Ram showcased a new vehicle for 2017 that is off-road capable off the showroom floor with its “ultimate off-road truck.” The 2017 Ram Power Wagon will come loaded with features that will help both on and off the road.

Based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4×4 Crew Cab, the Power Wagon features a number of off-road-specific enhancements, including a unique suspension with more than two inches of lift, locking differentials and a 12,000-lb. winch, giving this beast a significant advantage over all production pickups.

“The Ram Power Wagon is an off-road, all-access pass, removing the limitations, instilling confidence and allowing owners to reach areas of recreation and lifestyle not attainable with any other pickup,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand and Ram Brand, FCA – Global. “The 2017 Ram Power Wagon delivers to those who travel into extreme terrain, while providing the towing and payload capability required in a heavy-duty truck.”

“Dating back to 1945, the Ram Power Wagon’s heritage holds a distinctive position in the Ram Truck lineup as an example of engineering innovation and off-road capability,” said Rob Wichman, Director – Ram Truck Engineering. “For 2017, the Power Wagon’s best-in-class, can-do toughness is matched by can’t-stop-me looks.”

The ultimate off-road truck, 2017 Ram Power Wagon features a number of off-road specific enhancements, including: a unique suspension creating 14 inches of ground clearance and more than two inches of lift.

Exterior

The truck is loaded with features inside and out. The exterior of the truck has an all-new grille with a prominent billet silver RAM letter badge like the 1500 Ram Rebel. The front bumper effectively hides a Warn 12,000-lb. winch, roller fairlead and 125 feet of line with nothing visible except a single heavy gauge steel cable and dozer-size hook that attaches to one of the two massive front tow hooks. It also features 17-inch forged, multi-surface aluminum wheels with silver outer and matte black inner are bound in 33-inch tires and feature exposed lug nuts with a small center cap.

The 2017 Power Wagon includes an optional backup camera in the tailgate, providing a better field of vision when maneuvering. Also optional is Ram’s exclusive cargo-view camera. This unique view allows owners to monitor bed loads without turning around.

Interior

The Power Wagon’s interior has been upgraded with unique technical grain seats finished in diesel gray and black with sedoso fabric inserts embossed with the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tire tread pattern, matching the Power Wagon’s actual footprint. Front seats with heated option feature light slate gray accent stitching and Ram logo embroidery on the headrests and black with light diesel gray Power Wagon nameplate affixed to the upper seat bolsters.

Both trims share an all-black instrument panel, door armrests and 20 percent seat console armrest cover, which are accented in light slate gray stitching. The 7-inch center cluster uses “Power Wagon” startup graphics, which complement the 8.4-inch Uconnect backdrop screen featuring an off-road theme.

The 2017 Power Wagon even comes with all-weather rubber mats with the Ram head logo. Finishing off the interior is a black headliner and matching upper pillars.

Under The Hood

Of course it has a Hemi, it’s the standard 6.4-liter Hemi 16-valve V-8 engine. It produces 410 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and a peak torque rating of 429 lb-ft. The engine calibration is unique to Power Wagon to enhance its off-road maneuverability and finesse.

The motor also includes features as robust/high-volume oil cooler, oil jets for piston cooling, and aircraft grade, stainless steel gaskets and fasteners for improved durability at high temperatures.

The 6.4-liter Hemi is offered with the 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission and connects to a part-time, manual-engagement Borg Warner BW 44-47 transfer case. Hill-descent Control allows drivers to control Power Wagon’s speed down steep, rugged grades with the buttons on the column shifter – without the need for throttle or brake pedals.

Suspension

The 2017 Ram Power Wagon features a specifically designed suspension system, including Bilstein shocks, modified control arms, spring rates and more than two inches of lift. This vehicle features a unique-to-model design of the standard three-link suspension system with Bilstein monotube shocks. The Ram Articulink design incorporates high movement joints at the control-arm-to-axle mount, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation.

The five-link coil design provides support at all major points of force. Leaf spring suspensions struggle to combat axle wrap by using staggered shock absorbers. The Power Wagons design of the five-link coil system functionally resists unwanted axle rotation.

Unique 17-inch wheels, 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, and Bilstein shocks are just the beginning of the upgrades on this truck.

With the unique five-link axle control and natural rotation, U-joints in the driveshaft run smoothly and with less vibration through the suspension’s range of motion, an advantage not shared with leaf springs. Another benefit of coil springs is less unsprung mass and elimination of stick-slip friction found between the leaf springs. Additionally, links are engineered in-line with frame rails, so overall packaging is better, not to mention an overall weight reduction of more than 40 pounds when compared to a leaf-spring configuration.

The rear suspension also includes Bilstein monotube shocks, and a Bilstein dampener links the top of the rear axle to the frame, providing additional control – bringing the Ram Power Wagon far beyond what competitors offer for axle control.

Built For The Dirt

This truck could be a continuing trend with manufactures building trucks that are suited for the off-road world from the factory. We saw this with the Ford Raptor and Chevy’s attempt with the Reaper, but we think it will be a growing trend in the years to come.

We were shocked that the truck is only available in a gas engine with it being on a heavy duty frame, but still really like the direction Ram is going with their trucks. What do you think of the new Power Wagon? Tell us in the comments below!