Power Wagon as a family Exploration Vehicle

[Pzary3233]

Hey Portal Full-size guys!

I am looking hard at a Ram 2500 Power Wagon preferably a 2023+ because I like the interior.

I'm selling my '17 Sierra 1500 Z71 as I don't ever drive it for fun, as I have not really ever cared for it, it was cheap when the opportunity arose. However, I need a truck to do truck things. I do not want to build the IFS on the Sierra. I'm done with that platform as I have had several issues with it, transmission is weak, and the engines are notorious for issues as well..

Currently my our family of 3 travels and explores in our 4 door JL with lockers and 37s everywhere. It gets tight now that my son is getting older (10). We recently went on a trip to Moab and realized I could use a full size truck for most everything we do outside of my normal Ozarks "rock-landing" or the most technical trails in Moab. I love a good rock crawling trail, but with my family we EXPLORE! I need a good exploration vehicle that is a bit more comfortable, bigger interior volume, and can take over truck duty since I am selling my Sierra.



What am I looking for?

• Solid Axle 3/4 ton truck
• Crew Cab
• Heated Seats
• Decent Technology
• 6.5' Bed
• Fit 35s but preferably 37s easily
• Gas powered (I don't NEED a diesel truck nor want the operating costs associated with one, or having to deal with the DEF/DPF/REGEN/Emissions stuff)
• Smart Cap or fiberglass topper so I can throw my Tent on top. We pack pretty minimally, I'd simply strap down my fridge, and throw our packs in the bed and roll - No need for an elaborate build out, or a slide in camper. We have a basic but tried and true camp method that is comfortable, because we would rather spend time enjoying our surroundings rather than setting up and breaking down camp. If I have 500# of gear including the topper and the tent I'd be surprised.
• Tow 8k lbs or less I will never need to tow more than 10k lbs.
• Fuel milage, It is what is, Id love to get better than my JLU where I averaged 11.5 mpg from North Mississippi to Moab and Back last week. 15mpg, is that too much to ask for on mostly highway driving?

Am I disillusioned that the Power Wagon can do what I want? I heard that it's a 3/4 ton truck with 1/2 ton truck capacity. For me that is 100% OK. My 1/2 ton did everything I needed, I didn't really ever wish for more other than more tow vehicle weight pulling my 6k lb camper in stiff winds, but pulling 7k of car and trailer was a non issue.

If I were to get a Laramie and or Diesel I would swap power wagon axles in or lockers/gears and get the swaybar but use a manual disconnect. So this is an option, but I like the idea of all the goods from the factory. I've already done all the adding on once with my JLU (Rubi Axles, Swaybar disconnect, etc), and would prefer to not to do it that way again. Is there a compelling reason to get a diesel over the 6.4L hemi for my use case?

Am I missing anything? I don't want another GM product, I'd be ok with a Ford F250 but I don't feel like it's what I am looking for.

The goal is to make the trek to Maine this summer and explore the North Maine Woods, New Brunswick Canada, and Nova Scotia and I'd rather not do it in the JLU.

Lastly, yes, it will get snorkled because we use them in the Ozarks and I will end up wheeling it where it doesn't belong.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I had a 2012 Power Wagon and loved it. If I was stepping back into the HD market it would be high on the list. Great off road capability and good ride quality. I’m not a huge fan of the rotary dial shifter on the new Ram’s, but I’m sure you would get used to it.

And yes- the snorkel/raised air intake is a must!

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

If you haven’t watched it, here’s a good Power Wagon video

 

[phsycle]

I’d either get a PW or Ford SD. But if you’re going to be towing 8k lbs, that doesn’t leave a lot of payload capacity in the PW (assuming 10% tongue weight). So in that case, I’d tip the scale to the Ford, as it would have much more payload.

Personally, I’d get an F250 (or 350, especially if you’re considering a camper in the future) with the 7.3 and Tremor package. Throw in that winch as well. Turn key, ready to go out of the box.

 

[SDDiver5]

Hmm. I'm tempted to say go with an F250 Tremor just for the towing/hauling capability if and when you need it but you don't seem to need it.

Given all things, a Super Duty Tremor and a PW are very comparable, even down to the MPG. The PW will have more articulation given the suspension, Sway bar disconnects and a true front locker where the Tremor only has a limited slip in front and no sway bat disconnect. The Tremor will be there for you if and when you need it for real truck stuff.

Where I would get concerned is when you pack for this trip you mentioned, how much stuff are you taking? The PW can be maxed out weight wise pretty quick.

I also feel like the Super Duty will have a more spacious interior but I don't know if that is accurate or not.

 

[SDDiver5]

Few other thoughts, If you're looking to buy right now, RAMs can be had for steep discounts. Seen some for 15k below MSRP.

Apparently the transmissions are garbage and have a lot of problems.

 

[Roam.Wild]

Here's our old 2023, we live full time on the road and the PW + Camper combo was amazing! 37's (no lift or suspension mods) and a soft topper. Would've loved another SmartCap (had one on our Ranger and it ruled).

We towed this camper, over 7k lbs., over 20k miles, down to the southern tip of Baja and all around the western US, and never had an issue. MPG sucks while towing on 37s though. We also had the Airlift 5000 airbags in the rear since its all coil sprung, no leafs, you'll need the extra support especially if you have a topper and RTT.

It doesn't seem you are looking at the Ram 2500 Rebel. Way different than the 1500 Rebel. It's basically a one step lower Power Wagon. Has about 80% of the off-road features, but comes in a gas or diesel and also has leafs in the rear. The payload / towing are way higher than the PW. If I was to do it over again that's what I would choose, a diesel 2500 Rebel over the Power Wagon. I didn't use the PW for as much hard offroad as I thought I would. But when I did (Moab, Ouray, etc) it was a beast!