Mat Mobile
Adventurer
My wife and I have been inspired by numerous travel tales (Drive Nacho Drive, Song of the Road, Desk to Glory, etc.) and have taken steps in the last 5 years to be able to start our own adventure (downsizing our lives, savings of course...). The time has now come to purchase the adventure vehicle.
We plan to go to Newfoundland this summer as a test run, then cross Canada next year, and finally start heading south after the holidays with family. Our vehicle will go all the way down to South America and will most likely eventually be shipped to Europe. We do not plan on doing any hardcore off-roading but we do wish to camp on beaches and not have to worry on rough dirt roads.
After evaluating all sorts of variations from UJOR vans, to sprinters, Westfalias and Four Wheel Campers, I realized that there's no "perfect vehicle" (or at least at a reasonable cost) so the compromise is the following:
- 4x4 Dodge Ram 3500 with a diesel pre-EPA restrictions (2006 to my understanding)
- Palomino camper (SS-1604)*
- Later on, if necessary, a custom service bed for extra storage.
Also, please note that I'm from Montreal Canada so the main issue we have is availability. The above are easy to find in good condition. Other options will "cost me" a lot in terms of currency, customs complications, taxes, etc...
Now I need your help with Dodge Rams as I barely know these vehicles. Just enough to get in trouble that is! :wings:
Please comment on the following comments/assumptions:
A - I think I need a Cummins diesel pre EPA because of the lower cost of fuel (especially in Europe) and increased mileage.
B - I understand that the compromise of the durability of this motor is that it might be more expensive to repair even though it won't happen as often.
C - Availability of Dodge/Cummins dealers in South America and Europe isn't as great as Toyota but it's fair.
Then I have a few questions:
1 - Looking at the payloads (and from professional opinions I received), the best solution seems to be a 3500 because the 2500 seems to be too tight (camper weights 1,600 lbs.). Is this correct?
2 - Dual wheels: Often 3500 Rams with Diesel come with dual wheels. I'm not super interested in that because the wheels aren't interchangeable and rocks can get stuck in between... But if I'm not doing hardcore off-roading, is it that much of an issue? Also, what's the easiest way to convert to 1 wheel? Also, since I'll probably be changing to a service bed, the wider fenders won't be an issue. In other words, should I look at Duallys or cross them off of my list?
3 - What is the cut-off point for the Cummins diesel without the EPA restrictions? 2006? Should I look for a number in the VIN?
My wife and I will start shopping for this vehicle in the coming month so any information or comments before hand would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance and I'll keep you guys updated!
We plan to go to Newfoundland this summer as a test run, then cross Canada next year, and finally start heading south after the holidays with family. Our vehicle will go all the way down to South America and will most likely eventually be shipped to Europe. We do not plan on doing any hardcore off-roading but we do wish to camp on beaches and not have to worry on rough dirt roads.
After evaluating all sorts of variations from UJOR vans, to sprinters, Westfalias and Four Wheel Campers, I realized that there's no "perfect vehicle" (or at least at a reasonable cost) so the compromise is the following:
- 4x4 Dodge Ram 3500 with a diesel pre-EPA restrictions (2006 to my understanding)
- Palomino camper (SS-1604)*
- Later on, if necessary, a custom service bed for extra storage.
Also, please note that I'm from Montreal Canada so the main issue we have is availability. The above are easy to find in good condition. Other options will "cost me" a lot in terms of currency, customs complications, taxes, etc...
Now I need your help with Dodge Rams as I barely know these vehicles. Just enough to get in trouble that is! :wings:
Please comment on the following comments/assumptions:
A - I think I need a Cummins diesel pre EPA because of the lower cost of fuel (especially in Europe) and increased mileage.
B - I understand that the compromise of the durability of this motor is that it might be more expensive to repair even though it won't happen as often.
C - Availability of Dodge/Cummins dealers in South America and Europe isn't as great as Toyota but it's fair.
Then I have a few questions:
1 - Looking at the payloads (and from professional opinions I received), the best solution seems to be a 3500 because the 2500 seems to be too tight (camper weights 1,600 lbs.). Is this correct?
2 - Dual wheels: Often 3500 Rams with Diesel come with dual wheels. I'm not super interested in that because the wheels aren't interchangeable and rocks can get stuck in between... But if I'm not doing hardcore off-roading, is it that much of an issue? Also, what's the easiest way to convert to 1 wheel? Also, since I'll probably be changing to a service bed, the wider fenders won't be an issue. In other words, should I look at Duallys or cross them off of my list?
3 - What is the cut-off point for the Cummins diesel without the EPA restrictions? 2006? Should I look for a number in the VIN?
My wife and I will start shopping for this vehicle in the coming month so any information or comments before hand would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance and I'll keep you guys updated!