When all is said and done, there isn't a fullsize pickup out there that can do what the Power Wagon is capable of out of the box. Spending quality time driving and wheeling the Power Wagon has only reinforced our decision to make it the PTOTY winner, and we have no regrets. In fact, we are already plotting ways to convince Dodge to let us keep the big red wagon as a project once the Long Term test is complete-then we can finally get those 35s under it.
Report 1 Of 4
Previous reports: None
Base price: $39,970
Price as tested: $43,540
Four-wheel-drive system: Manual part-time, two-speed
Long-Term Numbers
Miles to date: 4,916
Miles since last report: None
Average mpg (this report): 11.23
Test best tank mpg: 12.72
Test worst tank mpg: 8.11 (four-wheeling)
Maintenance
3,000-mile service
Cost: $26.49
6,000-mile service, rotate tires
Cost: $62.19
Wiring Harness
Cost: Under warranty
Problem areas: Clearance lights
What's Hot,What's Not:
Hot: Hot is the powerful Hemi and five-speed transmission, which work well together. We have gotten through some of the toughest obstacles for a fullsize truck without body damage, thanks to the long-travel suspension, lockers, and rock rails. The factory Warn winch is a great tool, and we love the GPS navigation system.
Not: There is not a lot of "not" to talk about. We would love to test a 2006 model with a multi-displacement system on it and see if the mileage improves over our 12 mpg best. Other than that, the Ram is a solid truck and we enjoy having it in the fleet.
Logbook Quotes:
"Cruises all day at 80 mph, and still spins under 3,000 rpm."
"Rock rails are actually functional."
"Can't believe after all this wheeling there are no squeaks or rattles!"
"Rescued a helpless 2WD Expedition in the snow, this truck rocks."