06 power wagon

[35xj]

Ever whimsically decide you want something, and stumble into it the same week?
Well that’s how I ended up with Clifford

built myself and friends a ton ofvehicles over the years
ram 2500/flatbed/4 wheel camper
Same setup on an f 250
2 fj 80’s
3 tacomas. Long travel/37’s alucab
2 defender 130’s
2 defender 90’s
Defender 110
The list goes on. I like building trucks.
I found myself with a defender 130,a 90, a110 and a discovery 1at the same time
It was time for a tow rig. Decided I wanted a 3rd gen power wagon

A week later. 2 hours from home 95k dealer maintained rust free 06 pops up
14k and she’s mine!
Step 1. Remove the 4” Rancho lift. Instal Thuren/fox bits

 

[35xj]

A week later I stumbled across an aluminum flatbed cheap

 

[35xj]

Some cutting to improve the bed a bit. Flatbeds. So useful!

 

[35xj]

Then we took a month and drove through Mexico in the defender. 5000 miles. Asheville NC through mainland, over to Baja, and up to sacramento.
As much as I love this truck. The trip helped me realize I could build a better adventure truck with the power wagon. I’d already had a 4 wheel camper. And had my issues with that setup.

 

[35xj]

Then I stumbled across this! It’s off a mid size truck, but the measurements are pretty close to what I needed.
So some money changed hands, a week later it arrived from salt lake!
Drop fridge slide, wired up with red arc everything. Drawers, lights
Always thought this may be the ideal setup. But couldn’t stomach the cost.
Every now and then you get lucky on something!

 

[35xj]

The downside of this setups quality of build is that the box is surprisingly heavy. 650lbs or so. Truck had a bit of a squat with the Thuren springs up front, stock rear springs and the weight of the box with all my gear.
Manageable, until I tried to tow my tractor on a light trailer.
Did some research, and ended up doing the same thing as I did on the last dodge.
Airlift 5000 bags and daystar cradles. Easy installation, other than a bit of trimming the cradles to clear the bolts on the lower mount.
Was a little unsure about mounting. As the PW sits higher than the reg 2500, I’m undecided on spacing the bags down from the frame an inch with the bump stop spacers I have. Currently don’t have them installed40 psi in the bags and it’s working great

 

[JPR4LFE]

Wow, that turned out really nice. Nice job and good scores

 

[DirtWhiskey]

Saw that bed here in SLC on KSL. Had no use for it but thought it was a screaming deal. Glad it landed in the right hands! Great rig. Those Aussie bodies are the only way to go IMHO.

 

[Westy]

@35xj Very nice rig and setup. I picked up a '06 PW 6 spd last year in similar condition and have been slowly prepping it and using it on some trips to figure out what is needed. I've been really enjoying it so far. As I suspected - For a full size, I am finding it quite maneuverable and impressive so far. These are only 3" longer wheel base than a Jeep Gladiator. I am used to older Toyota trucks and Land Cruisers - so its a big change but been good.
Looking forward to following along here.

 

[35xj]

Saw that bed here in SLC on KSL. Had no use for it but thought it was a screaming deal. Glad it landed in the right hands! Great rig. Those Aussie bodies are the only way to go IMHO.

Yeah. It’s what I really wanted for the 130, but it’s too big and heavy
The reality of the dodge is that it just makes sense. Comfy, goes everywhere, parts are easy to get, 37’s fit really well.
the best part. I’ve got less money in the entire build than I have in the motor swap in the defender

 

[35xj]

Got the tent mounted, installed a 180 watt remove hard panel to the top. Andersen plugs to run the power down to the controller
Put the 50 qt dometic fridge on the drop slide. It’s the large clear view slide. Designed for a 70 qt fridge. The 50 looks tiny!

 

[35xj]

@35xj Very nice rig and setup. I picked up a '06 PW 6 spd last year in similar condition and have been slowly prepping it and using it on some trips to figure out what is needed. I've been really enjoying it so far. As I suspected - For a full size, I am finding it quite maneuverable and impressive so far. These are only 3" longer wheel base than a Jeep Gladiator. I am used to older Toyota trucks and Land Cruisers - so its a big change but been good.
Looking forward to following along here.

Yep. That’s the reason I wanted a 3rd gen. 4th gen got BIG. Been building one up for my buddy

 

[Dumpolina]

How well does it work as a tow pig?

 

[35xj]

It’s not terrible. Drinks fuel at a hell of a rate. But handles the weight pretty well.
I miss the diesel when I tow vehicles

 

[35xj]

Got the new 37’s mounted up yesterday, and got the lockers hardwired up! Almost instant engagement now!
Spare barely fits on the back of the canopy. Need to find a matching spare wheel next’