsome, the Mayor of Truckville rolled onto the scene and set the standard for the big pick ups.
Nowadays, even though we are used to seeing large sedans, huge SUVs and full-size pick ups on the roads, the Power Wagon still impresses. When I laid my eyes on the Power Wagon, I could not believe how "ginormous" it was.
To begin with, the truck stands 2 047 mm (6ft 7in) tall. It rides on huge LT285/70R17 tires and wheels. It has chrome bumpers which incorporate a 12 000 lb winch, the signature larger-than-life chrome grille toped off by five roof mounted cab clearance lights (like those found on 18-wheelers). The Power Wagon is all work but can also play hard.
The cabin of the P.W. is pretty standard Ram fare. The fit and finish is actually quite good. The plastics look nicer than their touch would indicate. The leather that covers the seats seems to be designed more for longevity than luxury. The tested crew-cad model offers plenty of passenger room, especially for the front occupants. Both rows can accommodate 3 passengers although they are best suited for 2. The rear bench folds 60/40 to aid with more delicate apparel hauling. Smartly, Dodge has added a fold-out metal floor to protect the carpet and hold heavier equipment.
Based on a 2500 series 2005 Dodge Ram pick up, DaimlerChrysler has revived a name that was known for its many uses during the time of the Second World War. It served as everything from army personnel carrier to fire truck and ambulance. This new version relies just as much on the impressions that the name conjures up as its actual abilities to tackle any type of terrain.
The Power Wagon starts out at $37,270 for the regular cab type. A Quad Cab with all options can fetch around $55,000. Our leather clad Quad Cab retailed for $51,805.
Styling
The Ram pick up that put Dodge trucks back on the map was introduced in the 1994 model year. In 2002, the current Ram was launched. Imposing and handsome, the Mayor of Truckville rolled onto the scene and set the standard for the big pick ups.
Nowadays, even though we are used to seeing large sedans, huge SUVs and full-size pick ups on the roads, the Power Wagon still impresses. When I laid my eyes on the Power Wagon, I could not believe how "ginormous" it was.
To begin with, the truck stands 2 047 mm (6ft 7in) tall. It rides on huge LT285/70R17 tires and wheels. It has chrome bumpers which incorporate a 12 000 lb winch, the signature larger-than-life chrome grille toped off by five roof mounted cab clearance lights (like those found on 18-wheelers). The Power Wagon is all work but can also play hard.
The cabin of the P.W. is pretty standard Ram fare. The fit and finish is actually quite good. The plastics look nicer than their touch would indicate. The leather that covers the seats seems to be designed more for longevity than luxury. The tested crew-cad model offers plenty of passenger room, especially for the front occupants. Both rows can accommodate 3 passengers although they are best suited for 2. The rear bench folds 60/40 to aid with more delicate apparel hauling. Smartly, Dodge has added a fold-out metal floor to protect the carpet and hold heavier equipment.
Technical
Although there are four (excluding SRT) engine choices for the Ram, the Power Wagon has only one: the Hemi. The OHV 5.7L V8 puts out 345 hp at 5 400 rpm and 375 lb/ft of torque at 4 200 rpm. Two new transmissions can be mated to the Hemi for 2005. The first is a 6-speed manual and the other is a 5-speed automatic. Like all 4X4 Rams, it is delivered with a manual shift 2-speed transfer case. Specific Power Wagon equipment includes an electronic disconnecting front stabilizer bar, a more aggressive 4.56 gearing ratio, wheel flares and Dana 44 Tru-Lok front and rear axles. These axles can be locked through a dash-mounted switch. This truck is also made available with transfer case and fuel tank skid plates.
On the road
I have had the opportunity to drive almost every vehicle that the Hemi can be delivered with, including the SRT. So far, I have yet to be disappointed. The big V8 is very muscular and without hesitation, can make the rear tires scream for mercy. The sound that the Hemi generates is aggressive and booming. Combined with the fine working 5-speed automatic, acceleration is impressive considering the 2 771 kg (6 100 lbs) weight.
I have never felt so much pain without anyone touching me. What I am talking about is fuel consumption. Every five minutes, I would look up at the overhead console to peek at my average. Not once did it drop below 20L per 100km. My best number was of 21L and my worse was 28L. Over the course of my test, Imanaged an average of 21.5L per 100km. The secret is simple; I never travelled over 110 km/h and I took my time everywhere I went. In 5th gear at 100 km/h, the Hemi turns at about 1 975 rpm.
If the Power Wagon's packaging is clearly designed for severe duty, the same can be said about its ride. It is very harsh, almost punishing however it is difficult to fault because of what it is; it was never created to be a boulevardier. Having had the opportunity to load it up, I found that the quality of the drive improved. Out of the box, an off-roading vehicle does not get much better than this. Strong approach and departure angles as well as good ground clearance insure that the truck will make it through anything and anywhere.
The brake pedal, which is wooden to the feel, is not immediately responsive and could actually catch the driver off-guard during the first few drives. Once the pedal is firmly depressed, the brakes prove that they are powerful.
Safety
The truck has standard dual front air bags, optional side curtain air bags, ABS brakes and seatbelt pre-tensionners. Neither association has crash tested the Power Wagon or a Ram 2500. The following results are for a Ram 1500. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated the Ram 1500 as "Good" overall.
Although there are four (excluding SRT) engine choices for the Ram, the Power Wagon has only one: the Hemi. The OHV 5.7L V8 puts out 345 hp at 5 400 rpm and 375 lb/ft of torque at 4 200 rpm. Two new transmissions can be mated to the Hemi for 2005. The first is a 6-speed manual and the other is a 5-speed automatic. Like all 4X4 Rams, it is delivered with a manual shift 2-speed transfer case. Specific Power Wagon equipment includes an electronic disconnecting front stabilizer bar, a more aggressive 4.56 gearing ratio, wheel flares and Dana 44 Tru-Lok front and rear axles. These axles can be locked through a dash-mounted switch. This truck is also made available with transfer case and fuel tank skid plates.
On the road
I have had the opportunity to drive almost every vehicle that the Hemi can be delivered with, including the SRT. So far, I have yet to be disappointed. The big V8 is very muscular and without hesitation, can make the rear tires scream for mercy. The sound that the Hemi generates is aggressive and booming. Combined with the fine working 5-speed automatic, acceleration is impressive considering the 2 771 kg (6 100 lbs) weight.
I have never felt so much pain without anyone touching me. What I am talking about is fuel consumption. Every five minutes, I would look up at the overhead console to peek at my average. Not once did it drop below 20L per 100km. My best number was of 21L and my worse was 28L. Over the course of my test, Imanaged an average of 21.5L per 100km. The secret is simple; I never travelled over 110 km/h and I took my time everywhere I went. In 5th gear at 100 km/h, the Hemi turns at about 1 975 rpm.
If the Power Wagon's packaging is clearly designed for severe duty, the same can be said about its ride. It is very harsh, almost punishing however it is difficult to fault because of what it is; it was never created to be a boulevardier. Having had the opportunity to load it up, I found that the quality of the drive improved. Out of the box, an off-roading vehicle does not get much better than this. Strong approach and departure angles as well as good ground clearance insure that the truck will make it through anything and anywhere.
The brake pedal, which is wooden to the feel, is not immediately responsive and could actually catch the driver off-guard during the first few drives. Once the pedal is firmly depressed, the brakes prove that they are powerful.
Safety
The truck has standard dual front air bags, optional side curtain air bags, ABS brakes and seatbelt pre-tensionners. Neither association has crash tested the Power Wagon or a Ram 2500. The following results are for a Ram 1500. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated the Ram 1500 as "Good" overall.
Conclusion
The Power Wagon has tons of personality. On the road, it is like a big brother that everyone looks up to. And this is no joke, only semi drivers barely peered down to look at the P.W. Of certainty, this truck is aimed for specialized applications. It could also be the Escalade of pick-ups if someone decides to put 26" chromewheels on it.
I had a thought: the Power Wagon could actually be a useful tool to demonstrate how speed effectively does increase fuel consumption. The difference between a heavy and a light right foot gave me a 25% lower fuel consumption. I am not really a truck guy but I found myself liking the big Dodge enormously. I found it so easy to forgive its shortcomings because it looks like it could climb a building if it needed to.
Good stuff:
The Power Wagon has tons of personality. On the road, it is like a big brother that everyone looks up to. And this is no joke, only semi drivers barely peered down to look at the P.W. Of certainty, this truck is aimed for specialized applications. It could also be the Escalade of pick-ups if someone decides to put 26" chromewheels on it.
I had a thought: the Power Wagon could actually be a useful tool to demonstrate how speed effectively does increase fuel consumption. The difference between a heavy and a light right foot gave me a 25% lower fuel consumption. I am not really a truck guy but I found myself liking the big Dodge enormously. I found it so easy to forgive its shortcomings because it looks like it could climb a building if it needed to.
Good stuff:
- Look
- Hemi
- Nearly endless capabilities
Not so good stuff:
- Fuel guzzler
Competitors:
Ford F-150
GMC Sierra / Chevrolet Silverado
Nissan Titan
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