Paralysis by analysis on purchase

[TallNorton]

I've come to the conclusion that my constant researching of vehicles has lead to a complete paralysis by over analysis as I try to funnel this decision down.

100% focused on domestic full size, gas, 4 door, and nearly 100% as an 8 cylinder.

Desiring at least the rear locker.

Not planning on heavy towing, but am watching payload as it relates particularly to a Project M type camper.

Looking for some voices of experience to bounce this off of.

1. 2025 Ram Rebel 2500 - went and looked at the exact truck i made the inquiry about. Beautiful truck, I drove a Big Horn extensively in February so some general experience with the 2500. The Rebel is highly optioned out. Not overly concerned about gas mileage as the only factor. Way "more truck" than i need in terms of towing, but love that there's plenty of margin there. It's BIG especially for the east coast.

2. 2025 F150 Tremor 401A 5.0 Coyote - beautiful truck, respectable price for the 401A, but there's so much about the 402A to like as well. Like the idea of a smaller size, independent front suspension will do almost any scenario i can imagine I'd see myself in. Concerned moderately about 1600lb payload capacity, but perhaps too much so. Ford is doing 0% financing now, so big motivation there. 401A package is priced similarly to Rebel 2500, but not as nice.

Has anyone any experience they'd like to share in terms of satisfaction with a similar purchase, or wishing they'd gone a different direction.

I'm conceding I'm going in circles here going back and forth. Both are great platforms, and I'm sure either will wotlrk.

Any perspective is appreciated.

 

[rgv]

I am fortunate to have both a Chev 2500HD with my pop-up northstar more or less permanently mounted and hooked to my boat or atv trailer, as well as a supercab F150 with 5.0 and FX4 which is my daily and work truck.

If the truck is doubling as a daily driver, then the F150 is the easier truck to live with and will burn a lot less gas (which matters to me) as well as having plenty of capacity for a Project M. If it is a recreational vehicle pimarily, then you may as well have the 2500 with more capability in almost every way including a shorter wheelbase (assuming you are looking at a F150 supercrew/6-6 box).

 

[Trektor73]

If you add up the Project M weight, plus those of any prospective passengers, luggage and gear for your travels, are you close to the 1,600 lb payload of the ford? The F150 Tremor will ride better in almost all situations versus the Ram 2500, and will probably be slightly more economical. But the RAM will be more "future-proofed" for modifications/additional weight, you'll likely appreciate the extra bed size more than you realize, and dimensionally they are not much different (Ford's cab is longer, width is probably similar across the two).

What does a Power Wagon have for payload capacity these days? It might be a solid middle ground for you, offering a decent ride, full bed, solid axles with more off-road prowess, etc. The Tradesman trim level with the Power Wagon package is a definite suite spot in the marketplace, or there may be some '24s left over at great deals.

 

[driveby]

IMHO payload trumps the consideration here. You *will* end up overweight at some point. Might as well start with a bigger cushion.

 

[Roam.Wild]

Our last truck was a '23 Ram 2500 Power Wagon and our current is a '24 F150 5.0l STX.

I liked the Ram better in pretty much every way, but this is not saying the F150 isn't great too. The smaller size and better MPG is great upside, both interiors and tech are wonderful. Honestly you can't go wrong with either truck.

You need to look at what you're going to do, trails on the east coast are much tighter, and if it will most be a daily driver, the F-150 would win in my book.

However more room in the bed and interior, better offroad chops and more payload is way better for overlanding / camping, so the Ram wins if that's what you want it for.

But now for the major consideration, our Power Wagon was bout $74,000 OTD brand new (bought 6/23), our F-150 was $42,000 OTD (bought 10/24). So is the Ram worth $32,000 more? Absolutely not IMO.

 

[SimplyAnAdventure]

The RAMPER - 2023 RAM 2500 Laramie with Four Wheel Camper Project M

Going in a different direction and listing the RAMPER with LOTS of expedition add-ons, this truck is ready to roll (and has been an amazing platform for me). Currently located in Chapel Hill, NC This setup is ready to roll - literally - everything you need to just load up and go go go...

forum.expeditionportal.com

This posting meets all your requirements except gas…. I’d argue this would be a hell of a truck compared to anything you’re looking at already built out suspension, bumpers, lights, Project M with full built interior, all electrical the works.

Full disclosure this is a friend of mine I’ve known and camped with for years. He builds amazing vehicles but constantly gets the itch for something new. I don’t think you could build a better truck if you wanted too.

If this doesn’t interest you however I’d suggest looking at an F250/350 Tremor with a Godzilla. That’s what I landed on after a search of every vehicle made today. Massive payload, reliable engine, fits 37’s from the factory, 4.30 gears and a rear locker/ front LSD. What’s not to love!

 

[COAKXterra]

I’d vote Rebel 2500 gas. The payload is nearly double my power wagon (~1350lbs). If I was in the market for a new truck, that’s where I’d be. But outside that consideration, I’ve really loved our Ram. Just a great pickup and has served us very well, and been put through the paces too.

My BIL just got a ‘25 rebel with the Cummins and it’s super nice but payload is closer to the power wagon than I would have thought.