Power Wagon as a family Exploration Vehicle

[PeteEinMT]

The Ram Rebel is more comparable to the Ford as it has better payload (HD Springs on the Ram not leafs since a 2500)

I have had 3 Power Wagons and a 23 Tremor. I had to put airbags on each Power Wagon as it would squat soo much.

The Tremor was a 7.3 It towed way nicer than the PW (5k camping trailer) and the back seat area has much more rooms and the bed is a touch longer.

I like the Ram Steering wheel controls better Much easier to use. I also like that the Ram Sat antenna is mounted on the from of the cab in case you do a camper.

The new Power Wagon loses the Rotary shifter as it is going back to the column.(25 Model)
I can't stand the new Ram passenger Screen if you want all the good options

Both can be ordered with Vinyl FLooring (Id do the next time)
Ford can be ordered with Sleeper fold flat front seats if desired

Only had one Problem with the 21 Ram ECM went out and had to wait a few months the 19 PW and 07 PW never had any problems No issues with the Tremor either

I like both but the 7.3 in the Ford just seem smoother but also is pretty good size off-road as the Ram feels more Nimble. Both need a larger tank Transfer Flow has one for the Ford (52 gallons I think) and one is in the works for the ram.

 

[phsycle]

I'm not terribly concerned about the payload and or towing. I don't generally haul much. I've camped out of my JLU for 3 years and can't imagine wanting more. We tow our big camper at most 20 miles to the lake. If I could get a solid front axle 1/2 ton truck from the factory I would prefer it.

You mentioned that you’ll be towing 8-10k, which is why I brought up towing. Now I’m questioning why you’re looking at HD’s. Just for the SFA? Seems a bit silly to me.
Unless you’re going on a Full-size Invasion run, I’d Just get a half ton and put a nice suspension kit on it and enjoy the same offroad capability and much better fuel economy. Or just buy a Raptor.

 

[Pzary3233]

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There is a 2024 Tradesman right down the street from me for 11k off MSRP! I'd imagine you'd want something nicer but dang what a discount.

Heated seats are a must, I also like having a full console, otherwise I would nab a tradesmen with the power wagon option.

The Ram Rebel is more comparable to the Ford as it has better payload (HD Springs on the Ram not leafs since a 2500)

I have had 3 Power Wagons and a 23 Tremor. I had to put airbags on each Power Wagon as it would squat soo much.

The Tremor was a 7.3 It towed way nicer than the PW (5k camping trailer) and the back seat area has much more rooms and the bed is a touch longer.

I like the Ram Steering wheel controls better Much easier to use. I also like that the Ram Sat antenna is mounted on the from of the cab in case you do a camper.

The new Power Wagon loses the Rotary shifter as it is going back to the column.(25 Model)
I can't stand the new Ram passenger Screen if you want all the good options

Both can be ordered with Vinyl FLooring (Id do the next time)
Ford can be ordered with Sleeper fold flat front seats if desired

Only had one Problem with the 21 Ram ECM went out and had to wait a few months the 19 PW and 07 PW never had any problems No issues with the Tremor either

I like both but the 7.3 in the Ford just seem smoother but also is pretty good size off-road as the Ram feels more Nimble. Both need a larger tank Transfer Flow has one for the Ford (52 gallons I think) and one is in the works for the ram.

Thank you for the post, I really appreciate the information! I knew the 7.3 Tremor would be a power house, I've seen some 1 ton dually 7.3 gas burners putting in work! The passenger screen just seems.... Excessive... I am probably going with a 23 or 24 rather than a 25. So I can get the Level 2 interior without that screen.

You mentioned that you’ll be towing 8-10k, which is why I brought up towing. Now I’m questioning why you’re looking at HD’s. Just for the SFA? Seems a bit silly to me.
Unless you’re going on a Full-size Invasion run, I’d Just get a half ton and put a nice suspension kit on it and enjoy the same offroad capability and much better fuel economy. Or just buy a Raptor.

I understand what you are saying. I feel like at the 1/2 ton options are just mediocre for my needs (Prove me wrong?). My brother in law had a '23 raptor, that was a big piece of junk! The interior was coming apart and he had so many electrical issues that the dealer couldn't figure out, finally traded out of it for a Ram 2500 CTD. I've taken my current Sierra to the Ozarks with skinny 34s and I will not ever do that again in it's current state. Sure long travel suspension, fiberglass flares, and almost a prerunner style build, I could fit a 37, gain some ground clearance, and make it work. However, locker options are non existent for the front on the GM platform and I am not a fan of the truck in general The engine will go south shortly and I've already had to put a transmission in it and there are a lot of bugs I just don't want to deal with anymore. .

 

[phsycle]

I understand what you are saying. I feel like at the 1/2 ton options are just mediocre for my needs (Prove me wrong?). My brother in law had a '23 raptor, that was a big piece of junk! The interior was coming apart and he had so many electrical issues that the dealer couldn't figure out, finally traded out of it for a Ram 2500 CTD. I've taken my current Sierra to the Ozarks with skinny 34s and I will not ever do that again in it's current state. Sure long travel suspension, fiberglass flares, and almost a prerunner style build, I could fit a 37, gain some ground clearance, and make it work. However, locker options are non existent for the front on the GM platform and I am not a fan of the truck in general The engine will go south shortly and I've already had to put a transmission in it and there are a lot of bugs I just don't want to deal with anymore. .

QC and electrical issues would also carry over to HD’s. But I have had good luck with the two F150’s I’ve had. No electrical issues and ran great. (Both Ecoboost).
I’m not sure what type of terrain/trails you’ll be on. Never been to the Ozarks. My playground is So and central Utah, SW Colorado, etc. I keep wanting to justify a HD (PW or Tremor), but I can’t do it. Half tons and my Jeep does the job. Ford and Ram come with rear lockers (Chev ZR2 comes with F & R, but you have your issues with GM), and so does Toyota but I wouldn’t touch a Tundra right now.
My demands for a truck these days is just getting to camp spots and trailheads in the back country so most any half ton will do.
But if I were in your shoes, I’d probably go with an F150 XLT or Lariat, option for locked 3.73, and install King or Icon’s. Or similar with a Ram.

 

[TommyG]

We are on our second Wagon (2012 and 2021) and I think it is hard to beat right out of the box for family adventures and light/moderate off road. We tow a 32 foot camper that is around 7,500 wet and loaded. No airbags just a quality weight distribution/sway control hitch.

I would want a diesel and stiffer rear suspension if I were towing heavy or thinking of a slide in camper but for us to take the travel trailer as a home base or tent camp with all of the things it is just about perfect. A Thuren rear track bar is almost a must on the coil sprung rear. They tend to wallow around with the factory setup. We have not gotten any further than wheels and tires and and track bar on our 2021 and does really well.

Mrs. G has a JL Rubicon Unlimited so I go from one to the other fairly often. For anything other than a local trip, we take the Wagon. It goes down the road nice as you please even with 37s. Open road trips where you can set the cruise control and let it eat yield mileage that is on par with the other trucks and Jeeps we have had over the years. Going from the Jeep to the truck is familiar since the controls, etc. work the same. It would be nice to have a bigger fuel tank but my not so young body is grateful for the stops to stretch and walk around.

Similar to the Jeep you can bring one home, pack it up and go. There are always upgrades to do but they are pretty great right out of the box. Oh yeah, you do have to take the silly valence off of the front bumper before you tear it off but that is about it.

PA to the Great Salt Lake, down to Moab and back through Colorado with a run over the Alpine Loop with stock gearing and 37s:

 

[SDDiver5]

Dang you get 15MPG on your power wagon? That's awesome!

This whole thread is making me want one again

 

[Pzary3233]

We are on our second Wagon (2012 and 2021) and I think it is hard to beat right out of the box for family adventures and light/moderate off road. We tow a 32 foot camper that is around 7,500 wet and loaded. No airbags just a quality weight distribution/sway control hitch.

I would want a diesel and stiffer rear suspension if I were towing heavy or thinking of a slide in camper but for us to take the travel trailer as a home base or tent camp with all of things it is just about perfect. A Thuren rear track bar is almost a must on the coil sprung rear. They tend to wallow around with the factory setup. We have not gotten any further than wheels and tires and and track bar on our 2021 and does really well.

Mrs. G has a JL Rubicon Unlimited so I go from one to the other fairly often. For anything other than a local trip, we take the Wagon. It goes down the road nice as you please even with 37s. Open road trips where you can set the cruise control and let it eat yield mileage that is on par with the other trucks and Jeeps we have had over the years. Going from the Jeep to the truck is familiar since the controls, etc. work the same. It would be nice to have a bigger fuel tank but my not so young body is grateful for the stops to stretch and walk around.

Similar to the Jeep you can bring one home, pack it up and go. There are always upgrades to do but they are pretty great right out of the box. Oh yeah, you do have to take the silly valence off of the front bumper before you tear it off but that is about it.

PA to the Great Salt Lake, down to Moab and back through Colorado with a run over the Alpine Loop with stock gearing and 37s:

This is EXACTLY my use case, and at 15 mpg I am HAPPY with that. I love my JLU and think that a "bigger" version would work well for me.

When towing the trailer, do you wish for more power from the 6.4? Or does it hold its own on grades?

Thank you for the first hand "review" of the Power Wagon.

 

[Pzary3233]

QC and electrical issues would also carry over to HD’s. But I have had good luck with the two F150’s I’ve had. No electrical issues and ran great. (Both Ecoboost).
I’m not sure what type of terrain/trails you’ll be on. Never been to the Ozarks. My playground is So and central Utah, SW Colorado, etc. I keep wanting to justify a HD (PW or Tremor), but I can’t do it. Half tons and my Jeep does the job. Ford and Ram come with rear lockers (Chev ZR2 comes with F & R, but you have your issues with GM), and so does Toyota but I wouldn’t touch a Tundra right now.
My demands for a truck these days is just getting to camp spots and trailheads in the back country so most any half ton will do.
But if I were in your shoes, I’d probably go with an F150 XLT or Lariat, option for locked 3.73, and install King or Icon’s. Or similar with a Ram.

We have very different playgrounds, out west there is more "room" so to speak, here it is tight, rocky, technical, lots of mud, and water crossings galore.

 

[TommyG]

This is EXACTLY my use case, and at 15 mpg I am HAPPY with that. I love my JLU and think that a "bigger" version would work well for me.

When towing the trailer, do you wish for more power from the 6.4? Or does it hold its own on grades?

Thank you for the first hand "review" of the Power Wagon.

You will not get 15 mpg everywhere. It is closer to 10 mpg around town and 12-13mpg on the highway when I drive locally. Open road in the wide open spaces it does pretty well.

Pulling the camper is no problem out East. I don't have to deal with miles and miles of climbing like you find in the western mountains so I can't give you any real world feedback there. If I had to drag anything heavier than what we have I am pretty sure that I would want more truck. I don't like being at the ragged edge of cargo or towing capacity.

 

[Roam.Wild]

Thanks for the real world insight, 8mpg with 7k lbs that's fine by me. Were you wanting more power pulling the camper or did you feel like it was good for what you were pulling?

Never felt like it lacked power at all, the gearing and transmission are wonderful. I know the other user posted he was getting 15 mpg, I was regularly seeing on 11-12 when not towing, on 37s.

 

[Pzary3233]

You will not get 15 mpg everywhere. It is closer to 10 mpg around town and 12-13mpg on the highway when I drive locally. Open road in the wide open spaces it does pretty well.

Pulling the camper is no problem out East. I don't have to deal with miles and miles of climbing like you find in the western mountains so I can't give you any real world feedback there. If I had to drag anything heavier than what we have I am pretty sure that I would want more truck. I don't like being at the ragged edge of cargo or towing capacity.

Then it sounds like the Power Wagon will work well for me. I live in the South East where we don't have passes etc. Any long distance travel will be without a trailer.

 

[Pzary3233]

Never felt like it lacked power at all, the gearing and transmission are wonderful. I know the other user posted he was getting 15 mpg, I was regularly seeing on 11-12 when not towing, on 37s.

That's also good to know, MPG is a by product of having the correct vehicle for the mission.

We had some work trucks with the 6.7L engine and the milage was ok 14-15 in town and if they had a load, quite a bit less. I'm ok with that.

I think you hit the nail on the head the gearing is great and the 8 speed is pretty good as well. I'm a big fan of the ZF 8 speed.

 

[Pzary3233]

You will not get 15 mpg everywhere. It is closer to 10 mpg around town and 12-13mpg on the highway when I drive locally. Open road in the wide open spaces it does pretty well.

Pulling the camper is no problem out East. I don't have to deal with miles and miles of climbing like you find in the western mountains so I can't give you any real world feedback there. If I had to drag anything heavier than what we have I am pretty sure that I would want more truck. I don't like being at the ragged edge of cargo or towing capacity.

When you were doing the passes in CO, did you find that the size of the truck was almost too big for the shelf roads or were you comfortable with it? Did you run Mineral Creek after Engineer Pass?

 

[phsycle]

We have very different playgrounds, out west there is more "room" so to speak, here it is tight, rocky, technical, lots of mud, and water crossings galore.

Would you want a full size truck for those tight trails? It’s tight enough out here. Can’t imagine driving a HD through anything tighter.

By the way, in the San Juans, big trucks do ok. Definitely have to watch some parts but Engineer, Imogene, etc, I’ve seen full-size trucks on them several times. Wouldn’t recommend Black Bear, though.
Not my cup of tea, though. In my Jeep is fun. Don’t want to take anything bigger.

 

[Tex68w]

I've had both and I find myself torn in this comparison. IMHO if you want to spend less then get the RAM Power Wagon, if you want a Jeep Rubicon Gladiator on a 3/4-ton chassis with a V8 get a Power Wagon. If you want the better overall truck that's an actual 3/4-ton in every aspect get the Ford Super Duty Tremor, if you want a diesel get the Tremor, and if you want a bigger cabin get the Tremor.

I love things about both but if it were my money I'd buy the gasser version of the Ford Super Duty Tremor simply because it's the better overall truck. If you simply want a true off-roader in a full-size truck platform first and foremost with everything else being secondary then you should buy the Power Wagon. The one perk to the RAM at the moment is how much they are discounting on the lot trucks. It's not unusual at the moment to see them marked down some $15K or more.

Highlights for the RAM Power Wagon

• Excellent off-road capabilities out of the box with the lockers an sway-bar disconnect
• Solid motor that has plenty of aftermarket support
• Winch comes standard
• Thuren and Carli kits when you're ready to upgrade
• Fits 37's with a front coil swap

Drawbacks for the RAM Power Wagon

• Horrid fuel economy
• Meh transmission and dial shifter on late models
• Smaller cab
• 1/2-ton payload and towing capability
• Stellantis is a dumpster fire at the moment
• No diesel option

Highlights for the Ford Super Duty Tremor

• Excellent motor with slightly better fuel economy than the Hemi (speaking to the gasser 7.3L Godzilla motor)
• Available in a diesel
• True 3/4-ton payload and towing capability
• Bigger cab with better layout (subjective/personal)
• Better fit/finish/build quality/resale value
• Carli kits for easy quality suspension upgrade
• Fits 37's on stock suspension

Drawbacks for the Ford Super Duty Tremor

• No AEV goodies
• More expensive
• Suspension doesn't compare to the RAM out of the box
• No sway-bar disconnect
• Winch is a $3K+ add-on accessory