n0arp
Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2023
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- 19
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- 59
We traded our 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon for a 2022 Power Wagon about two weeks ago. The Jeep spent six weeks in the shop for warranty motor repairs before we gave up on it, but Stellantis corporate really stood up and made things right for us, so we stayed in the FCA family. The dealer it was at didn't have anything we were really interested in to replace our built Jeep, but the Power Wagon piqued our interest. We had a 2019 Ram 3500 and 2021 Ram 5500 previously, which were used for fifth wheel and truck camper duty. At this point, we're traveling in our dream coach but would like to eventually add something like a Black Series HQ19 to the mix so we can get back to some of the sites we could only get to with the truck camper.
The PW was used, stock with 5K miles on it, and optioned almost exactly as we would option it. The previous owner put an aFe intake and MBRP exhaust on it, but that's the end of mods as far as I know. We put 37x12.50 Toyo MTs on it, lights, ARB OBA, AirLift 5000 bags with Daystar cradles, DiamondBack HD tonneau cover with Yakima HD system, and a few other mods, which I'm happy to discuss if anyone has questions or wants more info.
The big issue for us is flat towing - we took a gamble, Blue Ox makes a baseplate for the gas 2500, but says it does not fit PW. It fit with with the exception of the inner plate (acts as a large washer that captures three bolts and sandwiches the frame rail), which wouldn't clear the winch - I made a slightly different one in my shop that still performs the same purpose, which works great. We chose the Demco Air Force One braking system, and Curt wiring harness with coiled 4 to 7 pin cable, and did our best to make all the tow gear blend in with the front. Went on a short 20mi test drive to make sure it pulls well today, and there were no surprises. We'll finally be hitting the road again next week, after way too long at an RV park (at least we own a few sites here, and have a 14x36' workshop to make things easier). This was a rushed build because we're in a hurry to get back out there, but I didn't take any shortcuts.
The PW was used, stock with 5K miles on it, and optioned almost exactly as we would option it. The previous owner put an aFe intake and MBRP exhaust on it, but that's the end of mods as far as I know. We put 37x12.50 Toyo MTs on it, lights, ARB OBA, AirLift 5000 bags with Daystar cradles, DiamondBack HD tonneau cover with Yakima HD system, and a few other mods, which I'm happy to discuss if anyone has questions or wants more info.
The big issue for us is flat towing - we took a gamble, Blue Ox makes a baseplate for the gas 2500, but says it does not fit PW. It fit with with the exception of the inner plate (acts as a large washer that captures three bolts and sandwiches the frame rail), which wouldn't clear the winch - I made a slightly different one in my shop that still performs the same purpose, which works great. We chose the Demco Air Force One braking system, and Curt wiring harness with coiled 4 to 7 pin cable, and did our best to make all the tow gear blend in with the front. Went on a short 20mi test drive to make sure it pulls well today, and there were no surprises. We'll finally be hitting the road again next week, after way too long at an RV park (at least we own a few sites here, and have a 14x36' workshop to make things easier). This was a rushed build because we're in a hurry to get back out there, but I didn't take any shortcuts.
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at least you didn't have to pay for the aftermarket one. About all it does is give you more intake sound.
