Power Wagon vs 2500 Cummins

[2003F350]

Hey all,

Wanted to get opinions on the PW vs 2500 Cummins. I’m in the market for one of these vehicles to build an overland vehicle. No crazy rock crawling but some decent off roading /expeditions. My budget is about $70K which is the cost of a new PW or a lightly used Cummins. Outside of overlanding it will be used around town, hardware store runs, taking the wife and dog hiking etc. I’ll occasionally drive it to work which is about 60miles round trip.

I won’t be towing any crazy weights so either platform will do just fine. With either one I plan to upgrade to a Carli Pintop suspension, 35’s, bed/roof rack, sliders etc.

The benefits to the PW that I see are:
Better off-road capability from the factory
Factory winch
Can afford a brand new vehicle (never had a new car/truck)
Factory front & rear lockers, sway bar disconnect

Benefits of the Cummins:
More durible
Higher torque
Better MPG for longer expeditions & with increased payload
Better resale value

Seems the PW would be better off the lot, but the Cummins may offer longer term benefits. Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you!!

You're going to want to go with the PW. No disrespect to the Cummins as it's a great motor and the non-PW 2500 is a great platform, but the difference in payload isn't all that stellar (because the Cummins weighs so freakin much). Tow rating is a significant difference, but you're not really looking to pull heavy loads, you're wanting to overland.

The PW has a better weight distribution, since it's not as nose-heavy. Which means some of those questionable maneuvers out in the back country won't be quite so hair-raising. It already has a rock-solid winch, disconnecting sway bar when you really need articulation, on-command lockers for when you really need grip, and more than enough power to do anything you think you might want to do.

Overall it's the better platform for what you're wanting to do. There's less work involved to get it where you want it to be, and while it does suck the fuel down, I still say the better weight distribution is going to be worth it.

 

[2020PW]

If you plan on modifying it with larger tires don’t buy a PW. Buy just a regular model and a suspension upgrade.

You won’t use the disconnecting sway bar if you run larger tires, they don’t have the clearance to flex.

 

[General Clortho]

I went though the same debate and ended up with the PW. Was it the better choice? Off-road, weight is your enemy. I had a Cummins dually and it would get stuck in 2wd in wet grass and sand was its nemesis. The PW is lighter and rides better and you don't have to throw $3-$5k in suspension and wheels and tires to feel confident off-road.

The big Hemi is a truly great running engine with gobs of torque and a beautiful sound. I can loaf down a west Texas highway at 85mph loaded down with a head wind on 35's and she doesn't feel like she is breaking a sweat. Consider the extra cost of oil changes, diesel prices and def fluid and it will take a very long time to break even cost wise due to the up front diesel engine cost. But you offset that with the Power Wagon package cost. They are close to the same price for the Tradesman versions.

In the end, I am glad I went PW because the Hemi runs great, it is lighter, it is unique to own (there are millions of Cummins running around), has a built in winch and suspension upgrades, you don't have to mess with def fluid and the stupid regen cycles, and the maintenance costs are less. 20 years ago, gas V8s in HD trucks were terrible so it didn't make sense to not have the diesel. That is no longer the case.

However, if you are towing a big travel trailer, then the PW is not the right choice....consider it to have closer to 1/2 ton capability in that regard.

 

[AkNoad2]

Why not get the 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi, Off Road package and add a winch and whatever other goodies you want on it and for $70k you could do a lot with it.

 

[Grand Mesa]

Why not get the 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi, Off Road package and add a winch and whatever other goodies you want on it and for $70k you could do a lot with it.

Need some POSER WAGON decals too.

 

[r56ranch]

Higher cost of diesel fuel and higher diesel engine service will wash out all and more of the $ savings from better MPG.

Ive owned and still do own diesel trucks , the ride is harsh unless you carry 500 -600 lbs in the bed, the heavy front end will plow a field in the mud and resale value considerations will not wash out the up front cost difference.

If you need to tow HEAVY frequently go cummins , that is the ONLY logical reason for diesel. HEAVY is not 6 or 7000 lbs as many folks believe.

If towing 12,000 lbs every once in awhile just do it, IT IS A TRUCK, its made to work for YOU not made for you to baby IT . Towing heavy is more about stopping than going if you are inside the tow capacity of the truck.

IMO

 

[Grand Mesa]

Here's a vendor that for only $24.99 will make any Cummins a Power Wagon...

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[JG-Man]

I think you should buy my 29,000 mile ****** Power Wagon with the Laramie package and then take the savings and convert it to an AEV Prospector!