Current 2019 Ram PowerWagon owner needs your feedback!

[PW19]

I placed an order for a 2022 6.7 Tremor, dealer says 4-6 weeks (based what I'm reading on these forums that's a very very aggressive timeline). I LOVE my powerwagon, offroading watching jeepers at an obstacle whisper underneath there breath there is no way that truck is doing this obstacle then seeing there jaw drop as the pw walk up it is the best feeling! However we recently got a SXS and we are wanting to get an enclosed trailer and make a ghetto toy hauler. The powerwagons payload goes fast especially when the family comes along, I was wondering how you tremor owners handle the following situations:

1. How is it wheeling a tremor with its stock articulation and sway bar? I love the disconnecting sway bar on the pw but i think I could live without it and maybe upgrade to a torsion bar. I do hate the nanny settings that reactivate my sway bar above 20mph.
2. How is it wheeling a tremor with its front LSD diff? I've read amazing things about the LSD and crawl control or some brake application to lock it up. So far the videos of it in action are very disappointing and all my last few vehicles had a locking front diff. Even though we aren't really doing anything that extreme, watching people with LSD or no lockers do the same obstacles I've done with little fuss get body damage makes me nervous for this insanely expensive truck.

 

[Guest6786]

I placed an order for a 2022 6.7 Tremor, dealer says 4-6 weeks (based what I'm reading on these forums that's a very very aggressive timeline). I LOVE my powerwagon, offroading watching jeepers at an obstacle whisper underneath there breath there is no way that truck is doing this obstacle then seeing there jaw drop as the pw walk up it is the best feeling! However we recently got a SXS and we are wanting to get an enclosed trailer and make a ghetto toy hauler. The powerwagons payload goes fast especially when the family comes along, I was wondering how you tremor owners handle the following situations:

1. How is it wheeling a tremor with its stock articulation and sway bar? I love the disconnecting sway bar on the pw but i think I could live without it and maybe upgrade to a torsion bar. I do hate the nanny settings that reactivate my sway bar above 20mph.
2. How is it wheeling a tremor with its front LSD diff? I've read amazing things about the LSD and crawl control or some brake application to lock it up. So far the videos of it in action are very disappointing and all my last few vehicles had a locking front diff. Even though we aren't really doing anything that extreme, watching people with LSD or no lockers do the same obstacles I've done with little fuss get body damage makes me nervous for this insanely expensive truck.

It's a compromise- The Tremor is the most capable off road HD truck out there- the PW is better off-road but it has less payload than a tacoma- so the PW, although a 2500, is not an HD ( payload )

 

[soulezoo]

Exactly what he said. Depends on what's more important to you. If off road performance is more important, the PW for sure. Towing/hauling the PW can't touch the Tremor.
Put another way, the Tremor can do about 80-85% of what the PW can do off road. The PW can only do about 30% of what Tremor can tow/haul.

 

[PW19]

Thanks for the feed back guys, but you are missing the point of what I'm asking. I get its a compromise and I think its a fair compromise. My questions were real world application, how is your tremor performing for YOU while wheeling. I'm not doing the Rubicon trail, mostly WMA's and National Forests on the east coast.

On the tremor are the wheel lifts too sketchy? Is that LSD and crawl control features effective for you while wheeling?

 

[Rich Pune]

Thanks for the feed back guys, but you are missing the point of what I'm asking. I get its a compromise and I think its a fair compromise. My questions were real world application, how is your tremor performing for YOU while wheeling. I'm not doing the Rubicon trail, mostly WMA's and National Forests on the east coast.

On the tremor are the wheel lifts too sketchy? Is that LSD and crawl control features effective for you while wheeling?

From what I've experienced, and I suck at "wheeling," the Tremor's capabilities are what you would expect from a truck of its size, weight, and upgrades. I haven't been disappointed when I've taken it in the mountains. It performs noticeably better than my previous Fords that didn't have the Tremor package.

I'm pretty sure the Tremor comes with specific springs, not "wheel lifts." Although I don't know what "wheel lifts" are.

The drive modes have helped me. But if you're a competent off-roader, their level of helpfulness will likely be reduced. I use the Trail Control cruise control regularly as I find it nice just to focus on steering, especially descending the steeps.

As to the LSD up front, I haven't mastered how to engage it. Last week I got stuck in snow and despite applying brake while on the throttle, I don't think it engaged because I didn't move an inch.

All in all, I've been happy with my Tremor's performance when things get rugged. It has inspired confidence while off pavement. If you haven't already, I'd check out this video:

 

[LoneStar Tremor]

I used the crawl control towing my fiver through a pasture where I probably shouldn’t have been with it. Might not be what you were using it for, but it was definitely useful for that. The truck wouldn’t have needed it by itself, but it was nice being able to only focus on the trailer and maneuvering when trying to avoid ruts and making sure the trailer was alright. It did a great job applying throttle and brake to keep a steady speed over uneven terrain even with a load.

 

[PW19]

@Rich Pune Wheel lifts are when you reach maximum articulation and a wheel will physically be lifted off the ground. In the video you linked they are artificially creating wheel lift to calculate an RTI score. I actually have the same problem in the video with the front sway bar not disconnecting right away too, sometimes I sit for a few minutes or have to roll forward or back, kinda sucks. if you look at this video below at 11:33 is an example of a wheel lift on the trail.

Its scary stuff.

"The drive modes have helped me. But if you're a competent off-roader, their level of helpfulness will likely be reduced. I use the Trail Control cruise control regularly as I find it nice just to focus on steering, especially descending the steeps."

PW has the same feature, I actually do like it on the steep sketchy stuff as well. I'm no expert and sometimes the extra help is welcomed. On my brother in-laws Tacoma he can bury the truck to the frame in the sand and the Tacoma crawl control will figure it out and get it going again, its cool to watch. Hopefully the tremor modes are close to the Tacoma's craw control.

"As to the LSD up front, I haven't mastered how to engage it. Last week I got stuck in snow and despite applying brake while on the throttle, I don't think it engaged because I didn't move an inch."

This is EXACTLY the feedback I'm looking for, the salesmen talk it up and claim its better but everyone seems to have the same feedback as you, its not obvious how to engage it or it flat out doesn't engage. I don't know by you but by me non of the salesman have actually taken this truck or any truck off pavement, so their feedback is basically useless. Thanks so much!


@LoneStar Tremor that's great info! There are plenty of situations were we "shouldn't" in because of unpredictable weather, bad line choice, lack of experience ect... and its good to know the tremor still got you out! The unexpected is also part of the fun of it.

Great info guys!!

 

[soulezoo]

Thanks for the feed back guys, but you are missing the point of what I'm asking. I get its a compromise and I think its a fair compromise. My questions were real world application, how is your tremor performing for YOU while wheeling. I'm not doing the Rubicon trail, mostly WMA's and National Forests on the east coast.

On the tremor are the wheel lifts too sketchy? Is that LSD and crawl control features effective for you while wheeling?

The only thing I can tell you is the Tremor is a big truck. So tight turns are a hindrance compared to the PW. I have a Ram 3500 that is dimensionally the same as the PW and it looks, drives and feels so much smaller than the Tremor. That is the greatest drawback that I have experienced. Traction wise, it has been really good going up steep rocky roads (no ice cream jokes, ok?) that really requires good traction. No issues at all. I can't speak to extreme articulation because I have not encountered it. But that TFL video above is a good one to watch.

On edit, I meant to add that on the rocky road (lots of big and little loose granite... not ice cream) I used rock crawl mode and I could feel the front LSD switch power back and forth to either side and you got the feedback through the steering wheel.

 

[PW19]

The only thing I can tell you is the Tremor is a big truck. So tight turns are a hindrance compared to the PW. I have a Ram 3500 that is dimensionally the same as the PW and it looks, drives and feels so much smaller than the Tremor. That is the greatest drawback that I have experienced. Traction wise, it has been really good going up steep rocky roads (no ice cream jokes, ok?) that really requires good traction. No issues at all. I can't speak to extreme articulation because I have not encountered it. But that TFL video above is a good one to watch.

Wow that is so interesting, I wonder if its because rams come with 31inch tires and 33 inch tires? I have 35s on my pw it would be interesting to test them side by side, just can't get a hold of one to test drive with the diesel.

 

[ccw]

Not a Tremor owner yet, but with regards to the front LSD, check out this video:

It clearly can work really well, but does take some skill/technique, particularly when there is no traction on one of the front wheels.

It was explained to me that the LSD is a torque multiplier for the low-traction wheel. If the low-traction wheel has zero traction (and therefore zero torque), zero multiplied by anything is still zero.

 

[PW19]

Not a Tremor owner yet, but with regards to the front LSD, check out this video:

It clearly can work really well, but does take some skill/technique, particularly when there is no traction on one of the front wheels.

It was explained to me that the LSD is a torque multiplier for the low-traction wheel. If the low-traction wheel has zero traction (and therefore zero torque), zero multiplied by anything is still zero.

Great video! That worked great with brake application, to bad those modes seem to be useless. Wondering if a firmware update on the modes will make them more useful.

A lot of the information I can find about LSD, it is in relation to on road high performance car applications unfortunately.

 

[ccw]

Great video! That worked great with brake application, to bad those modes seem to be useless. Wondering if a firmware update on the modes will make them more useful.

A lot of the information I can find about LSD, it is in relation to on road high performance car applications unfortunately.

Ya, that's definitely the most common use case for a clutch-based LSD in the wild when it comes to the aftermarket. Seems like most of the LSD applications when it comes to trucks/off-road are either factory clutch-based, or much more aggressive mechanical variants that aren't great on-road.

And I suppose to finish my thought from above, that's the value of applying some brake while trying to get the LSD to work. The brake produces resistance on the spinning wheel, causing it to produce torque that the LSD can then multiply to the opposite wheel. Applying the brake can also help with an open differential, but without the torque multiplication the LSD provides it's much less effective.

 

[IconicTremor6.7]

I placed an order for a 2022 6.7 Tremor, dealer says 4-6 weeks (based what I'm reading on these forums that's a very very aggressive timeline). I LOVE my powerwagon, offroading watching jeepers at an obstacle whisper underneath there breath there is no way that truck is doing this obstacle then seeing there jaw drop as the pw walk up it is the best feeling! However we recently got a SXS and we are wanting to get an enclosed trailer and make a ghetto toy hauler. The powerwagons payload goes fast especially when the family comes along, I was wondering how you tremor owners handle the following situations:

1. How is it wheeling a tremor with its stock articulation and sway bar? I love the disconnecting sway bar on the pw but i think I could live without it and maybe upgrade to a torsion bar. I do hate the nanny settings that reactivate my sway bar above 20mph.
2. How is it wheeling a tremor with its front LSD diff? I've read amazing things about the LSD and crawl control or some brake application to lock it up. So far the videos of it in action are very disappointing and all my last few vehicles had a locking front diff. Even though we aren't really doing anything that extreme, watching people with LSD or no lockers do the same obstacles I've done with little fuss get body damage makes me nervous for this insanely expensive truck.

I personally can’t afford to take my tremor rock crawling but it hauls my dirt bikes and atvs in style. I have a good size tractor it will easily handle and does good for the farm. If I were going rock crawling I would look for a Suzuki Sammy ready to go for 10k

 

[modified]

Welcome to the forum @PW19 - Congrats on the order! I nearly bought a Power Wagon before the Tremor was announced. The interior is sweet and I dig the middle seat the PW has (with vents/usb ports/etc behind it!) The one thing that kept holding me back was the payload and towing.

I can't help you with the off-road questions because I've only had mine on fire roads, dirt roads, etc. The turning radius is much better on the RAM. You get use to it on the Tremor and I wouldn't let that be a deal killer. For a big truck, the ride is great!

 

[PW19]

Welcome to the forum @PW19 - Congrats on the order! I nearly bought a Power Wagon before the Tremor was announced. The interior is sweet and I dig the middle seat the PW has (with vents/usb ports/etc behind it!) The one thing that kept holding me back was the payload and towing.

I can't help you with the off-road questions because I've only had mine on fire roads, dirt roads, etc. The turning radius is much better on the RAM. You get use to it on the Tremor and I wouldn't let that be a deal killer. For a big truck, the ride is great!

We've had a lot of fun with it and it has opened my eyes to wheeling with full size trucks. We had jeeps and they just weren't comfortable for our family (I'm 6'4) especially on road trips. Its nice to fit the family, the dogs, and tons of gear. It will be nice to have the 6.7 powerstroke in the mountains, can't wait!

 

[modified]

We've had a lot of fun with it and it has opened my eyes to wheeling with full size trucks. We had jeeps and they just weren't comfortable for our family (I'm 6'4) especially on road trips. Its nice to fit the family, the dogs, and tons of gear. It will be nice to have the 6.7 powerstroke in the mountains, can't wait!

I hope you can let us know how does wheeling compared to the PW when you finally get it!

 

[PW19]

I hope you can let us know how does wheeling compared to the PW when you finally get it!

ABSOLUTELY! I actually wanted to start another thread about documenting the adventures and what gear people are using... Like what drones, and cameras people are using... but that's for another thread.

 

[Baddestt]

You can always upgrade to a Detroit truetrac up front or a Detroit locker or even an ARB air locker. All three are available for the Tremor super 60 35 spline front axle .
I prefer the truetrac and already have one in the garage waiting for my 22 tremor to arrive.

 

[PW19]

You can always upgrade to a Detroit truetrac up front or a Detroit locker or even an ARB air locker. All three are available for the Tremor super 60 35 spline front axle .
I prefer the truetrac and already have one in the garage waiting for my 22 tremor to arrive.

My understanding is that a truetrac and Detroit lockers are really bad for when your towing. The arb air locker would be awesome, but the dealer I'm buying the truck from gives me lifetime engine and drivetrain warrantee that I don't want to lose... I'll have to check to see if an air locker would violate that.

 

[Baddestt]

My understanding is that a truetrac and Detroit lockers are really bad for when your towing. The arb air locker would be awesome, but the dealer I'm buying the truck from gives me lifetime engine and drivetrain warrantee that I don't want to lose... I'll have to check to see if an air locker would violate that.

I am referring to the front axle. Keep the stock E-locker in rear and upgrade the front to detroit truetrac or detroit locker. This should have nothing to do with towing (as for the front)
However for towing, a detroit locker in rear (it's not available for the M275 rear) would not be bad and neither would a detroit truetrac.
I've had a 2004 super duty and 2007 super duty and a 2006 Chevy 2500 duramax.....all had Detroit lockers in rear, truetrac in the front....no issues with towing whatsoever with a rear locker