Just about to pull the trigger on a PW till I saw its payload capacity

[Pilotamis]

http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2011/docs/ram/rammlup2500.pdf

Anyone know why a PW has a payload capacity of 1780#'s with a base weight of 6730#'s and a non PW 2500 of the same size is 2550 with a base weight of 6246#'s? I assume it has to do with the suspension. I had myself talked into one but the payload capacity is now by best guess 200#'s light. After reading some other forums people are posting pics with theirs stock squatting with only 1500#'s. I figure I'll be close to 2000#'s between TC, wife, 2 kids, and all our toys for a year.

 

[calicamper]

Read another post some place discussing this issue. Has something to do with the trail racing suspension set up vs the typical Pickup max hauling capability. I was surprised to see that also but makes sense is they are targeting the Raptor desert racer type off road handling the suspension won't be set up for really heavy work.

 

[KSmart]

They have softer springs for better off road articulation .

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

The base weight on a PW is almost 500lbs more? That's a lot of suspension add ons.

 

[BTC70]

Doesn't it also have a winch and locking diffs? I would think that the winch and the mounting hardware would add some significant weight (up to 150 lbs, maybe)

 

[neliconcept]

I've also been wondering about this myself! I have been thinking of a 2500 cummins and the PW and I'm still torn on what to do. I want to throw on a shell and a lot of stuff in the back, as well as a tire carrier, and maybe a smaller secondary fuel cell. I think with it being only suspension that you could easily change the Payload capacity as long as the frame is the same no?

 

[neliconcept]

Doesn't it also have a winch and locking diffs? I would think that the winch and the mounting hardware would add some significant weight (up to 150 lbs, maybe)

Also the 33s and the 6.4L hemi? The other numbers might be for the stock 2500 5.7. Not sure. but that is a good bit of difference in weight.

 

[jaxyaks]

The 2500 with the 6.4 by rams specs payload is 3900# I just bought one of these a week ago (non power wagon 2500 with 6.4). I will say if you are going to do a lot of off-roading that will require your suspension to be at max articulation (rock climbing etc.) you will probably want the power wagon. The non pw version of this truck is stiff, but you can haul a lot of gear. 1780# is pretty low, I had a Ram 1500 V6 that's payload was 1700. I guess it is all about what you need the truck for. I needed something that would haul and tow without too much strain, and being able to load up the family and hit the woods is a nice bonus.

But the ride is pretty stiff getting there..lol

 

[east_tn_81]

Purposely built 4x4 vs a work truck. Softer springs for better rock crawling not for carrying loads. This is no difference then any other sport truck out there. You could always buy the base ram and build it up.

 

[Pilotamis]

There won't be any rock crawling with it. I liked the PW's concept but need a stiffer suspension. For me it's going to be tough to justify the increase in price knowing I'm still going to have to replace the suspension anyway. I'm leaning towards just getting a base 2500 and using the money saved on bumpers, winch, and a better suspension. I'm sure I could use the lockers at some point but I don't think they're priority for where and what I plan on doing with the truck.

 

[TommyG]

We just went through this dilemma and ended up with the Power Wagon. The logic being that adding airbags, even a costly Carli setup, to the Power Wagon would be a lot less costly than adding lockers, bumper and winch to a 2500 with an oil burner. We are not close to needing the additional cargo capacity at present but a Four Wheel Camper may be a future purchase so we were taking that into account. Not insisting this is the right route for you, but food for thought.

 

[neliconcept]

Don't forget the AAM axles are not on the other 2500s I believe? So beefier axles? unless you go with a 3500. Please do correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[crismateski]

The base weight on a PW is almost 500lbs more? That's a lot of suspension add ons.

in that 500 lbs there is also a winch with mount and skid plates

 

[PowerWagner]

I don't know, does it squat? I carry about 1200 lbs in the bed at all times with the shell, carpet kit, rack, and gear. The trailer is another 600 lbs on the hitch.

The PW will flex well and has taken me, family of four, two dogs, and gear everywhere I've pointed it.

 

[TwinStick]

There won't be any rock crawling with it. I liked the PW's concept but need a stiffer suspension. For me it's going to be tough to justify the increase in price knowing I'm still going to have to replace the suspension anyway. I'm leaning towards just getting a base 2500 and using the money saved on bumpers, winch, and a better suspension. I'm sure I could use the lockers at some point but I don't think they're priority for where and what I plan on doing with the truck.

Yes sir, that was me too. Easy peasy fix. Hellwig Load Pro 35's. About $380 to your door. I tow at max weight. No issues. The added flex is NOT just for rock crawling. More contact with the ground = more traction. I LOVE my Power Wagon. Lockers do not get used all that much...BUT...they are worth their weight in gold when you need them. And really, why are people complaining about 150 lb weight difference in a full sized truck ??? 12,000 lb winch, 2" lift, 33" tires, underbody skid plates & support system, Bilstein shocks, lockers rear & front, elec disconnecting swaybar for more articulation, forged alum rims w/tire ribs machined in (to help keep tire from rolling off at lower pressures) MORE than make up for any weight difference IMHO. Plus, all those 26P options were only $6200 more on my truck. Not too shabby when you consider: $2000 per axle for lockers (unless u do the labor), $2000 for winch & mount,etc.. .

Simply put: It is the most off-road capable jack-of-all-trades factory full sized pick up truck sold today (and since 2005), period.


2008 Dodge Power Wagon w/G56 6-speed manual. Tows a 2005 Keystone TailGator ToyHauler, 10,500 lbs, 1250 lb hitch weight empty. It is NEVER empty. 2 30# propane tanks, 2 deep cycle batteries & a 2'x4'x8' pass through storage---all just behind the hitch. 100 gal fresh water tank= 830 lbs in front of rear axles.