The Dodge

[Desert Proven]

I've been a member for a while, but mostly just lurking.

Over the years, and unbeknownst to us, I guess you could say we've been building an "expedition vehicle".

Here's the background. We've been going to Baja for almost 20 years and have traveled extensively (and lived) in South America. I started with a VW camper, then a 4x4 Ford Ranger, then a Gas 4x4 Dodge, then our current truck. We've always talked about setting up a truck that could take us back to South America, and in the mean time get us back and forth to Baja. Oh yeah, and we've got two small children.

We started with a Four Wheel Camper, and it worked for a while, but we had a number of issues with it.

We sold it and bought an Outfitter. The camper was a little more spacious and feature rich, but was a little heavier and we found it a little more difficult to balance the load at speeds.

We sold it too and went back to simplicity. We purchased a Gemtop shell with all the re-inforcing you can add on from the factory and had a custom roof rack built to fit. We then added a standard carpet kit in the back and I'll be building some custom, removable drawers for underneath the sleeping platform. Having worked as river guides for years, we're pretty set up with an outdoor kitchen, tents, etc. The shell works well as a bed for the kids, and the roof is good for adults.

In addition to the above mentioned items the truck sports the following:

Diesel
6sp manual
Banks Power
AEM Intake
4:10 gears with limited slip
KORE Racing suspension with Fox 2.5 inch racing shocks and VR Coils
KORE Control Arms
10 Pound Power Tank with air tools
Custom front bumper with 15,000 pound Warn winch
Baja Designs Fuego Series HID lights wired to the high beam dimmer switch
PIAA Fog lights
Pull Pal
Aluminum, ex military sand ladders
Recovery Kit (tow strap, tree/boulder anchor, shackles, pulley, gloves, etc.)
Custom rear bumper with dual swing away carriers for spare and four gerry cans and a built in Tool Box
Hi-lift Jack
35 Inch Toyo Open Country M/T - E Rated
IPOD
Handheld GPS that I still don't know how to use
Baja Topos (work better)

I'm sure there's more, but that will give you an idea. The truck is built for speed in the desert. We've beaten motorcycles (probably not really fast ones) from Puertocitos to Coco's corner and from Coco's corner to the highway. Even with it's weight, it does pretty well in the sand with the bigger tires. I haven't really had it in the rocks much, but I'm warming up to the idea.

Here's a few pictures...........................I'm getting a "problem with the database message from the Expedition Portal"............I'll attach later.

[Rockcrawler]

Sounds like a nice truck... welcome!

[Maximus Ram]

Sounds like a sweet rig...Welcome to ExPo:beer:

[theMec]

This thread ain't worth s#!@ without pics.
I've already have questions .. like who made your custom front bumper? :-)

[Desert Proven]

I've been trying to post for a couple of days. Keep getting a database error.

Front bumper was made by Hanson Enterprises out of Salinas California. It was modified by 4x4 Labs in Grass Valley and they also built the rear bumper with swing away.

Agree that pictures tell a much better tale.

Thanks for the welcome.

[Westy]

Looking forward to seeing the photos.

Hansen and 4x4Labs both make high quality products...cant wait to see. Sounds like a fun and well built rig.

[Prybry]

You might try a link to photobucket while the Expo down loader is broken...

[Hunter]

Sounds like a sweet build. Then again, I might be partial to Dodge ExPo rigs.

Definatly looking forward to the pics.

[Desert Proven]

Still unable to upload photos. I'll work on a solution.

[milo12]

Please post what your issues with the Four Wheel Camper were. I have a similar truck and an Outfitter. I also have found the Outfitter is too heavy so I am selling it. I was considering getting a Grandby FWC. I would like to hear of your FWC experience before I buy one.

[Maximus Ram]

Desert, please post a link or something...the suspense is killing me.
:littlefriend:

[Desert Proven]

Okay....................Here's the photos.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/30288913@N08/sets/72157607130533593/


There's kind of a mixed bag. Some with the old Four Wheel Camper, some with the Outfitter, some without anything and some with the new set up.

I still need to sandblast and paint the rack as well as install a deck on it. It's still proof of concept at this point and need to make sure it's going to work.

My Fuel Pressure dropped this week, so I've got a FASS system en route to get things back on track. Those with the Cummins will understand. By the way, mine is a 2002 CTD.

[Maximus Ram]

Very nice....I especially like the back bumper set-up. I need to see about getting a swing away fabbed up on my buckstop back bumper like that.

[milo12]

Great looking pictures. 5 months ago I sold my 2002 Dodge diesel, I had the same paint scheme you have. I love the new 2008, one once all the emissions crap fell off.:p

Please send me a pm about your FWC experieces.

[jcbrandon]

Sweeeeet!

[West Coast Mags]

Love your truck, I'm planning to build something similar.

[Prybry]

Very nice looking rig...
Question, when you have the camper on, do you have any issues with sag?
Did you add anything to handle the extra weight?

[BIGdaddy]

see if these work...


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/kodiak1232003/2831352504_898fa8cbc0.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/kodiak1232003/2831348874_37ae0ca835.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/kodiak1232003/2830520173_6f42455ee5.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/kodiak1232003/2830518337_1844d3efcc.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/kodiak1232003/2830518043_c7fd803c01.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb64/kodiak1232003/2830517861_a67fb12e97.jpg

[Desert Proven]

When the camper was on, there really wasn't much sag at all. We removed the factory overload springs and are running mini packs (4 leaf packs that go under the factory leaf springs). This basically gives you the weight carrying capa=city of a 3/4 ton truck, but a much more pliable rear end for off road use. With the Outfitter camper fully loaded and gerry cans full, there was slight sag. Almost undetectable. I estimated that we were carrying about 2500+ pounds in the bed or more on those occasions.

This set up has served us well. I do miss having a camper sometimes, but I enjoy not having to worry about it.

Thanks

[masterplumber]

So for all around use which do you like better - the FWC or the Gem top. I just took my FWC off my F350 for the winter to do some work on it & I used to have an ARE topper. I'm thinking of going back to the topper for some of the same reasons you mentioned but I'm wondering if I'll miss the standup height & the built in kitchen & storage.
Doug

[Desert Proven]

It's a tough question. I do miss having the camper and the stand up height. However, it always seemed that when I had a camper, I was always repairing something. Not all the repairs were specific to the camper. Some were camper appliances. Camper wiring, etc.

The shell is simple. I bring what I need and set it up. It is also nice if you need to leave camp and not have to break down camp. I can set up camp and then run around in the truck and not have to break down.

There are pro's and con's to each. I'm a big fan of vans and I think my next rig will be a 4x4 van. Then you get the best of both.

[jdholder]

Any idea what the rig weighs currently? I was surprised to learn that my Ex weights 9600 lbs with the current setup.

[BIGdaddy]

just wondering, can you see the pics on the previous page. i posted them for the clikky impaired...

[Desert Proven]

Last time at the scales, I was 7200 pounds without the shell and rear swing aways. With the current set up, we're probably about 8500 pounds.

The diesels are very heavy. Make sure you are running E rated tires!

[jdholder]

Last time at the scales, I was 7200 pounds without the shell and rear swing aways. With the current set up, we're probably about 8500 pounds.

The diesels are very heavy. Make sure you are running E rated tires!


My concern is running lower air pressures and 1) destroying the tires doing so (off road) or 2) popping a bead.

Bead lock wheels are on the way!

[Desert Proven]

We've run our tires pretty soft and hammered them pretty hard, and haven't really done any damage, or popped a bead. We put a pretty big spike through one of them while in Baja and while watching the local llantera try adn break the bead, I felt a lot better about what I had been doing. I do, however, agree that Bead Locks are the way to go.

I'm pretty fond of the Walker Evans wheels. As far as I know, they are still the strongest of all the aftermarket wheels. They are rated to 3800 pounds each and you can get them custom cut with the correct backspacing for your vehicle. If you need specifics, PM me.

I'm saving for a set myself.

What are you running for suspension? I can't really tell from the pictures, other than it looks pretty cool.

[mrblond]

My concern is running lower air pressures and 1) destroying the tires doing so (off road) or 2) popping a bead.

Bead lock wheels are on the way!


Are you off road racing? If not, for a big full size Diesal about 20lbs to 25lbs is good but I have run less with out issue. Plush ride too.

You risk tire damage by not lowering the air pressure. Could be serious damage like a side wall puncture but breaking off large chunks of rubber is the usual sign of too much pressure.

[jdholder]

Are you off road racing? If not, for a big full size Diesal about 20lbs to 25lbs is good but I have run less with out issue. Plush ride too.

You risk tire damage by not lowering the air pressure. Could be serious damage like a side wall puncture but breaking off large chunks of rubber is the usual sign of too much pressure.

No - not racing at all - just trying to learn what is best for places like - the Mojave Road or Anza Borrego or ... And I am trying to learn this easily (through other's experience) rather than hard (through my own misfortune).

As for bead lock's - the trailer I bought came with 5 additional wheels and tires that are already bead locks - so is there a downside to running them?

[Guinness44]

Another very strong rim is made by GT Inc. (hummerproducts.com). Think they are rated to 4500 lbs each. They have an extra lip to hold the bead at lower pressure. It mentions Dodge on the page. Give Tom a ring for specs.
BTW, excellent customer service provided.

[Desert Proven]

As mrblond said, you should be pretty safe running those tires down to about 20-25 psi.

Bead locks only present an issue in the sense that most are NOT DOT approved. Technically, you could be cited for running them on the street.

[Heimz]

Marek, the truck looks outstanding! Ive been looking for a decent pop-up camper for my 06 Dodge. I need somethin' to keep the little lady happy!


BTW, glad to see you pop up over here. I mostly lurk and try to soak it all in, but I had to stop in here and say thanks for all your suspension input in the past. Much luck with your new endeavors!

[805gregg]

Dodge rules, No Power or Mopar.

[beer belly boy]

Nice set up!
I had my FWC on a 97 F-350 before the truck was totaled. The F-350 had a 351 and 4:10s. I had been looking for a replacement with a power stroke, but after doing some more reaserch and talking to Cummins owners I'm looking to replace it with a mid 90s Dodge with 12v Cummins. What kind of fuel milage did you get with the FWC?
What is the overall length of your truck with the bumpers and swing away carriers? I'm trying to keep my rig so it will fit in my garage. This will probably rule out an extended cab and much of a lift.
I bought my FWC is a Grandby shell. I installed some custom cabinets and wiring, a water tanks and a sink made from a 2 quart steam table insert. I kept everything very basic. Kind of a step up from a tent.
The camper was on the truck when it was totaled. ( A woman coming off of I-81 blew through a stop sign at the end of the off ramp.) The only damage to the camper was the front corner trim pieces.
I'm in the planning phase for a rebuild on the camper. I have the camper gutted and I'm going to strip the siding off to up grade the insulation and check for any cracked welds.
What issues did you have with the FWC?
Thanks,
Beer Belly Boy

[Desert Proven]

I used to get about 14-15 mpg with the FWC, bumpers, and big tires.

Length of my truck is about 22.5 feet with bumpers.

Four Wheel Campers are fine, it just didn't work for my usage. Kind of a long story, best to take off line.

[brut4s]

Hey halibrand,
any pics of your rig?

[Heimz]

I'd be more than happy to share one of these days in a new thread. I dont want to step on Desert Proven's toes!!!!

[brut4s]

oops!sorry about the hijack desertproven.

[Desert Proven]

I wear steel toe boots. Hijack away!

I'd love to see some pics as well.

[Heimz]

Well alright!

Here's a few pics from a Baja, Mexico earlier this month:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/rockaroundmycock/Baja/BajaMatt047.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/rockaroundmycock/Baja/BajaMatt057.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/rockaroundmycock/Baja/Baja016.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/rockaroundmycock/Baja/Baja094.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/rockaroundmycock/Baja/DSC02663.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/rockaroundmycock/Baja/DSC02576.jpg


And some random shots:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/rockaroundmycock/dodgetalk/Mods005.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/rockaroundmycock/dodgetalk/P9280199.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/rockaroundmycock/ElMirage6-08009-1.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j107/rockaroundmycock/heimzjump3.jpg





Marek, thanks for your help in the past. Thanks to you, I replaced those crummy coil isolators with the super-sweet Kore Isolators.

Thanks for letting me show, now show some more of yours!!!

[mrblond]

great pics, in the 2nd pic looks like Sage or someone was willing to sacrifice a leg.

[Heimz]

Kind of cool when Sage Carli is willing to put his legs in jeopardy, while Don Thuren is spotting you as you round a boulder on a goat trail in Mexico.

Great people, great times.

[Desert Proven]

Looks a lot like the "goat trail" heading into Valle Trinidad. Is that where it is?

[Desert Proven]

I guess I could have read the description better. Good times!!!

Halibrand, your truck is looking great. I'm proud, and embarrassed, to say that it's probably a lot faster than mine at this point. Who did the axle truss? Is that some of Jason's work?

What else are you running on that now?

[Heimz]

Actually, I do all my own component fabrication. The truss started as just a 1.5"x .250" DOM tube from knuckle to knuckle to keep the axle straight during the occasional bashing. But after finishing it, thinking about the carnage from having a rock bend that tube made me instantly plate it all in. Viola: fully boxed truss. It does indeed look like a Hughes truss though. He has some MAD skills, and his rear bumper on his truck is freakin' amazing!

I knew I wanted to make a light bar for my truck, but didnt want to lose the tow hooks. I then saw the tow hooks are basically useless for using a shackle, so I incorporated one into my own interpretation of a Defiant light bar. Turns out, Jason and I must've been thinking the same thing 'cause later I found out mine looks VERY similiar to his.

I fabbed up the spare tire carrier too, but wisely didn't bolt it to the flimsy bed. :D

I also made a quick little bracket here and there, made my own receiver shackles, and installed my suspension.

Its a Thuren 3" system with 2.5" King's (extra long reservoirs for improved cooling capacity), Shock towers, stainless end links, track bar, and Don's full leaf packs with custom shackle.

The ride is AMAZING- highway ride is SOFTER than stock, still has sports-car like handling, and offroad is just STUPID. My truck can do 110mph on the beach like a cadillac, take the drive to Mike's sky ranch at 60mph, and can still flex like a power wagon when I disconnect the sway bar. Truck makes me speechless.

Im still pondering about what to do next, trying to find out how to easily convert the interior into a sleeping cabin, make a can-back type topper, a rugged rear bumper, a front diff skid plate, etc....

Those of you with a Megacab have it lucky: put the front seats all the way forward, fold down the rear seat, thrown in a QUEEN size air mattress, and you're goood to go.......


Sometimes I wish I had a 12V Cummins too, you just cant kill them!

[brut4s]

:bowdown: Desert proven & Halibrand, Very Nice trucks

[WILLD420]

Get an air tank at least 5 gallon. Air it up to max and keep it handy. If you pop one off the bead, it's a 5 minute fix as long as the wheels aren't too wide for the tires. Clean out the dirt smear on a little water for lube and pump it up after you jack the weight off the tire.

I've run lots of fullsize rigs down to 20 psi with no problems at all. Only time you will pop a bead is if you sidehill too hard or turn sharply with too much speed.

I purposely run stock 7" rims with 35's for this reason. The tire protects the rim, it's very hard to unseat the bead, even with a tire machine, the tire is so wide it wants to reseat itself on the bead.

They are a little squirmy and I'm sure long-term mileage will suffer, but I only drive the truck a few K miles a year. I'm sure the sun will rot them before I wear them out.

Wow. Guess I missed a couple pages. I thought this thread ended at 3....

[Desert Proven]

We just got back from Baja and while we didn't hit the speeds that Halibrand hit, we made pretty good time on the rough. The road to Gonzaga has deteriorated from very rough washboard to foot deep whoops for about 30 miles. I can't say enough good about the Toyo tires. We ran these things at sub 30 psi for hours on end through really rough terrain at speeds upwards of 60 mph. We weigh in at close to 9000 pounds.

[brut4s]

Any pics from the trip?

[Heimz]

Awesome Marek! I too am blown away by the Toyos abilities. I ran mine at 30psi front, 25psi out back, and I never once felt sketchy during the high speed romps, yet it still let me easily traverse the cobblestones near San Quintin. 9000 lbs!?!?!! That must be with the camper, I hope! With a full tank, two spares, action packer with tools, recovery equipment, and coolers, I was barely at 7000lbs. With your weight and tire pressures, just goes to show how tough and worthwhile those tires are.

I was back in baja for saturday and sunday for my bachelor party. You can see pics/vids over at DTX. ;)