Could the A Pillar mounts possibly be from SDHQ? My boyfriend has them on his excursion and they look similar. Great PW by the way! You’re an inspiration!!!
They're like kids. You love them both, but just differently. Another thing to add. The Cummins puts the intercooler right where the OE winch is mounted. I don't think a lot of people realize or understand the value of the engineering Ram did to custom mount the winch between the frame rails. This tucks it back behind a stock bumper. If you wanted to mount one on the Cummins it would have to be mounted on an after market winch bumper way out front putting even more weight way out where you don't want it. Not to mention losing that great approach angle.
the pre14 trucks, fitted them nicely, but with the upgraded and reloaced intercooler on the 14+ trucks makes it incredibly difficult, another aspect to think about with the diesel is dragging the intercooler into water or rocks. plus the wagon specific radius arms are a big plus. they grant the truck way more articulation then a diesel ever could.
I think one of my favorite things in general about your videos is just the positive outlook on things. Something goes wrong? Hey, just part of it. It’s sorta like you’re the Bob Ross of overlanders. And I hope that comes across as the genuine compliment that it is meant to be
If you want to get rid of the push connects I recommend nut and ferrule airline fittings. It’s what we use on semi trucks as they are secure and do not leak unlike the push connects.
Agree with Cody. I’m a store manager of an 18 wheeler parts store and have been selling parts for going on 15 years. Nut and ferrule fittings require a hair more labor to install but are better for permanent solutions. Keep some quick connect fittings for roadside emergencies and get home fixes but other than that stick with nut and ferrule.
Pleas PLEASE PLEASE for the sake of Powerwagon owners , put some pressure on Long Range America to finish developing the extended range fuel tank for the new wagons!!!! They already have one for the 1500 the gets almost 50 gallons , and that would be perfect for the Wagon. Also not sure (you probably already know this) but have you looked into regearing? 4.88 and 5.13 gearing is common among newer wagons who run 37's and still pull loads .
Brown Davis of Australia makes a 32 gallon auxiliary tank for Ram 2500/3500 that goes where the factory spare tire mounts. I don't know if it's available here in the U.S.
I have a 21, RAM 3500 and I have a Palomino 1251 that supposedly weight 1700 lbs. Running across Interstate 80 through Ohio and PA my round trip mileage is 15.5 MPG at 5 miles per hour over every posted speed limit sign. I know from other trips if I keep it at or below 65 I can easily add another mile per gallon. The diesels are nice the power is incredible, BUT I'm begging you with tears in my eyes, do NOT own ANY of the new diesels outside the factory warranty. If you do you'll be inviting financial disaster. Ohh and I have 35x11.5 tires so there's probably some math in there to adjust my mileage (as reported on the dash). And I have Thuren sway bar, front coils, fox shocks, and sulastic shackles. The truck in stock form was FREAKING rough on the road. It's perfect now with the Thuren parts. Take care.
Would throw a ratchet strap on the cooler to prevent it from becoming a projectile in case of an accident. Super slick though, didn’t realize Dometic made one that small!
It's on the floor, basically squished between the folded rear seat and front seat. Extremely difficult for a device that size to get tossed around in an accident. It will just push forward and be trapped by the drivers seat back which prevents it from going up due to seat angle. Now if they were putting it higher, like on top of the folded-down seat or on an internal rack like what Donald @softroadingthewest does, you'd need tie downs for safety (as Donald does)
@@adam_mawz_maas Just watched back and I think you're right- short of a rollover that thing looks pretty secure. Never hurts to be extra safe though :)
23 years of Active Duty I did plenty of camping but some you have inspired my so do a bit more in a way much more comfortable way. Awaiting the truck cap for my RAM to start out ! ! Semper Fi Brad
I run my Jackery with my Dometic and have the Jackery plugged into the trucks 110 and the cooler plugged in the 12 volt, works awesome and always charged
We have a 2018 2500 with the beastly 6.7L. We also have a 2016 1500 with the mild tugboat 3.0L. The ULTIMATE Powerwagon would be 3.0L powered, with 4.56 gears, 37's, the 4wheel camper and ALL the Brad mods!!!! We just got back from a trip from Lancaster, CA, to Waynesville, NC, Blackstone, VA, Williamsburg, VA,, Luray(caverns), VA, Wolcott, IA, Broomfield, CO, Zion NP, and then home. For the 6146 mile trip, we averaged 24mpg, with the 3.42 ratio and the stock size 275/70-18 tires. Bilstein shocks improved the ride. And a steering brace improved the steering. But we had to visit Big O tires in Broomfield, CO, rotate the tires to cure a growing "Death Wobble" issue. Enjoy your trip! And hold the cruise control at 62mph as much as you can. And the mpg won't be that bad.
I love my Diesel, but also love the Power Wagons.. I probably should of got a Wagon, but peoples faces when they see a Diesel out on the trails is hiliarious. It'll never be as capable as your jeep, but that doesn't mean we won't give it a try haha. Love all the vehicles on the channel! Can't wait to see the silver jeep back in action, things going to be a monster!
I was just thinking of your channel after listening to this vid. I’m the guy who suggested that you probably should have got a PW. Now I would suggest that Trail Recon should have got the diesel, lol. It’s all a matter of how you use the truck. With that big camper, he’d have been better off with diesel. With the way you’re sending it, you should have got a PW. Still everyone has awesome Rams though so we’re not hurting..... unlesss.... TRX🤔.
I'm in the same boat. Mine is a crew cab long box 3500 cummins. I took it all over drummond island off road and the looks I got driving that tank was hilarious.
We were at the Expo on Saturday. Met our favorites including Marco, but sadly missed meeting you. I sure do miss a full size truck. Nothing like a road trip in a full size truck! All the key words in your video spelled out 2500 6.7 diesel, not PowerWagon. Cool ride all the same.
Hemi 🤩 unless you are heavy towing and understand what the Cummings advantages and drawbacks are... then you get your perfect set up with tailored solution... Hemi for me!
You still have this Rig? I have a similar setup but '18 with Northstar 650TC. Stock sus. Bags, hellwig, 37x13.5, and 5:13 gears. I beat the hell out of it, goes anywhere I point it with ease. I absolutely love it! So, curious if there is something you don't like about your setup as it's been off the channel for a year.. I get Jeep content that pays the bills, but I can't imagine going back to Jeep/SUV camping with tents, trailers and what not after camping in the PW/Camper.
I have a 2004 2500 Dodge 4x4 Diesel that I just love and is still running strong at this point. I can't make myself trade it off for the life of me. I'm considering doing some upgrades because I've been running it stock. I do know I am getting the four-wheel project M for it. Thanks for your videos, Master Cheif. RM2 1974-78 here. :-)
Brad, I think you made a great decision getting the PW for the following reasons (and I’ve mentioned these in comments of previous videos of yours before): 1) Cost - out of the box from factory. The Carly system alone installed is $10k. The wheels and tires are another $3k installed and the pop up camper is idk - $15k? The Cummins is $6-9k more than the 6.4L hemi as an option on the Ram 2500 so adding lockers, lower gears, sway bar disconnect, and winch costs double the cost of a Cummins minimum installed. Should I go on? 2) Aesthetics. There is no truck that looks as good as a PW especially in person and yours TR style is 🔥. It is a showstopper and head turner. I have 2 “neighbors” with PW’s one is the 75th anniversary edition in that sweet orange color and I can’t stop staring at it! 3) Offroad - this truck is a massive jeep rubicon. Enough said. 4) Gasoline engine…funnily enough I think this is a positive for off-roaders at high elevations. They require less and cheaper maintenance. They don’t struggle at extreme elevations and very cold climates. Gas is still more readily available anywhere anytime. Strangely enough it is still more difficult to find diesel esp when you need it most. This is another reason I won’t get an EV 4x4 for another decade til I feel confident about that and they’ve figured out all the kinks. 5) Comfort. If you’ve never driven or ridden in a Ram 2500 stock then you don’t know that it is as smooth as a Cadillac (almost lol that’s why I got a ram 1500 instead. That is as smooth as a Cadillac). It is roomy and has so many electrical ports for charging and powering devices. There’s more I could say but I’ll leave it at that for now lol. I’d have no problem getting a PW for my next truck now that I can afford one and justify its thirsty fuel tank. My buddies with 2500s and 37s say they only get 12-15 mpg anyway so id be fine with 10-12 on a beastly PW.
This is another great video. Your content is always interesting but also your camera work is fantastic. Two things about the Ram-the personalized decals look so much better, and smart move with the folding steps.
In my Ram last Yr, I pugged my 17L Borge Refrig into a Jackery, and the Jackery into the truck. That way the reefer always had power, truck on or off. And Jackery usually stayed fully charged except in camp, when I broke out the solar panel. And btw, Semper Fi Master Chief, from an old HM2.
Brad, find your local Parker Store. Ask for their NTA fittings. They are a DOT compression fitting for plastic air line. Many configurations, unions, straights, 90’s.
Looked at my first Four Wheel camper Saturday at Adventure Van Expo in Chattanooga and I really liked it. Never would have considered it until I saw your setup. Awesome that you will be in Virginia. Looking forward to meeting you. Safe travels ✌🏼
You inspired me to go out little more... not long ago i flew to LA, rented 4runner awd and went to Thomas Mountain where you went camping with your Wrangler, I accidentally forgot to switch to 4H so i was like, well never mind, i guess it is just camp access after all :)... but thank you, i will definitely head to Moab some day
I am using my Honda Pilot for my outdoor adventure. I'm just starting my outdoor adventure and I enjoy every bit of it. I gotta say, the Jeep looks awesome!! Dodge looks mean 😀
Awesome build! I saw your Rig at Expo and tried to track you down. Loved all the pin striping on a rig i don't think you have had too long!! :) Ive had the diesel and now in a 2020 3500 Hemi. Ive added the titan spare tire fuel tank.......NOT specified for our Hemi's and not legal to connect to our main tank (at least in Cali where i live) so I use it as a transfer tank. The extra 35 gals LOW on the vehicle gives me huge peace of mind! Semper Fi Devil Doc!
As a Ram 3500 diesel owner, the factory 50-gallon fuel tank option was a necessity for me. Granted, it’s only available for long beds but that’s how I buy all of my trucks anyway.
Wonderful rig! I run a RAM3500 with a FWC Hawk and you are right on point...not a rock crawler but a great platform for comfortable overlanding. Safe travels!
The primary advantage the Power Wagon has aside from weighing less, is the winch that comes with it. If you know that you'll need a winch you're actually saving money by going with the Power Wagon over a Laramie that has a diesel. With the diesel, you'd have to get an aftermarket bumper (because of the intercooler) from AEV, Expedition One, ARB etc. That'll add roughly $3k to the build not counting the cost of a winch. Of course you could go with a Trans4mer set up from Warn and Mile Marker has a similar one too that would forego getting an entirely different bumper. I have a 2018 Ram 2500 diesel Laramie that I absolutely love, but if I want to get a winch set up for it, it's a huge monetary commitment. As someone who also rides a motorcycle you're talking about spending a huge amount of money in two different directions! Not at that point yet!
Great Q&A, learned alot. Have fun going xcross country. Done FL to ID and back several times taking all different ways and saw sooo much beauty. Like u xmilitary traveled while in and still say this is the most beautiful country on God's green earth.
Keep up with the great Power Wagon updates. My 22’ PW should be here in a week and I can’t wait. I’ve been looking at the FWC Hawk Shell Model. Figure since I have a ton of camp gear I’ll try to intergrade it into then camper while still being able to easily transfer back into the JKUR when needed. The shell model is also lighter for the PW so hopefully I don’t have to do too much to the suspension.
‘20 PW owner here that keeps about 600lbs in the bed all the time, if you don’t do the suspension AND bag it and you expect to be at 1100lbs all the time, you will be absolutely miserable. Cheapest option is firestone riderites and daystar cradles, but then why did you even bother buying a PW.
My 22 PW door sticker shows payload of just shy of 1600 lbs. tow 11,000 lbs. The truck has almost no options added. FWC site says Hawk shell model is around 900lbs. I should be fine thank you
@@chris1293 hold up, before you take a big risk here - 900+2 adults+a loaded cooler+spare gas+water+eletronics+bags you're well over 1500lbs. I really suggest not doing what you're doing. The truck springs are so soft, and with all that load up high, any amount of cross wind will start you porpoising down the highway. You're gonna be miserable and the truck will crab walk around every corner as the load shifts through the turn. You're gonna end up spending so much money trying to fix the problem from here on out that it's literally cheaper to just go buy a stock 2500 and then upgrade the suspension. Even the youtube you're commenting on is a prime example of what you're going to have to go through to even marginally make it work on a PW.
@@neil7340 I’ll have to weight my gear and look into it more. But looking at the thousands of tundras and other 1/2 ton trucks out there with a fwc doesn’t add up. Heck, the fwc fleet already exceeds my tacomas payload even before adding people and gear 🤷🏻♂️
Hi brad .. I ordered the randy ellis lightbar from phenix .. it took 4 weeks and now it is there and has installed it after your video .. it worked great .. your videos also work sources of supply shown
Thanks and great video! I just bought a 2500 Hemi...and I have been contemplating the build. I am kinda waiting for new designs of slide-ins... We would prefer something that pops up, but is NOT canvas. But no hard sided slide-ins are available, yet.. that are somewhat affordable. At least that I can find. But. love your build and love the channel. Thank you!
I love watching your Jeep back country rock climbing adventures, but truly I will never do those types of adventures. The way you use your Power Wagon is more my style and I was very happy to see you add it to your channel. Im assuming you will document your Virginia trip. So I’m very excited to follow along with your out east adventure.
It was more of a road trip to get to and from Overland Expo than an off-road or overlanding trip so we didn’t really film it. Now that the expos are done, we’ll be getting off-road and will have more trail videos coming soon. 😁
Also very nice to meet you and your wife at OEE. I very much appreciate the time you took out of your schedule to answer my questions and chatting for a bit. Safe travels
Love ur PW rig! I'm a gaser non PW decal guy too. I have 1500 Ram reg cab 4x4 with a few lower end mods. Great size - big & small NC & TN Appalachia Byway is on my list. It's primarily moderate or less with some slightly tight spots for trucks Glamping is my style though my budget is on the low side since I race 2-3 sports cars often on road course tracks. After 3 nights I want a nice B&B adjacent to a winery?? I'm trying to figure out what ideas to run with from ur videos. The silver standup tent is definitely one I'm semi retired having been an investment banker then professional photographer and want to get/go off road with a small informed capable group I was the proud owner of a modded CJ5 Renegade back when... loved a/any challenge! Jeep died 😛
Great video, thank you - trying to decide on the next rig and the #1 question is diesel or gas... a good insight to focus on the purpose, and of course have a spare jeep for real wheeling.
Good video... I agree there are give and takes between diesel and gas. But I'm glad with the choice you made..also the sticker placement was definitely a good idea... I hope you both have a wonderful trip.. Be safe!!!!!!
Great Q&A. Thought of a pickup with camper but decided for our family and filming the documentary a custom overlander box van conversion was a better fit. Great set up also nice hack with the glow tabs on the ladder.
If money were no cost, the AEV RAM 2500 Prospector XL is like a power wagon on steroids. 40" Tires 😮 with a 3" lift, winch for recovery and gives as much, if not more, ground clearance than my Jeep. AEVs build keeps most of the factory handling, feel, and minimal adjustments to drive train. The big reasons for the PXL you already mentioned are Towing, payload, and gas. In addition, I can tow my 10k trailer and gear while simultaneously towing my jeep to Moab. This allows me to set up base camp on some pretty scetchy BLM but still go play on the super technical trails with the jeep and meet all my requirements. I have seen PXLs do Hells Revenge and other more challenging trails, but I figure that's what I got the jeep for. The biggest downside to a PXL is cost. The XL is roman numerals for 40 which is a nod to the tire size but could just as easily be a nod to the price tag. A fully kitted AEV build could cost you up to $40K above the cost of the truck itself 😮 . If you buy a PXL from the factory it will you well over a $100k (120k if memorybserves correctly. This is why I'm building mine in stages. Obviously, the power wagon is a great fit for Trail Recon and most folks watching this channel. Honestly, I probably would have chosen the Power Wagon as well for your setup, and I love your choices on the build. I just new I was going for the full sized Overland trailer by Black Series. Love your content and have been following you several years now. Keep up the good work and. God bless you guys.
@@TrailRecon I'm in NC, you saw the blue ridge, we also have a ton of foothills that have great areas as well as Uwharri national forest which is basically north Carolina's wheelin Mecca. If you like beach our outter banks are a great spot as well. We take ferry out to the great island couple times a year for some jeeps on the beach fishing time.
Really good conversation on the Hemi vs the Diesel ...I've experienced both.My 2009 3500 Mega cab/Diesel, on desent down Mountain Forestry roads [British Columbia Canada] under heavy snow conditions wanted to toboggon [slide] because of the extra weight on the front end. You will not experience that with the lighter Hemi Engine and Lighter Truck [as you refer to the weight difference] I added after market front springs to my truck similar to the Carli 2" [ kept original shocks] eventually changed out the stering shock also *very good advice due to the potential "Death Wobble. So I have experienced the fading of those shocks over miles and miles of rough road. I'm now eying that Carli Front supension kit. With all that Like yourself I miss my Rubicon
I've been following your PW build. It's great to hear what you've done as well as your thought process and reasons for the build. I'm in the same mind set that the PW is an Amazing truck built for a purpose when used that was it's an amazing truck. thank you again. And if you remember the A pillar light bracket name I'd be interested
You could really use a Mini air foil to cut down on your Wind resistance the question is do a they make one They've been putting them on semis for years To improve fuel mileage and I see some pickup trucks with them but but they rare and probably too tall for what you need
Hey Brad I live in Virginia, I'm on the back side of peter Mills trail which is a Jeep badge trail. It's literally in my backyard. If you and a few guys are interested I can take you down the trail and show you around. Me and a few Jeepers would be glad to show you the sights.
Appreciate the invite and sorry I didn’t have a chance to respond sooner. We headed to DC after expo to be tourists since I’ve never been. It was a quick trip and we’re already headed home. We will definitely be back to the area to check out some trails sometime in the future!
With the money you have invested in all of the aftermarket upgrades to make the P.W. better . You are kind of in the range of doing a Prospector XL by AEV . In your opinion , what do you think would be the better truck for a daily/trail rig ?
Hey brad I would recommend a better lock for the rotopax You’re using luggage locks and someone can easily break them there’s a lot of bad people out there
Brad listen just get the TRX and use it. You can pretty much go on the trails you are doing with the power wagon , but you can always take offcamper and have some fun?
great channel, awesome content. thank you for taking the time to detail all of your builds for us. Having pulled trailers, put tents on racks and now having a camper on a power wagon, can you take a minute to tell us from experience what is the most convenient way to find those desolate camp spots and have the most fun without much hassle in the wilderness ? Thank you Brad !
This is a great setup….the diesel vs gas thing….like you say you cant get lockers….if you ever went that route..it would cost you quite a bit and to people i always say go 350 or 3500 the payload is double…with the RAM 3500 you get the air bags in the back..keeps the truck level..BUT i say the powerwagon gas you have is the way to go….for the lockers…. The HO cummins in the 3500 is like 14k with tax…..thats alot of gas….but going down the road nothing is smoother than that inline 6…and 1075 lb ft ha ha…i went with a black ram 3500 single cab…8 ft box….my dream truck is a single cab power wagon..but they dont make it…BUT there are some from 05-09 out there ….and they r beasts with the shorter wheelbase and 4.56s from factory…..i guess new jeeps with 35s r coming with 4.56s too
Cool truck, weird application. You're probably already over the payload capacity on that Power Wagon as soon you hop in the seat with the camper and all the other stuff sitting in the bed.
How do you get out of the camper if someone, intentionally or by accident, swung the spare tire rack and locked it back in while you’re inside the camper?
I wonder if you can use a UPS. Plug into your 110 volt and then when the truck is running it charges. When you stop, the UPS still supplies power to your fridge.
Do you use just HAM, GMRS or both. What coms do most of your traveling buddies use? Keep up the good work, it’s nice that your wife can travel with you.
5:17 you show a lock which is a TSA lock. Anyone can get TSA keys to unlock those locks and I don't suggest anything with a TSA logo. 007 is also the most common TSA lock and I'd bet that's what you have. I suggest a normal lock with a rotary dial on it. Just my 2 cents! :)
Hey dude, if you still have the truck have you thought about doing a team-up video with TFL Truck and run the "icke gauntlet" towing it's max capacity?
Could the A Pillar mounts possibly be from SDHQ? My boyfriend has them on his excursion and they look similar. Great PW by the way! You’re an inspiration!!!
I think that's them... thank you for sharing that info! Pinning this for everyone else to see.
Yep I have the SDHQ A Pillar mounts on my ‘20 Ram 2500
could also be ZroadZ. The ends look familiar to the set i have on my ram 1500.
I have an SDHQ set on my 2021 Power Wagon, Flex Era 3 lights. Would fit Flex Era 4 easily.
They also could be the Rigid mounts. I have those for my 2022 Power Wagon.
Would need to see the full mount.
All the brands are Simular.
They're like kids. You love them both, but just differently. Another thing to add. The Cummins puts the intercooler right where the OE winch is mounted. I don't think a lot of people realize or understand the value of the engineering Ram did to custom mount the winch between the frame rails. This tucks it back behind a stock bumper. If you wanted to mount one on the Cummins it would have to be mounted on an after market winch bumper way out front putting even more weight way out where you don't want it. Not to mention losing that great approach angle.
the pre14 trucks, fitted them nicely, but with the upgraded and reloaced intercooler on the 14+ trucks makes it incredibly difficult, another aspect to think about with the diesel is dragging the intercooler into water or rocks. plus the wagon specific radius arms are a big plus. they grant the truck way more articulation then a diesel ever could.
Ey thank you both for that. Just bought a '14 power wagon so I'm looking for all the pros 😂
Not to mention the PW can be ordered with dual alternators. Power Wagon is a great truck.
I think one of my favorite things in general about your videos is just the positive outlook on things. Something goes wrong? Hey, just part of it. It’s sorta like you’re the Bob Ross of overlanders. And I hope that comes across as the genuine compliment that it is meant to be
Bob Ross for overlanders 😂 yes!
If you want to get rid of the push connects I recommend nut and ferrule airline fittings. It’s what we use on semi trucks as they are secure and do not leak unlike the push connects.
Thanks for that, I think when we get home from this next trip I'll be swapping them out.
Agree with Cody. I’m a store manager of an 18 wheeler parts store and have been selling parts for going on 15 years. Nut and ferrule fittings require a hair more labor to install but are better for permanent solutions. Keep some quick connect fittings for roadside emergencies and get home fixes but other than that stick with nut and ferrule.
Pleas PLEASE PLEASE for the sake of Powerwagon owners , put some pressure on Long Range America to finish developing the extended range fuel tank for the new wagons!!!! They already have one for the 1500 the gets almost 50 gallons , and that would be perfect for the Wagon. Also not sure (you probably already know this) but have you looked into regearing? 4.88 and 5.13 gearing is common among newer wagons who run 37's and still pull loads .
I did have a conversation with them at Overland Expo West and expressed my interest... fingers crossed!
Can't believe they haven't done this. I'd certainly buy one for my PW. A 50 gallon be amazing.
Hope it will work for us non PW Hemi guys.
@@ForGood828 it should work I'm certain the only difference is a Power Wagon has armor underneath. A non PW should actually be easier install.
Brown Davis of Australia makes a 32 gallon auxiliary tank for Ram 2500/3500 that goes where the factory spare tire mounts. I don't know if it's available here in the U.S.
I have a 21, RAM 3500 and I have a Palomino 1251 that supposedly weight 1700 lbs. Running across Interstate 80 through Ohio and PA my round trip mileage is 15.5 MPG at 5 miles per hour over every posted speed limit sign. I know from other trips if I keep it at or below 65 I can easily add another mile per gallon.
The diesels are nice the power is incredible, BUT I'm begging you with tears in my eyes, do NOT own ANY of the new diesels outside the factory warranty. If you do you'll be inviting financial disaster.
Ohh and I have 35x11.5 tires so there's probably some math in there to adjust my mileage (as reported on the dash). And I have Thuren sway bar, front coils, fox shocks, and sulastic shackles. The truck in stock form was FREAKING rough on the road. It's perfect now with the Thuren parts.
Take care.
Dang Masterchief, 11-12 mpg is fantastic considering what you are carrying.
I don't see how he can get that type of MPG I barely get that stock.
@@scotsemmens596 driving habits are different. He probably spends a lot of time on the interstate.
Would throw a ratchet strap on the cooler to prevent it from becoming a projectile in case of an accident. Super slick though, didn’t realize Dometic made one that small!
It's on the floor, basically squished between the folded rear seat and front seat. Extremely difficult for a device that size to get tossed around in an accident. It will just push forward and be trapped by the drivers seat back which prevents it from going up due to seat angle.
Now if they were putting it higher, like on top of the folded-down seat or on an internal rack like what Donald @softroadingthewest does, you'd need tie downs for safety (as Donald does)
@@adam_mawz_maas Just watched back and I think you're right- short of a rollover that thing looks pretty secure. Never hurts to be extra safe though :)
They make one even smaller. It’s not the CFX line but they come in 25 and CF18. The 18 I have is perfect for road trip drinks.
23 years of Active Duty I did plenty of camping but some you have inspired my so do a bit more in a way much more comfortable way. Awaiting the truck cap for my RAM to start out ! ! Semper Fi Brad
Oohrah! Thanks for your service!
Thank you for your service!! ❤️
I run my Jackery with my Dometic and have the Jackery plugged into the trucks 110 and the cooler plugged in the 12 volt, works awesome and always charged
We have a 2018 2500 with the beastly 6.7L. We also have a 2016 1500 with the mild tugboat 3.0L. The ULTIMATE Powerwagon would be 3.0L powered, with 4.56 gears, 37's, the 4wheel camper and ALL the Brad mods!!!!
We just got back from a trip from Lancaster, CA, to Waynesville, NC, Blackstone, VA, Williamsburg, VA,, Luray(caverns), VA, Wolcott, IA, Broomfield, CO, Zion NP, and then home. For the 6146 mile trip, we averaged 24mpg, with the 3.42 ratio and the stock size 275/70-18 tires. Bilstein shocks improved the ride. And a steering brace improved the steering. But we had to visit Big O tires in Broomfield, CO, rotate the tires to cure a growing "Death Wobble" issue.
Enjoy your trip! And hold the cruise control at 62mph as much as you can. And the mpg won't be that bad.
That’s a really neat rig. I think a gasser is fine for what you’re doing unless you’re planning to tow heavy loads in the future.
I love my Diesel, but also love the Power Wagons.. I probably should of got a Wagon, but peoples faces when they see a Diesel out on the trails is hiliarious. It'll never be as capable as your jeep, but that doesn't mean we won't give it a try haha.
Love all the vehicles on the channel! Can't wait to see the silver jeep back in action, things going to be a monster!
I was just thinking of your channel after listening to this vid. I’m the guy who suggested that you probably should have got a PW. Now I would suggest that Trail Recon should have got the diesel, lol. It’s all a matter of how you use the truck. With that big camper, he’d have been better off with diesel. With the way you’re sending it, you should have got a PW. Still everyone has awesome Rams though so we’re not hurting..... unlesss.... TRX🤔.
I'm in the same boat. Mine is a crew cab long box 3500 cummins. I took it all over drummond island off road and the looks I got driving that tank was hilarious.
We were at the Expo on Saturday. Met our favorites including Marco, but sadly missed meeting you.
I sure do miss a full size truck. Nothing like a road trip in a full size truck!
All the key words in your video spelled out 2500 6.7 diesel, not PowerWagon.
Cool ride all the same.
Sorry I missed you, but glad you got to say hello to Marco!
Everyone's asking, is the power wagon still in your stable?
Answer is vehicle #9 in his video
czcams.com/video/D_otepVIGSg/video.htmlfeature=shared
Hemi 🤩 unless you are heavy towing and understand what the Cummings advantages and drawbacks are... then you get your perfect set up with tailored solution... Hemi for me!
You still have this Rig? I have a similar setup but '18 with Northstar 650TC. Stock sus. Bags, hellwig, 37x13.5, and 5:13 gears. I beat the hell out of it, goes anywhere I point it with ease. I absolutely love it! So, curious if there is something you don't like about your setup as it's been off the channel for a year.. I get Jeep content that pays the bills, but I can't imagine going back to Jeep/SUV camping with tents, trailers and what not after camping in the PW/Camper.
I have a 2004 2500 Dodge 4x4 Diesel that I just love and is still running strong at this point. I can't make myself trade it off for the life of me. I'm considering doing some upgrades because I've been running it stock. I do know I am getting the four-wheel project M for it. Thanks for your videos, Master Cheif. RM2 1974-78 here. :-)
I bought a Dometic CFX3-35 for the back seat of my RAM 2500 just as you have done. It fits behind the driver seat very nicely.
Your spare tire mount is a solution I've been looking for. Thank you for going over this. It's a great find!
Brad, I think you made a great decision getting the PW for the following reasons (and I’ve mentioned these in comments of previous videos of yours before): 1) Cost - out of the box from factory. The Carly system alone installed is $10k. The wheels and tires are another $3k installed and the pop up camper is idk - $15k? The Cummins is $6-9k more than the 6.4L hemi as an option on the Ram 2500 so adding lockers, lower gears, sway bar disconnect, and winch costs double the cost of a Cummins minimum installed. Should I go on?
2) Aesthetics. There is no truck that looks as good as a PW especially in person and yours TR style is 🔥. It is a showstopper and head turner. I have 2 “neighbors” with PW’s one is the 75th anniversary edition in that sweet orange color and I can’t stop staring at it!
3) Offroad - this truck is a massive jeep rubicon. Enough said.
4) Gasoline engine…funnily enough I think this is a positive for off-roaders at high elevations. They require less and cheaper maintenance. They don’t struggle at extreme elevations and very cold climates. Gas is still more readily available anywhere anytime. Strangely enough it is still more difficult to find diesel esp when you need it most. This is another reason I won’t get an EV 4x4 for another decade til I feel confident about that and they’ve figured out all the kinks.
5) Comfort. If you’ve never driven or ridden in a Ram 2500 stock then you don’t know that it is as smooth as a Cadillac (almost lol that’s why I got a ram 1500 instead. That is as smooth as a Cadillac). It is roomy and has so many electrical ports for charging and powering devices.
There’s more I could say but I’ll leave it at that for now lol. I’d have no problem getting a PW for my next truck now that I can afford one and justify its thirsty fuel tank. My buddies with 2500s and 37s say they only get 12-15 mpg anyway so id be fine with 10-12 on a beastly PW.
This is another great video. Your content is always interesting but also your camera work is fantastic. Two things about the Ram-the personalized decals look so much better, and smart move with the folding steps.
A Jeep love is authentic love 😘🥳 😂 The PW is the ultimate heavy duty jeeper vibe utilitarian overlander. Both vehicles are amazing.
In my Ram last Yr, I pugged my 17L Borge Refrig into a Jackery, and the Jackery into the truck. That way the reefer always had power, truck on or off. And Jackery usually stayed fully charged except in camp, when I broke out the solar panel. And btw, Semper Fi Master Chief, from an old HM2.
Brad, find your local Parker Store. Ask for their NTA fittings. They are a DOT compression fitting for plastic air line. Many configurations, unions, straights, 90’s.
Looked at my first Four Wheel camper Saturday at Adventure Van Expo in Chattanooga and I really liked it. Never would have considered it until I saw your setup. Awesome that you will be in Virginia. Looking forward to meeting you. Safe travels ✌🏼
You inspired me to go out little more... not long ago i flew to LA, rented 4runner awd and went to Thomas Mountain where you went camping with your Wrangler, I accidentally forgot to switch to 4H so i was like, well never mind, i guess it is just camp access after all :)... but thank you, i will definitely head to Moab some day
I am using my Honda Pilot for my outdoor adventure. I'm just starting my outdoor adventure and I enjoy every bit of it. I gotta say, the Jeep looks awesome!! Dodge looks mean 😀
Great update Brad, didn't realize that was an ultraswing this whole time 👍
I'm following you from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Thank you for the useful information 🌹👍
Awesome build! I saw your Rig at Expo and tried to track you down. Loved all the pin striping on a rig i don't think you have had too long!! :) Ive had the diesel and now in a 2020 3500 Hemi. Ive added the titan spare tire fuel tank.......NOT specified for our Hemi's and not legal to connect to our main tank (at least in Cali where i live) so I use it as a transfer tank. The extra 35 gals LOW on the vehicle gives me huge peace of mind! Semper Fi Devil Doc!
As a Ram 3500 diesel owner, the factory 50-gallon fuel tank option was a necessity for me. Granted, it’s only available for long beds but that’s how I buy all of my trucks anyway.
Thank you for your service Master Chief!
Thank you!
Love your setup. Can’t wait to get a pop up camper for my Dodge Cummins 4x4.
Wonderful rig! I run a RAM3500 with a FWC Hawk and you are right on point...not a rock crawler but a great platform for comfortable overlanding. Safe travels!
The primary advantage the Power Wagon has aside from weighing less, is the winch that comes with it. If you know that you'll need a winch you're actually saving money by going with the Power Wagon over a Laramie that has a diesel. With the diesel, you'd have to get an aftermarket bumper (because of the intercooler) from AEV, Expedition One, ARB etc. That'll add roughly $3k to the build not counting the cost of a winch. Of course you could go with a Trans4mer set up from Warn and Mile Marker has a similar one too that would forego getting an entirely different bumper. I have a 2018 Ram 2500 diesel Laramie that I absolutely love, but if I want to get a winch set up for it, it's a huge monetary commitment. As someone who also rides a motorcycle you're talking about spending a huge amount of money in two different directions! Not at that point yet!
Great Q&A, learned alot. Have fun going xcross country. Done FL to ID and back several times taking all different ways and saw sooo much beauty. Like u xmilitary traveled while in and still say this is the most beautiful country on God's green earth.
Thank you for your service!
Really do like the change in decals...Fits YOU all...
Removed the Power Wagon decals and put on the Massive Trail Recon lettering instead.. lol Of course you did...Great episode!
Keep up with the great Power Wagon updates. My 22’ PW should be here in a week and I can’t wait. I’ve been looking at the FWC Hawk Shell Model. Figure since I have a ton of camp gear I’ll try to intergrade it into then camper while still being able to easily transfer back into the JKUR when needed. The shell model is also lighter for the PW so hopefully I don’t have to do too much to the suspension.
‘20 PW owner here that keeps about 600lbs in the bed all the time, if you don’t do the suspension AND bag it and you expect to be at 1100lbs all the time, you will be absolutely miserable. Cheapest option is firestone riderites and daystar cradles, but then why did you even bother buying a PW.
My 22 PW door sticker shows payload of just shy of 1600 lbs. tow 11,000 lbs. The truck has almost no options added. FWC site says Hawk shell model is around 900lbs. I should be fine thank you
@@chris1293 hold up, before you take a big risk here - 900+2 adults+a loaded cooler+spare gas+water+eletronics+bags you're well over 1500lbs. I really suggest not doing what you're doing. The truck springs are so soft, and with all that load up high, any amount of cross wind will start you porpoising down the highway. You're gonna be miserable and the truck will crab walk around every corner as the load shifts through the turn. You're gonna end up spending so much money trying to fix the problem from here on out that it's literally cheaper to just go buy a stock 2500 and then upgrade the suspension. Even the youtube you're commenting on is a prime example of what you're going to have to go through to even marginally make it work on a PW.
@@neil7340 I’ll have to weight my gear and look into it more.
But looking at the thousands of tundras and other 1/2 ton trucks out there with a fwc doesn’t add up. Heck, the fwc fleet already exceeds my tacomas payload even before adding people and gear 🤷🏻♂️
Hi brad ..
I ordered the randy ellis lightbar from phenix .. it took 4 weeks and now it is there and has installed it after your video .. it worked great .. your videos also work
sources of supply shown
I love the setup, the flatbed and full size campers are so nice for the interior extra space.
Thanks and great video! I just bought a 2500 Hemi...and I have been contemplating the build. I am kinda waiting for new designs of slide-ins... We would prefer something that pops up, but is NOT canvas. But no hard sided slide-ins are available, yet.. that are somewhat affordable. At least that I can find. But. love your build and love the channel. Thank you!
What's not to like with this rig? It's purpose built for overlanding and from your review you say it does it very well. AWESOME rig Brad.
I love watching your Jeep back country rock climbing adventures, but truly I will never do those types of adventures. The way you use your Power Wagon is more my style and I was very happy to see you add it to your channel. Im assuming you will document your Virginia trip. So I’m very excited to follow along with your out east adventure.
It was more of a road trip to get to and from Overland Expo than an off-road or overlanding trip so we didn’t really film it. Now that the expos are done, we’ll be getting off-road and will have more trail videos coming soon. 😁
Thanks master chief, great video 👍
Thank you!
Thank you Brad, loving the Power Wagon updates.
Also very nice to meet you and your wife at OEE. I very much appreciate the time you took out of your schedule to answer my questions and chatting for a bit. Safe travels
Love ur PW rig! I'm a gaser non PW decal guy too. I have 1500 Ram reg cab 4x4 with a few lower end mods. Great size - big & small
NC & TN Appalachia Byway is on my list. It's primarily moderate or less with some slightly tight spots for trucks
Glamping is my style though my budget is on the low side since I race 2-3 sports cars often on road course tracks. After 3 nights I want a nice B&B adjacent to a winery?? I'm trying to figure out what ideas to run with from ur videos. The silver standup tent is definitely one
I'm semi retired having been an investment banker then professional photographer and want to get/go off road with a small informed capable group
I was the proud owner of a modded CJ5 Renegade back when... loved a/any challenge! Jeep died 😛
Great video, thank you - trying to decide on the next rig and the #1 question is diesel or gas... a good insight to focus on the purpose, and of course have a spare jeep for real wheeling.
Good video... I agree there are give and takes between diesel and gas. But I'm glad with the choice you made..also the sticker placement was definitely a good idea... I hope you both have a wonderful trip.. Be safe!!!!!!
Hey it was a honor talking with u today at expo east waiting for our food!
Great meeting you too! Hope you enjoyed expo.
Great Q&A. Thought of a pickup with camper but decided for our family and filming the documentary a custom overlander box van conversion was a better fit. Great set up also nice hack with the glow tabs on the ladder.
I think replacing the “power wagon” decal with “trail recon” would of looked awesome.
If money were no cost, the AEV RAM 2500 Prospector XL is like a power wagon on steroids. 40" Tires 😮 with a 3" lift, winch for recovery and gives as much, if not more, ground clearance than my Jeep. AEVs build keeps most of the factory handling, feel, and minimal adjustments to drive train. The big reasons for the PXL you already mentioned are Towing, payload, and gas. In addition, I can tow my 10k trailer and gear while simultaneously towing my jeep to Moab. This allows me to set up base camp on some pretty scetchy BLM but still go play on the super technical trails with the jeep and meet all my requirements. I have seen PXLs do Hells Revenge and other more challenging trails, but I figure that's what I got the jeep for.
The biggest downside to a PXL is cost. The XL is roman numerals for 40 which is a nod to the tire size but could just as easily be a nod to the price tag. A fully kitted AEV build could cost you up to $40K above the cost of the truck itself 😮 . If you buy a PXL from the factory it will you well over a $100k (120k if memorybserves correctly. This is why I'm building mine in stages.
Obviously, the power wagon is a great fit for Trail Recon and most folks watching this channel. Honestly, I probably would have chosen the Power Wagon as well for your setup, and I love your choices on the build. I just new I was going for the full sized Overland trailer by Black Series.
Love your content and have been following you several years now. Keep up the good work and. God bless you guys.
Use DOT compression fittings instead of the push lock style. Alot more reliable
@TrailRecon, what's the lates with the Power Wagon and FWC?
Power Wagon decal was a little much continued to put a larger TR decal on the PW🤣🤣🤣
That Power Wagon decal is Iconic imho.
Wow you're coming to my home state!!! Can't wait to see that video!!!!!
It would take many many years to save enough fuel to make up the cost difference for a diesel.
You will be in my neck of the woods. Appalachia and the blue ridge are beautiful this time of year.
We loved the area and definitely want to come back to check out some trails!
@@TrailRecon I'm in NC, you saw the blue ridge, we also have a ton of foothills that have great areas as well as Uwharri national forest which is basically north Carolina's wheelin Mecca. If you like beach our outter banks are a great spot as well. We take ferry out to the great island couple times a year for some jeeps on the beach fishing time.
Very interesting review…you have good arguments for both the gas and the diesel…the trail recon logo looks nice…well thought additions…
12 MPG is historically accurate for most Mopars throughout the ages...
... considering everything on it, that's pretty darn good....
Stop putting huge tires on, do you really need them??
See ya at Overlanding Expo East!
Really good conversation on the Hemi vs the Diesel ...I've experienced both.My 2009 3500 Mega cab/Diesel, on desent down Mountain Forestry roads [British Columbia Canada] under heavy snow conditions wanted to toboggon [slide] because of the extra weight on the front end. You will not experience that with the lighter Hemi Engine and Lighter Truck [as you refer to the weight difference] I added after market front springs to my truck similar to the Carli 2" [ kept original shocks] eventually changed out the stering shock also *very good advice due to the potential "Death Wobble. So I have experienced the fading of those shocks over miles and miles of rough road. I'm now eying that Carli Front supension kit. With all that Like yourself I miss my Rubicon
I've been following your PW build. It's great to hear what you've done as well as your thought process and reasons for the build. I'm in the same mind set that the PW is an Amazing truck built for a purpose when used that was it's an amazing truck. thank you again. And if you remember the A pillar light bracket name I'd be interested
Above they figured out it's an SDHQ mount. Check our PW build too! =D
You could really use a Mini air foil to cut down on your Wind resistance the question is do a they make one They've been putting them on semis for years To improve fuel mileage and I see some pickup trucks with them but but they rare and probably too tall for what you need
Hey Brad I live in Virginia, I'm on the back side of peter Mills trail which is a Jeep badge trail. It's literally in my backyard. If you and a few guys are interested I can take you down the trail and show you around. Me and a few Jeepers would be glad to show you the sights.
Appreciate the invite and sorry I didn’t have a chance to respond sooner. We headed to DC after expo to be tourists since I’ve never been. It was a quick trip and we’re already headed home. We will definitely be back to the area to check out some trails sometime in the future!
With the money you have invested in all of the aftermarket upgrades to make the P.W. better . You are kind of in the range of doing a Prospector XL by AEV . In your opinion , what do you think would be the better truck for a daily/trail rig ?
I think the Prospector is top dog in the Overland truck market.
Thanks for what you do. I try to take some inspiration from your videos.
Thank you so much!
Wow I like that tire carrier, with the table that’s awesome
Really digging the new vinyl under the doors!!! 😎👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you!
While on the east coast, get up to the Adirondacks. The colors are almost at peak.
One of these days!
Yeah I’ll watch for that silver Jeep looks awesome
Can you do a review and more footage on how that cooler fits in the power wagon??
Hey brad I would recommend a better lock for the rotopax You’re using luggage locks and someone can easily break them there’s a lot of bad people out there
Brad listen just get the TRX and use it. You can pretty much go on the trails you are doing with the power wagon , but you can always take offcamper and have some fun?
Well those steps super cool that is genius design
great channel, awesome content. thank you for taking the time to detail all of your builds for us. Having pulled trailers, put tents on racks and now having a camper on a power wagon, can you take a minute to tell us from experience what is the most convenient way to find those desolate camp spots and have the most fun without much hassle in the wilderness ? Thank you Brad !
I love your truck bro. Definitely a dream truck for me.
This is a great setup….the diesel vs gas thing….like you say you cant get lockers….if you ever went that route..it would cost you quite a bit and to people i always say go 350 or 3500 the payload is double…with the RAM 3500 you get the air bags in the back..keeps the truck level..BUT i say the powerwagon gas you have is the way to go….for the lockers…. The HO cummins in the 3500 is like 14k with tax…..thats alot of gas….but going down the road nothing is smoother than that inline 6…and 1075 lb ft ha ha…i went with a black ram 3500 single cab…8 ft box….my dream truck is a single cab power wagon..but they dont make it…BUT there are some from 05-09 out there ….and they r beasts with the shorter wheelbase and 4.56s from factory…..i guess new jeeps with 35s r coming with 4.56s too
definitely a toss up on the hemi vs cummins!
Looks amazing. But if you are going to Alaska, you should take the jeep.
Classy move removing the Power Wagon decals. They were kinda LOUD.
2020 2500 Ram Cummins, mpg on 37” STT Pros> 4-4.5 lift > 11-12 mpg just the rig and while towing a goose 11-11.5 😅.
I envy you guys good powerful cars great mountain areas
Nice set up Master Chief
Nice track 😉
Cool truck, weird application. You're probably already over the payload capacity on that Power Wagon as soon you hop in the seat with the camper and all the other stuff sitting in the bed.
Safe travels to Virginia! Wave if you pass through Arizona….
How do you get out of the camper if someone, intentionally or by accident, swung the spare tire rack and locked it back in while you’re inside the camper?
Go out the side window on the Hawk...it's made as an emergency exit.
There’s an emergency window exit. 👍
That 390 CI is a good engine.
Im moving over to sumosprings from bags, should do the trick.
I love my diesel 2500 I use mine offroad for hunting
I wonder if you can use a UPS. Plug into your 110 volt and then when the truck is running it charges. When you stop, the UPS still supplies power to your fridge.
Love rigd since you could add rotopax other accessories they offer mounts for
Do you use just HAM, GMRS or both. What coms do most of your traveling buddies use? Keep up the good work, it’s nice that your wife can travel with you.
Funny you should ask, I’ve got a video about that! 😁 czcams.com/video/m2g7LjkVEY0/video.html.
5:17 you show a lock which is a TSA lock. Anyone can get TSA keys to unlock those locks and I don't suggest anything with a TSA logo. 007 is also the most common TSA lock and I'd bet that's what you have. I suggest a normal lock with a rotary dial on it. Just my 2 cents! :)
Thanks for the info!
Hey dude, if you still have the truck have you thought about doing a team-up video with TFL Truck and run the "icke gauntlet" towing it's max capacity?
Love the PowerWagon!
Replace those air bags with Sumo Springs. Same results but no maintenance.