Powerwagon's best model year 2005-2020?

[OffroadTreks]

Ok. I knew this was going to be a monkey sh*t fight when I saw the first post.
I really think each gen (hey let's not forget the original PW or the 70s models boys), have their own pros and cons. From simplicity to complexity. From higher vis shorter wheel base to longer wheel base higher comfort. From lower gearing higher payload leaf spring models to full coil improved highway drive models. They are all Power Wagons. They aren't Toyotas, they aren't Ford Raptors, they aren't Chevy's. That's a good start if they are buying Dodge/Ram and especially the Power Wagon trim. Back to the original post I believe it comes down to budget first, what is available within that budget, what condition they are, what options can you live with or w/o and will it all work out in negotiations with the seller.
I personally like ALL the wagons. I am not hard headed that any gen is better than another. As for my experience, I have a '13. I am the 2nd owner. Based on detailed records from the previous owner and my experience from the last 2 years, there have been ZERO non-regular maintenance issues. I have no glitches and my 5.7 is quiet. I like the fact that it has 4.56 gears which has allowed me to move up to 37" tires without any issues. I like the fact that it still has leaf springs in the rear and retains a respectable load capacity w/o airbag helpers. I like that it has the new and improved 6 speed trans and Borg Warner xfer case we find in the later models. I like that I have a back up camera first avail in '13. Wish a front cam was avail, so I didn't have to be strong in the "Force" to navigate. Anyway, to the OP, good luck. I think you are starting in the right place looking for a PW.

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I'm pretty sure we're just shooting the shit here. But at least we've established that 2014+ are the best years of all time.

[SimonandSimonBeast]

Ok. I knew this was going to be a monkey sh*t fight when I saw the first post.
I really think each gen (hey let's not forget the original PW or the 70s models boys), have their own pros and cons. From simplicity to complexity. From higher vis shorter wheel base to longer wheel base higher comfort. From lower gearing higher payload leaf spring models to full coil improved highway drive models. They are all Power Wagons. They aren't Toyotas, they aren't Ford Raptors, they aren't Chevy's. That's a good start if they are buying Dodge/Ram and especially the Power Wagon trim. Back to the original post I believe it comes down to budget first, what is available within that budget, what condition they are, what options can you live with or w/o and will it all work out in negotiations with the seller.
I personally like ALL the wagons. I am not hard headed that any gen is better than another. As for my experience, I have a '13. I am the 2nd owner. Based on detailed records from the previous owner and my experience from the last 2 years, there have been ZERO non-regular maintenance issues. I have no glitches and my 5.7 is quiet. I like the fact that it has 4.56 gears which has allowed me to move up to 37" tires without any issues. I like the fact that it still has leaf springs in the rear and retains a respectable load capacity w/o airbag helpers. I like that it has the new and improved 6 speed trans and Borg Warner xfer case we find in the later models. I like that I have a back up camera first avail in '13. Wish a front cam was avail, so I didn't have to be strong in the "Force" to navigate. Anyway, to the OP, good luck. I think you are starting in the right place looking for a PW.

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I'm pretty sure we're just shooting the shit here. But at least we've established that 2014+ are the best years of all time.

Haha. Why don't you come to Rausch this summer and prove that?

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[Oilbrnr]

Haha. Why don't you come to Rausch this summer and prove that?

Pfft. There is no wheeling east of the Rockies.

[SimonandSimonBeast]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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[FirerescuePW]

I nominate Damagewagon for best post of thread!

As a Best Year '05 owner, you hit the nail right on the head. Fortunately, I have only suffered the grab handle and door harness issues. I do like the visibility and shorter wheelbase of the 3G. Oh, and the simplicity. I do wish for more power. And maybe another gear. But not at the expense of my 4:56s.

In reality, the basic platform (size, visibility) of the 3G is better for offroading, but you do have to upgrade several areas to make it complete. The 4G+ is more well-rounded in terms of equipment, but loses out on maneuverability due to size. Match your choice to your use and you can't go wrong with any PW.

For towing, I WILL take my '16 3500 CCSB "C" over the '05 any day.

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[Powagone]

Ok. I knew this was going to be a monkey sh*t fight when I saw the first post.
I really think each gen (hey let's not forget the original PW or the 70s models boys), have their own pros and cons. From simplicity to complexity. From higher vis shorter wheel base to longer wheel base higher comfort. From lower gearing higher payload leaf spring models to full coil improved highway drive models. They are all Power Wagons. They aren't Toyotas, they aren't Ford Raptors, they aren't Chevy's. That's a good start if they are buying Dodge/Ram and especially the Power Wagon trim. Back to the original post I believe it comes down to budget first, what is available within that budget, what condition they are, what options can you live with or w/o and will it all work out in negotiations with the seller.
I personally like ALL the wagons. I am not hard headed that any gen is better than another. As for my experience, I have a '13. I am the 2nd owner. Based on detailed records from the previous owner and my experience from the last 2 years, there have been ZERO non-regular maintenance issues. I have no glitches and my 5.7 is quiet. I like the fact that it has 4.56 gears which has allowed me to move up to 37" tires without any issues. I like the fact that it still has leaf springs in the rear and retains a respectable load capacity w/o airbag helpers. I like that it has the new and improved 6 speed trans and Borg Warner xfer case we find in the later models. I like that I have a back up camera first avail in '13. Wish a front cam was avail, so I didn't have to be strong in the "Force" to navigate. Anyway, to the OP, good luck. I think you are starting in the right place looking for a PW.

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[Mule007]

X3

[longbox]

Without question, 2005 is the best year. Why I haven't had to put more than a new battery in it in 15 years. Might need some tires here soon though...

[FordyceCreekTrail]

Without question, 2005 is the best year. Why I haven't had to put more than a new battery in it in 15 years. Might need some tires here soon though...

15 years on a set of tires Must not be Duratrash!

[RustyPW]

Without question, 2005 is the best year. Why I haven't had to put more than a new battery in it in 15 years. Might need some tires here soon though...

15 years on a set of tires Must not be Duratrash!

If the oem BFG. They're dry rotted to hell and back. I have 5 of them sitting in my garage if anyone wants them. Only have 10,000 miles on them.

[Powagone]

Without question, 2005 is the best year. Why I haven't had to put more than a new battery in it in 15 years. Might need some tires here soon though...

Just need to find a 2005 with about 5,000 miles on it and I would be all over it!

[FirerescuePW]

Without question, 2005 is the best year. Why I haven't had to put more than a new battery in it in 15 years. Might need some tires here soon though...

Just need to find a 2005 with about 5,000 miles on it and I would be all over it!

I only have about 5000 per year...

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[Bill2014]

Without question, 2005 is the best year. Why I haven't had to put more than a new battery in it in 15 years. Might need some tires here soon though...

Just need to find a 2005 with about 5,000 miles on it and I would be all over it!

I only have about 5000 per year...

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I suppose that keeping the mileage low on those best year 2005's is the best way to push off the onset of Death Wobble

[Powagone]

Without question, 2005 is the best year. Why I haven't had to put more than a new battery in it in 15 years. Might need some tires here soon though...

Just need to find a 2005 with about 5,000 miles on it and I would be all over it!

I only have about 5000 per year...

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I suppose that keeping the mileage low on those best year 2005's is the best way to push off the onset of Death Wobble

Na..Drive the crap out of it! Just plan on at around 80k miles spending about 6k on a brand new aftermarket front end, locker acuators, smartbar, shocks, etc. (if you can still find the parts) like I did and your good to go! Getting close to 170k miles now and all that needs replacing again is the crappy moog ball joints.

[OldSchool2]

Owned a 2005, loved it and now a 2017. Beat the h*ll out of the 2005, broke both rear leaf springs, rebuilt the front end and sure I had some small electrical issues but I used it. Pulled a 28,000 delivery truck out of the ditch and many other trucks and cars. Sold it to I buy my loaded 2017 and wish I kept the 05 as well. My friend has the 2018. I have to say the newer 2017 has been more reliable so far and has more creature comfort features but I still liked the 2005 better. Liked the look, shorter wheelbase, 456 gears, and Seemed more rugged.

[HammerTime]

I own a 2015 and have driven it for about 3 years now. Great truck, not perfect but honestly the most capable vehicle I have ever owned besides my Jeep Rubicon. While hunting elk this year my long time hunting partner was shocked at all the places we were able to go without even putting it in 4wd. The suspension does such a good job of keeping the tires where they can get traction. He is now looking for a PW for himself.

I did test drive a 2020 just to see what I was missing. Really liked the way the new transmission transmits power to the road. I would love to have the lower crawl ratio but it is very hard to justify the cost when my 2015 runs like a champ with about 60K miles on it. Hopefully this helps!

Happy New Year to all of you!

MLC

7

I put 5.13 gears in my 2017 and the gearing is now awesome! LOL, although I do have 37s also.... (Actually 35.5..

[JRHPWRWAGON06]

Best year(s) is the early 3G Power Wagon, 2006-2008. 2005 was the prototype with all the teething problems. -06 to 08 were Heavy Duty. Cast iron engine blocks and NO MDS system.
Power Wagon design went downhill after DaimlerChrysler sold itself off to Fiat in the Obama economy.

[RustyPW]

Best year(s) is the early 3G Power Wagon, 2006-2008. 2005 was the prototype with all the teething problems. -06 to 08 were Heavy Duty. Cast iron engine blocks and NO MDS system.
Power Wagon design went downhill after DaimlerChrysler sold itself off to Fiat in the Obama economy.

2X!

[Reloaderguy]

Best year(s) is the early 3G Power Wagon, 2006-2008. 2005 was the prototype with all the teething problems. -06 to 08 were Heavy Duty. Cast iron engine blocks and NO MDS system.
Power Wagon design went downhill after DaimlerChrysler sold itself off to Fiat in the Obama economy.

Just between you and me (don't tell anyone, ok?) but the 6.4 Big Gas is cast iron, MDS started rolling out in 09, and the 4th Gen trucks were designed by Daimler Chrysler.

[SimonandSimonBeast]

Um...2013...cast iron block. I assume that goes for 10 - 12 as well. I agree MDS sucks, but I'll take the HP & Torque improvements.

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[longbox]

Without question, 2005 is the best year. Why I haven't had to put more than a new battery in it in 15 years. Might need some tires here soon though...

Just need to find a 2005 with about 5,000 miles on it and I would be all over it!

I only have about 5000 per year...

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I suppose that keeping the mileage low on those best year 2005's is the best way to push off the onset of Death Wobble

I am somewhere around 30,000 miles. Can they bury me in my truck?

[ramv]

2001

Well it was a Sport Off-Road Package. Factory LSD

The '16 is infinitely more useful though

Would love to have a manual, especially in a regular cab. I almost bought an '05 CTD/6spd crew but the PW as so much cooler...