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Help me decide... oh, and hi!

scbauer

scbauer

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New here, in the San Francisco Bay Area, using HDRAMS to help me decide how to spend $75-80K. I'm torn between a 2500 Limited CC 6.4 box and a Power Wagon 75th Anniversary. Basically the same truck inside, and I'd love to get the off road capabilities of the PW, but my heart has been set on a Cummins diesel for a few years. The Power Wagon is calling my name, but it is so hard to justify the fuel economy (or lack of, in the case of the PW) when I don't really off road right now. It won't be a daily driver, but will be the go-to family wagon when we make long road trips and head to the cabin.

The other thing I really like is the power deployable running boards. Seems like that's not an option on the PW since it comes with (I think) rock sliders. About to pull the trigger on a Cummins Limited 2500 CC... can you talk me into or out of the Power Wagon 75th? What say you, RAM fans?
 
With the Cummins being a 9k+ option, and I believe diesel costs more in the Bay Area, it will take many many years to break even on the costs of the Cummins after maintenance. Unless you are towing heavy loads go with the PW.


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Are you going to be towing? If your not towing or towing light the Cummins (great engine) is way overkill. Its about 10k more and reduces payload by almost a thousand pounds. Also you should know that diesels do not do well just sitting or on short around town trips. Your maintenance costs will be high plus there is the diesel emission fluid cost and regen issues. Yes the 6.4 Hemi is a thirsty beast but it has power galore, especially with that 4.10 rear end. It would take a long time to make up the cost of the Cummins, let alone the maintenance and fluid costs. You should ask yourself exactly what do you need the diesel for? Is it just the sound and torque feel? I mean its your money, just be honest with yourself. The PW will ride a whole lot better than a regular 2500 because of the softer off road suspension. Also the 75th anniversary edition PW is killer! Not to mention the special PW 75th anniversary colors like Anvil or Molten Orange. Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
Epsilon Plus said:
I don't envy you driving that truck around in that tiny city. Definitely PW though. Will need dual lockers to plow through all those poopy streets.
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Haha, I’m not in SF, I’m about 30 minutes East.


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I don't see anything in your description of how you're planning to use your truck that necessitates either a Cummins or a PW. Therefore I think it comes down to simply which one you want more unless there's something else you want like a long bed or mega cab or capability for future trailers.
 
JohnandDonna said:
Are you going to be towing? If your not towing or towing light the Cummins (great engine) is way overkill. Its about 10k more and reduces payload by almost a thousand pounds. Also you should know that diesels do not do well just sitting or on short around town trips. Your maintenance costs will be high plus there is the diesel emission fluid cost and regen issues. Yes the 6.4 Hemi is a thirsty beast but it has power galore, especially with that 4.10 rear end. It would take a long time to make up the cost of the Cummins, let alone the maintenance and fluid costs. You should ask yourself exactly what do you need the diesel for? Is it just the sound and torque feel? I mean its your money, just be honest with yourself. The PW will ride a whole lot better than a regular 2500 because of the softer off road suspension. Also the 75th anniversary edition PW is killer! Not to mention the special PW 75th anniversary colors like Anvil or Molten Orange. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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All valid. Don’t toe right now, but expect we’ll have a boat or camping trailer in the next few years.

As for payback, I ran the numbers and it’s about 4 or 5 years at 15k miles per year, given the fuel economy and current gas prices.

As for why I want diesel, it’s really about having a truck that will last 300,000 miles and do anything I asking to do. I’m not a speed demon so the TRX is off the list.

Anyone know if the power running boards can be added to a Power Wagon? As silly as it sounds, that might tip the scales towards a PW.
 
scbauer said:
All valid. Don’t toe right now, but expect we’ll have a boat or camping trailer in the next few years.

As for payback, I ran the numbers and it’s about 4 or 5 years at 15k miles per year, given the fuel economy and current gas prices.

As for why I want diesel, it’s really about having a truck that will last 300,000 miles and do anything I asking to do. I’m not a speed demon so the TRX is off the list.

Anyone know if the power running boards can be added to a Power Wagon? As silly as it sounds, that might tip the scales towards a PW.
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I believe you can add AMP power running boards as an aftermarket. Also don't forget todays V8's will last a good 150 to 200 thousand miles with proper maintenance.
 
JohnandDonna said:
I believe you can add AMP power running boards as an aftermarket. Also don't forget todays V8's will last a good 150 to 200 thousand miles with proper maintenance.
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Good to know, and yes I just checked out their website and they do fit the PW, but I’d much rather get factory running boards. Seems like that’s not an option on the PW, but I’ll have to ask a dealer to confirm (although I’m not sure I trust their answer, either, as they’ve told me many inaccurate things in the past).
 
Power wagon will be nicer riding on a family's road trip. power wagons are not for everybody, if you have been jonesing for a diesel get the diesel and leave that power wagon for someone who is seeking adventure not just transportation. Lots of people put amp power steps on.
 
scbauer said:
All valid. Don’t toe right now, but expect we’ll have a boat or camping trailer in the next few years.

As for payback, I ran the numbers and it’s about 4 or 5 years at 15k miles per year, given the fuel economy and current gas prices.

As for why I want diesel, it’s really about having a truck that will last 300,000 miles and do anything I asking to do. I’m not a speed demon so the TRX is off the list.

Anyone know if the power running boards can be added to a Power Wagon? As silly as it sounds, that might tip the scales towards a PW.
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Did you also calculate in how expensive diesel maintenance is? It would be much longer than 4-5 years to break even.

Hemi ftw, imo
 
You see the way the V8 justifiers jump on the "maintenance"? It's as if they forgot the change intervals for those same priced fluids are DOUBLE the gas engine.

The rest of what they say holds water. Just a pet peeve to hear the "MaInTenAnCe coStS" talking point out of the Hemi crowd, every. single. time.

:D

What about break even cost! What about it? Who said buying a vehicle of this magnitude is a purely financial decision? There's more than just dollar signs separating your semi-Hemi from the Big D. Don't start acting all poor in here now..... :p
 
Epsilon Plus said:
You see the way the V8 justifiers jump on the "maintenance"? It's as if they forgot the change intervals for those same priced fluids are DOUBLE the gas engine.

The rest of what they say holds water. Just a pet peeve to hear the "MaInTenAnCe coStS" talking point out of the Hemi crowd, every. single. time.

:D

What about break even cost! What about it? Who said buying a vehicle of this magnitude is a purely financial decision? There's more than just dollar signs separating your semi-Hemi from the Big D. Don't start acting all poor in here now..... :p
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It’s ok to buy the cummins just so you can have the C on the fender and be one of the cool kids.
 
The fender?!?

I have a 12" C on the back window!

I'm one of "those" guys. :D








Besides, it's all a ruse. My truck is actually a 5.7L 4th Gen with 4.5 Gen front end and badges. Don't tell anyone!
 
Looking at it from a different perspective - if the choice comes down to Limited versus Power Wagon with all else equal, I'd go with the Limited.

Gas vs Diesel is never going to have a winner. There will be fanatics on both sides and there will be people who opted one way or the other due to their needs.

If you're comfortable doing a little work, you could easily add power steps to the PW, or likewise you could easily modify the non-PW suspension to get yourself a softer ride.
 
scbauer said:
Haha, I’m not in SF, I’m about 30 minutes East.


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Livermore?

Buy the cummins if you ever plan to tow a 5th wheel or 10k+ lbs..

You will never recoup the additional cost of owning the diesel, but the ease with which it tows is what does it for me.

If i rarely towed, or towed light, i'd go with the Hemi for sure.
 
Y'all are missing the most important issue. What's available in your area OP? Unless you're willing to order now and potentially wait till next fall you may be limited to what local dealers actually have in stock.

That being said, go with the cummins. If/when you buy a boat or camper or any kind of trailer it's best to have something that will definitely tow anything and everything.
 
McHenry2500 said:
Y'all are missing the most important issue. What's available in your area OP? Unless you're willing to order now and potentially wait till next fall you may be limited to what local dealers actually have in stock.

That being said, go with the cummins. If/when you buy a boat or camper or any kind of trailer it's best to have something that will definitely tow anything and everything.
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Actually not super relevant... I'm willing to fly to Texas or Colorado or Idaho to buy a truck and drive it home. Seems like a great way to get some early highway break-in miles!
 
With as much as these trucks cost why just settle. Yes it may be a 3 month wait but then you will have exactly what you want. Also here is another factor for consideration. The softer the ride the lower the towing rating will be. If I needed to go with the Cummins I would have chosen the 3500 as the payload in the 2500 with the Cummins sucks (especially with the MegaCab). Thats why knowing what you will be towing and what you need to carry is a key consideration. If you tow heavy and often then diesel is the way to go. Otherwise a gasser makes more sense. This is based on horror stories of buddies who have one and my uncle who is a diesel mechanic. I repeat, a diesel (all of them not just Cummins) do not do well just sitting or just being used for short trips. They are made to be driven! Back in the day this was not so much a problem but with all the current emissions crap they have really strangled the diesel. Now as one poster said, you do not perform regular maintenance (i.e. oil changes) nearly as ofter as in a gasser. But when you do they are expensive. Also once a diesel is out of warranty and something needs to be fixed, get ready to open up that wallet big time. Its just the nature of the beast.
 
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