2017 Power Wagon Q&A

[TankerZak]

Indeed, they have, it's 7,000 lbs.

I've been pulling a 27ft 6890lbs Airstream for a year with the PW, and his is 18ft & 3500lbs, he should be good with the PW. I believe my 2015's is rated just under 10k, like 9800 or something, been awhile. Not a problem for me personally. I know that's a deal breaker for some. I can't imagine needing to tow over 10k until I buy a 5th wheel, which is likely to never happen.

PW is fine for that. My trailer is 29 feet, 36 tip to tail, and 7k dry and about 8500 wet and the PW is fine even near its downranked tow rating. Just wasn't sure how the ZR2 would do towing. 3800 sounds like it'll be fine especially on a diesel if he goes that route. 3800 is probably 4800 wet which is probably still fine. I'd worry about the gas engine more than diesel but it's a different towing experience.

I had a Dakota with the 318 that i used to tow a boat with and the experience was completely different when i upgraded to a 1500 off road. As always, everyone's experience is different. Ymmv.

[TankerZak]

I actually just found this... ZR2 tow rating is 5000 downranked by 2k. Now we are getting close on that 3800lb trailer with water, gas, etc.. Not saying it can't do it but I'd look a little closer for sure.

http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/11/why ... 00-pounds/

[Reloaderguy]

Just because the truck is rated for the weight doesn't mean it is going to tow the weight very well. I see this situation ever day; SUV and corssovers towing mini's. The same for the ZR2; it will tow the weight but it will do it at maximum effort and will require 100% concentration 100% of the drive.

[TankerZak]

I agree Reloaderguy. I make one caveat. Trucks that are downranked due to offroad suspension I'm generally willing to go to the limit of the rating. As long as the engine and gas tank can handle it, which is where my comment about the ZR2 gas vs diesel engine comes from.

For example, the Power Wagon, its built like a 2500 but the rear is a linear rather than progressive spring rate. So with air bags and E rated tires, I'll run it up to the rating and it'll do fine. The PW and 1500 can have the same tow ratings but a PW I'd run to the limit with the above modifications. With the 1500 I'd reserve 20% safety capacity as is recommended on most sites regardless if adding anything to it. Because the frame, brakes, engine transmission, etc., are all considered in that rating.

On the PW, it can tow 15k on all components except the suspension, so add airbags and stay under the 9k rating, and your fine but you don't need the normal safety margin.

That felt a little rambling but i hope it made sense. Not saying the ZR2 falls into the category but it could.

[TankerZak]

Also, flat out vehicle mass vs mass of what is being towed. Wheel base and curb weight can help. It's like a wrestling match at 65 mph going down the road and it sucks wrestling out of your weight class...

[14PowerWaggy]

I ordered a 2017 Power Wagon on 1/7/2017 and picked it up at the dealership on 2/14/2017. I ordered it with the badging delete,

When you order the 17 with the badging delete does it just delete the sticker on the side or does it delete the gigantic RAM and Power Wagon on the tailgate too? I ordered my 15 with badging delete and it had nothing on it at all... Just the 6.4 HEMI badge on fender, which I've also removed... Thanks for the info... Nice truck... I'm partial to that color combo...

[OffroadTreks]

I ordered a 2017 Power Wagon on 1/7/2017 and picked it up at the dealership on 2/14/2017. I ordered it with the badging delete,

When you order the 17 with the badging delete does it just delete the sticker on the side or does it delete the gigantic RAM and Power Wagon on the tailgate too? I ordered my 15 with badging delete and it had nothing on it at all... Just the 6.4 HEMI badge on fender, which I've also removed... Thanks for the info... Nice truck... I'm partial to that color combo...

Interesting question. Becuase they shove those big letters on the PW and the Limited. Granted the Limited's letters are chrome. My guess would be, that it might look however the PW tradesmen looks. But just a guess.

[Ramajama]

Power Wagon badging delete:

[vector1]

Indeed, they have, it's 7,000 lbs.

I've been pulling a 27ft 6890lbs Airstream for a year with the PW, and his is 18ft & 3500lbs, he should be good with the PW. I believe my 2015's is rated just under 10k, like 9800 or something, been awhile. Not a problem for me personally. I know that's a deal breaker for some. I can't imagine needing to tow over 10k until I buy a 5th wheel, which is likely to never happen.

Mike, I'm a lurker who's been going back and forth on CTD vs PW for a while now and your towing situation sounds similar to mine. I'll be towing an Arctic Fox 22G which tops out around 6800 lbs. I'd like a diesel the for the highway towing, but I travel lots and lots off-pavement on FS roads throughout OR and ID, four seasons in snow, mud, over washboards, etc--and so the front end weight of the CTD gives me pause. Do you have any regrets, second thoughts, or recommendations with your set up relative to a CTD? PW MPG? Towing in the mountains w/the hemi? etc. Thanks!

[ulixes50]

When you order the 17 with the badging delete does it just delete the sticker on the side or does it delete the gigantic RAM and Power Wagon on the tailgate too? I ordered my 15 with badging delete and it had nothing on it at all... Just the 6.4 HEMI badge on fender, which I've also removed... Thanks for the info... Nice truck... I'm partial to that color combo...

That's a nice looking '15. To answer your question, the badging delete on the 2017 gets rid of the side PW sticker logos, hood sticker, and 'Power Wagon" on the tailgate. All of the deleted items are actually stickers, everything else stays the same. The RAM letting is still on the tailgate and is attached (not painted or sticker). Also, the RAM 2500 and HEMI bagdes are still on either side of the of the truck by the fender. The RAM and HEMI badges are blacked-out and kind of blend into the Granite Crystal Metallic color a little bit. Here are some pics of the tailgate and fender badges on my 2017 PW with the badging delete:

[14PowerWaggy]

When you order the 17 with the badging delete does it just delete the sticker on the side or does it delete the gigantic RAM and Power Wagon on the tailgate too? I ordered my 15 with badging delete and it had nothing on it at all... Just the 6.4 HEMI badge on fender, which I've also removed... Thanks for the info... Nice truck... I'm partial to that color combo...

That's a nice looking '15. To answer your question, the badging delete on the 2017 gets rid of the side PW sticker logos, hood sticker, and 'Power Wagon" on the tailgate.

Got it... Thank you for the response... Great looking truck!

[OffroadTreks]

Indeed, they have, it's 7,000 lbs.

I've been pulling a 27ft 6890lbs Airstream for a year with the PW, and his is 18ft & 3500lbs, he should be good with the PW. I believe my 2015's is rated just under 10k, like 9800 or something, been awhile. Not a problem for me personally. I know that's a deal breaker for some. I can't imagine needing to tow over 10k until I buy a 5th wheel, which is likely to never happen.

Mike, I'm a lurker who's been going back and forth on CTD vs PW for a while now and your towing situation sounds similar to mine. I'll be towing an Arctic Fox 22G which tops out around 6800 lbs. I'd like a diesel the for the highway towing, but I travel lots and lots off-pavement on FS roads throughout OR and ID, four seasons in snow, mud, over washboards, etc--and so the front end weight of the CTD gives me pause. Do you have any regrets, second thoughts, or recommendations with your set up relative to a CTD? PW MPG? Towing in the mountains w/the hemi? etc. Thanks!

No regrets. Long story short though on my decision. We were already traveling full time, and upgraded from a 1500 Laramie to our PW Laramie on the road. Part of the reason for going PW is, no need to do modifications to start using it off-road. Like you we towed a lot and went off pavement. Matter of fact, we like to boondock a lot, so we travel down lots of washboard FS and BLM roads all over the place while towing.



If we bought a diesel, I'd figure we'd have to lift it, add lockers, add a winch, etc. Sure we could get one with 4WD, but it wouldn't be up to par as the PW from day one.

As far as towing goes, I don't have any regrets about not having a diesel. Sure it's more power, but it's also more money. The 6.4L pulls our Airstream beautifully. We have no issues with mountains either. The 5.7 Hemi in the 1500 did ok, but there is a noticeable difference now. The 6.4L doesn't feel like it's working as hard or near exhaustion. Where sometimes the 5.7L felt like it was going full blast up a hill. The 6.4L just feels like it's working, but not a rocket that is about to blast apart at the seams. (hope that makes sense)



As far a bang for buck goes, and since you're not towing close to 10k I think the PW goes further than the CTD all things considered. I'm very happy with my choice.

[vector1]

Mike, Thanks for your detailed response and those great pictures. If I can get those great off road attributes and decent towing horsepower to boot, then why not avoid the complications of a diesel. Looks like a great setup. I like the looks of the Laramie PW.

[olyelr]

Mike, Thanks for your detailed response and those great pictures. If I can get those great off road attributes and decent towing horsepower to boot, then why not avoid the complications of a diesel. Looks like a great setup. I like the looks of the Laramie PW.

Yeah if you are not constantly towing 10+k pounds, the Hemi will work just fine.

[Bill2014]

Mike, Thanks for your detailed response and those great pictures. If I can get those great off road attributes and decent towing horsepower to boot, then why not avoid the complications of a diesel. Looks like a great setup. I like the looks of the Laramie PW.

Yeah if you are not constantly towing 10+k pounds, the Hemi will work just fine.

Even at 15k pounds I usually use my Power Wagon. I don't use my CTD mega unless it's strictly on pavement. The Power Wagon is hands down better pulling anything off of pavement! Any situation were traction could be an issue, the Power Wagon is my choice.

[TankerZak]

My trailer has a 8750 max weight rating. PW Laramie is like 9800 tow rating but besides suspension and tires is capable of 15k. Throw on some air bags (Air Lift 5000 Ultimate + Daystar craddles) or Timbrens (i have a set for sale) and switch to E rated tires and you're good to go.

Now if i was towing 10k, or a 5th (PW is to tall for a 5th unless you flip the axles), or 8k daily, I would go CTD. But if you're towing 8k once a week and need offroad ability I'd go PW also.

That being said, expect to need to do the towing right. Quality WD hitch, anti sway bars (two not one), etc. With the lighter rear end you have to get the setup correct and not half ass it.

[olyelr]

My trailer has a 8750 max weight rating. PW Laramie is like 9800 tow rating but besides suspension and tires is capable of 15k. Throw on some air bags (Air Lift 5000 Ultimate + Daystar craddles) or Timbrens (i have a set for sale) and switch to E rated tires and you're good to go.

Now if i was towing 10k, or a 5th (PW is to tall for a 5th unless you flip the axles), or 8k daily, I would go CTD. But if you're towing 8k once a week and need offroad ability I'd go PW also.

That being said, expect to need to do the towing right. Quality WD hitch, anti sway bars (two not one), etc. With the lighter rear end you have to get the setup correct and not half ass it.

Good info here! Spot on with my opinions.

With my 8000-ish pound travel trailer and my weight distribution hitch, in 100% stock form the truck towed wonderfully and sat dead level. Now that I have the truck leveled, I know for sure it will no longer sit level when towing this trailer (it is in storage for winter, so havnt tried it yet).

To keep the truck level when towing I will be installing the AirLift 5000 Ultimate airbag setup (has internal bump-stops) and Daystar cradles. I ordered the set last week and they should be here by wed or thurs this week, so I may get them installed this weekend if I'm lucky. I was not positive the cradles were absolutely needed or not, so I got them anyway. I may do a test fit without them and see if it is cutting it too close or not.

[OffroadTreks]

My trailer has a 8750 max weight rating. PW Laramie is like 9800 tow rating but besides suspension and tires is capable of 15k. Throw on some air bags (Air Lift 5000 Ultimate + Daystar craddles) or Timbrens (i have a set for sale) and switch to E rated tires and you're good to go.

Now if i was towing 10k, or a 5th (PW is to tall for a 5th unless you flip the axles), or 8k daily, I would go CTD. But if you're towing 8k once a week and need offroad ability I'd go PW also.

That being said, expect to need to do the towing right. Quality WD hitch, anti sway bars (two not one), etc. With the lighter rear end you have to get the setup correct and not half ass it.

Good info here! Spot on with my opinions.

With my 8000-ish pound travel trailer and my weight distribution hitch, in 100% stock form the truck towed wonderfully and sat dead level. Now that I have the truck leveled, I know for sure it will no longer sit level when towing this trailer (it is in storage for winter, so havnt tried it yet).

To keep the truck level when towing I will be installing the AirLift 5000 Ultimate airbag setup (has internal bump-stops) and Daystar cradles. I ordered the set last week and they should be here by wed or thurs this week, so I may get them installed this weekend if I'm lucky. I was not positive the cradles were absolutely needed or not, so I got them anyway. I may do a test fit without them and see if it is cutting it too close or not.

Or you could just follow my directions in the other thread where I posted cat scale pictures. Get it close to level as possible and the weight right with your WD before you air up any bags, so you're not messing up the WD.

Lots of guys out there throw bags on the back and still have the weight messed up. Just covering up a problem. If the weight is properly distributed and it still sags, then you add bags. But get it as close to level first without them.

[olyelr]

Or you could just follow my directions in the other thread where I posted cat scale pictures. Get it close to level as possible and the weight right with your WD before you air up any bags, so you're not messing up the WD.

Did you read my post? I have a properly set up weight distribution hitch. Works perfectly. Tows like a cats ass.

I have now leveled my truck. So it will be sitting an inch and a half higher up front now than it was before. That doesnt mean I should crank more weight down on the front end.

Lots of guys out there throw bags on the back and still have the weight messed up. Just covering up a problem. If the weight is properly distributed and it still sags, then you add bags. But get it as close to level first without them.

That is what my plan is

[TankerZak]

I bought those same air bags and cradles. You don't need the cradles for the airbags, you need the cradles so you don't rip your airbags when the axles articulate to max drop. So if you offroad at all they are to save your airbags. Put them in. Those bags are built for a stock 2500 if you lift you add a tower for the bottom mount. But because ours is a flex and not a lift you need the cradles. Tell me how it goes. My 5000 Ultimates and Daystar cradles are in the garage. My back still isn't well enough after surgery to do the work, but soon I'll be replacing my Timbrens.

Do you have a plan yet for on board air of some kind? For $50 i got https://www.amazon.com/Master-Flow-MF-1 ... B000L9AD2U. And some Staun deflators. Just to assist in airing everything up and down after towing. I have a full size air compressor in my garage but while I'm out somewhere for a length of time and don't want to stay over inflated i got the portable.

[olyelr]

I bought those same air bags and cradles. You don't need the cradles for the airbags, you need the cradles so you don't rip your airbags when the axles articulate to max drop. So if you offroad at all they are to save your airbags. Put them in. Those bags are built for a stock 2500 if you lift you add a tower for the bottom mount. But because ours is a flex and not a lift you need the cradles. Tell me how it goes. My 5000 Ultimates and Daystar cradles are in the garage. My back still isn't well enough after surgery to do the work, but soon I'll be replacing my Timbrens.

Do you have a plan yet for on board air of some kind? For $50 i got https://www.amazon.com/Master-Flow-MF-1 ... B000L9AD2U. And some Staun deflators. Just to assist in airing everything up and down after towing. I have a full size air compressor in my garage but while I'm out somewhere for a length of time and don't want to stay over inflated i got the portable.

Yea I am aware of what the cradles are designed for, but I was not 100% sure if they were needed on stock '14+ PW suspension... I havnt heard first hand info on that yet. The setup should be here today, and I am hoping to have time this weekend for the install. I will be sure to post up my experiences.

I have not done anything as far as compressors go yet. Still in research mode. I go back and forth between a designated onboard air system and a portable system. And then of course, back and forth between what brand/type. I will have something, though, for sure. I will check out the link you posted.

[TankerZak]

I think prevailing wisdom is the Viair is better than this one but I'm not sure the price justifies the delta. But to each their own. Ymmv.

[olyelr]

I think prevailing wisdom is the Viair is better than this one but I'm not sure the price justifies the delta. But to each their own. Ymmv.

Yeah you could buy four of those and fill all your tires at once and be money ahead lol. Not sure the battery would like that, though.

Have you used it yet? Does it work well enough? Thats cheap!

[TankerZak]

Yeah, and it screws on to the valve stem. You should Google it. It's the same as the mv-50. It has quite the following in offroad communities it seems.

[adeluca73]

I think prevailing wisdom is the Viair is better than this one but I'm not sure the price justifies the delta. But to each their own. Ymmv.

Yeah you could buy four of those and fill all your tires at once and be money ahead lol. Not sure the battery would like that, though.

Have you used it yet? Does it work well enough? Thats cheap!

Uh...I'd pass. See my previous post listing links for the top 5 choices. I've been researching this for 3 yrs, for some weird reason, pass on this one, trust me.