Legendary Dodge Ram Power Wagon Returns



Auburn Hills, Oct 01, 2004

The big, bad Dodge Ram Power Wagon is back.

After nearly 25 years, Dodge's legendary 4x4 icon - the Dodge Ram Power Wagon - returns as the most capable off-road production pickup truck ever created.

The all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon is reborn with class-exclusive electric-locking front and rear differentials, a class-exclusive electronic disconnecting sway bar, the 345 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® engine, the tallest standard tires offered on a pickup truck - 33-inch BF Goodrich® All Terrain tires - a custom-built Warn® 12,000 lb. winch, and available three-inch heavy-gauge tubular steel rock rails from Mopar®.

"The Dodge Ram Power Wagon obliterates the competition," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President, Dodge Marketing. "It is the only pickup for severe off-road work conditions. With best-in-class off-road performance and HEMI power, the Dodge Ram Power Wagon goes way beyond anything ever created by the competition."

Built to master the most rigorous off-road trails, the all-new Dodge Ram Power Wagon is based on the Dodge Ram 2500, and is available in either regular or Quad Cab body styles.

"The Dodge Ram Power Wagon is built for extreme off-road conditions, but will attract a wide variety of buyers," Jackson continued. "In addition to extreme off-roaders, Dodge Ram Power Wagon will be used in agricultural and forestry applications, and by enthusiasts in extreme recreational situations or on their daily drive route."



Built for all terrain:
One glance at the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon, and the most serious off-roaders know it means business.

"The 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon lives up to its name," said Mike Donoughe, Vice President, Body-on-Frame Product Team. "There is simply no other pickup on the market that can touch its capability. Dodge Ram Power Wagon takes the road less traveled while comfortably taking passengers and gear along for the ride."

Built off of the Dodge Ram 2500, the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon has a running height of 14.5 inches, compared to 12 inches on the Ram 2500. The vehicle's approach angle is boosted to 35 degrees, the departure angle is increased to 26.5 degrees and the breakover angle is enhanced to 25.5 degrees. This gives the Dodge Ram Power Wagon significant clearance for navigating a variety of off-road trails, especially when tackling severe inclines and declines.

Providing optimal balance between on-road civility and off-road capability are BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A 33-inch tires, which feature beefy tread patterns to help grab ledges along the trail, and deliver optimum traction through sand, mud and snow.

On the underside of the 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon are generous underbody protection components. An all-new steering damper skid plate and all-new fore-aft bars bring together the transfer case and fuel tank skid plates, resulting in armor that minimizes underside damage and rock wedging.

Reducing the risk of vehicle body damage from the terrain of the most severe off-road trails are three-inch heavy-gauge tubular steel rock rails, which are available from Mopar.

Best-in-class wheel articulation:
A disconnecting stabilizer bar, a solid front axle with coil springs and a single-stage leaf spring rear suspension with unique softer spring settings give the all-new Dodge Ram Power Wagon the best wheel articulation in its class.

The 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon's electronic disconnecting stabilizer bar, called a "Smart Bar," delivers additional wheel travel for traversing the toughest trails. The driver-actuated stabilizer bar disengagement is possible in both four-wheel drive "High" or four-wheel drive "Low" at speeds below 18 miles per hour. As a safety feature, the Smart Bar re-engages at speeds above 18 miles per hour.

Front and rear electronic axle lockers provide low-speed maneuvering when climbing boulders and ascending steep inclines by evenly splitting torque between both wheels, forcing them to turn in unison for extra traction. Bilstein monotube high-pressure gas shock absorbers keep all four wheels firmly planted, and 4.56 gearing assures immediate takeoff when stepping on the gas.

"This truck was built by off-roaders for off-roaders," said Donoughe. "One test drive of the all-new Dodge Ram Power Wagon's state-of-the-art off-road axle and suspension package and you know it means business."

The all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon's combined axle and suspension package adds to greater vehicle flexibility, a determining factor when negotiating extreme obstacles. The Dodge Ram Power Wagon boasts a 460 (23-inch vertical height) Ramp Travel Index (RTI - a measurement of a vehicle's suspension articulation) with the stabilizer bar engaged and 655 (32-inch vertical height) RTI with the stabilizer bar disengaged.



HEMI power:
The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum with 345 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 375 lb. ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm is the only available engine, offered with either a 5-45RFE five-speed automatic or G56 six-speed manual transmission (late availability).

"Without question, HEMI continues to resonate with our truck buyers," said Jackson. "Dodge boasts a 47 percent take-rate for the HEMI engine in the Dodge truck lineup."

The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty's HEMI powertrain has been modified for use in the Dodge Ram Power Wagon in order to enhance its off-road maneuverability. When driving in four-wheel drive "Low" operation, the throttle pedal response softens and the idle speed increases by 100 rpm (from 650 to 750 rpm) - providing added control when ascending and descending off-road obstacles.

Best-in-class acceleration:
Versus competitive vehicles with similar size gasoline engines, the 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum provides best-in-class acceleration. It features cross-flow aluminum cylinder heads with hemispherical combustion chambers and investment cast, steel rocker-arm-actuated splayed valves for high air flow, two spark plugs per cylinder for fast, efficient combustion, and a new direct ignition system with high-power coils ensuring consistent, complete combustion.

When it comes to hauling, the 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon upholds Dodge Ram's towing genetics with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 17,000 lbs. and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8,510 lbs.

Bold Dodge Ram truck styling:
Based on the Dodge Ram 2500 and available in either regular or Quad Cab body styles, the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon is distinguished by its large, beefy posture, custom matte finish wheel flares, a towering stance (80.6 inches tall), custom 17x8-inch polished forged aluminum wheels, black front and rear fender flares and a large chrome Power Wagon badge featured across the tailgate.

The front view features the bold Dodge crosshair grille, five roof-mounted cab running lights and Dodge Ram Power Wagon's most distinguishing feature - a front-mounted 12,000 lb. power winch, equipped with 90 feet of galvanized aircraft wire cable and a remote control. A winch was a standard feature on the original 1946 Dodge Power Wagon -- and is often used by hardcore off-roaders.

Size and convenience inside:
The 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon Quad Cab delivers a highly functional and capable interior, featuring four conventional doors and a large, comfortable cab.

To enhance comfort and convenience, all four doors are front-hinged, with inside and outside handles, to improve entry and exit. Rear doors open 85 degrees and rear windows move all the way down. In addition to increased seating room and comfort, the Dodge Ram Power Wagon Quad Cab features a host of storage compartments and conveniences.

Rear seats feature an optional 60/40 split to accommodate passengers and cargo. Seat cushions fold up to create a tall floor-to-ceiling storage area. And an optional steel floor section under the back seat folds open to form a flat-load floor, with ample storage in the footwells.

The 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon regular cab offers just as much flexibility, with the largest cab in the segment. This extra space not only aids in storage behind the rear seat, but also allows for improved seat travel and ease in reclining for driver and passengers.

Other features include air conditioning, cruise control, Sirius® Satellite Radio, a DVD-based navigation system and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system, all adding to the new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon's comfort and solidifying it as a truck suitable for the daily commute or long road trips with the family.



Available Mopar Accessories for Dodge Ram Power Wagon

Adding to the functionality of the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon are several accessories available from Mopar.

Three-inch heavy-gauge tubular steel rock rails from Mopar reduce the risk of vehicle body damage from severe off-road trails. Mopar also provides a Power Wagon winch kit which includes a ****** block, shackle, tree trunk protector, recovery strap and leather gloves. A Mopar Skid Resistor bedliner, with the Power Wagon logo embossed in the head wall, is also available for both regular cab and Quad Cab models.

"The all-new Dodge Ram Power Wagon is yet another addition to the long list of Dodge truck leadership claims," said Jackson. "In categories including power, speed, strength and capability, Dodge Ram trucks lead the way."

The all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon is the latest addition to the Dodge truck lineup, which continues to haul the most leadership claims:

Safety and security features:
As is the case with all 2005 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty models, the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon offers a class-exclusive side curtain air bag system and power adjustable pedals (on both automatic and manual transmission-equipped trucks).

Dodge Ram Power Wagon also provides a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS), pretensioning and constant-force seat belt retractors, and features standard rear-seat headrests on Quad Cab models. The largest brakes in its class and 17-inch wheels contribute to Dodge Ram Power Wagon's safety capability.

Also standard are next-generation multistage driver and front-passenger air bags. The passenger side air bag may be turned off on regular cab Dodge Ram Power Wagons to accommodate child seats. The all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon also includes standard Lower Anchors and Tether for Children (LATCH) child seat anchorage system. The LATCH system works in conjunction with the standard child seat tether anchors to make it easier to attach child seats.

Following are safety and security technology features in the all-new 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon:
Power adjustable pedals (on both automatic and manual transmission-equipped trucks)



Largest standard brakes in class

Next-generation multistage driver and passenger air bags and knee bolsters

Height-adjustable three-point seat belts, front outboard

Three-point seat belt, center (regular cab and Quad Cab rear)

Constant-force retractors with pyrotechnic pretensioners on front seats

Optional supplemental side air bag inflatable curtains (SABIC)

Passenger air bag on/off switch (regular cab only)

Child Seat Anchor System - LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)

Anti-lock braking system

Adjustable rear headrests

Power Door Locks

Keyless Entry - Remote

Security Alarm

Sentry Key® engine immobilizer



The Original Dodge Power Wagon:
First mass-produced civilian 4x4 truck

After World War II, GIs returning home wrote to Dodge and asked, "Where can we get a truck like the ones we used in the war?" Dodge responded by building the Power Wagon. Virtually unchanged from its introduction in 1945 to when its domestic sales ended in 1968, the Dodge Power Wagon is the classic four-wheel drive truck.

Dodge Power Wagons first appeared on the civilian market in 1946 as the model WDX. The model designations changed over the years, but the Power Wagon was offered only as a 1-ton truck through its final year of production in 1968.

The Dodge Power Wagon was similar in design to the 3/4 ton weapons carrier, with a 126-inch wheelbase, closed cab similar to the Dodge VC series trucks, and the front shell and grille similar to the T234 3/4 ton built by Dodge for the Chinese Army, also known as the Burma Road truck.

The original Dodge Power Wagon featured a 230 cubic-inch flathead six engine, a two-speed transfer case, a four-speed transmission with a power take-off opening, which would send power to the front and back of the truck for operating auxiliary equipment and big 9.00/16-8 ply tires on 16x6-inch five-stud wheels. The 1-ton rated Power Wagon's maximum GVW rating was 8,700 lbs. Its maximum payload was 3,000 lbs.

A pickup box was designed that measured 8 x 4.5 feet. Dodge factory-built this four-wheel drive truck over a year-and-a-half before the ****** 4T and 10 years before other manufacturers began producing 4x4 trucks, making it the first mass-produced civilian 4x4 truck.

Over the years, changes were made to the original Dodge Power Wagon including a 251 cubic-inch engine to replace the original 230 cubic-inch powerplant, as well as synchromesh transmission, alternator and 12-volt electrical system, to name a few. Many custom-bodied Power Wagons were put into service as fire trucks and school buses. One of the finest examples is the custom Cantrell-bodied four-door woody station wagon - the original Dodge sport utility vehicle.

The 1947 WDX featured amenities including electric wipers, a single driver's sun visor and armrest, dome light, a heater and the Braden 10,000 lb. winch.

In 1957, Dodge introduced another line of four-wheel drive trucks, also known as Power Wagons, with the model designations W100, W200, W300 and W500. More conventional in styling, these Dodge Power Wagons were available with different engines, including V-8s.

A total of 95,145 WDX-WM300 Power Wagons were sold from 1945-1968. Exports continued through 1971 and limited sales continued through 1978, with versions that included slant 6 engines and hanging pedal assemblies.

After the 1968 model year, the Dodge Power Wagon went out of production because the nearly 30-year-old cab did not comply with new federal light-duty truck regulations.



2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon Feature Highlights:
MODELS:
Power Wagon Regular Cab Long Box 4x4

Power Wagon Quad Cab Short Box 4x4


POWERTRAIN:
5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with 5-45RFE five-speed automatic transmission or G56 six-speed manual transmission (late availability)

NV271 manual shift two-speed part-time transfer case

American Axle TracRite axles with front open and rear anti-spin electrically locking differentials

4.56 axle ratio


CHASSIS:
Front electric disconnecting stabilizer bar ("Smart Bar")

LT285/70R17 BF Goodrich all-terrain tires

Unique 17" x 8" forged aluminum wheels

Unique 35mm front and 25mm rear springs

Bilstein monotube front and rear shocks with yellow and blue color scheme

Unique front and rear jounce bumpers/spacers

Trailer Tow Group

Tow hooks

Steel transfer case and fuel tank skid plates

Steering damper skid plate


EXTERIOR:
Available in five colors: Flame Red, White, Black, Silver and Mineral Gray

Front electric winch (12,000-lb.)

Available Mopar® winch kit

Available three-inch heavy-gauge tubular steel Mopar rock rails

Chrome grille surround with black honeycomb grille

Black upper front fascia with chrome bumper

Black grained front and rear fender flares

Black bodyside molding

Power Wagon badges on doors and tailgate

Available Mopar Skid Resistor bedliner

HEMI badge on door

Fog lamps

Roof-mounted cab running lights

Optional power sun roof on Quad Cab


INTERIOR:
Heavy-duty vinyl 40/20/40 front seat (and rear seat with Quad Cab) and vinyl floor standard

Premium cloth and leather seating optional (includes carpeted floor and floor mats)

Heated front seats optional

SIRIUS® Satellite Radio optional on Quad Cab (late availability)

UConnect™ hands-free communications system optional

redriderbob

 

Nice truck,
Love it, thinking bout buying one(or two) does the hemi in it come in a Manual this time? if it does im sold.

 

"The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum with 345 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 375 lb. ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm is the only available engine, offered with either a 5-45RFE five-speed automatic or G56 six-speed manual transmission (late availability)."

Hope this helps.

Mike

 

want one

 

What are there price range?

 

I looked at this one at Bankston(AutoNation) Dodge in Irving, TX and it was $42,000 with nothing extra other than what it already came with. Thats an aweful lot for something that your gonna want to drive through the muds and the woods and over the hills and across a stream or creek and and... well you get the point.

[IMG]local://upfiles/3774/59C7CD9565C841A8ADC0C9248BF9C257.jpg[/IMG]

 

Do you think that the powerwagon is as capable or even more capable off-road as an H2 or Jeep? Because even though i just bought my new Ram I still want a powerwagon, but then again who doesn't!

 

Now THATS a TRUCK

 

Dude the H2 is a pile of junk. It's a Chevy Tahoe with a different body on it. I've seen two of them snap the suspension on light to moderate trails. The Power Wagon will go places an H2 won't even think about.

 

Actually the H2 is built on the Tahoe/Yukon/Denali/Escalade platform but has the HD suspension components from the truck lines and is really a pretty good off-road machine...where you can fit it(JEEPS will always rule). BUT why in the world would you spend $60,000 on an H2 when you could spend $40,000 on a real truck like the powerwagon with the possibility of getting mileage over 9 MPG and have a bed too. Only reason I think this way is because I have taken an H2 offroad and was pretty suprised, it will climb a 45+ degree hill at 1200 rpm with no problem at all and you would be suprised how sideways it will tilt without falling over. But I would rather still have a PowerWagon.