2017+ Power Wagon - Thoughts and Opinions?

So I've found myself in an interesting predicament...

While vehicle shopping with my wife's parents, (this is a whole different story, but mother-in-law and father-in-law are downsizing to one vehicle since he can no longer drive[footnote 1]), we spent a decent amount of time at the local chrysler/jeep/dodge dealer [footnote 2]. While the in-laws were test driving numerous Grand Cherokees, I wandered into a 2018 power wagon. Holy shit is that thing nice. It essentially comes lifted from the factory, solid front axle, and 33" tires (based on the space I could easily fit 35s without any work). My plan for the Taco is to essentially do the same (mild lift and 33s like everyone else around here...minus a solid axle of course) in the next year or so. I refused to take it for a test drive because I didn't want to spend more time there than I already had, but the experience got me doing some research - hence this post.

I like my Tacoma, I legitimately do. It's a manual, and likely the last type of mid-sized manual truck that will ever be made. It's got some nice amenities and I'm fairly confident that it'll run trouble free longer than I will likely keep it. That said, it's pretty tempting to want to step into a Power Wagon. The interior was really nice, it has all the space that a 2500/250 type truck can offer. If I were to finish mods on the taco, or upsize to a Tundra, as far as my use case is concerned, performance would be similar.

Does anyone have experiences with the newer Power Wagons or late model 2500s? What was the good or bad? With the exception of a brief stint with an expensive German (B7 S4), all I've owned are Toyota's and they've all been understated and reliable. I've got no idea where Ram trucks stand today, but the Power Wagon is far from understated. It makes me shudder to say that.

OA




[footnote 1]: Father-in-law was diagnosed with PSP in the last year, it's a POS disease and moves quickly.

[footnote 2]: Most of my in-law's family worked for the big 3 American automakers at one point or another (the family is from NW Ohio). Since I've known my wife, they've only ever owned Chrysler or Ford products as those were the companies they worked for.

General note: I didn't bring up price for a few reasons. Rebates/discounts for domestic trucks are nuts. I can also get a Chrysler Control number from my wife's uncle for a decent discount before applying rebates/incentives. For the sake of argument I figured the only price worth discussing was maintenance or reliability related costs. I also don't need a new truck, but have seriously been considering going to a full size to accommodate passengers, which I have way more of than I intended.

Other general note: The ram forums are all focused on 1500s or totally dead. Tacoma world has a lot of folks who have been into a trucks for a long time and is generally more lively.

 

@RPS1030

 

Took one for a short test drive this summer.
Engine feels great. Throttle is very short (pedal travel is 1/2 the tacoma - strange to get used to).
Interior is very nice.
It rides like a tank. Super stiff suspension. It is a heavy duty truck.

 

To say I love my 2016 Tradesman PW is an understatement.

37s on stock suspension (mild trimming) and 12-13 mpg
410 hp, front and rear e-lockers, elec sway bar disconnect, soft coil sprung linked solid Axles front and rear.

Rides better than the GFs Taco on Bilsteins in our opinion.

Lead trail runs and end up towing home broken Jeeps. If it can fit, it's the most capable truck on the market. Tow heavy Yotas across the country with plenty of stability comfort and confidence.

Campfire talks about what truck would you get if budget was almost no object and I gladly say mine with minor options changes. For a chronic truck trader to be at almost 2 years in and loving it and planning for the long haul.

Do eet

 

I know you don't get a power wagon for mpg's but damn that must hurt. Also going off on a tangent here can Ram just hurry up and drop a Cummins in the PW already? People have been begging for this forever.

If I didn't want a diesel so bad I would definitely buy a Power Wagon. It's the best of both worlds... a jeep that has the capability of a truck.

 

Compared to the number of times an honest Taco driver says less with smaller tires and less capacity.

Diesels are dead to me. I don't want to pay an extra 10k for more complexity, higher maintenance costs, and more annoyances. I don't want or need to tow heavy or frequently.

Diesel weighs so much more over the front end. The intercooler would not allow the winch. There aren't enough PW sales to enable that many options. Almost surprised they do offer 3 trim levels.

It is a Jeep Rubicon with real Axles that don't have to be swapped and a big V8.

 

Yer Boner is Showing

 

It ain’t gonna touch itself, bro!

 

Now be a gentleman around my big girl.

 

No shame. I’m gonna walk to your place, like the happiest MFer on earth.

 

Just let the TruckMance happen.

 

Swiggity swooty!

 

This was shocking at first but an equivalently equipped Taco (even partially so) is getting about the same. Without the benefits that the power wagon offers. That’s a big part of writing off the MPGs to me.

Great write up. Any notable reliability issues or expensive fixes?

OA

 

Nope, but just rolled over 37k recently.