Hi have an 07 PW and don't regret one bit. It seem well made, seems to run fine (winch and lockers work last I checked). As for mileage, I get about12.8 to 13.2 commuting to work in traffic and can get 14.5 on trips - which is what I expected.ACTD would be nice for mpg, but the hemi's neat.

 

The Dodge Cummins diesel is actually slightly larger in displacement than the 8-cylinder Hemi. It boils down to bore x stroke. Don't let the number of cylinders or straight-6 design fool you. The Cummins is all about torque and pulling power. Yes, "horsepower" is a bit higher, but it is designed to peak at a much lower rpm. Also, there is a huge untapped potential in the Cummins for torque and horsepower gains.

The Power Wagon is offered with the Hemi due to its' lower nose-weight (considered better for off-roading), and also the fact that the winch would not fit with the bigger diesel engine. The Power Wagon is an awesome off-road vehicle with excellent axle articulation. It will outperform just about any stock off-road vehicle, not to mention a majority of modified 4x4s. Big lifts and giant tires don't always equate to off-road performance, unless all you are interested in is mud-bogging. Finally, adding the cost of the PW option in addition to the diesel option would probably price it out of the market.

It all boils down to what you want and need. If you ever plan on towing a heavy load, then you might be better off with the diesel. If not, and you plan on off-roading and like the idea of a stock vehicle pre-loaded with all the goodies, then the PW may be right for you. Will be interesting to see if they continue the PW in 2008 (as an '09 model). I might be tempted to buy one if they will become a collectors item.

 

here i am trying to talk myself into the diesel and i think you just sold me on the Power Wagon[sm=icon_rofl.gif][sm=headbang.gif]

but actually the smaller engine i was talking about was the other diesel, they have a 5.9l and a 6.7l which both appear to have identical specs except the bigger one has 20 less hp. anybody know anything about these? and what about the winch i saw they say "custom" but i doubt it really is anything but the standard cheapo warnanybody know? more importantly does anybody know how it mounts if it would be possible to put a different winch in its place. thanks allot guys

 

how does that compare to the other ram 2500's? are they all very similar?

 

i'm not positive, but i believe the 5.9L is the old engine and the 6.7L is the new deisel they just came out with. Which would make me believe they are just phasing out the 5.9L with what they have already built. This question could probably be alot better answered in the CTD forum.

 

Most of the performance for off roading comes from the lockers and the disconnecting anti-sway bar. The inch differance in suspension helps with approach and departure angles. That would be about the biggest differance between the 2500 and the PW. This is a tried and true method for all off roading vehicles. The CTD is heavier, and does displace more, then the Hemi. The CTD does get better milage, and the price of fuel is actually cheaper then gasoline this year (inverse of last year, things that make you go hmmmm.... cough... rigged market... cough). It is a matter of what you are actually going to use the vehicle for. If you are going to take a $40,000 + vehicle off roading all the time that you need that kind of articulation, buy the PW. That is why I am rebuilding my jeep for trail running... not going to beat up my ram like I would my jeep. IMO I would buy the 2500 CTD and buy components to make it more off road worthy. The winch is a front frame mountedwinch behind the bumper. I don't know how big it is, or how much it could haul. Listed below is what I would do... of course if money didn't matter:

3500 without the dully's CTD
6" lift with 37's
Spend lots of money with Banks (they have some sweeeeeet kits for the CTD
Warn front and rear bumpers with winch (the new one with the built in compressor)
Antisway disconnect
electric or airlockers front and rear
and a whole lot of audio and exterior extras

And no, the diesel is not waterproof... water just does not compress.

 

Oh... and I would add propane injection... like nitrous for the diesels

 

you sick bastard [sm=badbadbad.gif]

i was allready thinking about it

 

Ohhh ohhh... and stacks too... gotta have stacks... big chrome ones... belching thick black smoke....

 

go with the 2500 CTD. the power wagon has 33 inch tires stick. I have 35's more clearance. lockers not that expensive. 1000.00. winch 2000 with mounting area and you have the diesel which is much easier to upgrade, lasts longer and imo better value. PW isa great truck and I would love one for wheeling, but my CTD does well and has the torque for everything.