Here's a loaded up powerwagon, door sticker payload: 1,151lbs.
The doorsticker on my Rebel, and it's not a record: 1,308lbs.
A 1500 is not a heavyduty truck. BUT, they are VERY close on their payload capacities, they are in the same league in that regard.
If they have a tie in terms of towing, I would give the advantage to the Powerwagon, as it's an HD truck axles/brakes/etc wise.
The Rebel is not.
I LOVE the powerwagon, awesome vehicle.
Compared to a rebel?
- More expensive, heavier, longer, same size tires stock, smaller fuel tank (31g vs 33g), possibly
lower payload, harder to park, slower to accelerate
and on the highway, likely less comfortable, parking decks are probably out.
What it has over the rebel?
It's probably better at towing if we're being honest, beefy solid axles, winch, payload might be higher on some models, and it's got more offroad doo-dads, it looks super cool, and
"Powerwagon don't caaare!"
Verdict? Get what you feel like getting!
The Rebel, powerwagon, and TRX;
if I had lottery money I'd probably own
all 3.