1997 Cummins Towho/Expo

[redthies]

When I built my front bumper I incorporated a 2" receiver hitch into it. I though about just building a mount that slid into it that could carry a spare, but decided I'd rather have the tire on the rear. Maybe you could whip up something like that?

That's a good idea... It would add another 12-14"s in the front, but would only be there on longer trips.

 

[blakeape]

Headed off to Wyoming to see friends and family for about 10 days. Built a swingout tire carrier and I am hesitant to say it, but this truck's about done. There will always be maintenance and she mights get a real rear locker some day, but I am pretty happy with my 338 HP, 797 Ft lbs tq, leaf sprung kingpin 60, 4.10 geared, limited slipped rear, flat bedded, 12k winched, bumpered, exhaust braked, 37 inch tired, veggie burning pig!
http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab75/blakeape/IMG_0414.jpg
http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab75/blakeape/IMG_0417.jpg
http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab75/blakeape/IMG_0419.jpg
http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab75/blakeape/IMG_0421.jpg

 

[Jimmeh]

That is about the most bad *** rig I have seen around these parts. Where at in Montana are you?

 

[blakeape]

That is about the most bad *** rig I have seen around these parts. Where at in Montana are you?

Actually I am in Columbia Falls too. Right between Plum Creek and Meadow Lake.

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

Headed off to Wyoming to see friends and family for about 10 days. Built a swingout tire carrier and I am hesitant to say it, but this truck's about done.

I don't believe you.

But, I do love your truck. Simple, tough, used, functional, and burning the veg.

How's the truck holding up? I have always wondered how the Dodge that surrounds that Cummins motor actually holds up.

 

[blakeape]

I don't believe you.

But, I do love your truck. Simple, tough, used, functional, and burning the veg.

How's the truck holding up? I have always wondered how the Dodge that surrounds that Cummins motor actually holds up.

Its a Dodge any way you look at it. The cab definitely has some rattles. Its amazing how much more solid my Toyotas or my old 1987 Chevy are compared to this truck. That said its not that bad, and there are honestly 2-3 rattles that I know I could track down and fix if i pulled the dash again.

 

[teleturns]

Blake

You have built the truck of my dreams. All I can say is simply amazing!

 

[Jimmeh]

Actually I am in Columbia Falls too. Right between Plum Creek and Meadow Lake.

Oh, right on, lol! I'll have to keep an eye out for the truck if I ever get a chance to see it. I'm out towards the Badrock Fire house.

 

[fabjunkie]

Good looking rig! I might steal some design cues from you on your bumper and flatbed when the time comes. I like it with the camper set up on it. I've been contemplating one for a while and will eventually have to get one for the wife.

 

[blakeape]

Well, we are on the road and currently in Cheyenne WY where my wife grew up visiting friends and family. We went to Jackson WY and spent a few days with friends, did some hiking and paddle boarding, then cruised up through Teton and Yellowstone Parks over to Cody WY. Spent a nice evening camping and soaking at a hot spring in Thermopolis WY. Then cruised to Cheyenne where we are checking out "Frontier Days". I did get stuck on Palisades Reservoir going to meet a friend, but dropped the MTR's to 20psi and hooked the 12K warn to my friends Toyota and I was able to creep out. We've been seeing some cool things and having fun. the truck is doing well. I did blow a fuel line and lost 1/2 a tank of veg and am having a weird issue with my throttle sticking a little. My father in law has a nice shop so I am going to give her a once over tomorrow.

 

[ExpoMike]

Great looking rig and no idea why I have not commented on it before. You have done basically what I want to do, with a flatbed setup. I want to run boxes down the sides under the area of the camper. My FWC lives there full time so I really need lockable storage. I picked up an aluminum flatbed that my plans are to use to convert. Still thinking about it.

BTW, have you weighed your rig with the new setup? Currious what the weight is.

 

[blakeape]

Great looking rig and no idea why I have not commented on it before. You have done basically what I want to do, with a flatbed setup. I want to run boxes down the sides under the area of the camper. My FWC lives there full time so I really need lockable storage. I picked up an aluminum flatbed that my plans are to use to convert. Still thinking about it.

BTW, have you weighed your rig with the new setup? Currious what the weight is.

Thanks, I've really enjoyed following your build too. Aluminum would be sweet, but I know how to work with steel. The truck is heavy, I took a load of scrap steel to the recycler the other day and the truck was about 8600lbs with me out of it. That was with a full size spare and a bunch of tools with me, but its definitely creeping up there in weight. We left MT with the camper, gear, dog and probably 1200 lbs of veggie and I bet we were pushing 12,000 lbs when I got her stuck on the lake bed. I need to do a little more work on the rear suspension, but I am loving the functionality of the flatbed.

 

[redthies]

Blake you are making me feel better about my rig coming in at 10,500ish. What is your GVW, and do you ever get hassled by "the man"?

 

[ExpoMike]

Wow!!!! That's a tank. I am sitting just shy of 8500 lbs. loaded for a 4 day trip. GVW is only 8800 so I am just about there. I can't even imagine over 6 tons!!!

 

[BCHauler]

I think my favorite part of your custom flatbed is how you angled the rear corners. What little deck space is sacrificed, is more than compensated by the improved appearance. Also a big fan of the large integrated backup lights. Rear lighting is often overlooked in camper setups. Big thumbs up.

I'm going to guess that your truck is creating a lot of flatbed converts. Does your truck have a name?