Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Autoweek: 2007 Dodge Ram Power Wagon Quad Cab Review





AutoWeek | Published 05/18/07, 4:28 pm et

AT A GLANCE:
2007 DODGE RAM POWER WAGON QUAD CAB
IN FLEET: April 24-May 8
AS-TESTED PRICE: $45,480
DRIVETRAIN: 5.7-liter V8; 4wd, five-speed automatic
OUTPUT: 345 hp @ 5400 rpm, 375 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 6081 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): N/A/12.2 mpg
FLORADAY: This is one big, bad Dodge. I’d love one for a tow rig—it could recover all my off-road toys. The 12,000-pound winch coupled with front and rear locking differentials means this stocker will go far off-road if the trails are wide enough.

I used this Power Wagon for all kinds of tasks over the weekend, including hauling a light trailer and moving some axles. I loved every minute of it. Everywhere I parked, someone would stop to talk to me about the truck, which nobody disliked.

Its bright blue paint and tall stance make it stand out. At night, the roof clearance lights look imposing.

The only problem: You can only get it with a Hemi. I’d prefer a Cummins diesel. I don’t see why this package can’t work with a diesel engine.

I would also like bigger tires or less suspension lift. The BFGoodrich All-Terrains are good for light off-road duty, but at a hair under 33 inches, the tires are, believe it or not, a bit small, given the 4.56 gearing and the excessive lift.

I’m not advocating lifting a vehicle more than you absolutely, positively must to get bigger tires to fit; my philosophy is to cut the heck out of the sheetmetal to keep a low center of gravity. Obviously, that isn’t acceptable on a new vehicle, but I think this could sit three inches lower and still have fenders.

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