El Barto’s Power Wagon

[el_barto]

As expected, doesn’t throw light as wide in the foreground. Most noticeable in low speed hair pin corners. This is pretty well shown here:

Brighter than factory I think, but not like “holy **** wow” bright, . Beyond the foreground, the beam pattern is better than factory, with very evenly distributed light, and sharp cutoff.

(Note: couldn’t lock out the camera setting on my phone. Amber is ISO 4000 OEM is ISO 8000)

Interested to see how they perform in poor weather. Definitely a negative that they don’t work as well as proper Cornering lights.
Doesn’t seem to be substantially more glare to oncoming traffic: a bit more within 20ft, but beyond that distance it’s negligibly more glare.

 

[el_barto]

Suppose Ill update this.
Was considering selling/trading in the truck...particularly for the new Toyota Land Cruiser, thought it might be a good compromise for a durable, long lasting vehicle; good fuel economy; good offroad; good in snow...but ended up disappointed by some of the design choices after more info was revealed.
Ended up buying a 2018 Grand Cherokee to be a daily driver. Comfortable, easy to drive, full time 4WD , full set of skid plates, and I’ve been averaging 22-23mpg; and with a big 24.6 gallon tank! But, kept the Power Wagon! Now the Power Wagon gets to be more of a "offroad/adventure toy" since its not the daily driver. Been getting it all up to snuff with preventative maintenance, minor OEM+ functionality/safety upgrades and will be adding some Blizzaks to it for the winter…but mostly keeping it stock.


After driving the Jeep a fair bit I got very accustomed to the proximity entry, pushing me to finally install proximity entry on the Ram (after having the parts for a couple years). Really convenient not having to take keys out of your pocket.


Just last weekend I installed a Fox 2.0 ATS steering stabilizer after reading many positive reviews. Haven’t driven it enough to provide any commentary.


Coming soon:
-BD Diesel 2-Low Unlock kit. I can think of a few situations offroad where this would be useful so I figured I might as well add it to give the option. Not sure if Ill install a standalone switch or tie it into the SwitchPros module
-Bulletpoint Rubigrid mount for phone, GPS, etc. I use a ProClip holder for my phone currently, but the Bulletpoint adds more options and flexability to otherwise unused space on the dashboard.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

Suppose Ill update this.
Was considering selling/trading in the truck...particularly for the new Toyota Land Cruiser, thought it might be a good compromise for a durable, long lasting vehicle; good fuel economy; good offroad; good in snow...but ended up disappointed by some of the design choices after more info was revealed.
Ended up buying a 2018 Grand Cherokee to be a daily driver. Comfortable, easy to drive, full time 4WD , full set of skid plates, and I’ve been averaging 22-23mpg; and with a big 24.6 gallon tank! But, kept the Power Wagon! Now the Power Wagon gets to be more of a "offroad/adventure toy" since its not the daily driver. Been getting it all up to snuff with preventative maintenance, minor OEM+ functionality/safety upgrades and will be adding some Blizzaks to it for the winter…but mostly keeping it stock.
View attachment 77113

After driving the Jeep a fair bit I got very accustomed to the proximity entry, pushing me to finally install proximity entry on the Ram (after having the parts for a couple years). Really convenient not having to take keys out of your pocket.
View attachment 77114

Just last weekend I installed a Fox 2.0 ATS steering stabilizer after reading many positive reviews. Haven’t driven it enough to provide any commentary.
View attachment 77112

Coming soon:
-BD Diesel 2-Low Unlock kit. I can think of a few situations offroad where this would be useful so I figured I might as well add it to give the option. Not sure if Ill install a standalone switch or tie it into the SwitchPros module
-Bulletpoint Rubigrid mount for phone, GPS, etc. I use a ProClip holder for my phone currently, but the Bulletpoint adds more options and flexability to otherwise unused space on the dashboard.

Not knocking your mods just curious Why did you have to take your key out of your pocket before? I just reach in my pocket and click the button and they stay in my pocket when I start the truck. Also clicking the fob you can set it to turn the lights on for a lit approach

I’m sure it’s better if it’s just you getting in the truck but My wife’s car has proximity key and I hate it so much. She loses her key in her purse and I’m trying to put the kid and groceries in the car but I gotta wait til she’s over by her door and grabbing the handle. I wish she would just click the clicker as we were walking to the car so I just annoyingly wiggle the handle a million times til she gets there because I’m childish.

 

[el_barto]

Not knocking your mods just curious Why did you have to take your key out of your pocket before? I just reach in my pocket and click the button and they stay in my pocket when I start the truck. Also clicking the fob you can set it to turn the lights on for a lit approach

I’m sure it’s better if it’s just you getting in the truck but My wife’s car has proximity key and I hate it so much. She loses her key in her purse and I’m trying to put the kid and groceries in the car but I gotta wait til she’s over by her door and grabbing the handle. I wish she would just click the clicker as we were walking to the car so I just annoyingly wiggle the handle a million times til she gets there because I’m childish.

I guess i didnt necessarily have to "take the key out" but dig thru pocket to find key, find correct button on fob, etc; vs walking up to truck and grabbing handle to unlock/tapping the button on handle to lock. Especially in the winter with gloves on.

It was a low only my priority list until i got used to it by driving the grand cherokee more, and i found myself walking up to the truck, grabbing the door handle, and realizing its locked so i have to dig the key out of my pocket. minor inconvenience, but quality of life upgrade IMO. I always thought it was silly, with the push-to-start, that i had to take the key out to enter the truck, but then put it back in my pocket to start it.

My SO's car has the proximity key and I know what youre saying about having to wait for her to unlock the car, and i do the same thing grabbing the handle while yelling "leett meee innn"

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

I guess i didnt necessarily have to "take the key out" but dig thru pocket to find key, find correct button on fob, etc; vs walking up to truck and grabbing handle to unlock/tapping the button on handle to lock. Especially in the winter with gloves on.

It was a low only my priority list until i got used to it by driving the grand cherokee more, and i found myself walking up to the truck, grabbing the door handle, and realizing its locked so i have to dig the key out of my pocket. minor inconvenience, but quality of life upgrade IMO. I always thought it was silly, with the push-to-start, that i had to take the key out to enter the truck, but then put it back in my pocket to start it.

My SO's car has the proximity key and I know what youre saying about having to wait for her to unlock the car, and i do the same thing grabbing the handle while yelling "leett meee innn"

I could definitely see how it would be great if you’re the only one getting in the car. The mod is super cool how you added that feature.

 

[el_barto]

I could definitely see how it would be great if you’re the only one getting in the car. The mod is super cool how you added that feature.

Yeah it’s usually just me…or passengers can wait to get in lol

 

[bgenlvtex]

Not knocking your mods just curious Why did you have to take your key out of your pocket before? I just reach in my pocket and click the button and they stay in my pocket when I start the truck. Also clicking the fob you can set it to turn the lights on for a lit approach

I’m sure it’s better if it’s just you getting in the truck but My wife’s car has proximity key and I hate it so much. She loses her key in her purse and I’m trying to put the kid and groceries in the car but I gotta wait til she’s over by her door and grabbing the handle. I wish she would just click the clicker as we were walking to the car so I just annoyingly wiggle the handle a million times til she gets there because I’m childish.

Nothing about proximity entry keeps her from just punching the open button.

My Gladiator had it, my Wagoneer has it, my 2500 does not and I wish it did.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

Nothing about proximity entry keeps her from just punching the open button.

My Gladiator had it, my Wagoneer has it, my 2500 does not and I wish it did.

Right but the fob is lost in her purse I wish she would just click it. She likes the prox key. I’m sure I’d get used to it if it was my car. It’s a cool mod

 

[el_barto]

That’s why she likes it, she doesn’t have to dig thru her purse to find the key!

 

[unclelala]

I have this on my limited and like it but the wife's Altima to me is preferable. She has a rubber button on the driver and passager door, when its locked you press it once to open the door you pressed, press it twice to open all four doors. When open press it once to lock your door, press it twice to lock all four doors. All with fob in pocket or purse.

 

[el_barto]

Finally decided to take her over a set of calibrated (CAT) scales. Been over scales at scrap yards, dump, aggregate yards but never a calibrated one in this truck.

8180lbs total
4400lbs Front
3780lbs Rear

About what I expected. Weight with a full tank of gas, but I was not in it. Big weight adders are the topper (about 200lbs); rock sliders (about 300lbs); AEV rear bumper (maybe 150lbs more than stock?);…but everything adds up: larger diameter tires, Carli diff guard, recovery gear, tool kit, air compressor, emergency gear in the back seats

Anyways, it’s definitely easy to go overweight…fortunately I feel comfortable knowing that the brakes, engine, transmission, axles, etc are all up to the task even if the suspension is a bit overloaded.

 

[el_barto]

Changed the oil yesterday because it had been a year since last oil change, not mileage based oil change! …. Only put 2500 miles on the truck in 2024!



A while ago I also got the Bulletpoint 2.0 dash mount, with a USB port (used RedWolf 12V splitter for power). The Bulletpoint MagSafe phone holder is fantastic, plus a mount for my Garmin.

 

[poorman_pw]

I like the truck, quite a bit.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

Changed the oil yesterday because it had been a year since last oil change, not mileage based oil change! …. Only put 2500 miles on the truck in 2024!
View attachment 82378


A while ago I also got the Bulletpoint 2.0 dash mount, with a USB port (used RedWolf 12V splitter for power). The Bulletpoint MagSafe phone holder is fantastic, plus a mount for my Garmin.
View attachment 82375

Does oil breakdown sitting in the pan? Or is the concern more the oil filter? Why the change based on time and not miles? I’ve certainly seen it recommended before.

 

[AH64ID]

Does oil breakdown sitting in the pan? Or is the concern more the oil filter? Why the change based on time and not miles? I’ve certainly seen it recommended before.

Yes the oil does breakdown overtime. Combustion gases deplete the TBN even when not being driven much.

Filters also will breakdown over time, but slower than the oil.

 

[el_barto]

Yeah I’ve always heard to change your oil annually if you don’t hit the mileage interval…I’ve just never had it happen before hah

 

[poorman_pw]

Yeah I’ve always heard to change your oil annually if you don’t hit the mileage interval…I’ve just never had it happen before hah

I always think an oil change is under $100 and an engine is over $10,000.

 

[el_barto]

Alright here we go. Kind of a big project:
I’m going to try to swap in the full length center console. The bench seat and floor shifter are cool and retro, but not the best use of space. The jump seat does not enough leg room for an adult to fit (nor do I ever need the 6th seat). The CD player under the bench seat is difficult to access. I currently have the floor console I retrofit from a 4th gen, and it made the console are a bit better, but the full floor console in the 4.5gen HD/5thGen 1500 is well regarded since it has a ton of space, so I want to swap that in.

I intend to still keep the floor shifter, which is going to be the big challenge of this project. I’ve seen it done on 4th gen trucks, where the floor shifter sticks up thru the side panel with a bit of trimming. It may be tricky, the pocket is not as big as I thought, and there are wiring harnesses and the hvac ducting right below.

I bought the console on eBay. It’s from a Laramie , has the RamCharger queries phone charger and 115V power outlets.

It seems to have come from a truck that was built for “Chrysler ASG” (Automotive Sciences Group) as a test mule, based on the VIN build sheet lookup. It’s from a regular Laramie L2, but it appears to have the Laramie night edition side trim panels (dark grey, chrome accent), and the rear has the Power Wagon black chrome trim, but regular Laramie wood trim. At some point I may try to swap the wood trim and the side panels for “correct” power wagon pieces to match my truck. It doesn’t look too bad as is though. It also appears some of the parts of the console were installed in mid 2022 (due to early 2022 mfg date stickers/stamps), but the truck was a MY2020; and some of the parts, such as wiring harnesses have mfg dates from late 2019. Definitely unique back story on the donor truck.

I believe I can relocate my CD player from under the jump seat into this console, but I’m not sure if I will. I don’t really listen to CDs often, and the extra cubby is neat. I am also not sure if I’ll try to get the RamCharger wireless charger working or not, it doesn’t seem like something I’ll ever really use. I do want all the USBs and 115V outlets to function

 

[whitexc]

You paid a few bucks for that I’d say. I browsed the consoles on eBay after seeing others do the swap. I too no longer would punish anyone by sitting them in that jump seat (was my youngest daughters spot but she has grown a bit) and if it wasn’t available…..well then they can’t sit there! I don’t have the floor shifter to contend with but will follow along. Good luck!


Sent from me

 

[el_barto]

You paid a few bucks for that I’d say. I browsed the consoles on eBay after seeing others do the swap. I too no longer would punish anyone by sitting them in that jump seat (was my youngest daughters spot but she has grown a bit) and if it wasn’t available…..well then they can’t sit there! I don’t have the floor shifter to contend with but will follow along. Good luck!


Sent from me

Yeah it seems the going rate is about $1k-$1500 for these consoles (plus additional bolts and brackets) depending on trim/options/condition. But buying a truck with the center console vs the jump seat would be a couple hundred bucks extra or more on the truck cost, so that makes it an easier pill to swallow. (if it’s even available, which it wasn’t for the PW in 2019)

Definitely have to look closely at the ones for sale, since some are damaged and with all the options and colors it can be challenging to find “the one”