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2020 Ford Super Duty Tremor vs. 2020 Ram 2500 Power Wagon: How they compare on paper

(Editor's Note: Due to inconsistencies in manufacturer reporting methods for ground clearance, an earlier version of this article stated the Ram Power Wagon's "ground clearance" to be 14.3 inches when in fact that is its "running clearance," which is deemed the ground to the lowest point of the truck MINUS the axles. The numbers below now reflect true ground clearance, or the ground to the lowest point of the truck, period. The chart and text have been updated to show both measurements for maximum accuracy and clarity.) For several years, the Ram 2500 Power Wagon has been the unquestioned king of heavy duty off-roaders. But competition is coming, and some of the strongest is from the 2020 Ford Super Duty Tremor. We decided to take a look at these trucks' specs and features to see how they compare in the realm of capability. The raw numbers are below along with some notes on each truck's unique features that go beyond the spec sheet. Off-road capability While both of these trucks boast impressive clambering abilities, each with particular strengths. The Super Duty Tremor earns points for better ground clearance and axle clearance, as well as approach angle. Some of the credit goes to the larger 35-inch tires and a shortened front air dam. On the other hand, the Power Wagon leads the Ford in departure angle, and in the ramp travel index. The latter is largely the result of the Power Wagon's electronically disconnecting sway bars, and for those unfamiliar, the ramp travel index measures articulation by having a truck drive one wheel up a ramp with the other on the ground. The farther the truck goes with the ground wheel in contact with the, well, ground, the better the score and the better the articulation. Numbers aren't everything, though. It's important to look at the equipment each truck offers, and things are closer, here, but the Ram still has an edge. Both feature off-road-friendly solid axles at both ends, but only the Power Wagon has fully locking differentials front and rear. The Tremor has a locking rear differential while the front is a limited-slip differential. The Power Wagon comes standard with a 12,000-pound integrated Warn winch, whereas such a winch is an option on the Tremor. The Tremor has its own unique features, though, including the 35-inch tires rather than the Ram's 33-inchers, and it has Ford's fancy off-road cruise control function called Trail Control. Both trucks have shocks and springs tuned for off-road use.

Chrysler recalling hundreds of thousands of Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander SUVs

The public might associated ignition switch recalls with General Motors - and with good cause - but that's not the only automaker calling its vehicles back in to fix that sort of issue.
Last month we reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was investigating an array of Chrysler Group vehicles for electrical-related safety issues. The administration and Chrysler subsequently issued a recall for 700,000 Dodge Journey crossovers, Dodge Grand Caravan minivans and Chrysler Town & Country minivans. But while the Jeeps that were also under investigation were not covered in that recall, they are being addressed in a separate one now.
Although Chrysler reports that it is only aware of a single accident stemming from this issue, it is "committing now to conduct a recall out of an abundance of caution." The recall affects the 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, of which it reports there are 792,300 on the road: 649,900 in the United States, 28,800 in Canada, 12,800 in Mexico and a further 100,800 outside of North America.

Mopar makes the Ram Rebel even more macho for 2016

Mopar is making the 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel a little more badass and charging a lot more money. This is the Mopar '16 Rebel. Customers that snag one of the 500 special-edition Rebels get some nifty visual upgrades from the Mopar catalog. The truck's plastic flares are bigger, and the "performance" aluminum hood comes with a big, matte-black decal. It's a macho truck. These special-edition Ram Rebels only come in two colors – Flame Red and Brilliant Black – and we're not really sure if the Mopar's traditional blue highlights work well on the red version. The dark hue ought to look the business, though. Either shade goes well with the standard 17-inch black wheels and black skid plate on the front bumper – the normal Rebel's skid plate is silver. Those are just the standard Mopar accessories on this special edition. The aftermarket division will happily sell Rebel drivers more performance-oriented mods, including a cold-air intake or cat-back exhaust for the Rebel's standard 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Even if you choose to pass on those upgrades, you're still paying at least $52,460 for the Mopar '16 Rebel. The basis for this truck, the 1500 Rebel 4x4, starts at $46,395, or $6,065 less than the Mopar special edition. While the body changes are cool, there's not enough here to warrant that kind of premium. The Mopar 16' Rebel will arrive in dealers later this summer. Related Video: