Is The New Cummins Power Wagon Worth It? | Ep. 340

“Hemi” refers to Chrysler’s hemispherical combustion-chamber engine design, which helps shape airflow and can support strong power output. In this episode, the hosts use “hemi-powered power wagon” to distinguish the older gas Power Wagon from the newer diesel Cummins-powered one.

“6.4 liter” is the engine displacement, meaning the total volume of all cylinders in the engine. In this context it’s paired with the Power Wagon discussion, where the hosts compare how the engine’s output feels in a heavy truck.

A “ZF 8-speed automatic” is an eight-gear automatic transmission made by ZF. More gears can help keep the engine in a better efficiency or power band, which matters for towing and payload work.

“Powertrain” is the combined set of components that make the vehicle move—typically the engine, transmission, driveshaft, and differential. Here, the hosts use it to frame how the truck’s drivetrain is “tried and true” and what that means for capability.

Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, and it strongly affects how easily a truck can get moving and how well it pulls under load. The segment contrasts torque numbers (including pound-feet) to argue the Cummins setup provides more real towing grunt.

Horsepower is a measure of engine power—how quickly the engine can do work. The hosts compare horsepower figures between two truck setups to show how the new Cummins version changes the performance balance.

“Towing” refers to the truck’s ability to pull a trailer, which is limited by factors like engine torque, transmission gearing, cooling capacity, and drivetrain strength. In this segment, towing is part of the reason they say the Cummins Power Wagon is more capable.

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup that’s known for being one of the more affordable ways to get into a truck. In this segment, it’s used as a price benchmark against the much more expensive Power Wagon variants.

Articulation is how much a vehicle’s suspension can move up and down independently as the wheels travel over uneven ground. More articulation helps maintain tire contact and traction when climbing, descending, or crossing ruts and rocks.

Wheel gap is the visible space between the tire and the wheel opening in the fender. It’s often used as a quick visual cue for ride height and suspension travel, which can matter for off-road clearance.

“285/70R17” is a tire size code. It means the tire is 285 mm wide, has a sidewall height that’s 70% of the width, and it fits on a 17-inch wheel.

“285/60R20” is a tire size code. It indicates a 285 mm width, a sidewall height that’s 60% of the width, and compatibility with a 20-inch wheel.

“Off-road” refers to driving on unpaved or rough surfaces where traction, tire sidewall compliance, and wheel protection matter more than on-road comfort. In this segment, they’re implying that the 20-inch wheel/tire setup is less ideal for off-road conditions.

The Ram Cummins Power Wagon is a heavy-duty off-road pickup built around a Cummins diesel engine and the Power Wagon package. In this segment, the hosts focus on how Ram changes the truck’s capability—especially payload and towing—by updating components like tires.

Load rating is a tire’s maximum weight capacity, typically tied to its tire size and construction. A higher load rating lets the truck carry more payload safely, which is why the hosts call out that this tire is different for the Power Wagon.

The Lotus Excel is a sports car model known for being a more practical, fast grand-touring-style Lotus rather than a pure track-only machine. In the podcast, it’s brought up as a hypothetical project—using a Cummins power wagon setup as a basis for an extreme “Prospector Excel” idea. That’s why it’s mentioned: it’s an unusual mashup that highlights how wild a concept build could be.

An E-tire refers to a tire load category (often associated with “E-range” tires) that’s built to carry heavier loads than standard passenger/light-duty tires. The hosts contrast a “lower range E-tire” with a “lighter load tire,” explaining how tire choice affects the truck’s ability to meet payload goals.

The Dodge Ram (often referred to as the Ram pickup line) is a full-size truck brand known for frequent updates and different powertrain and trim options. In the podcast, “Ram” is mentioned in a forward-looking way—suggesting the speaker expects or hopes for an upcoming update. That’s why it’s brought up: it’s tied to what changes may be coming next.

A front locker is a differential lock for the front axle that forces both front wheels to rotate together. That improves traction when one wheel would otherwise spin, which is why it’s relevant for off-road recovery and low-grip situations.

A camera system on a truck is a set of factory cameras (often front, rear, and/or side) used to improve visibility at low speeds and during tight maneuvers. Here it’s specifically called out as a front camera mounted near the grille area.

“Radar technology” here refers to the vehicle’s radar sensor system used for driver-assistance features. In this case, it’s tied to adaptive cruise control, which uses radar to maintain a set following distance from the car ahead.

A factory installed winch is an off-road recovery winch mounted and integrated by the vehicle manufacturer. Compared with adding one later, factory installation usually means better packaging, wiring integration, and fitment for the truck’s bumper and electrical system.

“12,000 pounds” is the winch’s rated pulling capacity, indicating how much force it’s designed to generate during recovery. Higher-rated winches can pull heavier vehicles or handle tougher recovery situations, though real-world results also depend on line type, angles, and vehicle weight.

A synthetic winch line is made from man-made fibers (instead of steel cable) and is commonly used on modern off-road trucks. Synthetic rope is typically lighter and easier to handle, and it can be safer in a snap scenario because it doesn’t whip like steel cable.

Front bumpers on off-road trucks often integrate hardware like recovery points and tow hooks. Their placement and strength matter because they’re the typical attachment location for pulling the vehicle out.

The Lucid Air is an electric luxury sedan known for its emphasis on efficiency and performance rather than traditional engine power. The podcast references it in a way that sounds like they’re discussing its physical presence and design details. It’s brought up because it represents a different direction from trucks and off-road vehicles—an EV luxury alternative.

The Power Wagon is a Dodge heavy-duty off-road truck line known for factory off-road hardware. In this segment, they’re focusing on its visual identification (decals) and, more importantly, its off-road drivetrain feature: a front selectable locking differential.

A front selectable locking differential is a drivetrain feature that lets you lock the front axle’s left and right wheels together. When locked, both wheels turn at the same speed, which helps maintain traction when one wheel would otherwise spin.

The Ford F-250 Tremor is a factory off-road package for the F-250 that’s aimed at trail use. In this segment, they compare it to the Power Wagon by noting the Tremor’s rear locker and larger tires.

A rear locker is a locking differential feature for the rear axle. It forces the left and right rear wheels to rotate together, improving traction when one rear wheel loses grip.

A factory winch is a winching device installed by the vehicle manufacturer rather than added later. It’s used to pull the truck (or recover something) during off-road situations like getting stuck.

“35s” is shorthand for 35-inch tires, a common way enthusiasts talk about tire size. Bigger tires generally improve ground clearance and off-road capability, though they can affect ride, gearing, and fuel economy.

The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for being widely available in many trims and configurations. It often comes up in truck discussions because it’s a mainstream benchmark for capability, towing, and everyday usability. In this episode, it’s mentioned alongside other off-road-leaning or performance-focused options, including talk of specific off-road packages.

The Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty pickup platform that can be ordered with the Tremor off-road package. In this segment, they mention that Tremor availability extends to the F-350 as another way to get similar off-road equipment.

AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) is an aftermarket brand known for off-road truck upgrades. Mentioning “AEV parts” signals that you can buy additional hardware to enhance capability beyond what the base truck offers.

“Solid axles” are a suspension setup where the axle housing is rigid, so both wheels on that axle are linked. This design typically offers strong durability and good off-road wheel travel, which is why many serious 4x4 trucks use it.

The Ram TRX is Ram’s high-performance, supercharged pickup built for extreme power and off-road capability. In this segment, the hosts focus on how Ram’s warranty policy changes if you buy a TRX and resell it quickly.

The hosts discuss how buying a new Ram TRX with the intent to flip it for profit can affect warranty coverage. This frames the episode’s buyer-focused question: is it worth paying markup or flipping quickly given the warranty risk?

A basic warranty is the general coverage portion of a vehicle warranty, usually covering a wide range of defects beyond just the drivetrain. Here, Ram is described as canceling both the basic and powertrain warranty if the truck is flipped within 12 months.

This is a time-based warranty condition: Ram is tying warranty validity to whether the truck remains with the original owner for at least 12 months. It’s meant to discourage quick flips and speculators.

The Hummer EV is General Motors’ electric off-road truck/SUV line, known for its big, aggressive styling and electric torque. In this segment, they’re discussing a special edition with a distinctive bright yellow paint scheme and limited-edition details.

GM refers to General Motors, the automaker behind the Hummer brand. In this segment, they mention GM’s Hummer brand history to explain the naming and styling choices for the special edition.

A special plaque is a physical badge used to mark a vehicle as part of a limited run. It’s typically used to signal exclusivity and sometimes includes numbering or edition branding.

A limited edition is a production run with a restricted quantity or special content compared to the standard model. It’s often used to justify unique styling, badges, or exclusive packages.

A skid plate is an underbody protective panel designed to shield vulnerable components from rocks, debris, and impacts during off-road driving. The “black skid plate” here is an edition-specific appearance/feature tied to the special Hummer EV.

The Hummer H2 is a large, truck-based SUV from the Hummer brand, known for its bold styling and off-road-capable stance. In this segment, the hosts reference owning an H2 and its early-2000s launch timing and color.

The Infiniti QX80 is a luxury SUV built on a truck-based platform, which is part of why it’s often discussed as a big, capable family hauler. The podcast describes it as a “truck-based SUV” and frames it as a luxury machine, likely because of its size and intended comfort. It comes up as a notable alternative in the broader conversation about large vehicles.

A truck-based SUV uses a body-on-frame construction, similar to pickup trucks, rather than a unibody car-like structure. This typically helps with durability and towing/off-road capability, which is why the hosts describe the QX80 that way.

The Cadillac Escalade V is the performance-oriented variant of the Escalade, Cadillac’s large luxury SUV. “V” typically indicates a higher-output, more performance-focused version than the standard trim. The host mentions it as a benchmark for what’s “desirable” in the luxury truck/SUV space.

Fast charging speed describes how quickly an electric vehicle can add energy while plugged into a compatible charger. In EV discussions, it’s usually tied to the charger’s power output (often measured in kW) and the vehicle’s ability to accept that power. The host notes the company teased this capability, implying a focus on quicker charging for their trucks.

The Jeep Wrangler is a compact off-road SUV known for its trail-focused design and removable roof/doors on many trims. In this comparison, it’s used as the alternative to a Ram Power Wagon—suggesting the Wrangler is more about off-road capability than being a dedicated pickup for hauling and towing.

Payload is the maximum weight the truck can carry in the bed and/or cargo area, including passengers and gear. It’s limited by the truck’s suspension, brakes, and overall vehicle rating, so higher payload means more usable hauling capacity.

A fifth wheel hitch is a trailer-coupling system that mounts in the truck bed and connects to a kingpin on a fifth-wheel trailer. Because it sits low and pivots in a controlled way, it’s commonly used for heavy towing and can handle long-distance hauling more stably than a basic ball mount.

A gooseneck trailer uses a hitch where the trailer’s front section rises up and connects to a ball mounted in the truck bed. Compared with some other trailer setups, it can provide good stability for towing and is popular for hauling equipment and livestock because it allows a relatively compact, strong connection point.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain setup that can send power to all four wheels, improving traction on loose, uneven, or slippery surfaces. It’s especially useful for off-road access and for getting a loaded truck and trailer moving when grip is limited.

A sway bar disconnect lets the truck temporarily “uncouple” the anti-roll (sway) bar. That reduces body roll and can improve wheel articulation off-road, while still allowing the sway bar to be connected for better on-road stability.

Traction aids are systems designed to prevent wheel slip and help the vehicle move in low-grip conditions. They can include things like traction control, differential behavior, and other off-road driving aids that manage torque to the wheels.

The Ford Bronco is an off-road SUV designed to compete in the trail-capable segment. It’s often compared directly with other off-road icons because it’s built with off-road hardware and driving modes in mind. In this episode, it’s mentioned as another vehicle people might cross-shop, even though the discussion is about a different off-road-oriented model.

This refers to the truck’s onboard electrical output available in the bed, measured in watts. Higher wattage means you can run more power-hungry accessories (like tools or certain camping gear) without needing a separate generator.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that’s especially significant because it’s one of the most influential trucks in the market. The podcast highlights Ford’s hybrid offering and the idea of high-power features, suggesting it’s a notable shift in how the F-150 is configured. That’s why it comes up in discussions about modern truck tech and performance expectations.

A power tailgate is a tailgate that opens and closes automatically using an electric motor. If it’s not a power tailgate, you typically have to manually operate it or it may use a simpler mechanical latch and assist.

Bed rails are the raised side edges of a pickup’s cargo bed. When the speaker says the trucks are “in the bed rails or shoulder height,” they’re describing how tall the truck sits and how that affects loading and access.

A ramp is the sloped surface used to drive or roll something up into the truck bed. The “angle on your ramp” is critical because a steeper angle makes it harder to climb, especially with heavy loads like motorcycles.

Control arms are suspension links that connect the wheel to the vehicle’s chassis and help control wheel motion. “Speed holes in the control arms” suggests cutouts/lightening holes, which can reduce unsprung weight and/or improve packaging while keeping strength.

“Speed holes” are cutouts in suspension components (here, the control arms) that reduce material and can lower weight. They’re often used as a lightweighting feature, though the exact benefit depends on the design and how it’s engineered.

“Tradesman” is a trim level name used on Ram trucks, typically positioned as a more work-focused, value-oriented interior/exterior package. The hosts say they’re starting with the Tradesman interior.

“Six person config” refers to a seating arrangement that accommodates six occupants, usually via a specific bench/seat layout. The hosts mention it while discussing how tall the truck is and how you get into the Tradesman interior.

The transmission tunnel is the raised channel in the cabin floor that covers and protects drivetrain components like the driveshaft and transmission. In trucks and SUVs, it can take up legroom and make the front seating area feel less spacious.

A center screen is the main infotainment display mounted in the middle of the dashboard. In modern trucks, it often controls media, navigation, and some vehicle settings, though this truck is described as having key towing controls physically instead of only through the screen.

A trailer brake controller is the device that manages how much braking force the trailer brakes apply when you slow down. Physical controls for it let the driver fine-tune trailer braking for different loads and conditions.

Tow/haul mode is a drivetrain setting that changes how the transmission and engine braking behave while towing. It typically helps keep the engine in a better power band and can reduce gear hunting on hills.

Traction control is an electronic system that reduces wheel slip by cutting engine power and/or applying brake force to a spinning wheel. It helps maintain grip on slippery surfaces like rain, snow, or loose gravel.

Parking sensors are proximity sensors that detect nearby objects at low speeds and alert the driver, usually with beeps or a display. They’re especially useful for tight maneuvering when towing or parking large trucks.

“Physical gauges” are traditional analog-style instrument dials (like tachometer and temperature/fuel/boost needles) instead of a fully digital instrument cluster. They’re common on work-focused trucks because they’re easy to read at a glance while driving or towing.

A tachometer measures engine speed in RPM (revolutions per minute). On trucks—especially when towing or off-road—watching RPM helps you keep the engine in the right operating range for power and efficiency.

MPG (miles per gallon) is a fuel-economy measure that tells you how far the truck can go on one gallon of fuel. Lower MPG is especially noticeable when the truck is towing or driven off-road, because those conditions increase fuel consumption.

Moab is an off-road destination in Utah known for technical trails and challenging rock crawling. It’s a common proving ground for trucks because traction, articulation, and low-speed control are tested constantly.

Locker engagement is the moment the system actually locks the differential(s) so both wheels on an axle rotate together. How quickly and smoothly it engages matters off-road because it affects traction when you need it most.

Line choice is the path a driver selects through an obstacle or trail section. On tight or difficult terrain, the “best line” can mean the difference between keeping traction and getting hung up or stuck.

A reverse camera is a rear-facing camera that displays what’s behind the vehicle when you shift into reverse. It helps reduce blind spots when backing up, especially around trailers or tight parking spaces.

Surround view is a multi-camera system that stitches together images around the vehicle to create a bird’s-eye or “360-degree” view. It’s more helpful than a single rear camera for tight maneuvers because it shows obstacles from multiple angles.

Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a set following distance from the vehicle ahead. It typically uses a radar sensor to detect traffic and can slow down or speed back up within certain limits.

A gear selector is the control you use to choose the transmission mode (like Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive). In some modern trucks, it’s implemented as buttons or a small shift control rather than a traditional lever.

A paddle shifter is a set of controls (usually behind the steering wheel) that lets the driver manually request upshifts or downshifts. It’s often used to give more control over gear selection than a basic automatic-only setup.

A “passenger screen” is an in-cabin display mounted for the front passenger, typically used for media, navigation, or vehicle settings. In this segment, it’s discussed as a feature that may not be worth the tradeoff versus simpler storage.

A “115 volt outlet” is a standard household-style power plug in the truck, allowing you to run devices that normally use AC wall power. On trucks, it’s commonly used for laptops, tools, or jobsite equipment without needing an external inverter.

The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that can run on electricity and also use a gasoline engine when needed. The podcast specifically mentions a 115-volt outlet, highlighting how it can power devices while you’re using the vehicle. That kind of feature is often discussed because it adds practical utility beyond just commuting.

A “hood bump” is a raised section on the hood that creates extra clearance for components under the hood. On trucks, it can also affect driver visibility by changing the hood’s shape and the sightline over the front edge.

A “fake vent” is a decorative vent opening on the hood or body that doesn’t actually function for airflow. It’s mentioned here because it contributes to the hood’s shape and can reduce forward visibility even if it doesn’t provide real cooling benefits.

A “14 and a half inch vertical display” refers to a large, portrait-oriented screen used for the truck’s camera/infotainment interface. The host is pointing out how the screen size and layout affect what camera view you actually get while driving.

A fully digital instrument cluster replaces traditional analog gauges (speedometer/tachometer dials) with screens. The benefit is that the display can be configured for different driving modes and driver preferences, which can be useful in off-road situations.

Heavier springs are stiffer coil springs (or spring rates) that resist compression more strongly. A higher spring rate can help support extra weight, but it can also change suspension travel and how the truck articulates over obstacles.

Articulating connectors are flexible or jointed connections used to allow components to move with suspension travel. If a truck lacks these, it may have reduced articulation because certain linkages or hoses/wiring can’t accommodate as much movement.

RTI score (often discussed as “Ramp Travel Index”) is a measurement used to estimate how well a vehicle can articulate its suspension while climbing over uneven terrain. A higher RTI score generally indicates more suspension travel and better wheel contact on obstacles.

Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles. It affects stability and ride behavior, and the hosts note both trucks share the same wheelbase, which helps explain why they’re similar in many ways.