Since its inception over 71 years ago, the Power Wagon has been a leader in the four-wheel drive truck market. Its respectable payload, standard winch, and off-road prowess have made it a back-country favorite for civilian and government roles alike; and while it may have changed a bit since 1945, its rugged go-anywhere attitude has not. Today we’re excited to show you the latest addition to this truck’s legacy, the 2017 Ram Power Wagon.
Clearly taking styling cues from its little brother, the Ram Rebel, the new Power Wagon features an updated grille design wrapped around black bezel bi-functional projector headlamps with new LED marker lights. A cool retro graphics package inspired by the “Macho Power Wagon” has been installed on the bed, replacing the mud or splash effect graphic used by just about every manufacturer these days.
Gone are the ostentatious chrome accents of former models, replaced instead with stylish black powder coating on the bumpers, black wheel arches, badges, and mirrors, and optional two tone black paint on the lower body panels. The ever-popular 33″ Goodyear Wrangler DuraTracs are back, but this time wrapped around a set of 17″ matte black and silver aluminum wheels.
Unfortunately, not all styling changes were so great. In case we’re either blind or constantly forget what truck we are looking at, the new Power Wagon has RAM written across the tailgate in font so big that the International Space Station could read it. We’re all for new trends, but this feels like the automotive equivalent of tattooing your name on your back so everyone “knows” you. It’s a little forced.
2017 also brings some new interior changes as well, including new colors and “major upgrades to touch points and wrapped and stitched surfaces”. The seats are finished in a unique technical grain gray and black with a Goodyear Duratrac tire print across them. We would most likely favor the heated options though, which come with slate gray accent stitching and swap the tire track for a power wagon nameplate. The steering wheel has been wrapped with semi-perforated black leather and slate gray x-stitches and includes an optional heating feature. Finally, the headliner has been switched to a rich black to finish out the new look.
Performance wise the Power Wagon hasn’t changed much. Like its predecessor, the 2017 will still feature a powerful 6.4L Hemi V-8 motor with 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, utilize a 4.10:1 axle ratio, and of course include the standard front and rear electronic-locking differentials we’ve come to love. This year also retains the low-range engine programming from 2016. This automatic computer shift softens the throttle response and bumps up the idle by 100 RPM to help smooth the negotiation of obstacles on the trail.
Despite it’s immense capability, chances are you’ll eventually wander out too far and get stuck. If you do manage to find yourself in such a situation, or more likely find someone else in that situation, don’t worry, there’s still a Warn 12,000lb electric winch packed behind the bumper. This of course includes a beautiful silver roller fairlead and 125 feet of cable stowed and ready to go. A little insurance never hurts right?
Ram’s proven suspension will be as flexible and effective as ever in 2017. It will utilize Bilstein monotube shocks and coil springs in all four corners, along with their patented “Articulink” three link system in the front, and five link system in the rear. The front also features a modified set of control arms with high movement joints at the axle mounts, and an electronic disconnecting sway-bar for additional articulation. The result is more than two inches of lift with a total Ramp Travel Index of 510, or 26 inches of travel.
Ground clearance remains at 14.3″ and the truck’s approach and departure angles are improved over the standard 2500’s to 33.6 degrees, and 26.2 degrees respectively. Fording depth is raised up to an impressive 30″, and breakover is enhanced to 23.5 degrees as well. With all this clearance it should be easy to avoid most problems, but just in case, there are still plenty of skid plates installed over the transfer case, fuel tank, and other vital components.
Another handy feature for back-country excursions is the Power Wagon’s intelligent battery sensor, which continually measures the flow of current into and out of the battery. If there is too heavy of a draw when the vehicle is turned off, it will begin shutting systems off to avoid a complete depletion of the battery. This coupled with the optional 380-amp dual-alternator should give you enough power for just about anything you need.
Overall we’re very pleased with the direction the new Power Wagon has taken. As usual, FCA is clearly taking notes on what their customers want, and the result is a continuous improvement in looks and capability. We’re looking forward to seeing this truck on the trail, and hope to get a closer look at its performance later this year. For full specifications, see the link to the official information sheet below.
