2017 Ram 2500 is Ready for Adventure With Power Wagon, 4×4 Off-Road Models

Stephen Elmer
by Stephen Elmer

The 2017 Ram 2500 just got a lot more capable.

On the eve of the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, Ram rolled out the 2500 Power Wagon and the 2500 Off-Road 4×4 models, making its three-quarter ton trucks more capable when the pavement ends.

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The Power Wagon returns with power coming from a 6.4-liter V8 making 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. What makes this truck truly special though is its off-road suspension setup. Out front, the truck gets Bilstein monotube shocks and high movement joints at the control-arm-to-axle mount, allowing the suspension to have more articulation and flexibility.

2016 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

A disconnecting sway bar adds further flex, and can be used in four-wheel low at speeds below 18 mph. This gives the Power Wagon 26-inches of suspension travel when used.

The Ram 2500’s five-link coil design stays the same out back though Bilstein shocks are also added, allowing the Power Wagon to haul up to 1,510 pounds of payload. The truck is also rated to pull up to 10,030 pounds. And in case you do get stuck, a 12,000-lb winch is fitted inside the front bumper.

To hook up to the ground, 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires are used, contributing to the truck’s 14.3-inches of ground clearance. Approach angle is pegged at 33.6 degrees, while departure is 26.2 degrees. In case you do hit something, there is plenty of protection underneath the truck offered by rock bars and skid plates.

Inside, the Power Wagon gets seats finished in diesel gray and black with tire-tread embossed seat inserts that match the truck’s actual footprint. Ram logos are embroidered into the headrests, while a Power Wagon nameplate is fit to the upper seat bolsters.

You can also order the premium trim model which comes with leather and slate grey stitching. Special Power Wagon graphics are also used on this model by the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen.

Besides the Power Wagon, Ram also introduced the 2500 Off-Road 4×4 model, designed for light off-roading. This truck forgoes the detachable sway bar, but uses Bilstein monotube shocks all around. Firestone LT on/off-road tires are used for added traction.

Plenty of small upgrades, like tow hooks, fender flares and skid plates are also used. A locking rear differential and hill-descent control are also offered.

Discuss this story at our Ram Forum

Stephen Elmer
Stephen Elmer

Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>

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