If you were to start all over with a brand new truck, which would you choose?

[greengreer]

a late 80's early 90's single cab short bed f150 4x4 fuel injected 300 straight six with 4 speed np 435 6.8 to 1 granny, stock 65:1 crawl ratio, 117" wheel base, manual lock out hubs, 195" overall length, buy them all day long for the price of new wheels and tires on a new fluff rig or a used atv. Get one and a used Prius for your daily driver and save yourself 40 grand.

Well said, I went that exact route after alot of research. I have a cheap comfortable v6 sedan that gets low to mid 30's on the highway and costs nothing to maintain and insure. Perfect for long trips visiting family, etc.
If I had to pick a new vehicle I would struggle. The 1/2 ton pickups these days are huge, heavy, and "plasticky" not to mention how hard it is becoming to find a manual transmission.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

Could the regular cab long bed powerwagon be coming back with more power?http://www.autoblog.com/2016/03/10/ram-hellcat-pickup-truck-spy-shots/

I have a hard time picturing a Hellcat Power Wagon. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of it, but I can't imagine the havoc that motor would put on a vehicle when the lockers are engaged.

 

[Dalko43]

I had the rebel out yesterday for 3 hrs while my patriot was in the shop. ITS NICE!. But 68,000 cdn....NAH! Its not worth that. I think you could pick up a cheap model, load up aftermarket suspension and goodies, and come out ahead.

How exactly is the Ram rebel mechanically different from a regular 1500? Do they even have front or rear lockers?

Seems like a product of fancy marketing more than anything else.

Back OT, I have a hard time saying that my current ride (2011 4runner trail) needs to be swapped out for anything else. It's nothing fancy, but it works well and I really don't fret too much about its reliability. I do know that eventually I will need something with a bit more storage space and towing capacity. It also bugs me that I get nearly the same mpg as some modern v8's. So, when I eventually "start over" it will be with a 2007 Ram 2500 5.9L cummins, 6-speed.

I've heard that are injector issues and front suspension items that need to be addressed with that era of ram, but overall I've heard good things about it. I'd love to go newer but I'm unsure of the engine reliability due to emissions. Also, buying diesel new is a big $ commitment and would take a lot of miles and time to pay for itself. Of course, used diesels command a higher resale value, so it's not a total loss. Buying a used, pre-emissions diesel pickup seems like the obvious choice for anyone who wants a capable towing and overlanding rig.

 

[OR2BAJA]

If it were me I would buy the same truck again. 2011.5 HO Cummins but in a long bed. Power Wagons are very much overrated. Buy a 2500 Hemi and do it right the first time with are lockers.

 

[kojackJKU]

How exactly is the Ram rebel mechanically different from a regular 1500? Do they even have front or rear lockers?

Seems like a product of fancy marketing more than anything else.

Back OT, I have a hard time saying that my current ride (2011 4runner trail) needs to be swapped out for anything else. It's nothing fancy, but it works well and I really don't fret too much about its reliability. I do know that eventually I will need something with a bit more storage space and towing capacity. It also bugs me that I get nearly the same mpg as some modern v8's. So, when I eventually "start over" it will be with a 2007 Ram 2500 5.9L cummins, 6-speed.

I've heard that are injector issues and front suspension items that need to be addressed with that era of ram, but overall I've heard good things about it. I'd love to go newer but I'm unsure of the engine reliability due to emissions. Also, buying diesel new is a big $ commitment and would take a lot of miles and time to pay for itself. Of course, used diesels command a higher resale value, so it's not a total loss. Buying a used, pre-emissions diesel pickup seems like the obvious choice for anyone who wants a capable towing and overlanding rig.

The rebel comes with air suspension that is higher than the other rams, comes with 33"x17 tires, better armor under it, and some other off road friendly stuff like different bumpers for better angles etc.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

Power Wagons are very much overrated.

Wrong.

 

[p nut]

If it were me I would buy the same truck again. 2011.5 HO Cummins but in a long bed. Power Wagons are very much overrated. Buy a 2500 Hemi and do it right the first time with are lockers.

Why are they overrated? OEM lockers, swaybar disconnect, winch, etc.--all covered by factory warranty. Price is quite reasonable compared to a regular 2500.

 

[kojackJKU]

They overrated because he don't have one. ha ha ha.

 

[b9ev]

If I was forced to get a gas truck it would be a Power Wagon. Otherwise, I would get a diesel F350 or Ram 3500. For the average person that isn't using their truck to make money towing, a diesel is more expensive to drive and more maintenance. However, after driving a diesel for years it is very hard to get used to driving a gasoline powered truck. FWIW, my deleted 6.4 F350 makes the same fuel mileage as my 3.4L v6 Tacoma.

 

[Dalko43]

The rebel comes with air suspension that is higher than the other rams, comes with 33"x17 tires, better armor under it, and some other off road friendly stuff like different bumpers for better angles etc.

Air suspension is the only thing that stands out to me...everything else is easily replicated via the aftermarket. Like I said the Rebel seems like fancy marketing more than anything else. If Ram wants to offer a truly "different" and unique 1500, they need to dig a little deeper...lockers would be a great start.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

Air suspension is the only thing that stands out to me...

I absolutely, positively do not want air suspension on anything I own. Have had it on one SUV and on three sedans, and it is way more trouble than it is worth.

 

[Clutch]

As to the original question...think I originally answered a Sprinter...believe I will have to change that...as I am finding out...need something a little more capable off-road to go fetch broken down or out of fuel dirt bikes. Tacoma (and Toyota trucks) have been working for me for 25 years....why change now?

If I had to start all over? Buy what I have already...a Tacoma. It isn't perfect, but it is pretty dang close.

 

[OR2BAJA]

Why are they overrated? OEM lockers, swaybar disconnect, winch, etc.--all covered by factory warranty. Price is quite reasonable compared to a regular 2500.

They are overrated in regards to their lockers and quality. Yes you may have a warranty with them but if it looks like you are abusing the truck then you can get left with the bill from the dealership. The winch is under powered for the size of the truck especially if it is loaded down. It runs a very similar line with the raptor great in concept and so much left to be desired. If you are not actually depending on those parts then I think you are better off building from a comparable vehicle but if you just want the cool factor then by all means.

 

[dnorrell]

They are overrated in regards to their lockers and quality. Yes you may have a warranty with them but if it looks like you are abusing the truck then you can get left with the bill from the dealership. The winch is under powered for the size of the truck especially if it is loaded down. It runs a very similar line with the raptor great in concept and so much left to be desired. If you are not actually depending on those parts then I think you are better off building from a comparable vehicle but if you just want the cool factor then by all means.

The winch might be only rated at 12,000 lbs, but it sure is tied in nicely with the frame, providing excellent strength for any pull that's not directly ahead of the vehicle. I recently faced the OP's question and finally placed our order last weekend for a 2016 Power Wagon Tradesman. For me, the warranty does bring peace of mind. I have little plans to alter the vehicle from stock (possible tire change down the road) as it is nicely equipped to do most anything I would like to with it, and I wouldn't hesitate to depend on the parts that make it a Power Wagon.

I also felt the price was very reasonable compared to the regular 2500. We ordered a Tradesman trim with a handful of options, and with current incentives and an affiliate discount, saved nearly 12k over list. I hate that they inflate the prices only to bring them back down with rebates and incentives, but at the end of the day, we are pleased with our decision and that's what matters.

Other new vehicles considered: Tacoma, 4Runner, F150, F250, and non-PW 2500. We really need the capacity of a truck and travel full-time on the road, will be pulling a very small travel trailer.

 

[p nut]

The winch might be only rated at 12,000 lbs, but it sure is tied in nicely with the frame, providing excellent strength for any pull that's not directly ahead of the vehicle. I recently faced the OP's question and finally placed our order last weekend for a 2016 Power Wagon Tradesman. For me, the warranty does bring peace of mind. I have little plans to alter the vehicle from stock (possible tire change down the road) as it is nicely equipped to do most anything I would like to with it, and I wouldn't hesitate to depend on the parts that make it a Power Wagon.

I also felt the price was very reasonable compared to the regular 2500. We ordered a Tradesman trim with a handful of options, and with current incentives and an affiliate discount, saved nearly 12k over list. I hate that they inflate the prices only to bring them back down with rebates and incentives, but at the end of the day, we are pleased with our decision and that's what matters.

Other new vehicles considered: Tacoma, 4Runner, F150, F250, and non-PW 2500. We really need the capacity of a truck and travel full-time on the road, will be pulling a very small travel trailer.

Very jealous of your purchase. I do think I still made the right call, but I can't help but think what a great ride a PW Tradesman would've been. I've seen them right at $40k or so (+/- $1k), which I think is a great price.