I need help with my Dodge 4x4 search and rescue bodied power wagon.

[justdoit]

I am new, old guy, to the portal. I have a very low miles 1980 w-400 Power Wagon. I have used a cad program to draw up what I am going to build. Has any one done this before? I will be using a tent trailer and all its parts to complete the build. My truck is very original at this point. My plans will be to be to remove the bulk head between the cab and box, add more seating, and some side windows. The second phase would be to dismantel a pop up trailer and graff it to the roof of the box. I think this will make a huge addition in comfort for my son and myself. What am I missing here? I can fabricate, but it sure would be nice to have a sample or some input.:costumed-smiley-007


P.S. Who knows where these pictures wrer taken??

 

[jefe4x4]

justdoit,
I don't see any problem here. Well, maybe, how do you open the two wings of the tent camper once it's up top? Will there be access from inside or from a ladder? A tape measure will be your friend over and over again. Try to keep as much weight as you can down low.
Looks like a nice project. Is this a gasser engine?
regards, as always, jefe

 

[roamingaz]

1st picture looks like Bull dog canyon or oak flat area.
I know someone posted on here about putting a tent trailer on a truck bed but don't know it was done.
Maybe a four wheel camper would work...hmm wonder who has one for sale ....

 

[justdoit]

I should have known that an A.J. man would know where that picture was taken, sure enough it is at bulldog.

I will be cutting some of the roof out and will be able to push out the beds from there. This will also allow me to stand up in the truck.

Hey, I was looking at those super singles, on the last thread, for the front of my rig. Other than the two spares delima what other draw backs is there. Seems like a lot of floatation for the front end compared to my narrow set.

Oh, it is a 30,000 mile 360 engine, not alot of power, but it will have to do untill I find the right cummins.:costumed-smiley-007

 

[ntsqd]

I think that it is "Alosix" that is looking to do a similar such conversion on an M725. Might be worth searching for that thread.

 

[deadbird]

some thoughts

It might be hard to deploy the camper's slide out ends being up so high, tucking in the canvas might call for a tall ladder too. (You could just stand on the hood for the front end, but the rear might be a little trickier) My friends trailer had a cable system that raised the roof with a small hand cranked winch on the tougue. And maybe add some stabilizer legs to keep it from swaying in the wind. Just some thoughts. Love the Dodge.

 

[cocco78]

Nice truck!

I think I would consider some military Hummer H1 wheels on that thing. The H1 wheels have alot of backspacing and work very well on front axles with the dually spacer on them. Plus they are wider and will let you run a bigger tire. Not sure what you would do on the back tho, try to find tall skinny tires to match the front or convert to the "super single" rear... I'd keep the military theme going on. Nice idea with the popup as well. I'm looking to dismantle a popup for a little camper project I have brewing up.

 

[alosix]

I think that it is "Alosix" that is looking to do a similar such conversion on an M725. Might be worth searching for that thread.

Been looking at doing a pop top with a lower bed setup..

This guy's idea might be even better will have to mull this one over a while.

Jason

 

[Desert Dan]

That is a nice truck.

What is the inside height now?
Is there an opening from teh cab to teh back of teh truck now?
I would reinforce the bulkhead around the cab before cutting it out.

 

[alosix]

Been mulling now for some thoughts.. (and it seems we're dealing with very similar boxes, that one looks like a CM-725 box to me.. likely just updated version. Would love to see a pick from the back with the doors open)

1.) the length/width seem about perfect. Trailers can be had cheap.

2.) the way the beds slide out of these things could work well. I'd think with a little work you could push/pull them from the inside without having to worry about climbing around the truck. That would be awesome right there.

3.) I'm thinking this would yield a 8-9 ft ceiling. Much taller than a normal camper, which might be nice. I'd think sleeping out over the hood would be nice (flip pac style).

4.) You'll need to find a way to delete the door that comes with most of these things. Not a big deal. I found a RV place that said they'd be able to do a new canvas for it with some mods.


One thing to note though.. Is your box really over 9' long? Mine on the inside is only 95" from the bulkhead to the back door.

 

[justdoit]

Thanks for the input here ia a picture of the back with the doors open, I love the way it opens up kind of brings the outside in.

There are some very good points. like stuffing the canvas back in when lowering the top,

What do you do with the raising mechanism? Extend it to the floor in the corners, and run the cables under and over?? Use some kind of spring assist lift???

Got any Ideas on that??

I thought about the door, and patching it in would make the most sense.

I will measure the cab this weekend

The only rear picture is a little dark.


Everybodys input really helps save time and money. Thanks

Offroading @ bulldog mesa Sunday, any one want to come out and play?

 

[sojourner]

I'll be watching this with great interest as I have a M725 as well.
I'm still working on the drivetrain swap but have some ideas for pop up but nothing like this. :coffeedrink:

 

[justdoit]

Alosix: I measured the box today 9'7" long I.D... 6'4" wide I.D....4'9" tall I.D
How wide and tall is your box?:costumed-smiley-007

 

[alosix]

Alosix: I measured the box today 9'7" long I.D... 6'4" wide I.D....4'9" tall I.D
How wide and tall is your box?:costumed-smiley-007

Um, got me.. Actually that's one of the things I could really use a hand with if someone with one near them wouldn't mind taking a few measurements.

Mine is currently living in MD, and I'm in CA. working on getting it out here but just haven't had the time to arrange it.

 

[sojourner]

8' long, 6' wide, 5' tall give or take a few....