Eating crow....2018 Ram Power Wagon build

[Bayou Boy]

I have the OG habitat I guess. We like the windows for ventilation for dogs. If you don't have dogs I see no reason for the windows.

Habitat vs 4WC. 4WC is a lot more weight and a bigger performance hit. I was honestly disappointed with the interior space of the 4WC. I would look at a Econoline with a 4wd conversion before I would look at a 4WC.

There is a negligible performance hit on an HD Ram with 1200# in the bed, regardless of engine. I see the point of the light weight Habitat if you are in a Tacoma with marginal load capacity and a small engine or if you use the truck for camping every weekend and don't want to reload the popup all the time. Otherwise, the negatives far outweigh any positives.

If you are going to unload everything from the truck bed to use your Habitat as a regular topper during the week, that will take MORE time than dismounting a normal topper and installing the popup if you have access to a forklift as I think Tex does.

The best setup is an 8ft popup camper in the 6.5ft bed. Zero departure angle hit with the tailgate removed and lots of room inside. The end of the camper will protrude about the same or less than a 12.5" wide tire on a bumper mount.

 

[chet6.7]

I went through this myself,the FWC would be nice when camping,it would not be good in day to day general purpose use.I need barn doors and the ability to use the bed for lumber,rocks,crab traps ect. I also want the truck to be able to move briskly through the winding roads I drive. Slide ins have a fair amount of weight above the frame rails,it's the nature of the beast.Everything has trade offs.I am generally happy with my shell in day to day stuff,it is not good when camping,a furnace would be nice and having the ability to stand up would be very nice.Trade offs again. I had a full size Callen on the last truck,it was good,but it was my DD,I could not go into a parking structure,getting a caffeine fix at a drive through was not always possible.
The Drifter is close,but it does not have straight sides,or barn doors,I would like to sleep east west if possible.The OVRLND is close, but no barn doors.I don't have any direct experience but I suspect a wedge type may be easier to fold up and get going. I think a wedge Callen with a few inches of overhang on both sides,about 38 inches above the bedrails when down and the ability to stand up when open would be close to perfect for me.The cheap diesel heater thread has my interest,that may solve the heat problem of a typical shell.

 

[Tex68w]

The Habitat has its benefits over the Summit as well. The Summit doesn't have nearly the space up top nor does it have the same room for standing when in the bed. It doesn't have the anywhere near as much ventilation as the Habitat either. Granted the Summit is much easier to setup and take down and it keeps the weight over the core of the truck where the Habitat hinges out back of the vehicle requiring more space to be able to deploy it. I prefer the looks of the Habitat when stowed since it has a much shorter overhang atop the cab.

Like most of you have said, there's no perfect solution and each option has its own set of drawbacks. We just need to find which one has the least drawbacks for our needs. I feel like I am chasing my tail at times as I fall into the trap of being decided almost whole heartedly in one direction one day then completely against it the next. I think we need to make a decision and live with it for a while to see where it goes.

 

[ttengineer]

I completely understand that. Sometimes it’s like you can talk yourself in circles when trying to figure out the direction you want to go.

Like previously said though, there is no perfect setup, as they are all compromises in some form or fashion.

Personally, if AT still made the flip forward style Habitat and it matched the lines of the Ram better, I wouldn’t hesitate getting one. Pair that with a 270 Darche awning and I feel I’d be pretty set. I like that the flip forward doesn’t eat up additional real estate.


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[Bayou Boy]

I feel like I am chasing my tail at times as I fall into the trap of being decided almost whole heartedly in one direction one day then completely against it the next. I think we need to make a decision and live with it for a while to see where it goes.

This.


It's only money and if you buy used you won't lose much if you decide to change directions. It makes it even worse that it's winter in the mountains so we still have a few months to drive ourselves crazy figuring out what's "best."

 

[Regcabguy]

There's always a used Northstar TC650. Lots of room and decent storage. Super easy to dismount and easier to mount.

 

[Tex68w]

I am considering putting the PW up for sale here soon, shoot me a PM if you're interested.

 

[Wallygator]

I am considering putting the PW up for sale here soon, shoot me a PM if you're interested.

What is happening here??

 

[Littlehouse]

Upgrading to a new wagon? 8 speed, new interior?

 

[Tex68w]

What is happening here??

Big purchases ahead, not sure where it will take me in regards to my needs for this vehicle and/or my debts. Testing the waters at the moment.

 

[Tex68w]

Upgrading to a new wagon? 8 speed, new interior?

Haha, not anytime soon but that 8-speed is sure to help with fuel economy, or at least one would hope.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

Upgrading to a new wagon? 8 speed, new interior?

Suzuki Jimny

 

[warwickscout]

how much

 

[Tex68w]

Suzuki Jimny

Lol, I actually really wish that they sold those here, very cool little rigs. I'm not gonna lie, I am eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the Ford Bronco, but more than likely I'll just make room for a new 200-Series Land Cruiser for momma and I'll take over the 4Runner for the time being. This is all speculation if/when the PW were to sell.

 

[Tex68w]

how much

I'll make a for sale thread later today but if you're seriously interested shoot me a PM.