What Do You Wish You Knew Before You Got a PW?

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AzRamLover

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Looking at '16 PWs - have a '14 1500 Laramie CC 4x4.

For those who already own, what do you *wish* you knew before you got yours?

Things that immediately jump out:
- Lackluster payload compared to other 2500s
- 50% mileage penalty compared to '14 1500 Laramie CC 4x4
- Rear diff does not have limited slip for normal street driving and are not lockable outside of 4-Low

Others?
 

jamestaylor47

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What exactly does the PW acronym stand for? And most of you will be wishing you waited when the Nbs comes out lol


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jamestaylor47

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I am obviously way out of my league I have no idea what thy even means lol


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SilverStreak88

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I am obviously way out of my league I have no idea what thy even means lol


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I was just messin, if you've never owned or driven a PW before it's definitely a different animal "off road", but as the OP stated it has some big drawbacks as far as a DD. The 3rd gen model PW's are better in my opinion because they don't have a lot of the "computerized limitations" like the newer 4th gen's do.
 

jamestaylor47

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Power wagon!!! I'm an idiot lol


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Low_Sky

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- Rear diff does not have limited slip for normal street driving and are not lockable outside of 4-Low



Others?


The rear differential in a PW has a helical limited slip.


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1500ram12

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You lose payload for better off road capabilities. Any 2500/3500 hemi will have that "penalty". I believe with a relay you can trick the truck and have the front diff locked in 4hi. I'll see if I can find the build thread of the guy who did it to his 2012 pw
 
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AzRamLover

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The rear differential in a PW has a helical limited slip.


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That would be *great* - helical LSD for street w/ electronic locking for the trail is my preference.

I can't find this on RamTrucks - any links to documentation?
 
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AzRamLover

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Thanks for the great responses, y'all!

Right now I think the biggest thing in my way is the fuel economy and slow acceleration to get on the highway.
 

Low_Sky

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That would be *great* - helical LSD for street w/ electronic locking for the trail is my preference.



I can't find this on RamTrucks - any links to documentation?


A google search will find it. I'd post a pic of my truck's build sheet if I knew where it was. It's hiding in a moving box somewhere....


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Low_Sky

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Thanks for the great responses, y'all!

Right now I think the biggest thing in my way is the fuel economy and slow acceleration to get on the highway.


What kind of highways are you merging onto? My 2015 has plenty of "go" for on ramps.


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AzRamLover

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Yeah, others have confirmed the rear diff being both LS & electronically locking. Thanks!

RE the acceleration it's probably perception more than reality.

But the mileage - yeesh. The old lady gives me the stinkeye every time I bring up the truck.
 

Low_Sky

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You don't buy a PW for the mileage. If that's a factor, look elsewhere. My '15 gets 14-15 Hwy and a lot worse in town.


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AzRamLover

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You don't buy a PW for the mileage. If that's a factor, look elsewhere. My '15 gets 14-15 Hwy and a lot worse in town.


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I'll take your advice - thanks! We take too many road trips to be able to consider a PW for the time being.

Thanks to everyone for the advice!
 

thumper450

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PW like the fuel, hope it stays cheap for awhile

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