Incorporating improvements introduced on the heavy duty Ram 2500, the 2014 Ram Power Wagon benefits from a new frame and 3-link front/5-link coil-spring rear suspension, which improves ride as well as axle control. The 410-hp, 429-lb-ft 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that’s under the hood is also available in regular Ram 2500 models, but the calibration is unique to the Power Wagon to offer better control when in low range. The Hemi, which also uses fuel-saving cylinder deactivation, is the sole engine used in the Crew Cab-only Power Wagon, and is backed by a heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission. Part-time, manually engaged four-wheel-drive is standard. This truck has a payload capacity of up to 1490 pounds, can tow as much as 10,810 pounds, and comes standard with a Class 5 hitch.
Off Road Prowess
The Power Wagon adds plenty of features and equipment that differentiates it from the rest of the Ram line making it one of the most capable off-road trucks money can buy. For starters, the Power Wagon comes with a unique front suspension that features a sway-bar disconnecting system and high-movement joints, improving off-road articulation. At speeds above 18 mph, the sway bar automatically re-engages. The Power Wagon uses a 9.25-inch front axle and an 11.5-inch unit in back, and both have electronic locking differentials. Its Bilstein shocks and control arms and spring rates are specific to the Power Wagon. The suspension has more than two inches of lift over the standard 2500, bringing total ground clearance to 14.5 inches. All Power Wagons come with a Warn 12,000-pound winch hidden behind the front bumper, plus skid plates under the transfer case and fuel tank.
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Style is of course a part of the Power Wagon’s appeal, and the 2014 model comes with new styling cues. All Power Wagons have chrome bumpers front and rear and sport unique 17-inch forged and polished aluminum wheels with 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires.
Three Trim Levels
The Tradesman model has a monotone paint scheme, with black grille, grille surround, headlight filler panels and fender flares. A Power Wagon decal runs along the bottom of the tailgate.
The SLT has a grille divided by crosshair bars. If the truck is Bright White, Flame Red, Black, Bright Silver or Granite Crystal, these four grille sections are red. The SLT also has halogen projector headlights with LED accents underneath. There are two slightly different versions of the three-color "Saw Blade" graphics and a Power Wagon decal on the bottom of the doors, matching graphics on the tailgate and black fender flares and door handles.
The Laramie has a full chrome grille and halogen headlights on a chrome background. It uses a monotone painted body and fender flares, plus a chrome Power Wagon badge on the tailgate and a cabin outfitted with leather and soft touch materials throughout.
Prices start at $45,690 for the Tradesman, is $50,340 for the SLT and the top-of-the-line Laramie starts at $56,015, including a $1,195 destination fee.
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