2019 RAM 2500 Tradesman Power Wagon, Lander, Wyoming. Photo: L Baures
Power Wagon
Typically the Power Wagon is a trim level all on its own, but there is also an option to purchase a base level trim (a Tradesman) and add a Power Wagon package: RAM 2500 Tradesman Power Wagon.
This makes the heavy-duty Power Wagon a little more reachable to get all those extreme off-road features without having to break the bank….too much. If you can live without the luxury details and interior swankiness but still want the off-road capability, and Tradesman design, it cuts the price down by around $5k.
2019 RAM 2500 Tradesman Power Wagon has a new winch design. Lander, WY. Photo: L Baures.
For 2019, RAM heavy-duty pickups are almost a completely new truck. New exterior panels and a revamped interior give the truck a refreshed look.
New for the Power Wagon part in 2019 model years is a change in the winch material and setup. It goes from a steel winch cable to a synthetic cable and a new fairlead design. This reduces weight by 28lbs and synthetic cable cannot kink.
Features on the Power Wagon package include;
Articulink Suspension
Front/Rear Bilstein Shocks (Power Wagon tuned)
Hill-descent Control
Tru-Lok front & rear axles
4.10 axle ratio
Tow hooks
Fuel Tank Skid Plate
Transfer Case
Skid Plate
Front electric 12,000-lb. winch
Black wheel flares,
Power Wagon design
Fog lamps
Bright chrome front and rear bumper
Front disconnecting stabilizer bar
17-in. X 8.0-in. cast-aluminum Power Wagon Wheel LT285/70R17D OWL Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac All-terrain Tires
Wheel well liners, rear
Factory lift
An 8-Speed rotary dial transmission is also new for 2019, allowing more freedom around the steering wheel.
2019 RAM 2500 Tradesman Power Wagon Review
Off-Road
You’re probably not reading this unless you’re interested in the off-road part, so I’ll to cut straight to it.
Approach and departure angles ( 29.4/26 degrees) on this truck along with 14.2″ of ground clearance make climbing and descending steep slopes a breeze.
With a disconnecting sway bar, traversing over rocks or uneven surfaces doesn’t seem to phase the truck. See previous Power Wagon review for examples.
Front and rear lockers are there for slippery conditions, hill descent control for engine braking and if your buddy gets stuck, winch them out.
2019 RAM 2500 Tradesman Power Wagon. Photo: L Baures
There isn’t much that can stop a Power Wagon when it comes to off-road except maybe a gas station. I know this from having put 20k miles on a 2017 Power Wagon including some extreme back county in Wyoming.
I’ll tell you exactly what it took to get stuck…5′ of snow with nothing to winch to. I’d have been very surprised if any other factory vehicle would have even made that far in the first place, but I like to test the limits.
The Goodyear Duratrac tires are good in most conditions, although they do make a droning noise on the highway as like most off-road tires.
RAM 2500 Tradesman Power Wagon Interior
Because the Tradesman is the base model, they are about as basic as they come, although the test model I had did have a few upgrades.
Typically a Tradesman trim level is a work truck that comes with vinyl flooring and seat coverings. For an off-road truck, vinyl flooring isn’t quite such a bad idea.
My test vehicle did have the upgrade to carpet and cloth seats as part of the Tradesman Level 2 Equipment Group. (Also in that group is floor mats, power sliding rear window, rear window defroster, chrome interior door handles and a Sirius XM 1 year subscription).
Talking of seats, this is probably my one biggest complaint, which you won’t have to worry about if you’re over 5’3″. With no power seats or height adjustment, I couldn’t see over the hood. Perhaps next time I’ll use a booster seat.
Stop laughing, yeh I know. It’s still nice to be a little higher than the rest of the traffic though.
Equipped with 3 USB ports, one in the center console and 2 up front, you can plug your phone in to charge and/or listen to music through the decent 6-speaker sound system. Bluetooth is also standard.
“Meep meep, move out of my way, big red truck coming through”
Fuel economy
Not the Power Wagons strongest trait and it’s not the reason you’d buy this truck for. A 6.4L HEMI combined with a heavy truck and 4.10 rear axle ratio is not the formula for fuel economy. From the 20k miles on the 2017 Power Wagon, it would get up to 14 mpg on the highway. 2019 models with the new transmission returned 15 mpg combined city and highway driving for me, so it is a little better.
Can you use a RAM 2500 Tradesman Power Wagon as a family vehicle?
Yes.
The tricky part here is that because the truck is 1-already higher being it’s a 3/4 ton, 2- it also has a 1″ factory lift. It’s high of the ground, which is what you want, having that extra ground clearance for off-road. Getting kids in and out of the cab requires a little extra muscle/reach. As I explained before I’m 5’3″ and I can manage this no problem with younger children. With babies in a car seat that has to be lifted into a base this may present more a challenge, but for toddlers and older it’s easier.
The toddler loves it because he can see out the windows, he thinks he’s in a monster truck and the 1st grader likes the challenge of climbing in and jumping out.
The most capable off-road heavy-duty truck on the market. A Tradesman with the Power Wagon package doesn’t change that, it’s a no-frills truck that’s a serious off-roader.
Prices start around the $50k mark at MSRP. before rebates on the Tradesman 2500 Power Wagon.
Contact your local RAM Trucks dealer for more info or take one for a drive.
Here are my thoughts on the 7 seat 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited after testing it for a week, around Casper Wyoming.
America’s first-ever hybrid minivan gives us the option of three trim levels; Touring Plus, Touring L and top of the line Limited. I tested the Limited trim level.
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Review in Casper, WY
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited. Photo: L Baures.
I’ll be covering the following topics on the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid; Safety, Performance, Appearance, Comfort, Convenience, Space, Economy, and Technology.
Safety
Although there are no reports specifically on the hybrid model of the Pacifica, reports from the NHTSA show the non-hybrid versions with a 5-star overall safety rating.
Standard safety features on the Pacifica include; Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Park Sense rear park assist, rear backup camera, and vehicle tracking is optional across all trims.
An Advanced SafetyTec Group is available as a package option on Limited trim levels, which has all the latest safety technology. Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Surround View Camera, Park Sense Front and Rear Assist with stop, Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Blind Spot Monitoring, Brake Assist, and auto high beam headlamp control are all in the package.
Adaptive Cruise Control makes life easy on the highway.
Adaptive Cruise Control on the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is very responsive, and it really takes some of the stress away with highway driving.
Just one of the reasons this car is the ultimate kid-friendly road trip car.
Setting the ACC on the Pacifica is easy, with steering wheel mounted buttons, set the cruise speed and distance gap, the car pretty much does the rest. It will automatically slow down if there’s a slower moving vehicle in front.
Upon changing lanes to pass a slower moving car, the ACC system will speed back up to cruising speed. Should the vehicle in front come to a complete stop, so will the Pacifica.
LaneSense with Lane Departure Warning-Plus
I’ve driven quite a few cars already with various stages of a lane keep or lane detection systems, but none like the Pacifica. The level of steering input from the Pacifica is the most I have experienced.
LaneSense with Lane Departure Warning-Plus detects clearly visible lane markings and will actively steer the vehicle back into the lane when the system is active.
It also knows if your hands aren’t on the steering wheel and will prompt a message on the driver display.
Through the touchscreen, the system is customizable, with the ability to change the sensitivity and how early or late you want the warnings/intervention from the car.
Performance
As far as performance and handling go, the Chrysler Pacifica was pleasant to drive with plenty of get-up-and-go. Being a plug-in hybrid electric, it has plenty of torque from the battery on initial start and benefits from a mid-range kick from the 3.6L V-6. Merging onto an 80mph highway is a breeze.
Suspension is on the medium to hard side by mini van standards and this makes for a well handling comfortable ride.
One of our errands in the car meant stocking up on a few 5 gal. water jugs (we live in the country with hard water). I didn’t notice any obvious change in handling or to the suspension.
Appearance
Chysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with S Appearance Package. Photo: L Baures.
I had the S Appearance Package on the test vehicle, which is a $795 option. Adding some black badging, color matching door handles and mirrors give the Pacifica a more sporty and sleek looking exterior. Also in the package are 18″ black wheels and a roof rack.
Comfort
Another reason the Chrysler Pacifica is the ultimate kid-friendly road trip vehicle, I can’t fault the car when it comes to comfort. Fitting my diametrically opposing size family of myself at 5’3″, husband at 6’4″ and the kids is easy in the Pacifica.
Power adjustable driver and passenger seats mean options are plentiful. Driver seating positions are ideal without being too close to the steering wheel (for a short person) and vice versa for a tall person.
The lumbar support on the driver side is also power-adjustable adding plenty of support.
Hybrid models seat up to 7 people with captains chairs as standard in the 2nd row. Non-hybrid models have an 8 seat option.
Hubby can stretch his legs out in the front seat not having the seat all the way back! He even sat in the 3rd row and reclined the seat like he was royalty or something.
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited interior.
Heated and ventilated front seats are standard on the Limited trim.
If the outside temperature is above 80F the ventilated seat on the driver side will automatically turn on on startup or remote start.
This definitely makes a hug difference with dark leather (lighter interior also available).
During the winter the same happens for the heated driver side seat and steering wheel at 40F or below.
Convenience
Yet another reason the Pacifica is so child-friendly, car seats are very easy to install.
No watching the kids throw open the back door only to discover a giant door ding on the neighboring vehicle with this car. No more getting out to open the door to make sure THAT doesn’t happen and no more whining from the back seat “mommy I can’t reach the door to close it.”
With the lower ride hide of the car, my 5-year-old and fresh 3-year-old are both able to open, get in, and close the sliding doors themselves.
YES!!!
This may seem trivial, but as a parent when you’re running around the vehicle opening and closing the doors 8 times a day (each kid twice in the morning and each kid twice in the evening) this is great.
This means the kids have an extra 2 minutes in the morning to put their shoes on the right feet [insert roll eyes emoji] and I might just make it on time.
The sliding doors can also be opened remotely from the keyfob [Insert sigh of relief] or by the kick-to-open action available on some trims.
Auto Advance ‘n Return is a system new and allows the seats to move with a push of a button for easy entry to the 2nd row.
Space
3rd row Stow and go seats fold flat for extra cargo space.
Cargo area with 3rd row up is 32.3 cu.ft.
Cargo space with 3rd row down, and 2nd row not folded.
Headroom
40.1″
Headroom (sunroof)
38.4″
Legroom
41.1″
Shoulder room
63.8
Hip room
59.0″
Seat travel
8.7″
Recline angle range
58 degrees
2nd-row leg room
39.0″
3rd-row leg room
36.5″
MAX cargo room behind 1st row
140.5 cu.ft.
MAX cargo room behind 2nd row
87.5 cu.ft.
MAX cargo room behind 3rd row
32.3 cu.ft.
Lots of little cubby holes. This one happens to be a great fit for a camera!
Economy
As a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the Chrysler Pacifica has a range of over 500 miles, with 30 of those in battery only. It can achieve the equivalent of 80 MPGe in all-electric mode. Combined engine and battery, the EPA rates it at 30 mpg.
Charging
Plug type for charging is the standard J1772.
I plugged in the Pacifica at Fremont Motors level 2 charging station. There are two types of charge available. A 120V, 15 AMP Level 1 charge or high voltage 240V, 30 or 32 AMP level 2 charge.
J1772 Level 2 Charger in Casper, Wyoming.
Level 2 charging takes around 2 hours.
A level 1 charge is plugging the vehicle into a wall receptacle via a portable chord that comes with the vehicle. Charging level 1 takes approx 14 hours.
Amused by the charging lights on the dash.
Battery charging is also done via regenerative braking.
Battery charging via regenerative breaking.
Chrysler says the battery is expected to last the life of the vehicle.
Technology and Entertainment
This is where the Pacifica Hybrid really shines.
Optional on the Touring Plus and Touring L trims (for $2,395) or standard on the Limited trim is the Uconnect Theater with Wireless Streaming system.
Consisting of 10″ seatback touchscreens (on the 2nd row), the kids were entertained for hours and hours.
Whether it was watching a movie or playing the built-in games, the only time they asked for anything was to change the movie. Games/apps are playable whilst the vehicle is in motion and includes classics such as tic-tac-toe,are we there yet and the license plate game.
This package also includes; 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, wireless headphones, video remote controls, HDMI inputs, third-row USB charge port, two USB ports, Blu-ray/DVD player and a 220-amp alternator.
Standard on the Limited trim, is an 8.4″ UConnect touchscreen, with navigation, Apple Car Play/Android Auto, SiriusXM and more. It’s simple and intuitive use with apps that load quickly.
Sirius XM Travel Link Weather Map
There’s enough tech in there to keep the front seat passenger occupied.
There’s a Pacifica Wave!
We passed a Velvet Red new-ish looking Chrysler Pacifica, and right as I said to myself, “I wonder if there’s a Pacifica wave…”, as I eagerly awaited to see if they’d wave first. I got, not a little wave, but a giant wave! It’s official, there IS a Pacifica wave.
Overall thoughts on the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited.
A Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited is ultimately a very kid-friendly vehicle. Not only is it easy for cars seats, with 5.1″ of ground clearance, it’s easy to get in and out of and keeps the kids entertained.
My only complaint on the Pacifica is the rotary shifter dial is in fairly close proximity to the volume dial and I almost reached for the wrong one a couple of times.
Perfect for a road trip with the kids, it’s easy to drive especially with Adaptive Cruise Control, it’s comfortable and being a hybrid has good fuel economy.
For winter in this hybrid minivan, I’d recommend a good seat of tires for the rocky mountain area.
When the kids turn 16 they can drive us around while we sit in the back, watch movies and play games!
It would be rude not to take a picture at the Soccer fields. #SoccerMomCar. Photo: L Baures.
All opinions are my own. If you have any further questions on the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, contact your preferred Chrysler dealership or if you have a question for me, drop a comment below.
I drove from Casper Wyoming to Morrison Colorado eager to check out the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Driving 4+ hours in a Power Wagon ought to prepare me for the all-new pickup. After all, the Gladiator Rubicon is kind of a mini Power Wagon without the lift and winch (front bumper is winch ready though).
There aren’t a whole lot of choices out there for stations wagon’s in the U.S. With sales in SUV’s skyrocketing, it seems wagons have been somewhat pushed to the side. This is changing with the arrival of a few more wagons hitting the market this year. One of the few manufacturers that continued to make wagons has the clue in their name… that’s right it’s Volkswagen. Since the late 90s Volkswagen has had the Jetta Wagon and since 2009 the Golf Sportwagon. (more…)
I’m just going to jump right into the nitty-gritty about this Mustang Shelby GT350 because let’s face it, if you’re looking at this car it’s not for the towing capacity, it’s about performance. 2018 model year didn’t change much from 2017 other than colors. The 2017 model year included the track pack which added an; engine cooler, transmission cooler, differential cooler, aluminum strut brace, the adaptive dampers and rear spoiler.
2018 Mustang Shelby GT350 in Sheridan Wyoming, Photo: L Baures.
Performance
Shelby GT350 Specs:
5.2 liter V-8
526 hp
429 lb-ft torque
0-60 in 4.2 seconds
First stop in the Shelby is to go get gas, and this is where the car lured me into a false sense of security. The gas station was less than 500 yards away so I potted along gently, easing on the accelerator and clutch not knowing what to expect. It drives just like a ‘normal’ car at slow speeds and through the town. The car is fairly low to the ground (helping aerodynamics and handling) which means care is to be taken on steeper inclines as to not scuff the front underside.
Opening up the car you are met with the meanest of growls from the exhaust, that will sometimes pop and cackle, which in my case, makes me giggle like a 2-year-old. Acceleration is worked for, if you want it, it’s there. You’ll get back what you put in.
Push it half-heartedly and you’ll be met with a normal car, push it hard and the car responds like you just gave it an energy drink. The exhaust is an ‘active valve exhaust’ with a switch in the center stack to make it louder or quieter.
I switched it to quieter briefly going through the town although didn’t notice a huge difference. This may differ on a track though and might be a handy feature not just for your neighbors but if end up at a track that noise tests. This car is after all meant for the track but can also be an everyday driver.
The GT350R is a more aggressive track version of the GT350 with no back seats, bigger front splitter, carbon fiber wheels, wing, and stiffer suspension. The GT500 is the straight-line version, Shelby.
An exhaust note that’ll make you grin like a Cheshire cat.
Ford worked hard on the sound of the exhaust, in a press release they said, “Strum a chord on an acoustic guitar, and you get a clean, simple sound wave – that’s your quiet Brahms’ Lullaby kind of mood,” he said. “Plug that guitar into an amp and crank it up to 11, and that’s your aggressive, crackling sound that really rocks your soul. We call that track mode.”
Video
Transmission
Exclusively available with the TREMEC® 6-speed manual transmission, gear changes are short, easy, and satisfying. Especially considering the redline is 8250rpm. The clutch is not at all what you’d expect for a performance car. Usually, they are stiff with short travel and heavy. No need to be doing left leg squats for this Mustang. The clutch pedal has a lot of travel, sits high off the floor and soft enough to manage even in traffic. The downside to this is if your short like me (5’3″) my knee is up slightly higher than normal.
Handling
It is a muscle car, which to most people might bring up connotations of sloppy soft suspension, but the Shelby GT350 is meant to be taken to the track (you know, one that has corners) so, a soft suspension wouldn’t be much fun in that instance. It’s more like a cross, that I’d call a ‘toned muscle car’. It has the muscle and the grunt, yes, but it’s refined to where it can perform …on the corners.
There is a very distinct feeling of the rear wheels pushing the car around corners. I approached a corner that was initially a big wide sweeping corner. It turned into (no pun intended) a much tighter (from a left 5 to a left 3 tightens in rally driving terms). Feathering the throttle, with weight on the outside of the corner, the g-force takes my ponytail.
The car turns in tight and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires grip beyond what you’d normally expect. This is very much a drivers car that could easily have potential to go wrong. To help get the most out of the car and hone in those driving skills, Ford performance offers a complimentary track day for GT350 owners.
The MagneRide® suspension is adaptable to both comfortable cruising and more aggressive driving between ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport ‘ modes. I did not have the opportunity to try out ‘Track Mode’ although I’d love to see what this car is capable of on the track.
Interior
The deep Recaro bucket seats are a lot more rigid than say the likes of the Challenger bucket seats. Challenger seats are softer and more ‘forgiving’. You can’t argue the Mustang seats do a great job of holding you in place.
Again, with me being smaller, I don’t have much room between the bolsters and my elbows. Mainly because my legs are short. I don’t think Ford really had in mind a small female when they were designing the car so not the cars fault. Other than the bolsters being too big for me to be comfortable turning the steering wheel, I prefer the more rigid Alcantara bucket seats in the Mustang. This reduces the chance of sliding around in the seat.
Also wrapped in Alcantara is the steering wheel which is beautiful. It is just the right size, with good feedback, ever so important flat bottom and the line at the top. In the center console at the bottom are toggle switches reminiscent of a race car with features embedded such as; launch control, line lock and active exhaust.
Don’t get too excited about the rear seats. Yes, they are there and yes you might fit a small human (unless I’m driving thus making more space in the back!). They are more of a glorified shelf in the form of rear bucket seats.
Apparently, if you fold them down, you hear the exhaust better or create more cargo room.
Some of the features included are;
Track Apps
Aluminum instrument panel (Shelby exclusive)
Aluminum foot pedals
Grey accent gauge cluster
Miko® Suede seats and door trim.
Ford Mustang GT350, Photo: L Baures
In front of the BigHorn Mountains, Photo: L Baures
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