Build current Ram 2500 vs Power Wagon/Tremor/3500?

[GeorgeHayduke]

I'm biased as the owner of a 17 Ram 2500 with the G56 manual (hence the G56 in the user name). I love the manual and agree that torque management is horrible and if I load any boost pulling out the clutch slips so I understand why they restricted torque. I'm still planning my clutch upgrade and tune but need to convince myself that I really need it since the AEV kit with 40s won out last time. I've regeared to 4.10s and wouldn't recommend you go any higher since our trucks have different drive ratios than the automatics. The one thing you do get in the manual is great control of the exhaust (turbo) brake.

Everything is a compromise and 11k lbs trucks will never feel great offroad. If you intend to continue putting campers in the bed I think the clear choice is #3 since the leaf springs will help with the sway. Any offroad suspensions will likely increase sway since the softness will be magnified with increased weight and COG.

Pax, how do you like the AEV lift and did you consider any others? The Carli/Thuren crowd loves to rag on AEV, but their philosophy of keeping payload is appealing. The Carli/Thuren folks generally suggest softer springs + airbags for heavy loads, although Carli does offer a leveling kit with Fox or King shocks tuned for the factory coils. I do think my truck would benefit from more suspension travel in the front.

Also for those keeping score, it seems like we have at least one vote for each option. Keep the opinions coming, they’re really helpful!

 

[bahn112]

I vote 1 or 2
1 for all the practical reasons; and also since it's a manual which is pretty cool.
2 because I own a '19 PW and it's flat out awesome.

 

[Explorerinil]

Keep what you got unless your totally tired of the manual trans, if you sell that truck you will make out well on it.
if your tired of it, my vote goes for a long bed ram 3500 cummins HO. Slap a carli leveling kit and 35’s and be done. Enjoy your camper in the long bed with plenty of room, you’ll have a very capable truck with a reliable efficient cummins.

 

[SDDiver5]

What a tough decision.

If money is not an issue. Get a new one and enjoy yourself.

If you prefer to not be in debt for "X" years then bail all options but 0 and 1.

Like stated, you'd get a pretty decent payout if you sell your current truck. Used diesel market in Southern CA is on fire right now if you want to go to extra effort of trying to sell it over here.

But also a Tremor would be cool...I don't think anyone on here has one yet.

 

[Trixxx]

What a tough decision.

If money is not an issue. Get a new one and enjoy yourself.

If you prefer to not be in debt for "X" years then bail all options but 0 and 1.

Like stated, you'd get a pretty decent payout if you sell your current truck. Used diesel market in Southern CA is on fire right now if you want to go to extra effort of trying to sell it over here.

But also a Tremor would be cool...I don't think anyone on here has one yet.

I do, which is why I’m biased. I also had a great experience with my 2013 F250

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Option 5: carry less stuff and less weight

 

[SDDiver5]

I do, which is why I’m biased. I also had a great experience with my 2013 F250

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Good lord that is a good looking truck!! Hopefully in a few years I can justify owning one.