(Las Vegas, Nevada) – I like driving off-road. I am a real fan. I don’t always have the opportunity to do as much as I would like, the trails that surround my house and the vehicles I try are not always able to absorb my claims. Fortunately, it happens from time to time that some experiences allow me to satisfy my desire for adventures, at least in part.
That’s what happened as I attended the launch of the new RAM Heavy Duty pickup truck in the Las Vegas region. A good part of the test was devoted to RAM 2500 and 3500. But a portion, too small in my opinion, allowed me to explore the rocky trails of Red Rock Canyon, a suburb of the city of Sin city.
And I had fun. Really. Without any embarrassment moreover. It’s true that the RAM Power Wagon 2019 is not exactly the right size to move discreetly in the narrower trails. But the desert surrounding Las Vegas may be filled with rock, it can also widen the trails, and offer roughness and long stretches more sandy. In two words, only pleasure.
To stick the RAM to the road, GoodYear Wrangler Duratrac tires whose mandate is clearly to ensure the transition between the city and the countryside.
Let’s talk rubbers, since these tires proved to be without reproach. The big blocks and the oversized furrows got rid of the sands without ever getting bogged down, and had it not been for some particularly imposing rocks, the tires would never have given the sensation to work hard.
Even on a hardened and groomed surface, the Wrangler were able to get us to the right place, and at a good speed (after all, we were off-road … ..), while mastering the “jumping feeling” too often associated with off-road tires.
The downside, and it is normal with crampons of this size, is the noisy side of the tires, accentuated, I must be confessed, by a heavily damaged asphalt surface. I would have liked to have a more complete test, including wet pavement, but that was not the case. I’ll have to get back (can you feel all my disappointment?)!
Interestingly, the sole design of the tires is also reproduced inside, on the seat covers.
RAM Power Wagon 2019
As for the truck itself, it is nothing short of astonishing. Let’s get it right now: it’s huge. I admit that I appreciated the fact that the pick up was parked in a bit of a slope, allowing me to jump on board instead of climbing. I was able to take advantage of the small hill to climb higher, since the Power Wagon has no step. And given my size, more horizontal than vertical, access would have been more difficult.
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Once installed at the wheel, we have the feeling that nothing can stop us. The cabin is comfortable, the dashboard simple to consult, and we particularly appreciate the presence of 360-degree camera, including a camera facing forward with lines of direction. Our test model was not equipped with it but that of our guide, yes. I confess I was a bit jealous…
The huge dimensions of the truck sometimes give the impression that it will not be able to overcome all obstacles. But the Power Wagon benefits from the same transfer case that made the Jeep Wrangler famous. It also has a sway bar that can be disconnected at the touch of a button and differentials that can be locked at the front and rear.
Steep climbs, abusive rocks, impressive lateral angles, the Power Wagon was not afraid of anything in this small portion of the desert of Red Rock Canyon. The driver that I am, however, did not have the same bravery, and I admit that the long hood (lying on the Power Wagon) did not make visibility easy. On a steep slope, I was fortunate to have been able to rely on the downhill control system to let me go, even without seeing exactly where I was heading. And I’m happy to say that I did not need the 12,000-pound winch, standard on the vehicle, to get me off the hook.
Under the hood, a HEMI 6.4-liter V8 engine with 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and a powerful 4-wheel drive system. And in the cockpit, all the comfort that the RAM truck offers, without compromise despite the off-road definition of the vehicle.
I like the off-road. With a Ram Power Wagon 2500 2019, the adventure is impressive (the truck is still 5 meters long and 2 wide). I would still be curious to push this big truck in its last entrenchments. I think I will reach my limits well before the truck’s.
