Christmas came early for me, opening up the embargoed press packet from Ram and reading an unexpected and thrilling piece of news. The Power Wagon, the most capable full-size truck produced, will now be available with a diesel drivetrain. Seriously! A Cummins-powered 3/4-ton truck with front and rear lockers, a swaybar disconnect, 1,075 pound-feet of torque, auto-leveling rear five-link air suspension, a 31-gallon fuel tank, rock rails, 34-inch tires, and available dual 220-amp alternators. If it had been April 1, I would certainly have been suspicious that we were all getting punked.
The details on the specifications are still coming out, but the Warn winch seems to be absent for at least the diesel model (likely a cooling requirement for the towing capacity of nearly 20,000 pounds). In addition to the excellent towing limits, the Power Wagon now has a payload of nearly 3,000 pounds, which is almost double that of the outgoing model. To manage payload limits and adjust for heavy tongue weights, the Power Wagon now has an available auto-leveling rear air suspension. This five-link configuration provides improved articulation while also significantly enhancing ride quality when unloaded. A lot has changed since the last major update in 2019.
All of this new capability includes additional features specifically for the overlander, like a 600-mile range (achieving the pinnacle standard of a 1,000 km range), a 6.5-foot bed for a slide-in camper, and even available dual 220-amp alternators to quickly charge lithium house batteries while driving or idling. One area where the stock specification falls short is the standard 20-inch wheel, which is a mismatch to the rest of the specification. This truck should come with a 17- or 18-inch wheel, full-stop, end of discussion. Fortunately, the brake diameter specs should translate into at least an 18-inch replacement wheel fitting over the calipers.
There is no doubt that the new Ram Power Wagon diesel will become the new darling of backcountry adventurers, providing best-in-class capability with the fuel economy and durability of the diesel drivetrain. We plan to complete a full evaluation of the new Power Wagon once test units are available, as this is one of the most important new truck models to arrive in years. Just imagine one of these with a custom traybed and pop-top camper getting built for driving around the world—I sure can.
For more information | ramtrucks.com
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle Type Crew Cab: 4X4
Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Coahuila, Mexico
Body/Chassis
Model 4X4
Layout: longitudinal, front engine, transfer case
Construction: ladder-type frame, steel cab, double-wall steel pickup box
Engine
6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel I-6 (high output)
Type and description: inline six cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled diesel
Displacement: 408 cu. in. (6,690 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke: 4.21 x 4.88 (107 x 124)
Valve system: pushrod-operated overhead valves, 24 valves, hydraulic lifters
Fuel injection: electronic high-pressure common rail
Construction: gray iron block, cast-iron head
Compression ratio: 16.2:1
Power: 430 hp (313 kW) @ 2,800 rpm
Torque: 1,075 lb.-ft. (1,458 N•m) @ 1,800 rpm
Maximum high-idle engine speed: 3,200 rpm
Fuel Requirement: ultra-low sulfur diesel
Oil capacity: 12.0 quarts (11.3 liters) with filter
Coolant capacity: 23.8 quarts (22.50 liters)
Emission controls: selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
Transmission: ZF Torqueflite HD 8AP1075 — Automatic 8-speed
Availability: 6.7-liter I-6 Cummins turbo-diesel
Description: Adaptive electronic control, automatic, or Electronic Range Select (ERS) manual control. Five clutch-pack design with only two open clutches in any gear. Torque converter lock with turbine torsional damper for low lock-up speeds in 1st through 8th gear
Gear Ratios
1st 4.71
2nd 3.14
3rd 2.10
4th 1.67
5th 1.29
6th 1.00
7th 0.84
8th 0.67
Reverse 3.30
Axle gear ratios 3.42
Transfer Case: BW 44-48
Availability 6.7-liter diesel high output
Type 44-48 part-time with electric shift
Operating Modes: 2WD; 4H; neutral; 4L
Low-range ratio: 2.64
Center differential: none
Axles
Front AAM 9.25-in. beam front axle with center disconnect and electronic locking differential
Rear AAM 11.5-in. beam rear axle with electronic locking differential
Electrical System
Alternator
Rating: 220-amp
Rating Dual: 220-amp optional
Battery
Description: Dual Group 65, maintenance-free, 730 CCA
Suspension
Front three-link with track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, solid axle, disconnecting sway bar
Rear five-link with track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, solid axle (optional air bags)
Brakes
Front
Size and type 14.17 x 1.54 (359.9 x 39.1) disc with twin-piston pin-slider
caliper and ABS
Rear
Size and type 14.09 x 1.34 (357.9 x 34.0) disc with twin-piston pin-slider
caliper and ABS
Power-Assist type hydro-boost
Air Bags
Crew Cab 6
Steering
Power assist/hydraulic assist
Cargo Box
Nominal Box Size 6 feet, 4 inches
SAE: volume cu. ft. (cu. m) 57.5 (1.6)
Length at floor, tailgate closed: 76.3 (1,938.5)
Cargo width: 66.4 (1,686.9)
Distance between wheelhouses: 51 (1,295.4)
Depth: 20.1 (511.1)
Tailgate opening width: 60.4 (1,535.3)
Exterior Dimensions
POWER WAGON DIESEL: 149.3-IN. WB, 6-FT. 4-IN. BOX
Wheelbase: 149.3 (3,792)
Track width/front: 68.7 (1,745)
Track width/rear: 68.1 (1,729)
Overall length: 238.8 (6,067)
Overall width @ SgRp front: 83.4 (2,119)
Overall height: 80.5 (2,045)
Suspension or axle to ground/front: 8.3 (211)
Suspension or axle to ground/rear: 8.3 (211)
Approach angle (degrees): 26.1
Ramp breakover angle (degrees): 20.6
Departure angle (degrees): 26.0
Ground clearance: 13.2 (335)
Turning diameter: 14.7 (48.2)
Interior Dimensions
ACCOMMODATIONS (MODEL, SEATING CAPACITY, F/R)
Front Crew Cab
Seating: 3/3 or 2/3
Headroom: 40.9 (1,038)
Legroom: 40.9 (1,040)
Shoulder room: 65.9 (1,675)
Hip Room 62.9 (1,598)
Rear Crew Cab
Headroom: 39.8 (1,010)
Legroom: 40.2 (1,022)
Shoulder room: 65.6 (1,666)
Hip room: 62.7 (1,593)
Interior Volume
Interior Volume Crew Cab
Front: cu. ft. (cu. m) 63.9 (1.8)
Rear: cu. ft. (cu. m) 60.7 (1.7)
2027 Ram Power Wagon diesel
