The Power Wagon ships with a transfer case skid from the factory — aftermarket kits extend that coverage forward to the oil pan and transmission, and rearward to the fuel tank, filling the gaps that real trails exploit.
The factory transfer case skid is a meaningful starting point; most Ram trucks in this segment don't include one at all. But the Power Wagon's underbody still has exposed areas that matter in the field: the front differential and oil pan have no protection on the IFS front end, the transmission skid varies by trim year, and the fuel tank is exposed on harder terrain. An aftermarket skid kit extends the protected surface area and, on most kits, adds heavier plate gauge than the factory steel.
Coverage priority for the Power Wagon: the front differential is the highest-risk component given the IFS geometry — it sits lower than a solid front axle and has less articulation to clear obstacles. The oil pan comes next. The fuel tank matters most on anything technical where departure angle puts the frame rear close to the ground. DPR Offroad's full system ($549) addresses all three plus the factory transfer case area in a kit designed to overlap coverage continuously. AltRider's kit ($699) uses heavier material and includes reinforcement gussets around the factory skid mounting points — the choice if you're running the truck on serious rock. The Mopar partial upgrade ($399) is the value option for owners who want factory warranty compatibility and basic coverage extension.
One practical note: the Power Wagon's IFS front end creates a different skid plate geometry than solid-axle trucks. The front skid on this truck needs to accommodate front axle travel — the plate can't be a flat panel bolted solid to the frame without risking contact with the CV axle or front differential under full articulation. Quality kits account for this. Verify that any kit you're evaluating specifically covers the Power Wagon's IFS front suspension geometry, not the leaf-spring front on standard Ram 2500 trims.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| DPR Offroad Full Skid Plate System for Power Wagon | DPR Offroad | ~$549 |
| AltRider Power Wagon Skid Plate Kit | AltRider | ~$699 |
| Mopar Partial Skid Plate Upgrade for Power Wagon | Mopar | ~$399 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.