Guys with Full Sized 1-Tons....The big boy Full Sizers

[87GMCJimmy]

I've not got a 1 ton, just a 3/4 ton but, it's the same size as a 1 ton so.... I've got a 2012 Power Wagon (so it is a crew cab shortbed), it does quite well off road! There have been several times where people have been quite surprised by how well it does! It's a bit tight at times and the wheelbase makes it drag belly a lot but, good skidplates and rocksliders help out with that issue! I've even really been surprised by what can be done with a stock 3/4 ton truck off road! it has gotten through places I never thought it would fit with not but some "pinstriping"! I completely high centered it on a rock the other day trying a new (to me) line over it (had my tires dangling and could rock the truck by hand like a seesaw) and had to winch myself off the rock. I've got pics of it but, for some reason I can't get them to load on the computer. Anyways, here's some other pics:

It struggles with break over (constantly drags belly on berms):


And is a tight squeeze at times:


But flexes pretty well:


Overall, I LOVE the extra space of a fullsize and quite enjoy wheelin one!!! I never thought I'd be able to fit such a big vehicle on trails but, it does great!

 

[LovinPSDs]

DiploStrat, thank you for the great info. It was a bit of a reality check for me, as I'd like my goal to be "remote camping" not extreme offroading in my 1-ton. Really all i picture in my head is all the offroad parks I've been to with my friends, and not what is 99% more likely to be encountered on the type of trip I'm really interested in.

All that being said, I wouldn't mind getting the truck back in some pretty remote places, but if I ever really wanted to focus more on 4x4/offroading I'd probably start dragging a jeep around behind her.

Or a built regular cab diesel

 

[LovinPSDs]

87GMCJimmy,

Good pictures man, I like it! My belly height is quite a bit higher, but I think some belly pans and sliders wouldn't be a bad idea.

I finally got a picture to through up.

 

[87GMCJimmy]

LovinPSDs,
Thanks!That's a good looking truck you've got there too!!! Yeah, you definitely have more belly clearance than me! I'd still HIGHLY recommend sliders and skidplates though!!! What's your setup, 4" lift and 37"s? I finally got my stuck pics to load, it only took me a couple minutes to winch myself off of this rock but, it was embarrassing! LOL!

Doesn't look too bad at first glance:


But, it IS!!! All the weight of the truck is on the skidplates! (glad they're beefy!) You could actually push down on the front and rear bumpers and move the truck like a see-saw!:


That's about the easiest part of the trail I was on, DOH!!! This illustrates the importance of skidplates and a winch, LOL! (okay, and I guess it also illustrates the need for driver skill (which I was NOT a good example of just then, LOL!) which would have prevented the stuck in the first place!)

 

[XRrider]

I'm prety to new to a CCLB F350, I had a RCLB F350 fo years, and drove a CCSB quite a bit pulling a 40' gooseneck camper. I was suprised just how much the added wheel base affected the truck. I knew it wouldn't maneuver like my old regular cab but didn't think it would be as drastic as it is, even compared to the short box crew. I haven't had it off road, just minimum maintenence roads and the like. I have hung it up lightly on the side steps once without going over anything too severe. Parking lots, drive thus, etc require more fore thought too. I like the 4 full size doors for family and dog hauling room, always liked the look of and 8' box better than a 6' proportion wise, however if I was looking again I'd consider a short box.

 

[DiploStrat]

DiploStrat, thank you for the great info. It was a bit of a reality check for me, as I'd like my goal to be "remote camping" not extreme offroading in my 1-ton. ...

My pleasure. After years of living beside the truck, we are now planning to live inside the beast. As they say, getting too old for this stuff. Our new truck is coming along nicely.

 

[LovinPSDs]

Xrider

I had an old boarder patrol ECSB truck that was trashed pretty good, but would have been great to build... I'm considering going back to one, although I'm not sure if I want to trade the 8.0' bed for a 6.5'.

I traded the ECSB off for a bobbed deuce and a half, then sold it off to pay for my wedding.

I only paid 11K for that ECSB and it was an 08 with 95K on it and would be a GREAT rig to start on again if my family stayed exactly how it is now, but god willing I don't think this will be the case.

The old space vs. size delima once again lol. Threw some more pictures up for fun...

 

[redthies]

It is a very nice looking truck Mr PSD lover. But, it is still a TRUCK. Given that you live in Texas, where everything is reputed to be big, trails must be big too, no?:sombrero: I'm sure things might be a bit tighter in Mn, but I wouldn't rush out and buy a shorter truck just because it might be a tiny bit easier to turn around once or twice per year.

 

[LovinPSDs]

Part of the theory was to not worry about "pin stripping" a 10K truck instead of my King Ranch also... I guess most of the time the width is the issue, not the length??

So far just living an internet pipedream lol. Wedding is in 5 weeks and I hope the Duluth thing comes through. Both of these will open up new windows.

 

[D45]

2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Long Bed 3500 (SRW) 4x4

 

[Erik N]

Part of the theory was to not worry about "pin stripping" a 10K truck instead of my King Ranch also... I guess most of the time the width is the issue, not the length??

So far just living an internet pipedream lol. Wedding is in 5 weeks and I hope the Duluth thing comes through. Both of these will open up new windows.

Sounds like you are getting cold feet. Good luck!

The "pin stripping" you mention doesn't really exist in TX, in my experience, compared to other places ie PACNW. Too much sky here for that.

 

[drifter_r6]

It fits in really snug among the trees but it can be done. Just scout the tight trails, on foot, before hand. I have more problems navigating mall parking lots.


Sorry, I'm not a photographer...

 

[LovinPSDs]

No cold feet! She is far from perfect lol trust me.

Drifter R6 - Real nice truck bud. I refuse to go drive a new one because I don't want another payment! Mines paid for and I know I'd buy one if I drove it.

Nice Dodge also D45! I read your entire build thread yesterday. You've done a heck of a job with that thing. You going to keep it around or looking to move on to a jeep?

 

[Mountainhound]

Love seeing the 6.7 out there. What size tires and lift you have? I have a 2011 xcab with 285/75/18 (35/12.5/18) on stock wheels no lift but thinking I'd like to put like a 4" and maybe 37's (eventually) to get the belly higher. With the 35's she's got good gc under the axels but frame up she seems to sit lower than my 04 350 did on 32's. Oh and you should post some more pics of your truck here http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/18794-Lets-see-some-full-size-pictures

It fits in really snug among the trees but it can be done. Just scout the tight trails, on foot, before hand. I have more problems navigating mall parking lots.


Sorry, I'm not a photographer...
View attachment 183529
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[D45]

Nice Dodge also D45! I read your entire build thread yesterday. You've done a heck of a job with that thing. You going to keep it around or looking to move on to a jeep?

Thanks for the kind words...........I am keeping it.

I drove two 4dr Jeeps (both had the two diff V6 motors) and I was very un-impressed with the power band, even with stock tires

I am keeping the truck for a while.....I miss the power, hauling and towing capabilities of my full size diesel

It only has 99,000 miles on it and is paid off