When it comes to the ideal off-road capable vehicle, there are a handful of car models that come to mind: Jeep’s Wrangler, Land Rover’s Defender, Toyota’s Land Cruiser, and many more. What do these all have in common? They’re SUVs, essentially station wagon bodies on light-truck frames. What you might not know, is the Dodge Power Wagon supersedes all of these iconic off-road vehicles, by over 40 years in the case of the Wrangler.

The original production version, also known as the Military Type, found its inspiration through the ¾ ton trucks Dodge produced for WWII, making it the first 4x4 medium duty truck produced by a major manufacturer. All but making the Power Wagon the godfather of off-road capability, in a daily-drivable truck.

The Power Wagon moniker was retired in 1980 in favor of the Power Ram, but saw its revival in 2005, specifically engineered for off-road capability. In 2010, when Dodge trucks were rebranded as Ram, its heavy-duty lineup received a major overhaul; including the Power Wagon. With its off-road tuned suspension, electronically locking differentials, electronic disconnecting front sway bar and 12,000-pound winch, the redesigned Power Wagon claimed its position at the top as it relates heavy-duty, off-road trucks. Join us as we identify just a few of the 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon’s coolest features.

A Factory Warn Zeon-12 Winch

Ram-2500-Power-Wagon-Winch
Via: Ram Trucks

Since the debut of the Dodge Power Wagon in late 1945, it’s been known for its work-truck capabilities, while still demonstrating enough know-how for everyday driving. Forged in the battlefields of WWII, the Power Wagon became one of the first heavy-duty trucks you could drive home after a long day of work, and not regret your life the next morning you wake up and feel how stiff your back is as a result of the rigid ride. So, when the Power Wagon namesake returned in 2005, and every subsequent year following, the Ram came standard with a winch.

More recently, the Warn Zeon-12 Winch. Seen as the face of winching, the Zeon-12 is a 12-volt winch, featuring a synthetic cable that refuses to kink or fray. The lightweight winch, packs a punch with a 12,000-pound single-line pulling capacity and over 80 feet of slack. Its large winch drum reduces rope wear, while its black-powder coated finish with stainless steel fasteners and clutch level reduce corrosion, combining for a seriously long-lasting winch, capable of getting the Power Wagon, and an addition 3,500 pounds of payload, out of any situation you might find yourself when off-roading this truck.

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Looking Back At The First Generation Dodge Power Wagon

Bilstein Gas-charged Monotube Shocks

Bilstein_Shocks_Ram_2500_Power_Wagon
Via: Ram Trucks

Clocking in at a mind-bending 8,565 pounds, the Power Wagon is still capable of being light and agile on its toes. Thanks to numerous suspension upgrades, this special-edition 2500 can handle anything from daily-driving duty, to low-speed rock crawling, and everything in between. Due in large part to its upgraded Bilstein, gas-charged shocks, the Power Wagon is capable of a larger carrying capacity, while reducing uncontrolled movement. In addition to the increased capability, gas-charged shocks are able to last longer than its oil pressured shock absorbers, thanks to its increased dampening power.

All credit to Bilstein for the rigorous testing and measurements it puts its shock through. Focusing on safety, braking, steering, dynamic driving, and comfort, Bilstein is able to focus on the most important aspect of suspension: driver feel. With testing done at the legendary Nürburgring, Bilstein’s private test facility in Germany, and real-life analysis done in the rugged canyons of Southern California, Bilstein is able to produce one of the most capable shocks in the off-roading and daily-driving game.

Electronic Front Sway Bar

Ram_2500_Power_Wagon_Front_Sway_Bar
Via: Ram Trucks

In addition to its monotube shocks, the Power Wagon’s off-road capabilities are further improved through its electronically disconnecting front sway bar that maximizes articulation for the toughest of terrains. Those unfamiliar with 4x4 and off-roading might wonder how a disconnected front sway bar would be beneficial, since its job is to limit body roll. Unlike a road car, or even a 4x4 at highway speeds, the wheels must be completely independent of each other in order to perform adequately, and allow for both sides of the wheels to maintain contact with the ground when traversing off-road.

Activated through a button on the dash, when in 4Hi or 4Lo, the sway bar light will flash on the dash screen until full disengaged, letting you know the time to continue your trek. Just make sure to do all preventative-maintenance and never drive on hard surfaces with the sway bar disconnected as it has been known to fail at highway speeds.

RELATED:Everything You Should Know About The 2021 Ram Power Wagon

6.4L V8 Hemi

PowerWagon_6.4L_Hemi
Via: Offroadxtreme

Not only did Ram make sure the Power Wagon was ultra-capable, it made sure its engine matched the namesake of the truck itself. Sitting under the hood is Dodge’s legendary 6.4L V8 Hemi, capable of producing a class-leading 410 HP, and 429 lb-ft of torque, the Power Wagon features a level of refinement you wouldn’t expect in a heady-duty truck. With its variable-cam timing, fully electronic automatic transmission, and on-the-fly shift mapping. Thanks to the Hemi’s grunt, it can tow up to an astounding 17,520 pounds, with another 4,010-pound payload in the bed.

Starting at $54,940, the Ram 2500 Power Wagon is a mega capable off-roading truck, with daily-driving capabilities. With its relatively low price-point (when compared to other 250/2500 class trucks), you can tick off a ton of boxes when building your perfect Power Wagon, and still come in a few dollars less than the base price of the Z71 Silverado or F-250 Tremor. Making its price, one of, if not the coolest feature of the Ram 2500 Power Wagon.