For many work truck fleets, especially in certain industries, the asphalt road is not what they are used to driving on. Those in construction, oil and gas, mining, or others go off-road for major portions of their workday. Capability is at the top of the list of needs for those fleets, as getting stuck or otherwise immobilized means downtime, which they can not afford.
Various trucks are available that fit the bill for many fleets, with heavy duty pickup trucks offering the capability for fleets to go anywhere. However, what about those that go to the most rough and treacherous terrain daily? For them, a truck that has been around for over 80 years is needed.
What is that truck? That would be the Ram Power Wagon which has been around since 1945. It was originally based on the Weapons Carrier (WC) series of Dodge ¾-ton military-use trucks. Those were built all the way back during the Second World War. Over the years, the Power Wagon has been a pioneer to a plethora of four-wheel-drive trucks that are in use today. Production of the Power Wagon stopped in 1980, but after a 25-year hiatus, it was reintroduced in 2005 and has been in production ever since. It has seen updates and innovative technologies added with each new version, and now it get even better. Today, it is produced at Ram’s Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.
HELLO DIESEL
Arriving in the second half of 2026, as a 2027 model, Ram is putting their 6.7-liter Cummins high output inline-six turbo diesel engine under the hood of the Power Wagon, becoming the first modern version to offer one. The 6.7L outputs 430 horsepower and a mouthwatering amount of torque, wait for it, at 1,075 pounds/feet. The diesel model does not offer a winch, it is only available on gas-powered models.
“Customers have been telling us for years to put the Cummins in the Power Wagon,” says Tim Kuniskis, head of American brands, SRT Performance, NA marketing and retail strategy, Ram. “And if our recent product announcements have shown anything, it is that Ram is giving customers a choice and the trucks they want. Matching the Power Wagon with the Cummins turbo diesel delivers everything our hardcore Ram fans expect: off-road capability with the best diesel in the HD segment. It is the Power Wagon they’ve been waiting for.”
The standard engine on the Power Wagon is a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine with 405hp and 429 lbs/ft of torque. Since its 2005 re-introduction this is the first time that two engines are offered on the Power Wagon at the same time. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 31-gallon fuel tank is standard and offers 600 miles of range.
FULLY CAPABLE
Power Wagon comes in 4×4 crew cab configuration with a 6-foot, 4” bed. It offers a tow capacity of around 20,000 lbs and a payload capacity of nearly 3,000 lbs, while towing packages can be added for more features. The Towing Technology Group package includes LED third brake light with cargo-view camera, surround 360-degree camera system, trailer reverse guidance, and trailer tire pressure monitoring system, while the Tow Technology Plus Group package offers digital rearview mirror and trailer reverse steering control. Further Power Wagon diesel is now available with fifth wheel/gooseneck preparation.
MAKING IT UNIQUE
All diesel equipped Power Wagon models offer underbody skid plates (protecting the DEF tank, fuel tank and transfer case), 20-inch black wheels with 34” all-terrain tires; solid front and rear axles with locking differentials, activated by electromagnetic actuators; and American Axle Manufacturing, axles measure 9.25” in front and 11.5” in rear, delivering power via a 3.42:1 ring and pinion ratio, while rear axle shafts are 38 millimeters.
As with other HD vehicles in Ram’s portfolio, the Power Wagon has a three-link front suspension; however, it packages a distinctive design with Bilstein monotube shocks and electronic disconnecting sway bar. The rear axle has a five-link coil suspension, also cushioned by Bilstein monotube shocks and coil springs, including a Bilstein dampener connecting the rear axle to the frame.
What makes the Power Wagon even more unique is its off-road capabilities. It has a 26.1-degree approach angle, 26-degree departure angle, 13.2” ground clearance, 20.6-degree breakover angle, and standard Mopar rock rails.
INFO AND SAFETY FOCUS
A 12” Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system is standard, as well as an integrated trailer brake controller, ParkView rear backup camera, and front and rear parking assist. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring system with trailer coverage, pedestrian detection and rear cross path detection, also standard.
For those who need an even bigger screen, an optional 14.5” system is available if your passengers also need a screen, Ram’s front passenger interactive display is available. The system also offers trailer tow and off-road info pages. For those who need a good sound system while they work, two premium amplified audio systems are available, one an Alpine nine-speaker system or a Harman Kardon 17-speaker system.
REAL WORLD DRIVING
Recently, the Northeast was hit with a lot of snow, the 2026 Ram Power Wagon with the gasoline engine model that was tested, driving through the piles of snow without any issues. Putting it in 4WD high and using the provided tires (no winter needed), and the truck felt like a tank going through the snow never getting stuck and offering great traction. The gasoline engine tested is more than enough for most fleets; however, the diesel engine is a huge step up in terms of torque and will be a welcome addition for many fleets.
about the author
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern Work Truck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for over 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
