Off-road
packages are no longer just options on pickup trucks; they’re popular
enough that manufacturers are offering them as stand-alone models. Monikers
such as FX4, Z71 and TRD are as well-known now as any of the classic performance
icons from the ‘60s musclecar era: Z/28, CJ, T/A. The off-road packages
usually consist of suspension changes, gearing, wheels and tires, body
armor and a few cosmetic upgrades. Within the 4-wheel-drive market, these
packages have made significant penetration in sales numbers and command
top-of-the-line prices. Some truck makers have even adapted them to lower-priced
2-wheel-drive models to mimic the high-stance, desert pre-runner look
popular in Sun Belt states. Through word of mouth, consistent marketing
and constant exposure to the large badging on the rear quarter panels,
off-road packages have developed a loyal following and almost a cult-like
attraction. No one wants a standard 4x4 anymore.
Dodge has
been relatively silent in this truck toy arena, focusing its attention
on diesel workhorses (Cummins HO) or speed (Ram SRT-10 and Dakota R/T).
But with the resurrection of the legendary Power Wagon name on a heavily
modified Ram 2500 4x4, Dodge has built the most competent off-road pickup
in town, hands down. It will tread where others fear, conquer obstacles
that others fail and recover from situations where others will simply
lay down and whimper until the tow truck arrives. The Power Wagon is so
superior on extreme mountain trails that any other pickup claiming to
have an off-road package could be charged with false advertising.
Dodge took a kid-in-the-off-road-store-with-daddy’s-credit-card
approach to building the Power Wagon. Engineers adapted nearly every desirable
option and aftermarket treat available, then developed a few tricks of
their own. But this package isn’t just a weekend bolt-on party in
someone’s driveway. All of the upgrades are well integrated not
only to the main truck but to each other. Here are the highlights:
33-inch tall BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A tires wrapped around 17x8
polished aluminum wheels
Skid plates for the transfer-case, steering damper and 34-gallon
fuel-tank
12,000-pound electric winch
NV271 manual-shift transfer case w/ 2.72:1 low-range ratio
4.56:1 rear axle ratio
Front and rear electronic locking differentials
Bilstein monotube shock absorbers
Electronic sway-bar disconnect
5.7-liter Hemi engine
Front and rear fender flares
Dodge officials estimate there’s about $10,000 worth up off-road-worthy
upgrades to the Power Wagon, yet the truck will cost a little more than
$6,000 over a Ram 2500 SLT. The Power Wagon is available in two configurations:
regular cab longbed and Quad Cab shortbed, so both sit on an identical
140.5-inch wheelbase. Current models come with a 5-speed automatic transmission
but a 6-speed manual with a 6.29:1 granny gear will be available soon.
Starting price for a regular cab manual is $36,660 and $37,830 for the
automatic. The Quad Cab starts at $39,125 for the manual and $40,295 for
the automatic. Popular options such as under-bedrail bedliner, towing
mirrors, power adjustable pedals, sun roof (Quad Cab only), leather seating,
side air bags, DVD-based navigation system, 240-watt, 11-speaker Infinity
premium sound system and 6-CD in-dash changer are also available. A fully
loaded Power Wagon could set you back more than $45,000. That’s
why no wimpy decal identifies this truck. There’s a bold badge stretched
across the tailgate in gleaming chrome block letters with supporting badges
on the doors. The Power Wagon is also identified by the matte finish on
the wheel flares, roof-mounted running lights and unique chrome bumper
that supports the winch and massive tow hooks.
