SemperToy's original post does not make it clear that he needs the capabilities of a PW. No mention of serious off road stuff, crawling, mud, etc. But that does not rule out the PW. I have a PW and it is the best truck I have ever owned, so there's my bias. OP can do the diesel maintenance himself, so that will save a pile of money. He's planning some long trips, so points to the diesel for fuel economy and range. But will the fuel savings offset the initial cost diff between a PW and a Cummins, assuming he adds PW capability to the Cummins? Probably not, but maybe. Heavy trailer or big boat, go for the diesel, but I don't see that need in the post. Cabover camper or pop top camper, PW is fine. A PW with a 6.4 will haul an awful lot of stuff, and do it quietly and comfortably. The PW's reduced payload and tow ratings are a direct result of the suspension tuning for offroad and flex, but the ratings are still substantial. My PW has leaf springs in the rear and I added Carli Hemi spring packs plus Thuren shocks and Firestone airbags, so plenty of capability without straining the PW, and it still rides and handles better than my Tundra CrewMax. A Cummins is HEAVY, and that makes it less suitable for offroad use, despite what the diesel bros will claim. That is one reason Dodge did not build the PW with a diesel, because they planned to sell them to the Forest Service, fire departments, cops, fish and game, etc., and those guys don't want a truck that sinks the front end every time they get into the muck. In the PW's favor, if you try to add PW capability to any normal truck, you'll spend far more than the cost of the PW option on a 2500. So my take is that the PW is the way to go if you think you'll need what the PW delivers. If you just want a truck, there is nothing wrong with a Cummins, but it's gonna cost you and it will never do PW stuff as well as a PW. And a PW will never do diesel stuff as well a Cummins, but it comes close enough.
Forgot the required rant on AEV: their stuff is cool and pretty and all that, but is grossly overpriced and seems intended for sale to posers. If you go to the PW Forum, there is a lot of discussion about AEV's product, pricing, market strategy, flaws, etc. Their stuff is cool but does not seem to be as functional as the stuff from Carli and Thuren. I have dealt with and have products from both Carli and Thuren on my PW and think highly of both. No direct experience with AEV.
