2010 Dodge Power Wagon appears

[Larry]

I would run to my local dealer and drop off a deposit TODAY if they would offer the Power Wagon with the configuration below.

- Standard Cab
- White in color
- ST trim
- 6 speed manual trans (although I would settle on an automatic if I had to)

As much as I love the Power Wagon, I feel their option content and color pallet caters to the mall crawler crowd (loaded up SLT trim, back up assist, power everything, automatic trans....we just don't need all that for an Expo rig) While their color choices are all pretty (Brilliant Black, Inferno Red, Mineral Gray and Deep Water Blue) they are not off-road friendly. All of which show desert pin-striping like crazy. I want a white one because white hides dents, dings and scratches. I would also prefer a stripper model with rubber floor mat, crank windows, etc....less crap to go wrong and/or get dirty. Outside of the Power Wagon chassis equipment all I need are A/C and cruise control and a nice long bed to mount a 4WC Grandby!

 

[Scott Brady]

Now there's a bit of news worth noting. Welcome to the full-size truck club, Scott.

Just a long-term test, which will determine if it will be an even longer-term test

 

[haven]

Larry,

The previous generation Power Wagon (2005-2008) was available with standard cab and manual transmission. I'm not sure of the lowest trim level available with that generation of Power Wagon. It might be SLT.

The 2005-2008 Power Wagons were all equipped like the 2010 model is: electric locking front and rear differentials, electric disconnecting front sway bar, Warn 12,000-lb. winch, 4.56 differential gearing, Bilstein shocks, 33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires, and 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.

Here's a 2006 standard cab Power Wagon with automatic trans for sale:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=267144355

Here's a white 2008 crew cab Power Wagon. Looks to be automatic.
http://sanantonio.en.craigslist.org/ctd/1473055225.html

 

[805gregg]

Chevy doesn't even offer a manual trans anymore, why would you with the great autos available.

 

[Larry]

Yes, Haven, I am well aware of that but I would like a new body style Power Wagon rather than the old rather odd looking ’03-’09 body style.

Automatics have indeed gotten better over the past decade but you still cannot beat the control of a manual transmission when off-road, especially when traversing steep grades.

The white crew cab for sale isn’t technically a crew cab but what Dodge calls a Quad cab. In GM speak, is merely an extended cab.

 

[iigs]

Does anyone know if the good stuff can be swapped into a normal 2500? The sway bar disconnects and lockers are pretty cool features, and having the factory fit would be neat, if the axles are as or more tough than the ones on a normal CTD. Personally I'm not interested in the gasoline engine or the "HEY EVERYBODY LOOK AT ME! POWEERRRRR WAGONNNNN!!!" graphics on the new body.

I have seen them running around for a couple years and had no idea what the difference was until I started lurking here. I just assumed it was some stupid shocks-and-stickers package like the Z71 (not intending to flame; I own a Z71 myself).

This is the first case I know of where more image-accessories (roof baskets, dealer installed expo gear) would help to define their intended market.

 

[Larry]

No reason why those parts couldn’t be bolted on a non-Power Wagon, especially the front sway bar disconnect (Dodge part number for the sway bar disconnect is 52121754AE). An ARB selectable lockers could be used instead of E-lockers (for the 11.5 rear axle behind the diesels there is no E-locker available), bolt on a 12,000 lb winch, drop the gear ratio and whalla! You got yourself a homemade Power Wagon. Actually, you could make it even better than a stock Power Wagon as you wouldn’t need to run the control module that won’t allow the front sway bar disconnect or lockers to work in 4 HI or 2wd. In fact, in the February issue of Peterson’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road there is an article on just this topic.


I would still take a 2010 Power Wagon with a gas even if a diesel was an option. Diesels are so overrated for the cost of admission it isn’t even funny unless you run 80K miles a year or tow 80% of the time. Or, unless you already own a pre-2007 emissions compliant diesel engine. However, if I were to take a diesel it would definitely be a Cummins!

 

[Scott Brady]

So far, so good

A few days in the desert.

 

[Juntura]

Looking forward to your thoughts on this rig Scott. My father-in-law has an '08 that he is thinking of selling. He loves the truck, in fact he likes it much more than the AEV Brute he sold when he bought the PW, but is now looking into an Icon. I don't have quite the coin he does, but think the PW will serve all of my families needs. I just can't seem to get over the fuel mileage and the fact that is not old and iconic- yet.

 

[haven]

Here's what you might order if you prefer diesel power. It's
a Dodge 2500 Cummins crew cab, with a 2 inch lift and 35
inch tires.

Dodge put this example together for the 2009 SEMA show, adding
lots of chrome accessories.

The folks at Pickuptrucks.com took this truck to the desert
for a weekend. They report that, as configured, the truck has
a 2400 lb cargo capacity. That's just right for a lightweight camper,
several friends, and a week's worth of supplies.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/03/road-test-review-2010-chromed-ram-2500-crew-cab.html

 

[Regcabguy]

Chevy doesn't even offer a manual trans anymore, why would you with the great autos available.

Autos still have a heat issue in low speed crawling or going through deep sand without extensive aftermarket cooling. I had a DTT upgraded auto in my old '98.5 and it ran hot under those conditions. The Chevy's are out of the question with their lowslung frames and IFS frontends. Best auto out there though imo. I tried ordering an ST on mine but power seats weren't an option without the SLT package. I love this granny low also and I'm in charge of the shift points.

 

[haven]

Allpar.com has several photos of a Mopar Skunkworks version of the
Power Wagon. It will likely make an appearance at Jeep Safari in Moab
at the end of this month.

The short wheelbase truck is cool! Lots more photos here http://www.allpar.com/cars/concepts/ram/powerwagon.html