Yes, the Power Wagon has a payload closer to many half tons than most 3/4 tons. It is designed for off roading, which means articulation is valued over bearing weight. There is always a tradeoff between these two things: a stiffer suspension is needed to support heavier loads (i.e. more payload) which is why 3500s and especially duallies ride like lumber wagons, but the stiffer suspension cannot articulate as far as a softer suspension without adding a load to the truck. So for better articulation, softer springs are used on the PW. It is the same reason Crew Cab Raptors have sub 1000 lb payloads in many cases; I used to work for a guy with a 2014 Raptor 6.2 crew cab who had a camper shell on it. I suspect that by the time he, his wife, and his son were in the cab the truck was close to or over payload with the weight of the camper shell-without even having a load in it. The priority is articulation rather than working, which is the opposite of most trucks.

The Power Wagon also 26 inches of suspension travel, largely due to the way the front axle is mounted and electronic disconnecting sway bar. The front axle has a system called "Articulink" that allows the axle to cam down from the control arm for a few more inches

 

The power wagon is capable both offroading and working. It's balanced both abilities but if you plan on improved roads and heavy hauling there's better choices.

 

A few people who want the solid front axle, stronger brakes, etc... of a 2500 with a softer ride get Power Wagons because the suspension is more compliant also

 

As stated, it depends on what you plan to do. I love my Power Wagon. It has done everything I've wanted and more. Off road fun, hell yea. I've gone places most people think I'm nuts to do. I hang out with Jeep guys. I've driven cross country with it. MPG not great, but still a great ride. I've pulled cars and tractors on trailers. I've pulled a mini hoe on it. Plenty of power for what I've needed. If I towed all the time or did a lot of hauling then yes, I regular 2500 would have been my choice.

 

Can anyone say how does a 2500 with a Cummins diesel and a 4x4 package handle off-road as compared with the Power Wagon.
It stands to reason that the Power Wagon will be have the advantage of the 4.10s, locking diffs, etc. But how much of an advantage is it?

 

One of the reasons the Cummins wasn't offered in the PW is weight. I suspect having an extra 900# of weight isn't going to win many points for off-roading.

I would also guess that since both the 66RFE and 68RFE have the same first gear ratio of 3.23 but the Cummins only has an available rear gearing of 3.42 in this scenario versus the PW 4.10 rear gear, there is a pretty big difference in mechanical advantage. More power needed to overcome obstacles means more potential for parts failure.

I think "off roading" is such a broad term that it would be helpful to narrow down the question a little. Are you looking at blasting through sand dunes, running mud pits, or Moab like conditions?

 

Are diesels bad for off-roading?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw0zw6HFiEs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wJdgxz3lMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2PzanbkJbM

By off-roading I'm talking about a mixture of everything really. I know strengths and limitations of the Power Wagon for instance, it isn't the best on the sand dunes, but it is able to hold its own. So on that note, how does a diesel 2500 compare.
For instance the same specs as seen on the Car-Matchmaker show. (Season 2 episode 8)...

 

Considering where you are posting from I assume you will be driving off-road in the sand a bit.

The Power Wagon may be a better choice for you for this reason:

I own a 2017 Ram CTD 4x4 with the Off-Road package and can tell you that it is best suited for driving across firm dirt roads, construction sites where the ground is soft/slippery, snowy roads, and on road towing.

You can feel the weight difference with the diesel engine up front as compared to the gas engine. I think the Power Wagon would do a better job if you spend a fair amount of time Off Roads.

Also the 3.42 gearing on the diesel is better suited to highway driving - the 4.10 on the PW better for slow speed off road work/play.

 

I wont speak to the off road debate. A few years ago we had about 3' of snow. Agencies were asking for help in transporting of people. My Ram with 5.7 4X4 and limited slip could go no where on the unplowed roads. The old man's diesel ford 4X4 was one of the only vehicles that could get around. That extra 900# can come in handy in many situations.

 

The off road package doesn't bring anything to the table. You get name brand shocks, a skid plate (not all the skid plates)and a limited slip.

The difference between a diesel and power wagon off the shelf is you won't be going very far off the beaten path on a diesel.

The lockers, factory lift, special tuned suspension makes all the difference. That's not adding the disconnect sway bar, full frame armour or winch to the picture.

 

Tires in the snow make or break a vehicle. One can always add weight in the front of the bed distributing it to front and rear axles. You can't remove weight with a diesel