Help, advice on a flatbed build.

[Bambisco]

Hello, starting to do a build for my retirement in two years. Looking for advice on my trucks modification, suspension and such. I have my camper picked out it will be a Hallmark Nevada. 14 mounts wait, I will also be asking advice on that build, Matt And Molly have been very helpful on putting it together for me.I owned a lance slide in back in the early 80s, so it’s been a long time. I have a friend, mechanic which will be doing most of the wrenching. Bare with me I want to do this right.The platform it will be going on is a 2002 F350 extended cab 7.3 Diesel SWR. I would like to set the truck up for off-road camping given the limitations of the weight and size of the truck/camper also I will be solo don’t want to push things too far by myself but wouldn’t mind if I got a few guys together pushing it a bit more .I currently have a 4 inch BDS lift with 2.0 fox shocks. I have 16 inch wheels with 35 inch tires. I am changing my wheels out to 18 inch methods wheels staying with 35 inch tires? Going to call Deaver Springs tomorrow to talk about a leafspring pack. The front leaf springs are from BDS would you do any modifications on them? Do you think my shocks will suffice? What about gearing? Airbags? Rear sway bar?Thinking about a buckstop Front bumper, aluminum, what make size winch? Type of lights and how many upfront would you guys go with? I appreciate any advice that you guys can give me I know there are a lot of talented people on this site, quite frankly it blows my mind.Like I said earlier I want to do this right I would rather buy once cry once. Bare with me on my response times, I live in PA and work in New York six days a week, The commute sucks

Thanks, Tom

 

[FAW3]

I recently bought a similar in concept rig. 2005 RAM 3500 with a flatbed and FWC Hawk:



I can't speak to building such a rig obviously but I knew what I wanted to upgrade to and the basic design aspects that I required. So far this rig has proven to be everything I desired. I think you are on the right road. Good luck with your build and plans!

FYI some features that I really wanted...YMMV:

1. Pre 2007 diesel for simplicity and reliability.
2. Truck capable of carrying the weight I was going to carry. These put on weight fast. This scales at near 10K fully loaded & wet.
3. 4x4 and 35" tires with ability to carry an easy access spare.
4. Secure, weatherproof, and animal resistant storage outside the living area for gear. You don't want to shuffle stuff in/out of your living area every time you set up/break down camp. The tools, recovery gear, chairs, ground mat and other "outside camp" stuff stays outside.
5. Protective front bumper. Need to protect lights and radiator. Rig came with a 12K winch.
6. Auxiliary lighting for off road driving, backing up and at camp - all LED for low power usage.
7. Outside shower and some sort of privacy screen.
8. Portable toilet usable/storable inside or outside of camper.
9. Primary and reserve water storage. This has 20 gallons internal to camper and 10 more in Scepter cans.
10. Powered ventilation for camper. Must have positive air flow in sleeping area when needed.
11. Solar and battery systems sized for practical boondocking.
12. Hot/cold water with an inside sink & propane stove - that said I do most of my cooking outside on a Coleman stove - sits on the open door of a storage box.
13. Forced air furnace.
14. A pop-up camper for lighter weight, less highway air resistance, lower CG, and less overall height.
15. Decent WB, approach & departure angles.