Should it stay or should it go?

[Tex68w]

The PW is capable, no one will argue otherwise. It's a hog on fuel though, especially when it is put to work. If you're already somewhat underwhelmed by the 4runner's fuel efficiency, I don't see you being happy with the PW's. I really encourage you to go read some of the magazine reviews and fuelly results...they about match up with what I've experienced and they're not too impressive. If you can live with that subpar fuel economy, the PW is indeed the best bang for your buck in terms of offroad capability.

The Tundra would be a good vehicle to pick up used. You can easily find Limited's for ~$32k, SR5's for less. If you're put off by the platform's age and upcoming generation refresh, then I don't see why you'd consider a PW or Ram 2500 given that its in the same scenario.

This is true when it’s comes to the 2018 and older 2500, the new facelift on the 2019 is quite the step up. At the end of the day the Ram and Super Duty are pretty much on par with one another now when it comes to overall features and power plants. Deep down I am a Ford guy, I have always favored them, but I enjoyed my PW experience and have very little bad to say about it.

If I am making the move solely to have the option of a build out in the bed then it probably makes more sense to have a HD with a payload over the 1500lbs the PW offers. I was pricing out a proper lift for the F250 last night and if I didn’t cut corners a Carli 4.5” will run me north of $7K before install and wheels and tires. I could get away with a 2.5” if I stick with 37’s but it won’t save me all that much. I have kicked around the idea of a 450 as well on super singles and while it’s a step up in overall build costs, it keeps me from having to regear and I’d be hard pressed to kill the axles even with 40’s.

 

[Dalko43]

This is true when it’s comes to the 2018 and older 2500, the new facelift on the 2019 is quite the step up. At the end of the day the Ram and Super Duty are pretty much on par with one another now when it comes to overall features and power plants. Deep down I am a Ford guy, I have always favored them, but I enjoyed my PW experience and have very little bad to say about it.

If I am making the move solely to have the option of a build out in the bed then it probably makes more sense to have a HD with a payload over the 1500lbs the PW offers. I was pricing out a proper lift for the F250 last night and if I didn’t cut corners a Carli 4.5” will run me north of $7K before install and wheels and tires. I could get away with a 2.5” if I stick with 37’s but it won’t save me all that much. I have kicked around the idea of a 450 as well on super singles and while it’s a step up in overall build costs, it keeps me from having to regear and I’d be hard pressed to kill the axles even with 40’s.

Well if you're contemplating putting 37's or larger on a F-450, then I think it's safe to say that cost and fuel efficiency aren't top concerns for you.

The new 2019 Ram looks okay, but honestly nothing ground-breaking...except for the CGI engine material, it's basically the same truck with a few chassis modifications here and there.

 

[Explorerinil]

Get rid of the dogs.

Boom.... Extra space.



Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

For any dog person that’s not an option, I would get rid of my wife before my dog, and she would say the same about me.

 

[Explorerinil]

I vote for a new 19 plus power wagon, you need something with lockers and a whinch, that has it plus it’s plenty capable. Get a loaded down model, I feel like you like tech. Keep the build simple, get some thuren springs and king shocks, about 2 inch lift and some 37’s. Do nothing else but get some sort of capper for the bed. If your concerned about payload, get a carli pintop diesel suspension and put it under the PW, keeping the PW radius arms.

I say no to any diesel flat bed, keep it light and maitence simple, plus if you travel south of the boarder, I would rather run a gasser.

 

[Tex68w]

I vote for a new 19 plus power wagon, you need something with lockers and a whinch, that has it plus it’s plenty capable. Get a loaded down model, I feel like you like tech. Keep the build simple, get some thuren springs and king shocks, about 2 inch lift and some 37’s. Do nothing else but get some sort of capper for the bed. If your concerned about payload, get a carli pintop diesel suspension and put it under the PW, keeping the PW radius arms.

I say no to any diesel flat bed, keep it light and maitence simple, plus if you travel south of the boarder, I would rather run a gasser.

I like tech but I rarely use it. I need Bluetooth for my phone and music, that’s about it, I use my phone for Nav 90% of the time.

I agree about the gasser for anywhere outside of the states, definitely something to consider and the added weight of the diesel over the front axle is definitely factor when it gets wet, slick, and soft out there.

The good thing is that I am testing the waters now and seeing what’s out there and how I feel about it overall before I make a move, if I make one at all. That’s what the post is for, a sounding board of other people’s ideas, preferences, experiences, and bias.

 

[Arktikos]

I can't imagine travelling comfortably with two huge, smelly dogs in the cabin with me. My advice is to get a moderately sized pickup and pitch a tent to camp in.

 

[Tex68w]

I can't imagine travelling comfortably with two huge, smelly dogs in the cabin with me. My advice is to get a moderately sized pickup and pitch a tent to camp in.

We have considered an OZ Tent.

 

[JCMatthews]

I too have thrown around the idea of a Power Wagon. The 3/4 ton off-road capable truck is very appealing. I however, really don't like the looks of the 2019 Ram. If I were to get a PW I'd certainly by one slightly used. The 2012-2018 HD Rams look great.

 

[tony_h]

I've followed your builds I've run across here on expo and can say that your attention to detail is admirable (something I've had to set aside with three boys and a wife that can't remember where she put her keys).

I also saw your other post on a new Powerwagon and was put off by all those that seem to know best so I would say if your able to do it, and given your way of travel, do it. Get whatever you want today and sell it tomorrow; that's part of the learning process and fun. While that's an expensive way to live, it seems like a pretty tame vice compared to others. You've educated yourself on pros and cons and seem to have your better half's buy-in so why not? Those like me will live vicariously through your builds!

For me, there a lot of vehicles I would love to have and the grass is always greener on the other side. However, why not a diesel 3/4 Ram with a similar build out to the AEV/Nomad build by DPP (great video on YouTube)? Seems to check all your boxes (space, power, comfort, towing, off-road ability, etc.). You could offset some of the cost buy finding a lightly used Ram and then start the fun! If you can swing it, keep the 4runner until its finished.

So I didn't vote. It's your decision and I think you already have decided. Whatever it is, have fun and if you share, I'll be watching.

 

[Todd780]

I voted keep the 4Runner. But, I suspect we will see a new build thread before the end of the month..... lol

 

[nickw]

This is true when it’s comes to the 2018 and older 2500, the new facelift on the 2019 is quite the step up. At the end of the day the Ram and Super Duty are pretty much on par with one another now when it comes to overall features and power plants. Deep down I am a Ford guy, I have always favored them, but I enjoyed my PW experience and have very little bad to say about it.

If I am making the move solely to have the option of a build out in the bed then it probably makes more sense to have a HD with a payload over the 1500lbs the PW offers. I was pricing out a proper lift for the F250 last night and if I didn’t cut corners a Carli 4.5” will run me north of $7K before install and wheels and tires. I could get away with a 2.5” if I stick with 37’s but it won’t save me all that much. I have kicked around the idea of a 450 as well on super singles and while it’s a step up in overall build costs, it keeps me from having to regear and I’d be hard pressed to kill the axles even with 40’s.

I didn't see it mentioned, but what about a F150 with the heavy payload / max tow package? Tows 11,800 and close to 3k payload. Get it with a rear locker and throw some 33's on it with a pop up camper and call it a day.

 

[jgallo1]

I have mentioned in a few other threads that I have a love/hate relationship with the 4Runner, it's been a very polarizing vehicle for us. For starters, we are on our third one in four years so we obviously like them but we also can't stand them in the same breath and we keep buying them in an attempt to convince ourselves that we love them more lol. They are about as reliable as any modern car can get, they are affordable, they are the perfect size for most trails, they have great resale value, and the aftermarket support is very healthy. On the other end they are full of plastic that makes them feel rather cheap, the glass and body panels are paper thin, the motor and tranny combo leave a lot to be desired, it lacks most modern tech and safety features, the road noise is very noticeable (loud cabin), it gets tossed around in high winds, it wanders all over the road at highway speeds, the fuel economy is marginal (but acceptable), and everyone and their brother has one. Now some of those complaints are subjective and others are simply a product of a vehicle in its class/size, but they are worth pointing out.

For the two of us it works well around town and on short weekend get aways. However, we have two 100lb dogs which eat up most of the interior even with the seats down, and we spend a lot of time on the highway to and from work and the ranch where its most glaring fault/dislike is illuminated. For solo camping trips it's perfect for myself to camp inside, but add a second person and the interior for sleeping is out of the question without removing everything, including the fridge/freezer. Most items have to go on the roof when traveling further reducing its handling and performance. It won't tow a decent sized boat and I am not willing to dump thousands into a supercharger that has issues of its own and will likely reduce its lifespan and reliability. I love that it will likely run for forever if properly maintained and the aftermarket is here to stay and likely only improve going forward. Looks are subjective but I think it's a timeless design and the soaring sales numbers seem to back that up.

Should we find our way back into a full-size HD truck we open the opportunity of a diesel and its towing capabilities along with the multitude of campers and bed build out options. I hate that I would have to start from scratch and should I not end up back in a PW I will have to likely purchase gears, a front locker, lift, wheels/tires, bumpers, etc. so it won't be a cheap proposition. In an ideal world we'd keep the 4Runner for use around town and solo trips, but that's just not in the cards right now with all of our other irons in the fire. So chime in, let me know what you think we should do or maybe what you would do if you found yourself in a similar position. Thanks!

ha ha ha Already

 

[Saharafire]

The 8spd trans should be a major improvement in fuel economy and overall drivability in the new powerwagon. I vote new Power Wagon. It’s just hard to beat that truck when you come down to it.

 

[nickw]

I have mentioned in a few other threads that I have a love/hate relationship with the 4Runner, it's been a very polarizing vehicle for us. For starters, we are on our third one in four years so we obviously like them but we also can't stand them in the same breath and we keep buying them in an attempt to convince ourselves that we love them more lol. They are about as reliable as any modern car can get, they are affordable, they are the perfect size for most trails, they have great resale value, and the aftermarket support is very healthy. On the other end they are full of plastic that makes them feel rather cheap, the glass and body panels are paper thin, the motor and tranny combo leave a lot to be desired, it lacks most modern tech and safety features, the road noise is very noticeable (loud cabin), it gets tossed around in high winds, it wanders all over the road at highway speeds, the fuel economy is marginal (but acceptable), and everyone and their brother has one. Now some of those complaints are subjective and others are simply a product of a vehicle in its class/size, but they are worth pointing out.

For the two of us it works well around town and on short weekend get aways. However, we have two 100lb dogs which eat up most of the interior even with the seats down, and we spend a lot of time on the highway to and from work and the ranch where its most glaring fault/dislike is illuminated. For solo camping trips it's perfect for myself to camp inside, but add a second person and the interior for sleeping is out of the question without removing everything, including the fridge/freezer. Most items have to go on the roof when traveling further reducing its handling and performance. It won't tow a decent sized boat and I am not willing to dump thousands into a supercharger that has issues of its own and will likely reduce its lifespan and reliability. I love that it will likely run for forever if properly maintained and the aftermarket is here to stay and likely only improve going forward. Looks are subjective but I think it's a timeless design and the soaring sales numbers seem to back that up.

Should we find our way back into a full-size HD truck we open the opportunity of a diesel and its towing capabilities along with the multitude of campers and bed build out options. I hate that I would have to start from scratch and should I not end up back in a PW I will have to likely purchase gears, a front locker, lift, wheels/tires, bumpers, etc. so it won't be a cheap proposition. In an ideal world we'd keep the 4Runner for use around town and solo trips, but that's just not in the cards right now with all of our other irons in the fire. So chime in, let me know what you think we should do or maybe what you would do if you found yourself in a similar position. Thanks!

Seems like your are really jumping around re: your needs. Going from a 4runner to a F450 to a PW, all very different vehicles. Why not split the difference with something that is heavier duty than a 4runner but not full 1-ton+. I'd look into a heavy 1/2 like a F150, 3.5 EB with the heavy payload / tow package. Can easily build out / camperize with a FWC (or other) but have a reasonably priced rig that is going to do what it sounds like you wanna do with it. They are not sexy, but are pretty capable with oversize tires, regear and some basic mods.

The F150 HD is rated to tow/haul more than a PW and is the same size. Offroad it's not going to touch it, but that doesn't seem to be your primary use case.

 

[Tex68w]

Seems like your are really jumping around re: your needs. Going from a 4runner to a F450 to a PW, all very different vehicles. Why not split the difference with something that is heavier duty than a 4runner but not full 1-ton+. I'd look into a heavy 1/2 like a F150, 3.5 EB with the heavy payload / tow package. Can easily build out / camperize with a FWC (or other) but have a reasonably priced rig that is going to do what it sounds like you wanna do with it. They are not sexy, but are pretty capable with oversize tires, regear and some basic mods.

The F150 HD is rated to tow/haul more than a PW and is the same size. Offroad it's not going to touch it, but that doesn't seem to be your primary use case.

The 4Runner exists because the misses wanted it last year, I didn't go out and buy it after the PW was sold, it was already in the garage. I have had a 3/4-ton truck in the driveway since 2010, I don't see myself going back to a half-ton. My needs change as boats and SxS's come and go and we are constantly on the beach or at the ranch and when we are there I do pull a trailer around with livestock or a tractor, or some other assortment of AG related crap. I just got back into dual sport/enduro riding scene so I'll need a means of getting the bikes around over long distances so there's either going to be a trailer or truck coming home soon.