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Budd Stanley & Ram
2015 Ram Power Wagon
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Budd Stanley & Ram
2015 Ram Power Wagon
Choose between rear lock or full front and rear locked differentials.
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Benoit Desjardins
2015 Ram Power Wagon
The Power Wagon's weight and drive train allowed in to tackle just about any obstacle.
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Budd Stanley & Ram
2015 Ram Power Wagon
3-Link coil springs manage the front axle.
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Chrysler CGI Dept
2015 Ram Power Wagon
While a 5-Link coil sprung rear axle keeps everything stable on and off-road.
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Budd Stanley & Ram
2015 Ram Power Wagon
A 12,000 lb Warn winch resides behind that bumper as standard.
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Budd Stanley & Ram
2015 Ram Power Wagon
A disconnecting front sway bar increases articulation in off-road conditions.
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Budd Stanley & Ram
2015 Ram Power Wagon
Only the Power Wagon's size will hold it back from tough trail duty.
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Budd Stanley & Ram
2015 Ram Power Wagon
Story & photos by Budd Stanley, additional photos courtesy of Ram
Power Wagon - 2015 Ram Power Wagon gets put through its paces
The Power Wagon name is one of the most iconic in the world of rugged off-road inspired trucks. When it comes to “out-of-the-box” trucks that you can take straight into the bush and conquer Mother Nature, there are only two names that matter, and when it comes to the Heavy-Duty segment, the only name is Power Wagon.
Since 2013, the Power Wagon has moved 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, as in 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 “Ram Articulink” front suspension system incorporates high movement joints and a sway-bar disconnecting system, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation. Front and rear solid axles are held in place with a 3-link coil spring front suspension along with a new 5-link coil spring rear suspension. Front and rear differentials feature electronic-locking from inside the cab, with the option of rear or full front and rear lockup. Power is delivered via a 4.10:1 ring and pinion ratio to upgraded 38 mm rear axle shafts, providing rotating force directly to the 17-in wheels wrapped in 33-in tires. It all comes together to create a nearly unstoppable force to keep the Power Wagon on the move in the most adverse of conditions.
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 sits generous amounts of underbody protection to protect components from the weight of the Heavy-Duty. Fore-aft bars connect the transfer case and fuel tank skid plate armour to minimize underside damage and rock wedging.
Getting behind the wheel, it is obvious that this is a full-size heavy-duty, there is a ridiculous amount of interior space and the front hood seems to stretch from white to yellow centre line. All the more challenging as I had to navigate the big brute through an off-road course that was set up to test the capabilities of much smaller Jeeps. While the diffs lurched through the tight corners, the Power Wagon walked all over the course like it was a joke, even if it was a challenge for the smaller Jeep CUV’s. The only weakness was its size, the massive wheelbase hinders breakover angles, a typical Achilles Heel for any pickup, and the big Ram just doesn’t like maneuvering around tight corners.
During my test, the standard Goodyear’s were replaced with snow/ice tires for the cold winter conditions. Despite this, the sheer weight of the Power Wagon put an incredible amount of tire footprint pressure onto the surface, with the aid of two locked up diffs, traction control and 4-Low, even an icy 35-degree slope posed no challenge and I didn’t slip a wheel.
A couple of traits I didn’t like were the trucks feel and design. I’m not a fan of big vehicles and the Ram does suffer from a lack road feel. While the 1500 has seen an increase in interior styling and build quality, the Heavy-Duty still resembles a work truck and could benefit from some better materials and better build.
All in all, it is refreshing to drive a proper old school beast that puts big power to the road through two locked up solid axles. In the heavy-duty segment, there just isn’t any competition to the Power Wagons, at least nothing that come close. The Power Wagon is truly one of a kind.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- MSRP: $49,595
- Price as tested: $53,960
- Engine: 6.4L HEMI V-8
- Power: 410 hp, 429 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Curb Weight: 3,210 kg (7,077 lb)
- Wheelbase: 3,784 mm (149 in)
- Ground Clearance: 368 mm (14.5 in)
- Approach Angle Deg: 34.0
- Departure Angle Deg: 25.5
- Ramp Breakover Angle: 23.5
- Wading Depth mm (in): 762 (30)
- Tow Capacity: 4,876 kg (10,750 lb)
- Fuel Efficiency (L/100km): NA