For 2007,Dodge has assigned the Heavy Duty designation to vehicles whose load capacities increase from half-ton 1500 models to three-quarter and one-ton ratings. I tested the Power Wagon version from the Heavy Duty lineup of Dodge Ram pickup trucks.
After considerable changes to the 2006 model last year, including a new frame and suspension, a mild front facelift and the addition of the Mega Cab, 2007 models remain relatively unchanged. The Heavy Duty gets a new diesel engine and automatic transmission along with a few minor refinements.
Dodge offers three trim levels, the HD, ST, SLT and Laramie, along with three cabs, Regular, Quad and Mega. My Power Wagon was the SLT Quad cab version, powered by the 5.7-liter 345 horsepower V-8 with a five-speed automatic transmission and a 4.56 axle ratio. A six-speed manual shifter is available.
The Power Wagon features locking front and rear differentials, an electronically disconnecting front sway bar, a custom-built 12,000-pound winch, and polished forged-aluminum 17-inch wheels with 33-inch BF Goodrich tires. It was unfortunate that I didn't get an opportunity to use the power winch. Ironically, just a week after returning the truck to Dodge, I needed to remove a medium-sized tree stump.
The Power Wagon is only offered in the 2500-series trucks; it features serious off-road capabilities. Ground clearance on my 4X4 truck was the highest of any vehicle I've ever tested, making entering and exiting the cab anything but easy. The step-in height is well above knee level, and there are no running boards, something this truck sorely needs. You can also forget about fitting it into your garage.
Once behind the wheel the view is commanding and visibility is excellent. The rear doors swing open almost 90 degrees, improving access for passengers or cargo.
My Power Wagon imposed a commanding presence on the road. Its "big rig" appearance included the signature crosshair chrome grille with full-chrome collar, massive vehicle height and "Power Wagon" spelled out in individual chrome letters on the tailgate. I liked the five individual amber-colored roof lights that added to the "big rig" look.
Inside, the cabin is exceptionally roomy with no shortage of storage capacity. Rear-seat space is ample and seats fold up to create extra cargo room. My Ram came with a cloth front bench that seats three adults with its 40/20/40-folding configuration. Everything about the Ram is oversized, including a center business console with fold-down dividers that can hold a laptop computer. When folded it's the largest center armrest one could hope for.
The dash is well laid out with large white-faced gauges, hurricane shutter style air vents that close flush, and intuitive, easy-to-use controls for climate control and audio systems. Negatively, every dash surface is a hard textured plastic that looks cheap.
Dodge did a good job incorporating plenty of cupholders, slots and pockets on the console and doors. Power outlets are provided for the front seats.
I was very comfortable driving the Power Wagon on daily commutes and doing a bit of off-roading on the weekend. Make no mistake, this is a very big vehicle and it can be intimidating to drive. Parking always required three-point turns and often opening the driver's door to double-check parking space lines.
For such a big truck, it drives pretty well. I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth ride quality and quiet cabin, even at highway speeds. The ride wasn't nearly as bouncy and jarring as those I experienced in the HD models from Chevy and GMC, but don't expect it to be sedan-smooth either.
These big trucks are designed to be heavy-duty work trucks for ranch, construction and heavy hauling. They're just too much truck for families and daily commutes. While I had a blast driving it as a daily commuter, it takes a lot of work in heavy traffic and city driving. And, while it doesn't report EPA fuel economy ratings due to its size, I barely averaged a dismal 10 miles per gallon on premium unleaded fuel. That's with the fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology included on Hemi-equipped Rams.
Safety gear includes front air bags and anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes. Supplemental side curtain air bags are an extra $490. There are no crash test ratings, but I felt very safe in the Power Wagon given its massive size and ground clearance.
My Power Wagon had a base price of $33,460 and was well optioned with the extra-cost inferno red pearl coat paint, premium bench seat, SIRIUS satellite radio, Power Wagon off-road equipment, tow hooks, fog lamps, trailer towing group, curtain air bags, automatic transmission, rear power sliding window, premium audio system, leather wrapped steering wheel and cargo bed liner.
