Ultimate 4×4 Pickup Truck Reinvented
Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

Fortunately we don’t have to think way back to the ‘70s to remember the Power Wagon anymore. That truck was considered one of the industry’s best off-road offerings, a heavy duty hauler that enjoyed a history dating back to 1946 when the first Power Wagon was sold, that model based on the WWII 3/4-ton military truck, and even before that to Dodge’s military-spec 1 1/2-ton Cargo and Personnel truck of 1934 that is now legendary for being the first four-wheel drive vehicle shiftable into and out of 4×4 mode from within the cab. Bowing out in 1980 before the ‘81 Power Ram was introduced, and then reappearing as a special off-road optioned Ram 2500 in 2005, the Power Wagon once again becomes part of the 2010 Ram Heavy Duty lineup.

2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon

Climbing aboard the 2010 Power Wagon quickly brought back memories of doing likewise in the 2005 model, and taking the same (although naturally and purposely modified over the years) off-road trek through a special section of Chrysler’s Chelsea Proving Grounds. Comparatively the outgoing truck could almost be thought of as military-spec; so impressively finished is the new 2010 model. Yes, I exaggerate, but the difference between the old Ram 1500 and the new Ram 1500, as of ’09, has allowed it to win pretty well every award the light truck segment could throw at it, and the ’10 Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 models get all the upgrades and then some.

Soft touch plastics cover every important surface where your hand my touch or arm might rest, such as the centre armrest, door armrests and windowsills, plus top-models get a dash treatment with accenting double stitching. It gives the truck a premium feel that can’t be matched by any competitor.

As upscale as the Ram HD is, I wouldn’t recommend a Power Wagon to anyone who wasn’t seriously into off-roading. It’s 4×4 only, and really takes that unique skill seriously. Off-road specific features include 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires, transfer case and fuel tank skid plates, 4.56 rear axle, tow hooks, Tru-Lok front and rear axles, clearance lamps, an electric winch up front, a disconnecting front stabilizer bar (via a dash-mounted switch) for really treacherous terrain, manual shift-on-the-fly transfer case, quad headlights and fog lamps for extra visibility, and black wheel flares, door handles and headlamp filler panel for keeping it looking good even if you’ve rubbed up against a tree or rock. The Power Wagon also comes with a trailer tow group and UConnect hands-free communication. Safety equipment on all Ram trucks includes standard side thorax airbags, side-curtain airbags front and back, plus ABS, traction and stability control.

This special model utilizes the 2500’s base 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 383hp and 400 lb-ft of torque thanks to variable valve timing, a short runner valve, an active intake system and more. It’s a fabulous engine with tons of power and good fuel economy rated at 16.2L/100km in the city and 10.8L/100km on the highway, mated to an efficient 5-speed automatic, but I’ve heard grumblings over the years and even recently about the Cummins diesel not being part of this package, or at least available. It makes sense why serious off-road fans would want the Cummins, with 650 lb-ft of torque on hand, ideal for rock crawling or mucking through the mud at low speeds, and good on fuel which equals greater range; i.e. going farther into the woods where there are no refueling stations. According to an engineer I was driving with, however, there’s no way to include some of the off-roading gear that makes this truck so special and fit the Cummins too, so I suppose we’ll all have to wait until the long-rumoured small-block diesel comes to fruition to see an oil burner in a Power Wagon, if it in fact ever does.

2010 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon

The Hemi is good though, and its 400 lb-ft of torque, while not 650, is suitable to serious off-road duty. The trails around Chelsea aren’t the most rigorous, but they showed the capability of the truck in some pretty mucky stuff, as well as across a rocky bed that made full use of the disconnecting sway bar, and a pile of logs that created a steep incline useful for demonstrating the Power Wagon’s excellent approach and departure angles. I’ve driven a lot of 4×4s over some pretty rough terrain, including Chrysler group’s Jeep Wrangler in short and long wheelbase forms, and what I like as much as the Power Wagon’s stellar capability is its smooth, composed ride, even over brutally punishing surfaces. I could drive this truck through uncharted backcountry all day long and I doubt I’d tire to the same extent as I have in other 4×4s. It’s a comfortable place to while away the hours, and the features can be truly limousine-like.

First and foremost, where the previous Power Wagon was based on Dodge’s Ram Quad Cab with abbreviated rear doors and legroom to match it has now been replaced by a true four-door Crew Cab for easier access and greater rear seat room. My tester had a drop-down TV for rear passengers too, and one up front integrated into the centre stack’s navigation system display, only usable when parked. It included the MyGIG entertainment system too, with surround sound audio and sub for superb sound quality, while a UConnect hands-free phone system, security alarm and rear park assist made the big truck more accommodating all-round.

The new Power Wagon looks bigger than its predecessor too, thanks to more definition between Heavy Duty models and half-ton siblings, featuring a unique hood, bumpers, roof and fenders. It’s not all looks either, as the new model features increased towing and payload capacity.

I should mention that, while the Power Wagon is the ultimate off-road pickup truck, the regular Ram HD is pretty decent on its own. If you don’t want to spend the money necessary to upgrade to the PW, a TRX Off-Road package can be added to the regular Ram HD that includes 17-inch alloy rims with all-terrain tires, an anti-spin differential, extra-heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, 3.92 axle ratio, and front suspension and transfer case skid plate shields tow hooks, while lower two-tone and painted bumpers in Mineral Grey Metallic give it a unique look, as does the TRX fender flares, body-colour grille, integrated fog lamps, and halogen quad headlamps. It’s a nice package that drives well on and off the road, for a fair margin less than the Power Wagon. Then again, if you’re an off-road enthusiast you’ll want to spring for the best, and when it comes to 4×4-enhanced pickup trucks, there’s nothing that beats a 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon.