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2500 Payload question/advice

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Fleece82

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First, long time lurker first time posting. Im in the market for a new truck. I currently have a 21 Ram Limited with the Eco diesel. I recently bought a new Can Am Outlander XT Max. Quad weighs in around 1000lbs. My HOA does not let us have trailers or anything stored outside the home. So I bought a mad ramp system that actually works very well and makes things easy for loading and unloading. The issue being the system weighs around 160lbs plus the quad weight comes in above my current payload of 1083lbs. Thankfully the air suspension levels me and the truck does OK but def not optimal I know. The system distributes the weight 50/50 with half in the bed and half on the hitch.

Im looking to get a new truck and was considering ordering a RHO since the payload is around 1500lbs but the sales guy at my dealer is recommending I step up into a 2500. While I will still have to order to get the spec I want, I was able to drive a rebel 2500 Diesel with air suspension, rebel with hemi, and a powerwagon.

Now I am torn and like both for different reasons. While I'm leaning powerwagon, the one thing I noticed is the payload is not much more than my current 1500. Sales guy feels the PW will still handle the quad no problem. Yes I know PW is mainly for offroading and I don't off-road. Living in WV our roads are littered with crater sized potholes, uneven rough back roads and our farm is on a dirt road. So while not offroading I do appreciate the ride quality of the PW and is what had me leaning that direction.

However, my last 2 trucks have been diesel and I travel a lot of interstate to and from work and really like the new diesel powertrain in the 2500 with the 8 speed. Plus the Rebel has plenty of payload. However, I know the big diesel is overkill since I'm not actually towing. I just didn't care for the ride of the Rebel with the hemi and stock suspension.

So to my actual question, which way would you go if in my shoes? and if anyone has experience with the PW and hauling near payload, I'm all ears. And just as a disclaimer, I'm by no means rich but the cost difference in Gas vs diesel truck and maintenance is not a huge concern for me. I just want to get into something that will be a comfortable and good daily and handle my hauling needs.
 
Power wagon is a great tool for some specific uses, none of which I think you'd fully appreciate and the downsides for your use would be pretty apparent.

I would and did go with a lower trim diesel and then do my own preferred suspension. I don't feel the rebel is worth the cost, considering that suspension sucks too. Maybe if it had a front locker.

Unless you're against modifying the truck after the fact. But in your case I would spec out a 2500 you like and decide if the diesel is worth the upgrade to you. I drive mine about 22 miles each way to work, mostly highway and it's been regening right on time at 25 hours. I haven't towed with it yet.

Also before you give your local dealer money if you're ordering, you need to check Koons, Mark Dodge, Granger new order prices so you don't get screwed.
 
Thanks for the input. I appreciate it! Already been talking with Koons. Prob the route I'll go once I decide. I tried giving the local guys a shot but don't think they are going to touch Koons pricing.
 
Forceofwill said:
Power wagon is a great tool for some specific uses, none of which I think you'd fully appreciate and the downsides for your use would be pretty apparent.

I would and did go with a lower trim diesel and then do my own preferred suspension. I don't feel the rebel is worth the cost, considering that suspension sucks too. Maybe if it had a front locker.

Unless you're against modifying the truck after the fact. But in your case I would spec out a 2500 you like and decide if the diesel is worth the upgrade to you. I drive mine about 22 miles each way to work, mostly highway and it's been regening right on time at 25 hours. I haven't towed with it yet.

Also before you give your local dealer money if you're ordering, you need to check Koons, Mark Dodge, Granger new order prices so you don't get screwed.
Click to expand...
I agree the rebel package is also overpriced. The issue is the Ramboxs are my top option. I love mine and use them regularly. According to the builder, they are not available as an option on Laramie and lower. I have to step up to Rebel, Powerwagon or higher.
 
I drive a 2020 PW daily, love the thing, rides like a caddy with 35s, but fuel economy is TERRIBLE, 9.5 on average, but i drive a total 35+/- miles a day. i towed a trailer full of furniture 600 miles and the truck didnt even know it was there. ive hauled pallets of landscaping bricks and its squats pretty hard, but no issues. offroad, yes its a beast, i live close to the beach, and it pulls through sand like a really heavy dune buggy.
 
jabartram said:
I drive a 2020 PW daily, love the thing, rides like a caddy with 35s, but fuel economy is TERRIBLE, 9.5 on average, but i drive a total 35+/- miles a day. i towed a trailer full of furniture 600 miles and the truck didnt even know it was there. ive hauled pallets of landscaping bricks and its squats pretty hard, but no issues. offroad, yes its a beast, i live close to the beach, and it pulls through sand like a really heavy dune buggy.
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Ya just need to get your right foot under control to get better mpg numbers ;)
 
I agree with the desire for the rambox.

Also saw that - for a 3500 SRW megacab have to go to limited or higher to get the rambox. Other than that, I actually prefer the interior of a Laramie.

For fun, see if there is a way that you arrange to put your loads in a recent model 3500 SRW with air leveling and drive it around for a test.

If you put your setup in a truck bed, plus another 500 lbs, and it is all sitting on the rear axle, are you still within the axle rating ?
 
My “ideal” truck would be my Bighorn diesel with a Power Wagon suspension. That said, given the choices you mentioned, I would choose Power Wagon.
 
I would say go with the Power Wagon. Sure its more truck than you need now(or is it), but who knows what life will bring you later. I would prefer to have more truck than I need than not enough or just barely. Your Payload goes beyond the SXS and the rack for it...you have passengers and any gear you pack for the trip.

Plus you could then have this:

Marlon Recreational Products - SXS Deck

Transform your off-road adventures with the Marlon SXS Deck, designed for truck boxes from 6.2' to 8'. This innovative deck includes two 10' ramps and a side loader assist for easy loading and unloading of your Side-by-Side or ATV. Tackle rugged terrain confidently and carry an extra machine or...
www.marlonproducts.com www.marlonproducts.com
 
HarryN said:
I agree with the desire for the rambox.

Also saw that - for a 3500 SRW megacab have to go to limited or higher to get the rambox. Other than that, I actually prefer the interior of a Laramie.

For fun, see if there is a way that you arrange to put your loads in a recent model 3500 SRW with air leveling and drive it around for a test.

If you put your setup in a truck bed, plus another 500 lbs, and it is all sitting on the rear axle, are you still within the axle rating ?
Click to expand...
That's definitely a possibility. I could put it in the bed. It would just consume the entire bed and rear would sit slightly on tailgate. That's how I originally hauled it in my 1500 but the rear wheels were only about 2" from the edge of tailgate which was a little unnerving. Lol! Also had to put padding or foam against my back glass bc the brush guard would hit the glass.

So the mad ramp system solved that issue plus it leaves enough room in front of bed for a deer, stands, and gear.
 
sstoner911 said:
I would say go with the Power Wagon. Sure its more truck than you need now(or is it), but who knows what life will bring you later. I would prefer to have more truck than I need than not enough or just barely. Your Payload goes beyond the SXS and the rack for it...you have passengers and any gear you pack for the trip.

Plus you could then have this:

Marlon Recreational Products - SXS Deck

Transform your off-road adventures with the Marlon SXS Deck, designed for truck boxes from 6.2' to 8'. This innovative deck includes two 10' ramps and a side loader assist for easy loading and unloading of your Side-by-Side or ATV. Tackle rugged terrain confidently and carry an extra machine or...
www.marlonproducts.com www.marlonproducts.com
Click to expand...
The PW actually appealed to me for a few reasons. 1- the best riding of the 2500s in my opinion. 2- I like the winch (which I know I can get on rebel too if I go gas). But I was at the farm this winter and road was a sheet of ice. Road is banked in a few turns and though I was in the middle of the road, the combo of ice and banking caused my truck to just slide right off the road and over the bank. Luckily the snow was deep and heavy enough to hold my truck in place and keep it room rolling over. Had I had a winch I could of got myself out. But had to call a crew. Then incidentally same thing happened to my step mom a few days later. So the value of a Winch became apparent.
 
Fleece82 said:
The PW actually appealed to me for a few reasons. 1- the best riding of the 2500s in my opinion. 2- I like the winch (which I know I can get on rebel too if I go gas). But I was at the farm this winter and road was a sheet of ice. Road is banked in a few turns and though I was in the middle of the road, the combo of ice and banking caused my truck to just slide right off the road and over the bank. Luckily the snow was deep and heavy enough to hold my truck in place and keep it room rolling over. Had I had a winch I could of got myself out. But had to call a crew. Then incidentally same thing happened to my step mom a few days later. So the value of a Winch became apparent.
Click to expand...

Yes, ice and slopes are the great equalizer when it comes to vehicles.

Never needed tire chains when I lived in the midwest, but here it is a requirement to go anywhere with snow and ice for skiing.
 
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