Tundra.... Would you switch from a new Ram Powerwagon?

[Judoka]

I own a 2012 Power Wagon and LOVE it!!!! I have ridden in a new Tundra and was simply not impressed; though the ride was okay, the ergonomics and interior layout are hideous to me. (beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I know, LOL!) I don't honestly know how the new Tundra does offroad but, looking at it over and under, I really doubt it would do anywhere near as well as a Power Wagon. Also, you cannot fit as generous of a tire size with minimal lift on a Tundra as a Power Wagon my Power Wagon is on a 3" Carli suspension (just under 2" of lift vs where it sat stock since the Power Wagon sits higher than a regular 2500 stock) and runs 37x12.50R17 Nitto Trail Grapplers on stock wheels. The ONLY thing I like better about the Tundra vs the Power Wagon is how the whole rear window of the Tundra rolls down, that is really neat! (but, not enough to make me even remotely think of buying a Tundra vs my Power Wagon) On a side note- no, I am not brand biased, the Power Wagon is actually the first Dodge I ever bought! (okay, yeah, they call them Rams now but, there are still Dodge logos on/in it)

If I were you, I would simply build your current 2014 2500 Ram (I think I recall reading that is your current rig???) into a Power Wagon-
Carli supsension 3" lift (it is different for a 2014+ than the Carli 3" lift I have on my 2012 but, they make a great product!)
ARB lockers front and rear with 4.88 gears (rather than the 4.56 gears in my 2012 or the 4.10 gears in the 2014+ Power Wagons)
The front bumper of your choice with a 12K+ lb capacity winch
Some custom made skidplates
Then, you have almost the same setup as a Power Wagon, lacking not but 3 things:
1) Limited slip rearend (when not locked)- depending on your outlook on this, the lack of a permanent limited slip can be a plus or a minus
2) Electronic disconnect swaybar- yeah, it will be a PITA to go under the truck and disconnect the swaybar ends manually and tie them out of the way (when you need more flex) but, it's really not that bad, I did it all the time with my ZJ and, not having the electronic swaybar disconnect eliminates the Achille's Heel electrical gremlin of the Power Wagon.
3) It's not a Power Wagon- so, you can't legitimately run the sweet tailgate badge, BOO-HOO!!! (LOL!)

Honestly, after having Rubicons I realized the value of a locker. However, with the limited slip dif and traction control or a little Brake/Throttle action I have not seen many places I could not go. In fact the most capable rock crawler I ever had only had a limited slip in the back and a locker in the front, and it went everywhere, but was civilized on the pavement in snow. If you want to see lockers at their worst, use them in very slick mud or ice and snow. I literally spun like a tom with locked up in slick mud in my Rubicon! I figured for what I intend to drive any modifications I would do would delete the advantages of a Power Wagon. So why pay twice? Like I said, I have put this truck through it, and it still amazes me how capable it is.

 

[NorCalHawk]

Perhaps you're comparing apples to oranges. You should be comparing the Ram 1500 4x4 (gas) to the Toyota Tundra 4x4. These trucks are more inline with your question, unless I'm missing something. They are both in the 1/2 ton category and will carry your stuff, etc. The Ram 2500 4x4 gas/diesel, is all around a bigger heavy duty truck...frame, springs, brakes, clutch/transmission, etc., etc. BTW, I have a '02 Tundra V8 4x4 and it has been extremely reliable...However, I do question the new Tundra's. I have driven both and the new Tundra's seems to be cheaper interior (the feel and the look) with a lot of plastic compared to the Ram, 1500/2500/3500. That said, when I'm ready to upgrade it will be a 2500 Ram, I need payload...my 2 cents.

 

[NorCalHawk]

Dodge?
So where is RAM on that chart? I see Dodge, but not RAM. In the interest of accuracy in 2015, it would seem that a manufacturer or any organization gathering accurate information would not overlook the fact that Ram is not Dodge. In fact I see Buick, Saturn etc. instead of just GM, so it seems less credible to me. Semantics maybe, but it created doubt in my mind as to the accuracy or at the very least the competency of those gathering the data.

Exactly and right on! Less credible. Forget about the dealers charts and surveys, and check out Consumer Reports...they maybe more credible.

 

[toylandcruiser]

Exactly and right on! Less credible. Forget about the dealers charts and surveys, and check out Consumer Reports...they maybe more credible.

http://www.newsday.com/classifieds/...015-include-lexus-mazda-and-toyota-1.10387053

Toyota is in 2 of the top 3 spots. Dodge and jeep in the lowest.


The following is a signature.
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

 

[NorCalHawk]

http://www.newsday.com/classifieds/...015-include-lexus-mazda-and-toyota-1.10387053

Toyota is in 2 of the top 3 spots. Dodge and jeep in the lowest.


The following is a signature.
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Hate it when I'm (if) wrong....I put a fair amount of trust in CR. If Toyota made a 3/4 ton diesel I would be first in line.

 

[justcuz]

Consumer Reports just got reemed by other media outlets on their testing of a Tesla. They were gushing over a road test of a car they did not even use their own testing criteria on. Automotive News has a good article on it.
Consumer Reports stepped in it big time from a credibility standpoint.

 

[Judoka]

Well, when it was all done and finished, I kept my RAM. And...Went back to Chrysler Sales, even though it was more than 100 miles away from my home. So, I get to do some camping again I guess. HA! Now, in all fairness, one thing that I did learn working with Toyota after training, selling and even touring Plant #1KK Georgetown KY is that unlike Chrysler, Toyota for the most part produces quality products across the board! My only issue was their representation of the Tundra really. It was NOT the truck that it was made out to be in my opinion and I am very glad that I did not trade out!

 

[2025 deleted member]

I would have kept the PW also. Did I read above correctly? You toured vehicle factories before choosing?

 

[Dr. Cornwallis]

Not just a no, but a resounding hell no. That's coming from a "toyota guy." The specs of the PW Speak for them selves. Some things I can think of right off the top off head as to why I would rather have a PW

-solid axles
-front and rear lockers
-coil spring rear end
-manual transfer case

That alone is enough, not to mention the current generation dodge is infinitely better looking, and probably better built.


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[Judoka]

I would have kept the PW also. Did I read above correctly? You toured vehicle factories before choosing?

No, PlainjaneFJC. I toured that facility because I was selling Toyotas until recently and while having a beer one night in Kentucky I met a big wig who worked at the plant. So, trying to be a good Toyota salesman I took him up on the offer when he asked I wanted to see the place. I must say, I was impressed!

 

[2025 deleted member]

OK. That makes sense now. Good luck with the PW.

 

[Judoka]

Thanks!