Pequod - A 2019 Ram Power Wagon Build

[nater]

How do you like the fog film and the light output after applying it?

So far - I have not lost any light output that I can tell... It still has some "fog" under it from the install - but they (Lamin-x) assure me it will go away over time, and it does appear to be improving daily with the warmer weather. I would not recommend installing when it is cold out (ie- wait til spring/summer). It is significant the change in color temp - I will try and get some evening pictures.

 

[Pnwfullsize]

You make a valid point and that many cup holders is awesome. I just like the cleaner look of a full console in all trucks. Never been a fan of the jump seat style. Had that in my old F150 and hated it.

Good point! I do like the look of a full console but man these power wagon interiors are sweet! Especially the loaded ones.

I have the console in my truck (Not a Ram or Power Wagon) but after having it, I wouldn't want a middle seat. It's nice having the deep storage areas for junk.

Personally, I would never have a need for a 6th seat.

The seat is a joke anyway. I did like how deep the console was in my f150 but i love the hidden under seat storage in the ram.

 

[nater]

Good point! I do like the look of a full console but man these power wagon interiors are sweet! Especially the loaded ones.

View attachment 575671



The seat is a joke anyway. I did like how deep the console was in my f150 but i love the hidden under seat storage in the ram.

Its an even nicer place in the 2019's - the interior upgrade is not to be underestimated between a 2018 and a 2019 - it follows the 5th gen 1500 interior style, and it really makes a huge improvement. As far as the 6 cup holders, unfortunately, that went away... you only get 3 now. The lower portion that surrounds the transfer case lever (the reason PW's dont come with console's is because of the manual transfer case) no longer has 3 cup holders in it... I am looking at retrofitting a 2018 style one in, but it will require some surgery around the dash area, since the shape changed on the 2019's.

As far as console vs jumpseat - I have never used my jumpseat (nor do I expect to)... I have considered removing it for 2 reasons - put a fridge there, or put a console of my design there. All that being said - with all the other plus's from this platform, I dont think it is a deal killer for myself. Having had electronic transfer case's fail in the past - I love my manual one... just please lord replace the 1980's Fiat style knob... It was the cheapest looking piece in the entire trucks interior.

 

[Pnwfullsize]

Its an even nicer place in the 2019's - the interior upgrade is not to be underestimated between a 2018 and a 2019 - it follows the 5th gen 1500 interior style, and it really makes a huge improvement. As far as the 6 cup holders, unfortunately, that went away... you only get 3 now. The lower portion that surrounds the transfer case lever (the reason PW's dont come with console's is because of the manual transfer case) no longer has 3 cup holders in it... I am looking at retrofitting a 2018 style one in, but it will require some surgery around the dash area, since the shape changed on the 2019's.

As far as console vs jumpseat - I have never used my jumpseat (nor do I expect to)... I have considered removing it for 2 reasons - put a fridge there, or put a console of my design there. All that being said - with all the other plus's from this platform, I dont think it is a deal killer for myself. Having had electronic transfer case's fail in the past - I love my manual one... just please lord replace the 1980's Fiat style knob... It was the cheapest looking piece in the entire trucks interior.

I test drove a 2019 before getting my 2018 and the interior was amazing! It did look like something was missing near the transfer case lever though. A fridge would be awesome to fit in the center!

 

[nater]

Here is a highly recommended upgrade for the dash speakers - huge difference in sound for 10 minutes of work and not much money - infinity reference coaxial speakers... the factory full range guys just can't compete.

Bad part - they come as pairs, so I have an extra - if anyone wants it let me know, make you a good deal, comes with adapter harness for direct plug and play.

 

[taliv]

my '17 2500 has the laramie trim bench seat instead of center console. i love it. if you have a gf, it's definitely the way to go. that's all i'll say about that!

the comment about fuel tank size is spot on. it's sad. i'd really like to figure out how to double the capacity

 

[dctemby]

I’ve enjoyed reading up on your build. There’s a number of ideas here that I'm considering as I start working on our PW.

I’m curious — now that a few months have passed, how did the Yaesu FTM-400 install work out? I’m looking at the same radio, the same mounting location under the back seat, and the same Breedlove NMO stake mount. What antenna did you use?

I completely agree about not drilling holes if you don’t have to. It’s not that I won’t, but I’d rather try something a little less invasive first. (And not worrying about antennas smacking tree limbs doesn’t suck)

 

[nater]

So, after taking a break, mods start again...

First up is a mount for my fire extinguisher and flashlight.

The mount is by desert does it, and gives you a small molle panel under your seat.



The trim piece needed a little dremel action to fit around the new mount, but it came out pretty clean looking

The fire extinguisher is by element, and gives me 100 seconds of no residue, highly effective fire extinguishing capability.

The flashlight is a usb c rechargeable led unit that is 3000 lumens on high, and comes in handy constantly.

 

[nater]

I’ve enjoyed reading up on your build. There’s a number of ideas here that I'm considering as I start working on our PW.

I’m curious — now that a few months have passed, how did the Yaesu FTM-400 install work out? I’m looking at the same radio, the same mounting location under the back seat, and the same Breedlove NMO stake mount. What antenna did you use?

I completely agree about not drilling holes if you don’t have to. It’s not that I won’t, but I’d rather try something a little less invasive first. (And not worrying about antennas smacking tree limbs doesn’t suck)

Ended up never getting around to it... but for a good reason (hopefully I can show it off in a few months.

 

[nater]

Next up was some auxiliary lighting. I have a pair of LP9's, but until I figure out an acceptable mounting solution, I needed something.

I love baja designs, but feedback on their cowl mount brackets has been poor, and it restricts the size light you can mount too much.

SDHQ has released their cowl mounts, and allow a XL80 to be mounted.

I wanted a bit more spread to the sides, so added S1's off to the sides.

The baja designs harness was just too short for my tastes, so I ended up making my own (and moving to my preferred deutch connectors

 

[nater]

Finally took a few minutes to run my antenna wire and mount up an antenna... finally, it's been too long without a radio!

Parts list was stolen from @HeliNomad . My radio is on a custom bracket under the 60% side of my rear seat, and the cable was almost exactly the correct length to run through the door sills to my radio. The antenna bracket needed a small "nudge" to be level, but nothing I could not do by hand.

This is likely a temporary solution until my plan comes together and the antenna is relocated.

Next up is the nmo for my gmrs radio - that will be off the passenger side cowl mount light a la @St8ton .

 

[nater]

It could be that I am late to the party, or that I just never realized folks were using these, but I recently discovered a fused battery terminal from blue sea that I think is very interesting. Hard to have the fuse closer than on the terminal. I used this for my 100 amp run to under my back seat.

You can get them in 1,2, and 3 stud versions, and fuses from 100amp to 300 amp.

Need to run a few more cables, and then I'm done with power items for now.

 

[nater]

And finally finished running the remote head cables for my radio... so far, this set up is working very very well...

 

[nater]

Finally finished the wiring - I used some crazy nice bulkhead connectors to make the mic's easily detached - the issue was finding a matching set both for the ftm400 and Midland connectors. Turned out pretty nice. Protip for those following me, put them lower than I did, and use the hex grid on the back to get them even with each other.

 

[nater]

Little sneak peak of the new addition