[BLK 08 PWRWGN]

Hi Guys, I am new to your site as a transplant from one of the diesel sites. I currently have aN 02 Ram Diesel with 4.5" skyjacker list and a lot of other goodies. I ordered an 08 Power Wagon back in August and currently awaiting delivery. ( A little nervous going from the awesome power in my diesel). How do you guys like the Hemi? I am assuming with the 4.56 gears and 33" tires that there is more than enough power. ( I occasionally tow a travel trailer weighing in at 7800 lbs. Does anyone know when they start production on the 08 Power Wagons. I assume they batch them up and build a bunch at one time. I am from the Southern Calif area and none of the dealers show even a single 08 Power Wagon in their inventory yet. Thanks for the great site.

 

[Original Junior]

I've been looking for a PW for a few months now and finally got a real good deal on a leftover 07. The dealer I'm going through has two 08 PW's listed on their inventory but I have not seen photos of them.
P.S. I'm a trader on the diesel side too. My current truck is an 03 Ram dually which I got as a leftover for a trade-in off my 00 Ram 2500. I still miss the old 00 Ram.

 

[coder]

Hello PWfan,

Congrats on your PW order. I think they start building them in October, but I am not sure. The 5.7 Hemi has good power but it's in the Mid to High rpm range. You will notice a difference when towing in the low rpm range, but the 4.56 gears will definitely help to off-set that, I think you will be fine with a 7800 lbs trailer.

 

[curtb]

I told the pw springs are softer may want to think about air bags. 7800lbs is a lot my 2500hd handles 9500lbs no sweat.

 

[BLK 08 PWRWGN]

There is a dealer with one 07 left but it dosent have the options I wanted on it. I figure if your going to spend this kind of money might as well get what you want on it the first time. So does the PW have different rear springs than the regular 2500?

 

[tmthunder]

Yes the PW springs have a "softer" spring rate to allow for articulation. If I remember correctly there is only like 200 lbs difference in the payload ratings of the 2500HD and the PW. Using a weight distributing hitch if it is a tag along you should have no issues. Congrats on your order and welcome!!

 

[BLK 08 PWRWGN]

That makes sense that the spring rate would be slightly softer on the PW then. If the main reason is the articulation wouldnt installing air bags defeat the purpose of the suspension or am I overthinking this? I do have a weight distribution hitch currently so maybe this is not an issue. Either way I cant wait for delivery of the truck. Just wish someone at dodge could give me a good delivery date. They must know when it is scheduled for build. Thanks guys for all the responses and the welcome!!!!

 

[PurdellMGP]

Hi Guys, I am new to your site as a transplant from one of the diesel sites. I currently have aN 02 Ram Diesel with 4.5" skyjacker list and a lot of other goodies. I ordered an 08 Power Wagon back in August and currently awaiting delivery. ( A little nervous going from the awesome power in my diesel). How do you guys like the Hemi? I am assuming with the 4.56 gears and 33" tires that there is more than enough power. ( I occasionally tow a travel trailer weighing in at 7800 lbs. Does anyone know when they start production on the 08 Power Wagons. I assume they batch them up and build a bunch at one time. I am from the Southern Calif area and none of the dealers show even a single 08 Power Wagon in their inventory yet. Thanks for the great site.

Hey PWfan,
How are you? I was in your boat as well. I came off a 02 Dodge turbo diesel w/ a few mods. traded for a near new 05 PW loaded up. At first I was unsure if I made the right call on the trade, but after having it awhile, I am 1005 sure. I avg. 15 to 15.5mpg on the hwy. Avg. is about 14 to 14.5.
Towing I am anywhere from 8 to 10mpg depending on terrain. I live in Northern, VT and its all mtns. I too have a camper I tow w/ it. 28' Travel Trailer. Tows it fine, plenty of power, just not in the low end grunt like a Diesel. All in all, its a great truck. I noticed no sway towing, trailer is 5500# empty, I figure I had about 6500# total. You will enjoy it, they are a head turner. Next mod I plan is a SuperChips Flashpaq.

Mike

 

[BLK 08 PWRWGN]

Hi Mike, Thanks for your response and all the information. It sounds like your setup with trailer and all is very close to what I currently have. I am glad to hear that you have no power issues changing from Diesel to the gas truck. My diesel was getting an honest 15.5 MPG combined highway and city driving with no load. I looks like you are very close to this with your new PW. Considering in Southern Cal the diesel is going for around 3.40 per gl and gasoline is at 3.09 it was hard to justify another diesel anyway for myself. We only tow our travel trailer to fairly local campgrounds. I cannot wait for the new truck to arrive.

Frank

 

[coder]

Considering in Southern Cal the diesel is going for around 3.40 per gl and gasoline is at 3.09

Keep in mind the 5.7 Hemi takes mid-grade 89 octane gas.

 

[ldgregory]

The manual states 87 is acceptable. I've only run 89 in mine for two tanks to see if it made any difference in MPG due to timing retardation to prevent knock on the 87 octane. There was no difference so I've been running 87 ever since.

I don't know if there is much difference between 86 and 87 octane, but I've even filled a few tanks with 86 octane from casino gas stations on the reservations and not had any problems.

 

[BLK 08 PWRWGN]

Never even thought about the octane rating required for the Hemi. Just assumed it was 87....

 

[PurdellMGP]

I believe all the Hemis are 89 oct rating.
I run 87 all the time except when I tow, then I put either a min. of 89 in it or 93...depending on my mood. But empty, I run 87 and have had no problems.