2022 AEV Prospector XL: This Is What The Ram Power Wagon Should Be

Today I drive and review a 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie Night Edition AEV Prospector XL!
Ram Inventory: www.lhmchryslerjeep.com/
Learn How To Save Time And Money The Next Time You Buy A Car: benjaminhardy.podia.com/learn...
Get $50 Off Your Next Purchase With Tron Auto Lab: BENHARDY50
Tron's Website: www.tronautolab.com/
Help Support The Channel: www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=52...
Second Channel: / @thebenhardyshow
Instagram: ben_hardypl
Facebook: @benhardycar

[@AmericanExpeditionVehicles]

Great job!

[@patrickquavejr9333]

Is this truck for sale

[@PeakDecline]

AEV does it right. I wish more of these upfitters would follow AEV's lead and make serious off-road trucks instead of mallcrawlers with rubberband tires.

[@BenHardyCars]

Agreed

[@SkywhiteChannel]

Define right? The truck doesn’t even have a rear locker. Imagine paying $100k for an off-roading truck without a single locker.

[@PeakDecline]

@@SkywhiteChannel To my knowledge AEV can install lockers if you want when you place an order with them. The Ram 2500 with the Cummins doesn't offer them from factory, just an LSD. But to answer your question... Their suspension upgrades, tire and wheel upgrades and armor upgrades are all high quality and legitimate off-road focused. Compare it to other stuff you'll find from most other upfitters and it's night and day. They're not putting on 20" wheels or doing spacer lifts. They're correcting the geometry, relocating the front axle in order to properly fit those 40s. Their steel bumpers are some of the best on the market, built for serious use not for mallcrawler looks.

[@soldier09r]

Couldn’t agree more

[@All_star_edits464]

@@PeakDecline still, explain to me how their cosmetic bumpers are going to have an effect on this trucks off road capability? Outside the suspension, upgraded tires, and the winch, I don’t see how this truck is more capable than any stock 2500 with a Cummins. Your paying $37K more for all the AEV upgrades and I’m not sure it’s worth it considering it mostly cosmetic.

[@greym6436]

I am a 1st gen toyota tundra guy at heart... -But RAM 😈 has literally exposed my inner Lone Wolf Mcquade, with this Laramie AEV Prospector setup! What Beast of truck.

[@mixflip]

I’d take an AEV prospector before a Ford raptor or tremor or Tundra TRD pro.

[@DaddyPhatSnack]

DREAM TRUCK !!! There are still a few things I'd change . Carli full suspension Banks RAM Intake system RedHead steering Box KO2 Tires Tuner 5in Exhaust and I'd CHANGE OUT ENTIRE SPEAKER SYSTEM ADD 2 Skar 10s with 2000 watt AMP ! SECURITY TINT ALL THE WAY AROUND ! But this is a great place to start !!!

[@joshthetrucker9589]

These things are absolutely amazing. I've wanted one for awhile. It's basically a bigger, beastlier Tremor.

[@lifeoutdoors3953]

More like a bigger gladiator

[@justinalden3138]

The reason they can fit those 40's on that truck with a little lift is the have to cut the fenders to put those flares on. I priced those flares for my truck and for the front and rears was over $3000

[@nickpinkus3446]

Yup and the lift moves the front axle forward, otherwise they wouldn’t fit 40s on full turn or flex you’d rub

[@booker2121]

It amazes me that they never seem to include a bedliner anymore

[@JeepingNet]

I had an AEV Jeep JK on 37s and it ran so much smoother than stock. Put some overlanding gear in it and it even got more smoother. I bet you that rig with 500-750 pounds in the bed would feel even better.

[@dizi17]

Good quality vid man, thanks for the content

[@TobyCostaRica]

Been watching a lot of your videos, really puts things to perspective from the AEV driver POV how high you are !

[@user-yc6xn5ze6h]

Now I just have to find $150k! 😂

[@oinn8003]

Now a PW AEV would be nice and simple to do, you can put 37/38s on a PW without too much trouble..but the truth be told Power Wagons are kings even stock can you imagine getting a carli and 38s on it?! it’s a mens truck

[@cvalle3443]

there are plenty of mega cab prospector XLs, it works

[@leedanielson7452]

Ben that’s it I’m saving up for this truck! I only need 113K more…..😩

[@user-yx7qd3xs8b]

I will love do have a ram aev prospected xl for my every day driver

[@kevinh.w.crabbe8748]

That definitely a beautiful truck it runs so smooth over top of the curve like it is nice in there that’s decent

[@johnmacias01]

Great looking Ram Truck! Have the gears been changed to accommodate the tire size

[@10dannyp89]

Love to see that truck vs one with a full carli setup actually used offroad.

[@nickpinkus3446]

Define off-road because I feel like high speed dessert versus trails or rock crawling you’d be surprised that the AEV allowing 40s with very little lift allows for maximum ground clearance as well stability.

[@MilmidStudios]

My dream set up!!!

[@grisa12345]

For that price I’m very surprised it’s not re-geared for 40’s. Or with larger brakes.

[@Michael_00001]

...or add dual locking differentials... or reservior shocks... or.... the list goes on.

[@ersers-by3qr]

BEN Get one That is One BADASS TRUCK great review!!!!!

[@evilcam]

If you could tune this to put out more power along with that monster torque, this may be a worthy replacement for the TRX or Raptor, if the mileage is decent on 40s.

[@jerryclleung]

AMAZING truck! I’m just worried about the ability to change that 140-150lb spare tire! 😂

[@krashnpa]

Fonz posed engaged for this one... the truck definitely is cool.

[@Bpf1893]

Crazy how the payload is so low. My Colorado is 1410 lbs

[@johnmorales9584]

This not having lockers is unforgivable at this price. This is not a serious off roader. I would have added this AEV package to a Powerwagon. It would problably be cheaper too.

[@andrewevans1519]

I think you need one for your channel taking it off road I bet TFL would invite you back keep the great videos coming 🇺🇸

[@Ww8.3]

That truck makes 40’s look normal might I say small even 😂

[@scottreynolds273]

Thanks definitely an awesome truck!! Get rid of your Raptor and pick this up.. So cool.

[@no_lft_shft]

Love this truck

[@Robstunner]

I’ll keep by TRX but this is pretty damn awesome

[@davidj1878]

If you could put the aev on any truck from ram what would it be ? Would you keep it laramy or switch it to power wagon?

[@JoseOrtiz_1416]

Ouch no bed liner on such a bad ass truck

[@user-wc7ns4mu9v]

Yeah, I have an 06 power wagon. I wish they would’ve put the diesel in, but they said due to the winch and intercooler.

[@motorhead_jt21]

Excuse my language, but in my fucking dreams. These things are all over my Instagram explore page. Best truck build out there.

[@ibawazir]

Literally a MONSTER TRUCK

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Beautiful machine.

[@jabsterlustina946]

Did you notice or know what’s the MPG on that truck. Im very curious because im interest in buying one.

[@ychai2812]

We need to see a cjc treated review!

[@RealChoice1776]

I gave you a thumbs up because we love your show, love ram trucks. But the Power wagon which is beautiful but no payload capacity is very bad

[@TheLeoojedap]

interesting they left the stock spare tire.

[@IsaacVK2.7]

Love it

[@rbljackson]

These prospector XLS are my dream truck....they are SO nice. Curious to know what the tow ratings are.....any details on that?

[@woolengrappler]

Same as the stock truck, hence why AEV is so cool. You get a beast of a truck with improved OffRoad capability while maintaining the factory payload and towing.

[@john11100]

Deff a big truck a like it.

[@saladim56]

Can they build this with the mega cab body?

[@All_star_edits464]

Seriously Ben Hardy! I have enjoyed watching your reviews but this is straight disrespectful to the Power Wagon. No articulink suspension, no front or rear locking differentials, no disconnecting sway bar… Ya it’s got an inch higher lift and 40s. Many PW owners lift their rigs higher and put 40s on them. They still have way more capability than this truck. Let’s not fail to mention you can but two, that’s right, 2 brand new baseline model Power Wagons for the same cost or even cheaper than this outrageously priced rig… Common Ben!

[@firebum11]

While it looks "cool," this truck is just a stock truck with cutout fender flares. AEV doesn't even replace the stock springs, they just relocate them to give the 3" lift and change the shocks to bilstein 5100's. If you want to really have a better ride and increase offroad ability, step up to a Thuren Fab or Carli tuned suspension with king shocks, you'll save money, have a better ride, and you could run 40's if you wanted to use the AEV cutout fender flares

[@underabigsky]

Think a 2500 set up that way has the clearance and flotation of a stock JL Rubicon. Nice rig!

[@albertatundra]

It is missing lockers but otherwise it is pretty much perfect.

[@dolguldur4706]

If this model was build purposely for offroad...why it doesnt have lockers installed?

[@BenHardyCars]

There isn’t a kit to add it to the 5th Gen rams yet aftermarket

[@bierxchuluuteixvn]

Hi Ben Hardy, I think that is not Laramie trim level, that is limited trim level, am I right?

[@SamanthaHAgastin]

What's the comparison driving smoothness the AEV vs the Carli King race 3"25 pintop 2"5, 37 tires 🤩??

[@kevinh.w.crabbe8748]

That is one beautiful truck I love one like that for it would work in our countryside in Canada for I live in a southern Alberta Canada

[@leedanielson7452]

Boy I could use one of them! I’m hoping it would make me more masculine!!!😀👍

[@Rdy2Xpl]

One of the best things about these AEV rigs in my opinion is the warranty and that even as modified as it is the dealer can and will do warranty work on it. Just sold my Jeep with coilovers etc and time to save up for one of these bad boys.

[@Michael_00001]

They offer a full warranty because people aren't seriously offroading these things and they know that. It's a ranch truck and an overpriced one at that.

[@timothystone5785]

I will be soon to buy one were do I need to get one. From Aiken SC

[@pdeichert]

I always thought Ben was short

[@BenHardyCars]

I get that a lot, I think how I hold the camera makes me appear a lot shorter than I am

[@thedirtbag7]

@@BenHardyCars your most recent video with TFL you look tall and jacked compared to Tommy

[@vinotozhimo5510]

Me too 😂

[@leedanielson7452]

Ben actually grew an inch last year if I remember correctly! Lol

[@vinotozhimo5510]

@@leedanielson7452 🤣🤣

[@RichardPersonsIILovesJC]

I have the money for it! It's in a trust account. You can get paid through it with a 1099a form! What do you say?

[@williamruhe1654]

I like it 👍👍

[@bradentokoly]

Let’s point out the elephant in the room of your “What the Power Wagon Should Have Been” statement. The Prospector XL lacks the locking front and rear diffs and sway bar disconnect that the Power Wagon has from the factory. Base, the Power Wagon costs $53K less than the Prospector…. that’s a lot of margin for upgrades to one’s own PW (via AEV). I don’t care about a $11K diesel at $1.50 more a gallon and a 373 rear end. I’ll take the PW’s 410 rear. Still a badass truck and I envy that column shifter.

[@bryanlewis8891]

Wow nice truck !! No lockers ? That's serious points off. Can you get it with Ramboxes?

[@BenHardyCars]

Probably not with the spare tire in the bed

[@bryanlewis8891]

@@BenHardyCars That's easily remedied. Pivot the tire 90 degrees.

[@stevehinkley1530]

Yes, you can get it with Ramboxes. Mine was equipped with them.

[@user-wc7ns4mu9v]

The 2500s have rear suspension which I would like better cause I have to offer. I don’t really want to carry crazy weight I can get airbags.

[@osmuquiranaoficial4216]

How much inchs of ground clearence?

[@revistadearmas]

Nice truck but the tires to big! 37s would make me happy

[@wrushb2626]

$110k? Twin open axles… a stock power wagon will walk all over it on a trail.

[@dzmedia]

Don't see it on their site listed for sale

[@jwright1776]

Could you do one of these on a 3500 limited long bed, and if so would it save much payload?

[@BenHardyCars]

Only on a 2500

[@iantaylor5456]

AEV will upfit a 3500, either regular or XL. Expedition overland has a video of theirs somewhere

[@osmuquiranaoficial4216]

How much inchs o ground clearence?

[@betweenthepines4000]

Ben are you sure its only 1500lb payload? My Gladiator Mojave is 1100lbs. By the time you put a camper in this, you got no room for anything else and thats not including the added weight on this particular truck.

[@alfarajmohammed2160]

‏Dear Sir I have. ram 2500 dodge power wagon 2018 I need to buy transfer case shifter & Window sills trims

[@tedbridges1198]

No use for anything like that. But loved the review

[@nuclearTANK]

I'll stick with my stock 05 PW, that AEV is just overpriced BS, I pretty much go 4 wheeling and rock crawling every weekend no problem. The only thing I've added is a road armor front bumper that saved my truck from a head on collision with an SUV just two days before Xmas.

[@Richie23OO]

Could you build one of these off a power wagon rather than a Cunnings Laramie??

[@BenHardyCars]

I’m not sure

[@mattbrew11]

Yes

[@Samalb900]

Hey does they do the prospector xl on a power wagon???

[@stevehinkley1530]

Yes.

[@Mikelen11]

It doesn’t have front and rear lockers or disconnecting sway bar? The Power Wagon does.

[@pdeichert]

But wow I want one

[@lqdxoni1]

g-wagon be damned i would take this anyday of the week

[@cromwellco8085]

If it didnt have all those emissions crap, this would have been the ultimate truck

[@kmtkmt3748]

How much?

[@migueldayot3762]

The power wagon finally got a Cummins!!!!!!!

[@All_star_edits464]

Do you even know what makes a Power Wagon a Power Wagon?

[@executive8680]

I may be able to rhyme “40’s” into a country music verse.

[@rt-beast_88kv]

Man. Who the heck can even afford that heavy truck for ~$118K USD? (Just like the price from the Tesla model X/S)

[@real-talk_5304]

Lockers ?

[@markmcfeaters9116]

That's a baby lift. The fenders have been cut up and installed those ridiculous flares. I'll show you a real lifted 2017 Ram 2500 Mega Cab in granite crystal with 40x15.50X20 nitto Trail Grapplers or I can run my other set of 40X13.50X20 maxxis Razr M/t. I have 2 sets that I change up once in a while

[@kookiethebear]

Why does your thumbnail banner say anything about a TRX? While this would be a good expedition-style vehicle, it's too big for off-roading, towing (at it's designed capacity), or being a lifted, sprinter like the TRX. Quite frankly, what is it good for outside of traveling vast open country with minimal obstacles? For my money, there are way better options at much less than $120k.

[@HossinFW]

For that type of money that payload should be much better!!!!!

[@markforbes3228]

No beadlocks?

[@BenHardyCars]

No

[@downbytheriver501]

Not needed because 99% of people who buy these will never use them Offroad.

[@Michael_00001]

AEV is a solid company but grossly overpriced for what you actually get. The Power Wagon has dual locking differentials. Don't kid yourself. This is a cool truck but it's not an "offroader" per se. It's way too big and heavy. It's a great ranch truck but it's not going anywhere near where my Gladiator Rubicon on 37's is going. Sorry bub. Also, you're talking about some sort of weight savings with that particular engine however it has a worthless stock spare stuck underneath? It's for looks. And yes it looks mean but let's not get it twisted. Did I mention the diesel and the fact that they don't like starting in freezing weather? Yeah...

[@calebmilligan2545]

Hmmmm no rear locker

[@mikeseda6350]

Almost $40G more for bumpers tires and fender flares and winch … you must have money you don’t need.

[@markslowen1411]

No difflocks makes it useless off road

[@TheTeaguecowley]

Not a super big fan of the spacer lift.

[@jasonconnors8644]

They didn’t even spray the bed

[@DRTYFN]

Except you can’t tow, because the gear ratios are so awful for those big tires

[@cadillacowner2064]

This a power wagon?

[@cummins24421]

This thing is still listed on their website but is listed at $80k sale price (NOT MSRP, sale price). Is that the case or is this a scumbag dealership that will spring another $30k on you once you fly in to pick it up?

[@timoneill2451]

Nice truck over kill for me

[@LenTexDIY]

That much money and no bedliner???

[@AngelDogC36]

If u dont have front and rear axel lockers its useless! Plus 100k🙅