Powerwagon's best model year 2005-2020?

[Powagone]

Just getting the conversation going as I am considering upgrading to a newer model than my trusty 2005. (Ssh don't let her know, she's possessed!) Would like to hear what the experts have to say.
I won't be able to afford a brand new one so I have been researching what is out there used and there are quite a few!

[DamageWagon]

Newer is better. I see all the time guys say their 2005-09 is the best because of some minor things, while the truck is burning to the ground behind them and they’re lying on the ground with a broken back because their grab handle ripped out while they were fixing the arcing door wiring harness that broke. All trucks have issues. The newer trucks have enormously fewer issues and better drivetrains and suspension. Almost every single thing about them is better.

I would not touch a truck older than 2014 now. If I had my pick I would get a 2017/18 to present truck to get past most of the lifter issues. The new 19-20’s are even better and the 8 speed trans is fantastic.

[Idaho RC]

I really like my 2017 a bunch but an 8 speed transmission would even be better. I don't want an 8 speed bad enough that I would consider upgrading my 2017 but the 8 speed to me would be a big and worthwhile upgrade!

[OffroadTreks]

Newer is better. I see all the time guys say their 2005-09 is the best because of some minor things, while the truck is burning to the ground behind them and they’re lying on the ground with a broken back because their grab handle ripped out while they were fixing the arcing door wiring harness that broke. All trucks have issues. The newer trucks have enormously fewer issues and better drivetrains and suspension. Almost every single thing about them is better.

I would not touch a truck older than 2014 now. If I had my pick I would get a 2017/18 to present truck to get past most of the lifter issues. The new 19-20’s are even better and the 8 speed trans is fantastic.

Usually, something about electronic nannies and their boomer retirement coming due while the date still flashes on their VCR.

[RustyPW]

On the newer PW's. Wheelbase is 9" too long. The hood blocks some of the view. Too many computer nannies. 4.10 gears.The front suspension. The rear suspension. The only things I like about them is the motor, 8 speed tranny, and the opening of the fenders.

[waldo]

Good and bad in all of them.

I still drive my 2007 almost every day. It's simple, has better forward visibility offroad and just works.
The 19 has a very refined ride and interior by comparison. The 6.4 combined with the ZF trans is a good match. It feels huge compared to the 07.

[machete-lc]

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

[smokewagon]

I think as long as you try to find one that has been well taken care of you can’t go wrong. I went through this process last year when I wanted to upgrade from my 07. I started a spreadsheet with all the pros and cons for each of the years and drove myself crazy trying to decide what was the “best year”. Ended up buying a 2010 and I love it! Only three years difference but it feels 10 years newer than the 07. Everything is better. That seems to be the general theme I see from most PW owners. Whatever you end up buying will be your “best year”.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Powagone]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The well taken care of part is the most important thing!

[Powagone]

Newer is better. I see all the time guys say their 2005-09 is the best because of some minor things, while the truck is burning to the ground behind them and they’re lying on the ground with a broken back because their grab handle ripped out while they were fixing the arcing door wiring harness that broke.

[Reloaderguy]

Newer is better. I see all the time guys say their 2005-09 is the best because of some minor things, while the truck is burning to the ground behind them and they’re lying on the ground with a broken back because their grab handle ripped out while they were fixing the arcing door wiring harness that broke. All trucks have issues. The newer trucks have enormously fewer issues and better drivetrains and suspension. Almost every single thing about them is better.

I would not touch a truck older than 2014 now. If I had my pick I would get a 2017/18 to present truck to get past most of the lifter issues. The new 19-20’s are even better and the 8 speed trans is fantastic.

Usually, something about electronic nannies and their boomer retirement coming due while the date still flashes on their VCR.

<SHAKES FIST AT CLOUDS> Get off my lawn!

[Bill2014]

Well, I've owned a '13 and a '14. I've had to replace my rear camera on the '14 and that is all. The newer models added more nannies and features that don't really interest me much - like hill decent or active noise dampening which drive up the weight and the price. So I pick the '14 as the best model year.

Over the years I've towed a LOT! Starting with a 3-speed on the column which really sucked, to a 4-speed auto which was really a huge step better. The '14's 6-speed does fine by me. You do get to diminishing returns at some point 8-10-12 speed.

When the modern Power Wagon came out in '05, nothing really compared to it in capability. Now, lots of other makes have lockers, or limited slip front axles. It feels like the Power Wagons are falling behind the competition. 15 years later and we still only get 33" tires...

A Tremor right from the factory is a tempting alternative in 3/4 or 1 ton.

[SimonandSimonBeast]

1) Budget
2) Availability
3) Condition
4) Options
5) Negotiate

Everything is better with BACON.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

[POk3s]

As you can see, whichever one a guy owns is the best year . I don’t know enough nuts and bolts specifics to tell you which is the best one. Like you, I didn’t want to pay that “new price” so I found a fully loaded 2017 (minus the ram box) in August of 2018 for what I feel was a great price.

As far as my experiences the stock tires sucks. It’s not the truck’s fault but my next purchase I’ll be working new 35’s into the deal. I’ve also had a few electrical gremlins that have only happened once or twice and that’s the end of them. It’s very weird and you think the worst only for it to feel like a “glitch” in the electronics when it’s over. Other owners of 17’s appear to feel the same way when I’ve researched.

Because you’ll ask these have been my issues.

-After Hunting for 5 days I got on the highway on a bit of a blind corner, there was a car coming quick so I punched it. Truck beeped and flashed something about “throttle *something* sensor” and cut the power. Turned truck off and back on and it’s bever happened again. Another time i stepped on it on an on ramp and it beeped and flashed my check engine light on and off but never cut power.

Then I’ve had the rear camera be real fuzzy and black and white like it was broken. This happened on and off for a few weeks and now it’s been fine for the last 6 months. ???

Had “engaging 4wd” flash on my screen driving normally through town while in 2wd. I put it in 4 and back to 2 and it hasn’t happened again. It’s also common that that sensor is a bit finicky.

Knock on wood, that has been it. Hopefully I helped with your decision.

[MSCH2112]

i've had an 05' and 12' pw. liked the 05' better than the 12'. 12' had more creature comfort and it does allowing for a growing family as was my case. 05' is more simple and i never had the throttle hesitation when putting the pedal to the metal in mud/snow going uphill. plus it's easier to see over the hood. but as you know you'll have to throw some parts at the aging 05' and availability may be limited now. i'm more into creature comforts now though.

mike

[OffroadTreks]

As you can see, whichever one a guy owns is the best year

Not so. Everyone knows the pre-14 trucks are trash. The owners just don't want to admit the truth and instead chose to live in denial.

[RustyPW]

As you can see, whichever one a guy owns is the best year

Not so. Everyone knows the pre-14 trucks are trash. The owners just don't want to admit the truth and instead chose to live in denial.

Your lips are a flappin', but garbage is coming out.

The new PW's just don't push the right buttons. It's got the motor and tranny, but that's it. No RC with 8ft bed.

[OffroadTreks]

Your lips are a flappin', but garbage is coming out.

The new PW's just don't push the right buttons. It's got the motor and tranny, but that's it. No RC with 8ft bed.

My wife says that all the time.

[RustyPW]

Your lips are a flappin', but garbage is coming out.

The new PW's just don't push the right buttons. It's got the motor and tranny, but that's it. No RC with 8ft bed.

My wife says that all the time.

That you don't push her buttons?

[KevinABQ]

On the newer PW's. Wheelbase is 9" too long. The hood blocks some of the view. Too many computer nannies. 4.10 gears.The front suspension. The rear suspension. The only things I like about them is the motor, 8 speed tranny, and the opening of the fenders.

The hood is like looking over a cliff. From 50 feet back. at PWiM 2018 I kept having to hop out to see it there really was a road over the top of that hill, or if it was a dry stream bed. But they make these electronic doodads called cameras, and they really help.

[Bill2014]

On the newer PW's. Wheelbase is 9" too long. The hood blocks some of the view. Too many computer nannies. 4.10 gears.The front suspension. The rear suspension. The only things I like about them is the motor, 8 speed tranny, and the opening of the fenders.

The hood is like looking over a cliff. From 50 feet back. at PWiM 2018 I kept having to hop out to see it there really was a road over the top of that hill, or if it was a dry stream bed. But they make these electronic doodads called cameras, and they really help.

Hmmmm seeing life through a small camera screen isn't the same - might as well be an IMAX movie theater at that point.

It can be called Virtual PWIM

[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.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

[RustyPW]

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.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

You trying get a Nobel Peace Prize for trying to be a peace keeper?

If they made a cross between the 3rd and 4.5 Gens. I would be interested maybe. 140 wheelbase, RC with 8ft bed (6ft bed with 120 wheelbase would be great) The sight line of the 3rd, 4.56 gears, motor and tranny from the newer, along with the creature comforts.

[SimonandSimonBeast]

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

[SimonandSimonBeast]

I do like that RC short bed option for a wheeling rig. It wouldn't work as a family hauler though. This is what my wife's cousin used to have that was a bitching piece of machinery...gotta love some of those 70s variants and color packages.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk