I would like your opinions on this truck build & bed modifications

[vintageracer]

I am considering this vehicle for modification to a camper expedition vehicle. It is NOT 4WD. It could be modified to 4WD however I do not need 4WD for the trips planned.

The truck is a 2WD 2000 Chevrolet 3500 HD Dual Rear Wheel Cab Chassis. 6.5 diesel with a 5 speed, 98K original miles, new diesel engine within last 10K miles, service records, 15K LB GVW weight rated chassis, power steering, power hydra-boost 4 wheel disc brakes, tilt, cruise, A/C, Posi-traction rear-end with the HD chassis which includes the heavier 15K LB load capacity and 19.5 inch wheels/tires. The box is a nice service box.

My intention would be to modify the service box by raising the roof with steel or and expandable/retractable roof installation. Installing basic services (water, inverter, propane, heat, A/C) for use when staying inside the box camper conversion with the support tanks/services housed in several of the side boxes with the rest for of the side boxes for storage. The box itself is steel therefore modification of the roof to increase height to meet my needs is relatively easy with a plasma cutter and a TIG welder.

I am in Tennessee and riding trails, mudding or traversing high mountain passes is not the goal of my build. I am interested in a self sufficient HD truck combo that can also pull a trailer if needed with additional supplies or vehicles and still camp on or off grid. This would be a dedicated purpose rig and not needed for daily use or other none camping needs.

Suggestions, opinions and ideas including those telling me I am an idiot for considering this are certainly encouraged.

Pics of truck below.

I look forward to your responses!

 

[rayra]

I think it's a fine idea for a rig, I'm a fan of the utility bed conversions that are posted here.

I'd suggest making the rear a pop-up sort of thing, so it fits like a cap down on the utility bed while driving and raises several feet with fabric sidewalls when camping / occupying it. That way you don't have to drive the highways or a wooded trail with a big box sticking up.

 

[driller]

cut the top off and leave the service bed. Add a 10' alaskan cab over DONE.

 

[IdaSHO]

Personally id never touch it, seeing that it has the 6.5 detroit

 

[lostfamilyof6]

I don't think the motor is a bad thing. Those engines got a bad rap, if you know what you are doing and you know its limitations the motor is no worse then any other. I have owned several of that generation of truck and never had the motor be any problem.

 

[chilliwak]

Looks like a solid rig. If you have a locker in the rear you probably wont need 4 wheel for a lot of aplications. The rear tool box has lots of possibilities for a expo style rig. I say it has potential. Cheers, chilli..