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2014 Ram Power Wagon
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2014 Ram Power Wagon
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John M.Discher
2014 RamBox
Regular features, like the Ram Box, up versatility while a unique graphics package will set the Power Wagon apart.
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2014 Ram Power Wagon
A 12,000 lb Warn winch resides behind that bumper as standard.
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2014 Ram Power Wagon front axle
3-Link coil springs manage the front axle.
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Chrysler CGI Dept
2014 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty rear axle
A 5-Link coil sprung rear axle keeps everything stable on- and off-road.
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2014 Ram Heavy Duty 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8
“Hey, does that thing have a HEMI?” Yup, the big one!
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John M.Discher
2014 Ram Power Wagon interior
May not be a Long Horn, but there is plenty to like about the Power Wagons interior.
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2014 Ram Power Wagon
Only the Power Wagons size will hold it back from tough trail duty. Narrow trails might require a smaller tool.
Words by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Ram
The Easter Jeep Safari may be a Jeep specific affair when it comes to tackling the rugged trails of the Moab area during this time of year. However, Chrysler usually likes to take this opportunity to showcase another rugged off-roader that doesn’t wear the seven-slat grille. Yes the Ram Power Wagon is most certainly an off-roading beast, it may not compete with the likes of the Ford Raptor, but it is as equally single minded in the task of off-road supremacy. It’s just goes about it a little more slowly, yet it is much more capable.
This year was no exception as Chrysler took the opportunity to introduce the new 2014 Ram Power Wagon. While we weren’t able to get behind the wheel of this brute, we do have the rundown on the latest improvements.
For those not familiar with the Power Wagon, Ram saw the need for a highly capable off-road variant of their heavy duty truck. Built to master the most rigorous off-road terrain, the 2014 Ram Power Wagon is based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab, but features a number of off-road-specific engineering enhancements. The result is a special edition that boasts many of the top trim levels, mixed with an impressive set of off-road specific options.
For 2014, the big change see’s the Power Wagon move from the 5.7L HEMI to the manic 6.4L V-8 HEMI, also found in the SRT-8 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In the case of the Power Wagon, this HEMI is pumping out a respectable 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded engine offers up to 4,903 kg (10,810 lb.) of towing capacity as well as Chryslers Fuel Saver cylinder-deactivation technology. When conditions allow, such as highway cruising, the system will shut down four cylinders to conserve fuel.
The suspension makes use of Bilstein shock absorbers and 50 mm (2-in) of lift over the standard 2500. The new “Ram Articulink” front suspension system incorporates high movement joints and an electronic sway-bar disconnecting system, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation. Getting to the oily bits, the Power Wagon returns with front and rear solid axles that feature a new five-link coil spring rear suspension, three-link coil spring front suspension along with front and rear electronic-locking differentials. Power is delivered via a 4.10:1 ring and pinion ratio. Robust rear axle shafts are upgraded to 38 mm, providing rotating force directly to the 33-in tire and wheel combination.
Other off-road niceties include a standard Warn electric winch rated for 5,443 kg (12,000 lb) mounted behind the front bumper. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires provide the contact patch to the ground, which paired with a suspension lift, contributes 368 mm (14.5-in) of ground clearance. The truck’s approach angle is boosted to 34-degrees, the departure angle is increased to 23.5-degrees and the breakover angle is enhanced to 25.5-degrees. Underneath the Power Wagon are generous underbody protection components. Fore-aft bars bring together the transfer case and fuel tank skid plate armour to minimize underside damage and rock wedging.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to drive the Power Wagon this time, however we’ll be sure to get full on- and off-road details as soon as we get our hands on one. Having tested the out going model on the Little Canyon Rim trail and even down Wipe-Out Hill, we know the Power Wagon is a formidable beast to say the least. Now if only Ram built a 1500 version.