2018 Ram 2500 Power Wagon: What's Changed
By G.R. Whale
- Most significant changes: A backup camera is now standard and there's an available 8.4-inch audio display screen
- Price change: Power Wagon configurations see increases of $400 to $600
- On sale: Now
- Which should you buy, 2017 or 2018? 2018 because of the standard backup camera and improved tech
The Ram 2500 Power Wagon is a niche off-road pickup truck, the only one built on a three-quarter-ton chassis. Essentially, it's a Ram 2500 factory-built with all the equipment one would add for off-highway use with a suspension tuned for wheel travel and rock crawling rather than towing a second home.
For model-year 2018, the Ram 2500 Power Wagon — available in two flavors — gets updated telematics, the federally mandated backup camera as standard and price increases of $400 to $600.
The Ram Power Wagon comes with some unique standard equipment: locking differentials front and rear, a double-jointed front suspension with a front anti-roll bar disconnect and a 12,000-pound Warn winch integrated into the front bumper. The Power Wagon also comes standard with 4.10:1 axle gears, five Bilstein dampers (four at each corner and one steering stabilizer), manual-shift four-wheel drive, tow hooks, a full set of skid plates, a large alternator, unique upholstery and the only load range D tires in the heavy-duty class for maximum flexibility and traction when aired down.
The Ram Power Wagon has ground clearance of 14.3 inches — optional side steps can help with entry and exit if clearing obstacles isn't a priority — and the suspension is designed to keep the wheels on the ground in undulating terrain, regardless of speed. As a result, the maximum payload of 1,470 pounds and maximum towing capacity of 9,910 are both shy of typical three-quarter-ton numbers but adequate for towing all-terrain vehicles or snowmobiles on mid-size trailers to remote locations.
Offered only as a crew cab, the Ram Power Wagon has a 6-foot-4-inch bed. You can get a spartan Tradesman version of it or it can be optioned up to luxury-class levels with items such as leather upholstery, heated/ventilated seats, 4G LTE, rain-sensing wipers and more. Tow hooks and fender flares are standard. Eight colors are available, including one monotone option; it can be had without the Power Wagon badging.
The Ram Power Wagon has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. However, based on NHTSA ratings for the 2018 Ram 2500 4x4 crew cab, we'd expect four-star ratings for overall and frontal crash tests, five stars for the side crash rating and three stars for the rollover rating.
The Power Wagon comes with a gasoline 410-horsepower, 6.4-liter V-8 and a six-speed automatic transmission. The primary mechanical option is a larger, or dual, alternator for up to a 380-amp power supply. Cargo options include the lockable the RamBox for the bed.
Pricing for the 2018 Ram 2500 Power Wagon starts at $48,790 for the bare-bones Tradesman version and $53,690, (prices include a $1,395 destination charge) for the more traditional, fully dressed version.
Updates for 2018 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
- Available 8.4-inch radios with 4G LTE, HD radio, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and USB Flip, pinch to zoom and improved resolution
- Sirius Guardian with a suite of safety features
- Remote exterior switch in truck bed for LED bed lights
- Standard backup camera
Manufacturer images
Comments
It doesn't have a dial shifter and plastic chrome hubcaps like it's little brother has.
As a F-150 man I would pick the Ram over the Chevy if I was forced to do so
This rig is a tool. " The Power Wagon also comes standard with 4.10:1 axle gears, five Bilstein dampers (four at each corner and one steering stabilizer)," Also has a rear axle damper connected to the rear Diff.
Great write up. This truck tows head and shoulders above my lifted, Rancho Suspension on my 03 1500 Hemi with 35's and 4:56 Gears. The weight actually helps push my 10,000lbs trailer around especially when backing. Cameras are a wecome for towing. I absolutly luv mine and tow regularly. On or off the Highway.
Apparently real men drive trucks with a real shifter. With that logic real men do not need power steering, Power brakes, Automatic, Air conditioning, Get out to lock their hubs. I could go on.
" the maximum payload of 1,470 pounds and maximum towing capacity of 9,910"
WTF?
A Colorado 4x4 CrewCab can carry more than the Power Wagon and tow 7,600 lbs.
I like the PW but this is pathetic!
RAM 2500 Power Wagon ,great truck. I say this a decidedly pro FORD guy
For the I post from the first result I see crowd.
This is from the RAM website. Standard towing for
Tradesman 4x4 is 11,510 lbs
The maximum is 17, 610 lbs.
Payload capacity 2,680 lbs.
Nothing pathetic about that.
Ecoboost Rules, you mentioned plastic hubcaps. Are you referring to large plastic discs that cover the entire wheel, or small plastic covers for the center hub? If you are talking about the center hub cover, Ram is not the only company to use plastic center hub covers on a pickup. It’s not a part that needs to be made out of metal as it’s is only a cover. Aside from keeping dust and mud out of the hub the function is asthetic. That’s why truck grilles are usually made of plastic and not metal. It seems an odd thing for you to point out.
Mls956
I am talking about the chrome plastic mag wheel covers that cover the whole wheel.
For years I have always admired how great they looked and wished the F-150 would make similar wheels
,,,,,BUT when the first time I got a close up look at them I was broken hearted that they were PLASTIC.
I would be ashamed to own a truck with fake plastic chrome wheel covers.
That's one of the reasons I own a F-150, my wheels are alloy, real metal, real chrome.
It's an insult paying $50K for a new truck with fake-plastic wheel covers !
Your speakers V8 sound is insult.
My '13 F150 XLT has plastic chrome wheel covers. They look like real chrome but they are not. Who cares....kids care....petty.
I thought the rear axle has a differential mounted shock? That might be the 5th or maybe not. I like the truck but I would rathe buy a 3500 srw cab chassis with 4.44 gears, stronger aisin 66 series trans, and regular cab. Very rare gas job but its a nice heavy regular cab. if they added just the lockers I would be all about it!
I thought the rear axle has a differential mounted shock? That might be the 5th or maybe not. I like the truck but I would rathe buy a 3500 srw cab chassis with 4.44 gears, stronger aisin 66 series trans, and regular cab. Very rare gas job but its a nice heavy regular cab. if they added just the lockers I would be all about it!
Not likely to buy either. Simply too large by far for what I need and want.
My dads 2009 XLT with chrome package has 18's that are chrome plastic. So Ford was one of the firsts to use it..
Ecoboost Rules, you mentioned plastic hubcaps. Are you referring to large plastic discs that cover the entire wheel, or small plastic covers for the center hub?
Posted by: Mls956 | Apr 24, 2018 9:30:54 PM
I believe he's talking about the plastic hubs Ford uses on the F-150. They're plastic gears actuated by vacuum. Infamous for being weak and unreliable.
FXDX1450 - those numbers are not for a Power Wagon.
A Colorado 4x4 CrewCab can carry more than the Power Wagon and tow 7,600 lbs.
I like the PW but this is pathetic!
Posted by: Mitt Screw | Apr 24, 2018 6:23:13 PM
Looks good on paper. How well does it tow the weight????
Hey Mitt Screw,
Your numbers are wrong. Compare the payload number to the Colorado ZR2, which is Chevy's off-road niche truck and the payload goes down below the Power Wagon.
That is one BEAUTIFUL truck! No doubt the best full size truck line on the market!!
GUTS
GLORY
CLASS LEADING
2018 & 2019 RAM
I would be ashamed to own a truck with fake plastic chrome wheel covers.
That's one of the reasons I own a F-150, my wheels are alloy, real metal, real chrome.
It's an insult paying $50K for a new truck with fake-plastic wheel covers !
Posted by: Ecoboost Rules | Apr 24, 2018 11:25:11 PM
The wheels you are referring to are most common referred to as "Chrome clad" wheels. Ford has used them on F-150's for over a decade. Regardless of brand, you have a choice of what wheels you get. Even the non-clad chrome wheels are really just a PVD coating applied to a regular alloy wheel.
Chrome clad F-150 wheels:
http://www.f150ecoboost.net/forum/23-buy-sale-trade/14030-2014-lariat-chrome-clad-20-rims.html
The Power Wagon was ruined when Ram forced their ugly Rebel grille onto it. I really don't like that they're getting rid of the iconic crosshair grille. Big mistake in my opinion.
Out of all the features on my 15 Prospector Power Wagon i love Hill Decent and the computer controled off road modes. On my latest overland trip the jeep Rubicon owner said "My truck was a tank." I couldn't argue with that. ;-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6TKP11_1vU
Dodge, the first in 4 wheel Drive.
Rockford Fosgate, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tly2WZ1Jki8
What I see here is FCA doing what it does best. Offering a lot of different vehicles and options. This truck would be great for a construction company that needs a truck to get to any site, pull trailers or other trucks out of mud or sand on site. In the north these would be great trucks for forest service work vehicles where you may go where there isn't much off a trail. Excellent for light duty work for a tow company such as pulling cars from ditches, off road recovery where a dually may not fit, etc, etc. There are so many real world places where a true 4wd 3/4 ton will work. Hat's off to them for giving people what they want. It's a shame that we live in a world though where this kind of thing is a special edition. All companies should build trucks with limited slip differentials standard in the front and rear for 4wd's and standard for the rear of 2wd's. Optional electronic locking differentials for front and rear should be available for all models. The winch is cool and I like seeing it as an option. I would bet that less than 1% of them ever get used. Trucks are damn nice these days for ability, but I don't think companies make proper use of the technology available to us.
It doesn't have a dial shifter and plastic chrome hubcaps like it's little brother has.
As a F-150 man I would pick the Ram over the Chevy if I was forced to do so
Posted by: Ecoboost Rules | Apr 24, 2018 3:23:44 PM
If Ford didnt have so many dangerous RECALLS i still wouldnt buy one. Beer can metal and plastic with fake v8 noises just aint my thing, lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwAAjd7XG_Y
I own a 2012 Power Wagon and loved it. I traded it in for a 2018 Power Wagon. Got all the bells and whistles. It rides a little smoother than the 2012 but kind of miss the 4.56 gears, like the jump from a red light. Gas mileage is better though than my old one.. LOVE IT
I just got my 2018 PW. Sure like it. It's a real beast. What do I expect to haul - tent, sleeping bag - food. What will I ever tow - nothing.
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