2019 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Off-Road Review: Big Mountain Man
Whistler, BC - The history of the Power Wagon stretches back to the Second World War. In 1945, Dodge manufactured Power Wagons for the transport of military weapons. As this meant driving often in difficult conditions, this truck had to be able to cross every possible terrain. Dodge built more than 225,000 Power Wagons during the war.
Based on the same chassis, another 95,000 units hit the road between 1945 and 1968 for civilian purposes, such as tow trucks and fire trucks. Other generations of Power Wagon followed until 1980, when the model took an extended break before returning in 2005.
Mr. Big - very Big
The Ram HD was redesigned last year and has retained all of its intimidating demeanor. In fact, the front of the vehicle is almost downright scary. It’s not only daring, but the very high ground clearance it benefits from makes it even more imposing. Our test model had no step-board so as not to impair its off-road abilities, which we practically needed a ladder to climb on board.
To differentiate the different versions of the HD models, there are six different front grilles. Three headlight styles are available: halogen, full LED/reflector and full LED/headlamp with autofocus headlamps moving up to 15 degrees in the intended path. You also have the Rambox exterior storage system still in place. Which means that, at first glance, off-road getaways don’t immediately top the list of things to do with this big beast.
Ready for adventure
Before we embarked on the road that would take us to the summit of Sproatt Mountain at over 1,545 metres above sea level, FCA officials took a few minutes to explain a little bit about the equipment available to help the truck with its cavorting around in the woods.