Did Dodge make a crew cab Power Wagon?
Yes. Dodge’s Power Wagon lives on today as a Ram-branded model that offers a crew-cab configuration. The original post‑war Power Wagon, introduced in the late 1940s, was a two‑door pickup, and a factory crew cab did not exist at that time.
In this article, we examine the history of the Power Wagon and whether a crew-cab version has ever been offered by Dodge (now Ram). We’ll trace the lineage from the early rugged utility trucks to the modern, off‑road focused Ram Power Wagon and clarify how the crew-cab option fits into its timeline.
Historical context
Early Power Wagon lineage (1940s–1950s)
The original Power Wagon began as a civilian variant of Dodge’s military WC 4x4 trucks after World War II. It was built as a rugged, capable 3/4‑ton pickup designed for off‑road work, but it came in a traditional two‑door cab layout. A factory crew cab option was not part of the early Power Wagon lineup.
Transition to Ram and the modern Power Wagon (late 2000s–present)
After Dodge transitioned to the Ram branding, the Power Wagon name was revived as a high‑end, off‑road oriented variant of the heavy‑duty Ram 2500/3500 pickups. In this modern era, the Power Wagon has been offered predominantly as a four‑door crew‑cab configuration, aligning with contemporary pickup layouts and the needs of its target audience for rear-seat access and cargo versatility.
Key takeaway: while the original Power Wagon was never a crew cab, the modern Power Wagon has been available as a crew‑cab model for buyers seeking four full doors and additional interior room.
Now, a quick look at how the cab configurations have played out across the Power Wagon’s history:
- Original Power Wagon (late 1940s–1950s): typically two‑door standard cab pickups; no factory crew cab option.
- Modern Power Wagon (2006–present, Ram brand): offered as a crew‑cab variant within the Ram 2500/3500 lineup, aligning with current pickup norms.
- Brand evolution note: Dodge branding shifted to Ram, but the Power Wagon name continued as a Ram model with crew‑cab availability.
In summary, the Power Wagon’s early iterations were not crew cab, but the modern Power Wagon is commonly sold with a crew‑cab configuration under the Ram badge.
Modern Power Wagon: crew cab availability and features
When Dodge’s Power Wagon was reintroduced and refined under Ram, the emphasis shifted to offering a rugged, off‑road ready pickup with seating for five in a four‑door layout. The crew cab configuration has become a defining attribute of the contemporary Power Wagon, making it a practical choice for buyers who need rear seating and cargo space in addition to off‑road capability.
- Engine and power: typically equipped with a high‑output V8 (notably the 6.4L Hemi in recent years) delivering strong off‑road performance.
- Drivetrain: part‑time four‑wheel drive with a two‑speed transfer case to handle challenging terrain.
- Off‑road hardware: front and rear locking differentials, heavy‑duty suspension (often Bilstein components), skid plates, and enhanced ground clearance for rough terrain.
- Protection and durability: reinforced underbody protection and upgraded cooling and cooling strategies to support extended off‑road use.
- Practicality: four full doors (crew cab) with interior room for passengers and gear, aligning with modern pickup expectations.
These features collectively define the modern Power Wagon as a purpose‑built off‑roader that also serves daily driving duties, with the crew cab layout playing a central role in passenger and cargo practicality.
Summary
The Power Wagon name originated with Dodge’s post‑war, two‑door rugged pickups, and a factory crew cab was not part of that early lineup. In the Ram era, however, the Power Wagon transitioned into a modern, crew‑cab‑friendly off‑road flagship within the Ram 2500/3500 family. Today, buyers who want a four‑door Power Wagon can opt for the crew cab configuration, keeping the lineage alive while aligning with contemporary pickup conventions.
Did Ram discontinue the Power Wagon?
The Power Wagon name was revived for the 2005 model year as a four-wheel drive version of the Dodge Ram 2500. As a nameplate, "Power Wagon" continues as a special package of the four-wheel drive version of 3/4 ton Ram Trucks 2500 model.
What year did Dodge start making crew cabs?
For 1963, Dodge introduced a four-door crew-cab version of the D series, becoming the first "Big Three" American manufacturer to market a factory-produced truck with two rows of seating (following the 1961 introduction of the International Travelette).
What year ram 2500 6.4 to avoid?
The 2012-2016 and 2018 Dodge Ram 2500s have developed a reputation for chronic reliability issues that you should avoid. These models suffer from severe problems like brake system failures, faulty steering components, turbocharger breakdowns, and transmission defects.
Is a Power Wagon a crew cab?
Beginning in 2010, the Power Wagon is only available as a crew cab with a 6.33 ft (1.9 m) bed on a 149 in (3,785 mm) wheelbase.
