Power Wagon lives up to its name

The Power Wagon option includes a performance 4.56 axle, locking differentials front and rear, off-road tires, front electric winch, tow hooks, skid plates, trailer tow pack and other goodies. This is an extra $5,530. The engine is the proven 5.7-liter Hemi.

I took my Power Wagon out on the dirt trails. The ride is very stiff. Not too bad on pavement, but on rough desert roads, the rear end bounced around like a jumping bean, causing traction problems. Switching the driveline to four-wheel-drive solved the traction situation. Loading the bed with a ton of firewood smoothed the ride and gave additional traction.

On the lighter 1500 Series, gas mileage of the Hemi runs about 13 to 16 mpg. But this heavy-duty 2500 Series is hauling a lot of mass here, and the trip computer showed 11 mpg in the previous 1,600 miles of driving. I got 11 to 13 overall. I am told the turbo-diesel can be ordered with the Power Wagon option, and may be a good choice for better mileage and more power. Otherwise, that 34-gallon tank drains in a hurry!

The base Quad cab started at $33,000. Mine was loaded up with goodies, so it hit $45,480. If you want a workhorse that can eat dirt, this is the one to get.