BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

[BoldAdventure]

I'll post this information here, since I just got asked if the spare fit on two different forums. Yes, the spare fit!

I had to deflate to 25psi and then guide it into position. It's very tight. Hopefully, it won't be a problem. But it did fit. I have almost finished my OBA so being slightly deflated is a non-issue for me. The photos tell the story, it's tight, but it fits.

Really close to the panhard bar:

 

[Scott]

I'll post this information here, since I just got asked if the spare fit on two different forums. Yes, the spare fit!

I had to deflate to 25psi and then guide it into position. It's very tight. Hopefully, it won't be a problem. But it did fit. I have almost finished my OBA so being slightly deflated is a non-issue for me. The photos tell the story, it's tight, but it fits.

Really close to the panhard bar:

I've been running a full size 35x12.50x17 under my truck in the stock spot for about 6 years now, fully aired up with no issues

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

 

[Dave]

I've been running a full size 35x12.50x17 under my truck in the stock spot for about 6 years now, fully aired up with no issues

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

You have an 8 ft bed no?

 

[Scott]

You have an 8 ft bed no?

Yes I do.. Is the mounting space for the spare less on a short bed? I honestly don't know hahahahahaha.

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

 

[BoldAdventure]

It might be. I've seen some comments from some others who couldn't even fit a 315 in there. I am not sure if they tried deflating, I also used my foot to guide it in place. For all I know they just tried going straight up with it.

I need to make sure it will clear on full compression, however. Hopefully, it's fine. "Knock on wood" as I'd like to keep my bed space. I'll test it out this week. I thought I'll hitch up and fill up my 30-gallon water Blatter at the same time. See what happens. And also try some trails (not hitched up of course). I'll report back with my findings.

 

[BoldAdventure]

ARMOR - Rock Sliders

Well, I finally had access to a lift, and installed the sliders on the PW. These things are beefy and very well built.

Installation on the passenger side was a breeze. The drivers side, will make you curse more than once. But the lift made the work easier. I was done with the installation in 3 hours.

Also made sure to use red Loctite on all the bolts. Now for the photos:

SHOP RECOMMENDATION

If you're ever in Moab and need a garage to work on your vehicle, you are in luck. Gotomoab Garage has you covered!

It's a DIY hobby shop and really convenient when you are traveling and need to work on your vehicle. All you gotta do is go online and schedule your shop time. Really easy to do.

Today was our first visit, and we meet with the owner Joe who is a really friendly guy. The shop has tools, including a welder and plasma torch and two 2-post lifts, jack stands, etc. Most everything you'll need.

Be sure to check them out if you're in the area!

The name of the place is GOTOMOAB GARAGE http://www.gotomoabgarage.com/

 

[BoldAdventure]

KEEPING SCORE

Not a huge decal guy. But this felt appropriate. Need to get a top decal made to the effect of 9th Annual Power Wagons in Moab...

 

[BoldAdventure]

Sneak Peak

Well the wife had to fly to NY for a family emergency, she took our youngest and left me with the oldest. So hopefully I will have time to get my LED project completed this weekend.

Plans, led light bar and led daully's mounted in the factory fog location, and led flush bumper mounted reverse/work lights.

 

[BoldAdventure]

I love towing with this truck. It might not be a diesel but it has no problems on 7% grades.

 

[Dave]

Looks great! Any pics of the switch mounting etc?

 

[BoldAdventure]

LIGHTING UPGRADES

Here is my detailed lighting upgrade.

I replaced the factory Halogens in the projectors with DDM Tuning's HID Canbus system. The color temp is 5000 kelvin. I also installed their new Canbus LED bulbs in the high beam position (also 5000k), it took some work, but here it is, installed and inside the cover.

The performance is really great, and the LED's match the HID's perfectly and are really bright. I'm very happy with the purchase.

I also added a 40-inch LED bar, Dually D2 and SAE Fog's. All of these are on separate power switches for the time being. I like using the Fogs as DRL's and trail lights.

I have yet to take any real night time photos. But I've had the setup for just over a month now, and have zero issues or complaints.

 

[BoldAdventure]

Thought on Power Wagon Ownership

We love this truck. I don't feel like much was needed to make it a real performer offroad. And even with the 6.4L Hemi, she's been a pleasure to tow with across all types of terrain. I have yet to find myself saying "I wish I had a diesel".

This truck really fits our lifestyle. And I'd highly recommend the Power Wagon to anyone who is considering a full-size truck that is truly capable and won't require thousands of dollars worth of modifications to actually be capable. Compared to some of my past vehicles, we have a small amount invested in this truck.

 

[Dave]

Yeah, that's PLENTY of light. Very nicely done.

 

[megacabcummins]

I saw you were going to replace your winch line with Amsteel, look at ASR also. I run it, zero issues, a little less expensive.

 

[BoldAdventure]

At some point. It's not a huge priority. I think I'm done with mods for the most part. Really happy with where the truck is at.

 

[megacabcummins]

Whichever you go with you'll be happy, nice and light, no slivers, it floats, it won't take your head off if it breaks.... So many pluses....

 

[mtnracer51]

I am really digging your setup as my wife is dreaming of an airstream for our boon docking adventures as well... I showed her your setup and she loves it of course as do I. Following you guys on IG and loving the adventure you guys are on. I know you have said before that you love the 6.4 and I am still debating 6.4 vs. 6.7... the emissions junk on the new diesels have me holding back a bit though. What kind of mpg are you getting towing? Offroad exploring? And if you ever are on highway without the Airstream what are you seeing at normal speeds? Your rig is ideal for our needs/wants I'm thinking. Thanks for the info!
Alex

 

[BoldAdventure]

I am really digging your setup as my wife is dreaming of an airstream for our boon docking adventures as well... I showed her your setup and she loves it of course as do I. Following you guys on IG and loving the adventure you guys are on. I know you have said before that you love the 6.4 and I am still debating 6.4 vs. 6.7... the emissions junk on the new diesels have me holding back a bit though. What kind of mpg are you getting towing? Offroad exploring? And if you ever are on highway without the Airstream what are you seeing at normal speeds? Your rig is ideal for our needs/wants I'm thinking. Thanks for the info!
Alex

Thanks, man. I chose the Power Wagon becuase we where living on the road full time, which made upgrading a truck very difficult. I don't have access to a "trusted" shop, and can't really afford to have a vehicle in a shop for a couple of weeks. The Power Wagon gave me the lift and mods I'd probably add to a regular 2500 Cummins right out of the gate, with the additional benifits of having front and rear lockers right out of the gate too. It made the most sense to me for our goals.

Beforing bumping the tire size up, we were seeing about 12.3mpg while towing the Airstream. And closer to 18mpg's when just driving around. On a recent trip to Glacier, with no Airstream I actually hit 20mpg some how. A lot of coasting and consistent speed I guess. That's all from my scan gauge. But that's not normal. But part of that is my foot.

Overall though, the truck is really comfortable and we've been happy with the decision. A diesel might have better torque and power, but the MPG's towing are almost the same these days with emissions. I know guys with older diesels who get better milage, but the new ones are averaging what the gassers do for the most part when towing. When not towing, they win out. But for what we paid, we saved on a lot of modifications.

 

[TangoBlue]

No major changes, but I added another decal.

Maybe next year I'll redo the list so this looks like less of a mess. But hopefully, it explains the "list" properly.

I didn't know you drive an FJ Cruiser... where are the "Zombie-hunter" steekers?

 

[BoldAdventure]

I forgot I have this. But this is the weight of this truck with two adults + 2 kids in car seats, some gear and a full tank of gas.

So when someone says the PW needs a diesel, I scoff. This truck is heavy enough.