Power Wagon as a family Exploration Vehicle

[Pzary3233]

Hey Portal Full-size guys!

I am looking hard at a Ram 2500 Power Wagon preferably a 2023+ because I like the interior.

I'm selling my '17 Sierra 1500 Z71 as I don't ever drive it for fun, as I have not really ever cared for it, it was cheap when the opportunity arose. However, I need a truck to do truck things. I do not want to build the IFS on the Sierra. I'm done with that platform as I have had several issues with it, transmission is weak, and the engines are notorious for issues as well..

Currently my our family of 3 travels and explores in our 4 door JL with lockers and 37s everywhere. It gets tight now that my son is getting older (10). We recently went on a trip to Moab and realized I could use a full size truck for most everything we do outside of my normal Ozarks "rock-landing" or the most technical trails in Moab. I love a good rock crawling trail, but with my family we EXPLORE! I need a good exploration vehicle that is a bit more comfortable, bigger interior volume, and can take over truck duty since I am selling my Sierra.



What am I looking for?

• Solid Axle 3/4 ton truck
• Crew Cab
• Heated Seats
• Decent Technology
• 6.5' Bed
• Fit 35s but preferably 37s easily
• Gas powered (I don't NEED a diesel truck nor want the operating costs associated with one, or having to deal with the DEF/DPF/REGEN/Emissions stuff)
• Smart Cap or fiberglass topper so I can throw my Tent on top. We pack pretty minimally, I'd simply strap down my fridge, and throw our packs in the bed and roll - No need for an elaborate build out, or a slide in camper. We have a basic but tried and true camp method that is comfortable, because we would rather spend time enjoying our surroundings rather than setting up and breaking down camp. If I have 500# of gear including the topper and the tent I'd be surprised.
• Tow 8k lbs or less I will never need to tow more than 10k lbs.
• Fuel milage, It is what is, Id love to get better than my JLU where I averaged 11.5 mpg from North Mississippi to Moab and Back last week. 15mpg, is that too much to ask for on mostly highway driving?

Am I disillusioned that the Power Wagon can do what I want? I heard that it's a 3/4 ton truck with 1/2 ton truck capacity. For me that is 100% OK. My 1/2 ton did everything I needed, I didn't really ever wish for more other than more tow vehicle weight pulling my 6k lb camper in stiff winds, but pulling 7k of car and trailer was a non issue.

If I were to get a Laramie and or Diesel I would swap power wagon axles in or lockers/gears and get the swaybar but use a manual disconnect. So this is an option, but I like the idea of all the goods from the factory. I've already done all the adding on once with my JLU (Rubi Axles, Swaybar disconnect, etc), and would prefer to not to do it that way again. Is there a compelling reason to get a diesel over the 6.4L hemi for my use case?

Am I missing anything? I don't want another GM product, I'd be ok with a Ford F250 but I don't feel like it's what I am looking for.

The goal is to make the trek to Maine this summer and explore the North Maine Woods, New Brunswick Canada, and Nova Scotia and I'd rather not do it in the JLU.

Lastly, yes, it will get snorkled because we use them in the Ozarks and I will end up wheeling it where it doesn't belong.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I had a 2012 Power Wagon and loved it. If I was stepping back into the HD market it would be high on the list. Great off road capability and good ride quality. I’m not a huge fan of the rotary dial shifter on the new Ram’s, but I’m sure you would get used to it.

And yes- the snorkel/raised air intake is a must!

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

If you haven’t watched it, here’s a good Power Wagon video

 

[phsycle]

I’d either get a PW or Ford SD. But if you’re going to be towing 8k lbs, that doesn’t leave a lot of payload capacity in the PW (assuming 10% tongue weight). So in that case, I’d tip the scale to the Ford, as it would have much more payload.

Personally, I’d get an F250 (or 350, especially if you’re considering a camper in the future) with the 7.3 and Tremor package. Throw in that winch as well. Turn key, ready to go out of the box.

 

[SDDiver5]

Hmm. I'm tempted to say go with an F250 Tremor just for the towing/hauling capability if and when you need it but you don't seem to need it.

Given all things, a Super Duty Tremor and a PW are very comparable, even down to the MPG. The PW will have more articulation given the suspension, Sway bar disconnects and a true front locker where the Tremor only has a limited slip in front and no sway bat disconnect. The Tremor will be there for you if and when you need it for real truck stuff.

Where I would get concerned is when you pack for this trip you mentioned, how much stuff are you taking? The PW can be maxed out weight wise pretty quick.

I also feel like the Super Duty will have a more spacious interior but I don't know if that is accurate or not.

 

[SDDiver5]

Few other thoughts, If you're looking to buy right now, RAMs can be had for steep discounts. Seen some for 15k below MSRP.

Apparently the transmissions are garbage and have a lot of problems.

 

[Roam.Wild]

Here's our old 2023, we live full time on the road and the PW + Camper combo was amazing! 37's (no lift or suspension mods) and a soft topper. Would've loved another SmartCap (had one on our Ranger and it ruled). We bought this over the F-250 because of the interior mostly. We had a 2017 f-250 platinum and didn't think the 2023/2024 F250 was that much of an upgrade. The 2500 interiors are VERY nice.

We towed this camper, over 7k lbs., over 21k miles, down to the southern tip of Baja and all around the western US, and never had an issue. MPG sucks while towing on 37s though, around 8mpg, coupled with the tiny 31gal fuel tank, we weren't even seeing 300 miles to a tank. We also had the Airlift 5000 airbags in the rear since its all coil sprung, no leafs, you'll need the extra support especially if you have a topper and RTT.

It doesn't seem you are looking at the Ram 2500 Rebel. Way different than the 1500 Rebel. It's basically a one step lower Power Wagon. Has about 80% of the off-road features, but comes in a gas or diesel and also has leafs in the rear. The payload / towing are way higher than the PW. If I was to do it over again that's what I would choose, a diesel 2500 Rebel over the Power Wagon. I didn't use the PW for as much hard offroad as I thought I would. But when I did (Moab, Ouray, etc) it was a beast!

 

[kfricke87]

You are in the same boat I was in. Coming from a AEV outfitted 2015 wrangler. I ended up buying The fast lanes trucks diesel ram 2500. I wish it was the 6.4 mainly due to the added stress of what “May” com. I think a lot of deleting it but would be a big expense. I was never in a position of need for the Cummins it just so happened they listed the truck for sale when I was really wanting one and was a great price. That being said, if I were to do it all over again, I would have held out for a power wagon but I’ll be glad I have the much more efficient Cummins if I never have any issues with it. Mine has the limited slip diff and that was a must among other things. I wish I had the sway bar disconnect like the PW has.

Here is a video of it off-roading and seems like there plenty of traction. And flex

 

[jadmt]

might not be a game changer but you are not getting a 37" tire in the spare location on a PW. you can squeeze a 35 up there but it is tight. if that is not a big deal and you don't mind giving up box space to a spare tire you can just haul it in the back. My 2020 gave about the same mpg as my 2024 JLUR on 35's does. They do have really poor load capacity for a 2500 and does not take much to be over loaded.

 

[COAKXterra]

It doesn't seem you are looking at the Ram 2500 Rebel. Way different than the 1500 Rebel. It's basically a one step lower Power Wagon. Has about 80% of the off-road features, but comes in a gas or diesel and also has leafs in the rear. The payload / towing are way higher than the PW. If I was to do it over again that's what I would choose, a diesel 2500 Rebel over the Power Wagon. I didn't use the PW for as much hard offroad as I thought I would. But when I did (Moab, Ouray, etc) it was a beast!

This. 98% at least…. If it was me, I’d be keeping the hemi mainly because I want the winch (I do use mine) without an aftermarket bumper. But definitely had my eye here.

We love our 18 PW for family camping/exploring. With my wife, our car-seated daughter, and the 40% back seat replaced with a platform for our 120lb dog… still feels pretty roomy and comfortable. We have an ARE shell with solar/battery and an ARB fridge in the back and currently just tent camp. (Looking at down the road options though). I take that thing all over the place since I dont mind a little pinstriping and bought an off-road truck to do off-road things. Other than AEV diff covers and 35s…. I haven’t felt a major need to modify anything (yet)

 

[Klutch7]

Leaving the dealer lot and heading right on out adventuring, the PW is hard to beat. But it seems like you may end up modifying at least the suspension and wheels/tires and in that instance, I'd go Ford with my money. If you went Tremor, it would be pretty capable out of the gate without modifications, but would still do truck stuff better than the PW. Or, you could find a non-tremor with solid options (electronic-locking rear, upfitters, etc.) and build from there. the $4300 on the tremor package could go toward a true selectable locker up front and some other additions.

I have a '22 F-350 non-Tremor powered by the 7.3L gasser. I love it and am slowly adding to it to make it my do-all truck - camping out of the bed, towing, hauling, etc.

Coincidentally, I was just in a rental '24 Ram 2500 6.4L for about 1,000 miles over a few days throughout the Colorado Rockies. The cab is smaller than the Ford and has the typical hump running down the middle. I fought the Uconnect system constantly, trying to get it to pick up my phone (wireless or through the USB) and it was otherwise pretty buggy. Subjectively, I thought the ride was worse than my truck - more jittery and unsettled on some forest roads - but this was a standard 2500 and not a PW. I also thought the Hemi seemed less responsive than my truck and a bit underwhelming - obviously these last two points are personal thoughts, but I had my truck in the same areas last year and feel like after 1,000 miles, I removed the "new acquaintance" aspect out of the Ram. I also think the visibility is better our of the Ford, but it is a bit longer (both CCSB).

Overall, I'd go drive a couple of each and see what you like better. You could look on Turo near you, as here in TX there are both RAM HDs and Ford HDs for rent. The rental I described above was through Hertz, actually. Enterprise also has 3/4 and 1-ton trucks available. It would give you a few days and more miles with an example of each to compare the basics.

 

[Mikenm]

I had a power wagon, that truck was a beast. The lockers and sway bar disconnect were awesome. It is the most capable production truck on the market. I loved it, but I do pull a lot of trailers horses and cattle a diesel was just mort practical for me. But as a hunting and off-road rig I don’t think you will find better. I had that truck everywhere from Moab to the Rockies.

 

[Pzary3233]

I had a 2012 Power Wagon and loved it. If I was stepping back into the HD market it would be high on the list. Great off road capability and good ride quality. I’m not a huge fan of the rotary dial shifter on the new Ram’s, but I’m sure you would get used to it.

And yes- the snorkel/raised air intake is a must!

There is a hack for that, get the Tradesmen with the Power Wagon option and you get a "Real" shifter on the column (lets be real it's still a switch for an electronically controlled ZF 8 speed) and even more important a manual shift transfer case.

If you haven’t watched it, here’s a good Power Wagon video

I have! I've been spending a lot of time watching different people's videos.

I’d either get a PW or Ford SD. But if you’re going to be towing 8k lbs, that doesn’t leave a lot of payload capacity in the PW (assuming 10% tongue weight). So in that case, I’d tip the scale to the Ford, as it would have much more payload.

Personally, I’d get an F250 (or 350, especially if you’re considering a camper in the future) with the 7.3 and Tremor package. Throw in that winch as well. Turn key, ready to go out of the box.

I'm not terribly concerned about the payload and or towing. I don't generally haul much. I've camped out of my JLU for 3 years and can't imagine wanting more. We tow our big camper at most 20 miles to the lake. If I could get a solid front axle 1/2 ton truck from the factory I would prefer it.

Hmm. I'm tempted to say go with an F250 Tremor just for the towing/hauling capability if and when you need it but you don't seem to need it.

Given all things, a Super Duty Tremor and a PW are very comparable, even down to the MPG. The PW will have more articulation given the suspension, Sway bar disconnects and a true front locker where the Tremor only has a limited slip in front and no sway bat disconnect. The Tremor will be there for you if and when you need it for real truck stuff.

Where I would get concerned is when you pack for this trip you mentioned, how much stuff are you taking? The PW can be maxed out weight wise pretty quick.

I also feel like the Super Duty will have a more spacious interior but I don't know if that is accurate or not.

I've had negative dealings with Ford trucks and dealers (8 months getting a 6.7 Powerstroke replaced with only 45k miles on the clock, poor quality interiors, lack of service on the fleet side, etc), I am not sure I want to go back to that brand any time soon.

For the trip, I would say we each will have a 70l bag a piece, three chairs, 45L fridge/food, a jetboil, portaloo, and hammocks. We are so used to packing for the JLU and have gotten down to a science we don't need or want the kitchen sink when we are out exploring.

As far as real truck stuff, my 1/2 ton truck does everything I need, except for the offroad bit.

I love the size of the Ram cab it's a shorter over all truck compared to the SD which I think is a good point to make as well. I think for me the decision is do I get the Power Wagon or do I get a Rebel Diesel for more towing capacity and supposed

Few other thoughts, If you're looking to buy right now, RAMs can be had for steep discounts. Seen some for 15k below MSRP.

Apparently the transmissions are garbage and have a lot of problems.

I have seen that too, however finding a NEW power wagon is hard right now, the ram site doesn't show any nation wide, calling dealers they are trying to sell me a Rebel instead when they show me the vehicle. Its tempting to grab one and swap the rest of the PW goodies over.

Here's our old 2023, we live full time on the road and the PW + Camper combo was amazing! 37's (no lift or suspension mods) and a soft topper. Would've loved another SmartCap (had one on our Ranger and it ruled). We bought this over the F-250 because of the interior mostly. We had a 2017 f-250 platinum and didn't think the 2023/2024 F250 was that much of an upgrade. The 2500 interiors are VERY nice.

We towed this camper, over 7k lbs., over 21k miles, down to the southern tip of Baja and all around the western US, and never had an issue. MPG sucks while towing on 37s though, around 8mpg, coupled with the tiny 31gal fuel tank, we weren't even seeing 300 miles to a tank. We also had the Airlift 5000 airbags in the rear since its all coil sprung, no leafs, you'll need the extra support especially if you have a topper and RTT.

It doesn't seem you are looking at the Ram 2500 Rebel. Way different than the 1500 Rebel. It's basically a one step lower Power Wagon. Has about 80% of the off-road features, but comes in a gas or diesel and also has leafs in the rear. The payload / towing are way higher than the PW. If I was to do it over again that's what I would choose, a diesel 2500 Rebel over the Power Wagon. I didn't use the PW for as much hard offroad as I thought I would. But when I did (Moab, Ouray, etc) it was a beast!

Thanks for the real world insight, 8mpg with 7k lbs that's fine by me. Were you wanting more power pulling the camper or did you feel like it was good for what you were pulling?

I've looked at the Rebel but I would rather the offroad capability over the extra payload. I am looking for more offroad performance like my JLU in a bigger platform.

You are in the same boat I was in. Coming from a AEV outfitted 2015 wrangler. I ended up buying The fast lanes trucks diesel ram 2500. I wish it was the 6.4 mainly due to the added stress of what “May” com. I think a lot of deleting it but would be a big expense. I was never in a position of need for the Cummins it just so happened they listed the truck for sale when I was really wanting one and was a great price. That being said, if I were to do it all over again, I would have held out for a power wagon but I’ll be glad I have the much more efficient Cummins if I never have any issues with it. Mine has the limited slip diff and that was a must among other things. I wish I had the sway bar disconnect like the PW has.

Here is a video of it off-roading and seems like there plenty of traction. And flex

Yeah, I have driven a lot of Cummins powered truck, but I keep worrying about the "what ifs" We have had some issues with diesels and want to stay away from them if possible.

might not be a game changer but you are not getting a 37" tire in the spare location on a PW. you can squeeze a 35 up there but it is tight. if that is not a big deal and you don't mind giving up box space to a spare tire you can just haul it in the back. My 2020 gave about the same mpg as my 2024 JLUR on 35's does. They do have really poor load capacity for a 2500 and does not take much to be over loaded.

I can throw that in the bed no issue. Basically taking what I would normally roll with in my JLU and throw it in this truck... so MAYBE 300-400# of gear including the tent

This. 98% at least…. If it was me, I’d be keeping the hemi mainly because I want the winch (I do use mine) without an aftermarket bumper. But definitely had my eye here.

We love our 18 PW for family camping/exploring. With my wife, our car-seated daughter, and the 40% back seat replaced with a platform for our 120lb dog… still feels pretty roomy and comfortable. We have an ARE shell with solar/battery and an ARB fridge in the back and currently just tent camp. (Looking at down the road options though). I take that thing all over the place since I dont mind a little pinstriping and bought an off-road truck to do off-road things. Other than AEV diff covers and 35s…. I haven’t felt a major need to modify anything (yet)


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This is EXACTLY what I am looking for, I don't need or WANT much... Just a bigger JLUR for more comfort and a little more power. If I need to really tow anything, I can easily borrow a Ram 3500 CTD truck.

THANK YOU everyone for your feedback, I think that from the feedback given I am on the right track.

 

[Pzary3233]

Leaving the dealer lot and heading right on out adventuring, the PW is hard to beat. But it seems like you may end up modifying at least the suspension and wheels/tires and in that instance, I'd go Ford with my money. If you went Tremor, it would be pretty capable out of the gate without modifications, but would still do truck stuff better than the PW. Or, you could find a non-tremor with solid options (electronic-locking rear, upfitters, etc.) and build from there. the $4300 on the tremor package could go toward a true selectable locker up front and some other additions.

I have a '22 F-350 non-Tremor powered by the 7.3L gasser. I love it and am slowly adding to it to make it my do-all truck - camping out of the bed, towing, hauling, etc.

Coincidentally, I was just in a rental '24 Ram 2500 6.4L for about 1,000 miles over a few days throughout the Colorado Rockies. The cab is smaller than the Ford and has the typical hump running down the middle. I fought the Uconnect system constantly, trying to get it to pick up my phone (wireless or through the USB) and it was otherwise pretty buggy. Subjectively, I thought the ride was worse than my truck - more jittery and unsettled on some forest roads - but this was a standard 2500 and not a PW. I also thought the Hemi seemed less responsive than my truck and a bit underwhelming - obviously these last two points are personal thoughts, but I had my truck in the same areas last year and feel like after 1,000 miles, I removed the "new acquaintance" aspect out of the Ram. I also think the visibility is better our of the Ford, but it is a bit longer (both CCSB).

Overall, I'd go drive a couple of each and see what you like better. You could look on Turo near you, as here in TX there are both RAM HDs and Ford HDs for rent. The rental I described above was through Hertz, actually. Enterprise also has 3/4 and 1-ton trucks available. It would give you a few days and more miles with an example of each to compare the basics.

That is some great information. I've driven quite a few F250 PSDs and Ram 2500 CTD but I'm really after a gas burner I think. The 7.3 Godzilla is a great engine from what I have seen, I'm just not sold on a Ford. I need to as you said go drive both gas burner trucks. I do agree the rams ride is pretty rough in standard 2500 format.

 

[SDDiver5]

Autotrader - page unavailable

There is a 2024 Tradesman right down the street from me for 11k off MSRP! I'd imagine you'd want something nicer but dang what a discount.