Seguro Files 002
I had began my adventuring by attempting to hike every hike every mountain range, surrounding the metropolitan area of Phoenix. I had reached the limits of my commuter car, I required a vehicle, capable of reaching remote mountain ranges. Factoring in gas mileage, gas prices, upkeep costs, I was hesitant to invest in a truck. Opting to lease a vehicle, to give me an option to return the vehicle, I leased a 2019 Ram Rebel. My adventures, in the Rebel, quickly escalated into bigger risks, where I knew I would need to purchase the vehicle. Factoring in the lease terms and buyout price, it would be cheaper to break the lease and opt to purchase.
My last ride, in the Rebel, would take place Christmas weekend. I had spend years being financially responsible. I knew my next move would not be a smart financial decision. I had to go on a drive, to ensure I would not regret this decision, in the future. Knowing that vehicles are not investments, a purchase of this size, there has to be some personal value in it. In less than 30 days, I had traveled Sedona's red rocks, 4 peaks mountain range, Black canyon city and a lot more on my to do list!
I found myself back a the dealership, on January 1st 2020. As we discussed the final prices, salesmen do what salesmen do, try and upsell you. Well the Ram Rebel is already at the high end of the market of the Ram lineup, at that period. This particular dealership happened to have 2 white Ram Power Wagons on the lot. I had previously researched the platform and knew it had all the goodies, I would want on a truck. The Rebel came with a rear locking differential, electronic 4x4 and an air bag system, to raise the truck 2 inches higher. However, the Power Wagon came with a front and rear locking differential, disconnecting sway bar, a Warren Winch and a manual transfer case. Which means, when it comes to off-roading, I would not be relying on the electronics to engage and disengage four wheel drive. I still have not gone into the straight front axle vs Independent Front Suspension. There are tons of articles that cover all these differences, by better writers. If you are interested, go check them out! I believed the Power Wagon was outside of my price range, and I had never considered the platform as an option, I also believed it was too much truck for what I was looking for. After looking at the cost of the rebel with penalties, I ended being right under a brand new Power Wagon price range. . . At this point, I was said "If I am already paying this much, why don't I get more truck for my money?" I already knew, I would eventually reach the limitations of an IFS, no winch, and only rear lockers, I may as well commit, purchase all the components, I would eventually want in one package! The salesman was definitely new to Ram, and had no idea what we were negotiating. I knew this because I would mention features, specific to the Power Wagon, and he would nod and agree. Being the beginning of a new year and the 2020 inventory coming helped me get a 2019 Power Wagon for five thousand more, than what the Rebel would have cost me. A fricking steal of a deal!
Enter a Ram Power Wagon! There was no time wasted after making the purchase. Leading into 2020, I was already drawn to hunt deer by the state of Arizona. The morning after the purchase, I packed all my hunting gear and headed to a remote spot to zero in my rifle! I look back at this time and laugh. Any person is cautious with a new vehicle, we try to preserve the value of the vehicles for as long as we can. From the photos, you can imagine what is going on in my head "watch the trees, avoid the puddles!". In the photo below, I believed I was testing out the disconnecting sway bar! Knowing what I know now, this truck had a lot more to give, than I had imagined!
From an economical, financially responsible explorer, to a full size heavy duty traveler. What started off as wanting a jeep, to eventually settling on a Ram and moving from a 1500 to a HD 2500. There was a lot of decisions being made in a short time period. From being non-committal and leasing to knowing that I needed to purchase the truck. I threw a lot of hesitation and ideal decision making out the window. I did not know how much this purchase was going to change the next chapter of my life. Be sure to sign up for email notifications, as I cover how I went from a timid new truck owner, to making it on into the December 2022 issue of Four Wheeler magazine!
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