Dodge Power Wagon facts for kids
The Dodge Power Wagon was a super tough 4x4 truck made by Dodge. It was first built from 1945 to 1981. Later, the name was used again for some Dodge Ram trucks from 2005 to 2013. Today, it's a special model sold by Ram Trucks.
This original truck was based on World War II military vehicles. It helped start the trend of strong 4x4 trucks we see everywhere today.
Contents
The First Power Wagon Trucks
The Power Wagon was introduced in 1946. It was the first civilian 4x4 truck. It was based on the 3/4 ton WC series military trucks from World War II. Dodge wanted it to compete with other military-style trucks from Ford and GMC.
What Made It Special?
The Power Wagon had a closed cab that protected you from all weather. It also had an 8-foot long cargo bed for hauling things. Its wheelbase (the distance between the front and back wheels) was about 126 to 147 inches.
It came with a 230 cubic inch flathead six-cylinder engine. This engine was later replaced with a 251 cubic-inch version in 1961. The truck also had a special power take off (PTO). This allowed it to power other tools or equipment.
Tough and Strong
The Power Wagon was built to be very strong. It could carry up to 3,000 pounds of weight. Its total weight rating was 8,700 pounds. Production of the Power Wagon stopped in 1968 in the United States. This was due to new rules about safety and emissions. However, these trucks were still sold to other countries until 1978.
Power Wagon: Second Generation
In 1967, Dodge released a new Power Wagon pickup truck. This version was designed more for everyday truck buyers. It was based on Dodge's regular pickup truck line.
New Engines and Styles
Starting in 1967, you could get a bigger 383 V8 engine. From 1961 to 1971, the truck's body style was called "Sweptline." Then, from 1972 to 1980, it got a more modern look. This included different grilles and paint colors.
In 1975, the 4-wheel drive became full-time. This meant all four wheels were always powered. But in 1980, it went back to part-time 4-wheel drive. This change happened because of the energy crisis.
Popularity and Use
Sales really grew after 1974. That's when Dodge released the "Club Cab." This extended cab was popular with families and people who towed campers. The four-door Crew Cab was less common, but collectors really like it now.
The Power Wagon was great for work. Its ability to tow, carry heavy loads, and even help with snow plowing was unmatched. Many road maintenance crews loved these trucks. The Power Wagon was sold until the 1980 model year. It got some updates over the years, but the main design stayed similar.
RAM 2500 Power Wagons
The Power Wagon name returned in 2005. This time, it was a special off-road version of the Dodge Ram 2500 truck. It came with a powerful 5.7L Hemi V8 engine. The inside of the truck looked much like a regular Ram truck.
Modern Updates
By 2010, the Power Wagon was only available as a Crew Cab Short Bed model. In 2014, the engine was upgraded to an even stronger 6.4L Hemi. The 2014 RAM 2500 Power Wagon also got coil springs on all four wheels. This helps with a smoother ride and better off-road performance. It is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Images for kids
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The Power Wagon was developed from the WW II Dodge WC series. Shown WC-52 became a fire truck in 1959 (Kraków, Poland).
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Power Wagon WM-300. This model was sold into the mid-1960s
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Red Dodge Power Wagon
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Custom conversion to 6 wheel drive
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1958 WM-300 carryall in US Navy livery
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1963 Dodge W200 Power Wagon ambulance, on display at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana
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1965 Dodge Town Wagon Power Wagon W100
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1976 Dodge W200 CUCV
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Ram 3500 next to Ram 2500 Power Wagon, showing the distinctive grill and winch for the Power Wagon
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Locker selection control/sway bar disconnect control
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