Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

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txjfrosty
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Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by txjfrosty » Thu Mar 07, 2019 9:31 pm

hey guys, I used have Rams all my life. About 5 years ago I traded my ram for a 2014 Ford F-250 Super Duty. I put a 3.5" lift and 37" tires on it and it's a perfect setup. I re-geared it from 3.73s to 4.88s, and ever since I have been plagued with issues.

anyway, I am considering a 2018 Power Wagon and ditching the Ford. Only drawback is, my wife is insisting that if I buy the PW that I do NOT lift it.

But it looks like I can upgrade to 35" tires... at least it appears they will fit.

I'm looking for some input on the new PW... thoughts from you guys on whether I should keep the Ford and resume trying to fix the issues, or not.

I will be combing through many of the posts here to research as much as I can.

I am struggling with this one for some reason.

thanks in advance for any input.

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Neuvik
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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by Neuvik » Thu Mar 07, 2019 11:35 pm

Whats your main use? Towing, 4x4, daily driver/work truck?

Power Wagon sucks at fuel efficiency, 12mpg avg.
Folks love em for work trucks if you can get the ram boxes, but now they are rare.

18 Power Wagon: 6.4-liter 410 hp, 429 lb-ft; 6-speed automatic transmission
Payload : 1466.00 lbs
Max GVWR: 8510.00 lbs
Max trailer weight: 9910 lbs
Length 237.3 inch
Width 79.1 inch
Height 81 inch
Wheelbase 149 inch
Ground clearance 8.3 inch
Gear: 4.10



14 F250: 6.2 L 385 HP, 298.71 lb-ft; 6-Speed Automatic
Payload 3070-4190 lbs
Max GVWR 9900 lbs
Max trailer weight 12000-12500 lbs
Length 227.60 inch
Width 79.90 inch
Height 76.60 inch
Wheelbase 137-172.4 inch
Ground clearance your mod
Gear: your mod

2018 Power wagon has some features very unique and what I think is the best selling point is its out of the box 4x4 potential. You have an electronically disconnecting front sway bar. Which gives you greater articulation for your solid front axle. Plus you also have a front locker (posi) which is way better than open diff. Couple that with the beastly 6.4L V8 Hemi you have some serious power and traction. Not to mention the skid plate armor underneath. Basically you have a 3.5 ton Jeep Rubicon...

They can fit 35s, but depending on the tire and if you go beyond 12.5 width you will get some rubbing. Some folks just deal with it... I wish they had better cut out fenders and the axle further forward, and a better shaped bumper for the approach angles. But that's life.

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by PWJouster » Fri Mar 08, 2019 8:34 am

took my 18 and put on 17 methods, and 35 toyo RTs before anything else

slight abrasion of the front fender well plastics, almost no sign of damaging wear on the tire. its literally no problem to mount 35s on a stock powerwagon with the right aftermarket wheels.

continued with a complete thuren lift and still loving the 35s.....probably the most reliable, fully capable(full size) off-roader there is. ill prove it(youtube)


cant wait to try 37s. when i go for 37s, on goes the Front truss, new Balljoints, and maybe drag link/tie rod/knuckle upgrades if quality parts are available.
2018 Powerwagon-6.4 Hemi
Nanny kill switch and Locker Bypasses
Thuren Tuned King 3.0 & 2.5 Pintop Stage 3/2
17 Method NV-Toyo RT 37
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txjfrosty
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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by txjfrosty » Fri Mar 08, 2019 11:42 am

Main use is mostly a daily driver. Pull a small utility trailer with my 4wheeler and jetski. Some trail stuff.

Not concerned with mpg as I get around 9 now.

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Neuvik
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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by Neuvik » Fri Mar 08, 2019 12:10 pm

txjfrosty wrote:
Fri Mar 08, 2019 11:42 am
Main use is mostly a daily driver. Pull a small utility trailer with my 4wheeler and jetski. Some trail stuff.

Not concerned with mpg as I get around 9 now.
Man for what you are doing the Power Wagon shines. A lot of folks upgrade the rear trackbar (Thuren Fab) but with just a small trailer I think you're fine. You have almost double the horse power torque. If you don't care about payload your set. The rear coil suspension makes it feel a bit weird the first few times trailering compared to leaf spring but it doesn't affect performance.
As a daily driver its comfortable and will make all the other non Power Wagon owners jealous that their rigs don't have as many cool features at a decent price.

And you have a kicking rig for the trails!

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by EasyDoesIt » Fri Mar 08, 2019 2:35 pm

If you're thinking about buying new you'd be wise to wait for the 2019 model if for no reason than the 8spd trans. 35's will fit all day with the stock suspension and wheels or if you are okay trimming 37's will work very well, again no lift.
Live: Las Vegas NV, Drive: 2018 PW & 2014 LR4

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by Jack187 » Fri Mar 08, 2019 2:45 pm

Running 37" tires with minor trimming. Won't go back to 35s. Very happy with it. Still plenty of power.
2015 Tradesman (PW option), 37X12.50R17LT Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires, AEV Katla 8.5" wheels

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txjfrosty
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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by txjfrosty » Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:29 pm

Tjabks for all the feedback guy. Much appreciated. I've always wanted a power wagon.

I don't really ever pull anything too heavy. So payload is not critical for me. Occasionally a dump trailer... But few and far between.

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txjfrosty
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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by txjfrosty » Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:36 pm

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Much appreciated. I've always wanted a power wagon.

I don't really ever pull anything too heavy. So payload is not critical for me. Occasionally a dump trailer... But few and far between.

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by TankerZak » Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:48 pm

Neuvik wrote:
txjfrosty wrote:
Fri Mar 08, 2019 11:42 am
Main use is mostly a daily driver. Pull a small utility trailer with my 4wheeler and jetski. Some trail stuff.

Not concerned with mpg as I get around 9 now.
Man for what you are doing the Power Wagon shines. A lot of folks upgrade the rear trackbar (Thuren Fab) but with just a small trailer I think you're fine. You have almost double the horse power torque. If you don't care about payload your set. The rear coil suspension makes it feel a bit weird the first few times trailering compared to leaf spring but it doesn't affect performance.
As a daily driver its comfortable and will make all the other non Power Wagon owners jealous that their rigs don't have as many cool features at a decent price.

And you have a kicking rig for the trails!
Honestly that rear trackbar should be changed out before the trucks ever leave a dealer lot. Stupid thing is unsafe...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

2016 Granite Crystal Metallic Power Wagon Laramie, graphics delete, debadged, Thuren front and rear coils, Thuren rear swaybar links, Thuren front and rear trackbars, Traxada rear 1 inch spacers, King 3.0 (Stage 4) front and 2.5 (Stage 3) rear shocks, Boogie front bump stops, Cooper STT Pro 37x13.50R17 on XD Machette 17x9 +18 wheels, Centramatics, 5.13 gears, DOR steering brace, Thuren truss, Thuren King Steering Damper, Synergy Steering Kit, Thuren PW front bumper, Thuren rear bumper, White Knuckle rock sliders, Dethloff skid plate, Dethloff rear sway bar spacers, Purple Cranium Half Spider front and rear diff guards, Airlift 5000 Ultimate airbags with Daystar cradles, Bakflip Revolver X2 tonneau, Factor55 Ultrahook with 100ft 7/16 A.R.E. Spidersilk synthetic winch line, Zroadz Grill with slim 20 inch light bar, DDM Tuning LEDs/HIDs, Rigid Side Shooter ditch lights, KC rock lights, Rigid fog lights, Baja Designs rear lights, Magnaflow 19200 modified with upgraded resonator and after axle dump, tinted front windows 35%.

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by txjfrosty » Fri Mar 08, 2019 4:11 pm

TankerZak wrote:
Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:48 pm
]Honestly that rear trackbar should be changed out before the trucks ever leave a dealer lot. Stupid thing is unsafe...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Is there a recommended yracbar to go with?

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by TankerZak » Fri Mar 08, 2019 4:17 pm

txjfrosty wrote:
TankerZak wrote:
Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:48 pm
]Honestly that rear trackbar should be changed out before the trucks ever leave a dealer lot. Stupid thing is unsafe...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Is there a recommended yracbar to go with?
Thuren Rear Trackbar. Kinda a beastly install but worth it. Much flatter alignment and way less rear end squat and wiggle on the rear coils.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk


Last edited by TankerZak on Fri Mar 08, 2019 4:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2016 Granite Crystal Metallic Power Wagon Laramie, graphics delete, debadged, Thuren front and rear coils, Thuren rear swaybar links, Thuren front and rear trackbars, Traxada rear 1 inch spacers, King 3.0 (Stage 4) front and 2.5 (Stage 3) rear shocks, Boogie front bump stops, Cooper STT Pro 37x13.50R17 on XD Machette 17x9 +18 wheels, Centramatics, 5.13 gears, DOR steering brace, Thuren truss, Thuren King Steering Damper, Synergy Steering Kit, Thuren PW front bumper, Thuren rear bumper, White Knuckle rock sliders, Dethloff skid plate, Dethloff rear sway bar spacers, Purple Cranium Half Spider front and rear diff guards, Airlift 5000 Ultimate airbags with Daystar cradles, Bakflip Revolver X2 tonneau, Factor55 Ultrahook with 100ft 7/16 A.R.E. Spidersilk synthetic winch line, Zroadz Grill with slim 20 inch light bar, DDM Tuning LEDs/HIDs, Rigid Side Shooter ditch lights, KC rock lights, Rigid fog lights, Baja Designs rear lights, Magnaflow 19200 modified with upgraded resonator and after axle dump, tinted front windows 35%.

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by Low_Sky » Fri Mar 08, 2019 4:41 pm

txjfrosty wrote:
TankerZak wrote:
Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:48 pm
]Honestly that rear trackbar should be changed out before the trucks ever leave a dealer lot. Stupid thing is unsafe...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Is there a recommended yracbar to go with?
Thuren rear track bar is the only one worth doing. Don put some real thought into it and came up with something that significantly improves how the truck drives. This is an upgrade worth doing all by itself, regardless of how you use the truck.


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John
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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by Low_Sky » Fri Mar 08, 2019 4:44 pm

In terms of suspension upgrades you can do without lifting the truck, the Thuren 0.5” lift front coils barely count as a lift, no lift from his rear coils.

Not saying you NEED to do anything to the truck, but if you WANT to upgrade the suspension, real improvements can be had for really no effective lift.


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txjfrosty
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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by txjfrosty » Sat Mar 09, 2019 7:19 am

So all in all, I'm getting the vibe that going to a Power Wagon is a good move.

I am getting pretty stoked! Thank you all for the input on this. It'll be nice being back in a Ram.

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by Onlyone » Sat Mar 09, 2019 11:13 am

Low_Sky wrote:
Fri Mar 08, 2019 4:41 pm
txjfrosty wrote:
TankerZak wrote:
Fri Mar 08, 2019 3:48 pm
]Honestly that rear trackbar should be changed out before the trucks ever leave a dealer lot. Stupid thing is unsafe...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Is there a recommended yracbar to go with?
Thuren rear track bar is the only one worth doing. Don put some real thought into it and came up with something that significantly improves how the truck drives. This is an upgrade worth doing all by itself, regardless of how you use the truck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sorry to hijack, but since I went to 37’s my spare is in the bed now and I have been looking at the trackbar. It does seem to be at a pretty good angle for factory. I haven’t really towed anything but plan to. How does the Thuren bar change the handling in your truck? I get the reasons why it’s better, I’m just looking for first hand knowledge from someone that has a truck without a lift, or much of one.
2018 Power Wagon. Granite Crystal.
37-12.50-17 KO2s

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by ramv » Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:30 pm

It’s amazing. The truck went from weird to normal. I don’t know else to describe it. Originally it had this big sideways movement i have never seen before. Now it feels more planted than my leaf spring pickups.
2016 Laramie; 5.13s, Locker Bypass, WK sliders, 35" Toyo MT, 2Lo Kit, ProCal, Hemifever tune, Airbags/Cradles, Thuren 2.5" King w/ Boogie Bumps, Warn SDP6000

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by ramv » Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:34 pm

txjfrosty wrote:
Sat Mar 09, 2019 7:19 am
So all in all, I'm getting the vibe that going to a Power Wagon is a good move.

I am getting pretty stoked! Thank you all for the input on this. It'll be nice being back in a Ram.
If you don’t mind a gas powered full size pickup, you won’t regret it. I love mine. Towing. Hauling. Wheeling. Commuting. Road trips. I’m sure people are happy with Chevy and Fords but they don’t have lockers and winches
2016 Laramie; 5.13s, Locker Bypass, WK sliders, 35" Toyo MT, 2Lo Kit, ProCal, Hemifever tune, Airbags/Cradles, Thuren 2.5" King w/ Boogie Bumps, Warn SDP6000

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Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by Low_Sky » Sat Mar 09, 2019 11:00 pm

Onlyone wrote:
Low_Sky wrote:
Fri Mar 08, 2019 4:41 pm
txjfrosty wrote:
Is there a recommended yracbar to go with?
Thuren rear track bar is the only one worth doing. Don put some real thought into it and came up with something that significantly improves how the truck drives. This is an upgrade worth doing all by itself, regardless of how you use the truck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sorry to hijack, but since I went to 37’s my spare is in the bed now and I have been looking at the trackbar. It does seem to be at a pretty good angle for factory. I haven’t really towed anything but plan to. How does the Thuren bar change the handling in your truck? I get the reasons why it’s better, I’m just looking for first hand knowledge from someone that has a truck without a lift, or much of one.
The Thuren bar is longer than OEM and sits at a flatter angle. When the suspension compresses or droops, the chassis gets less side-to-side push/pull from the Thuren bar.


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Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by DamageWagon » Sun Mar 10, 2019 12:42 pm

Onlyone wrote:
Low_Sky wrote:
Fri Mar 08, 2019 4:41 pm
txjfrosty wrote:
Is there a recommended yracbar to go with?
Thuren rear track bar is the only one worth doing. Don put some real thought into it and came up with something that significantly improves how the truck drives. This is an upgrade worth doing all by itself, regardless of how you use the truck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sorry to hijack, but since I went to 37’s my spare is in the bed now and I have been looking at the trackbar. It does seem to be at a pretty good angle for factory. I haven’t really towed anything but plan to. How does the Thuren bar change the handling in your truck? I get the reasons why it’s better, I’m just looking for first hand knowledge from someone that has a truck without a lift, or much of one.
Dons rear trackbar fixes the weird rear end wiggle these trucks have. You’re switching from rubber torsion bushings to greasable poly bearings. Gaining a longer linkage. Raising the roll center (similar to lowering center of gravity, by raising the pivot point). It’s all pros and I have yet to see a con. Very very worth it, I highly suggest it to everyone I talk suspension with regardless of how they use the truck. On road, off-road, unloaded, towing, it’s worth it.
Last edited by DamageWagon on Sun Mar 10, 2019 12:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by Onlyone » Sun Mar 10, 2019 12:49 pm

Low sky, damagewagon

Thanks for that. Look like it’s in my cart now.
2018 Power Wagon. Granite Crystal.
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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by txjfrosty » Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:26 pm

thanks again guys. I did it. Bought a left over 2018 Power Wagon. Pick it up Thursday, the dealer is having it under coated, rust proofed, adding a spray in bed liner, and swapping out the OEM tires for a set of 35x12.50x17 General Grabber X3's. Super Stoked.

Although, I do wish Dodge would actually have made this...

http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1504-ram ... /#photo-01

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by MSCH2112 » Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:45 pm

txjfrosty wrote:
Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:26 pm
Although, I do wish Dodge would actually have made this...

http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1504-ram ... /#photo-01
Sad thing is that Ramcharger probably ended up in the crusher.

Mike
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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by txjfrosty » Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:47 pm

MSCH2112 wrote:
Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:45 pm
txjfrosty wrote:
Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:26 pm
Although, I do wish Dodge would actually have made this...

http://www.trucktrend.com/news/1504-ram ... /#photo-01
Sad thing is that Ramcharger probably ended up in the crusher.

Mike
That sucks. I had a ram charger a long time ago... it was awesome.

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Re: Considering a 2018 Power Wagon, help

Post by RustyPW » Tue Mar 12, 2019 12:12 am

I would have had that RamCharger instead of my GC TrailHawk.
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