Pzary3233
New member
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?
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.
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.
