Thinking about setting up my Dodge for more expedition.

[Power Wagon Family]

Long story short, I have a very well built jeep I am going to be selling soon because it does not suit my needs anymore. I have thought about getting a Land Rover LR3 or Land Cruiser 100 but now think I could save some money and expo out my 2012 dodge cummins 2500 mega cab 4x4. I have been very happy with this truck and it is the Laramie so it has all the bells and whistles which make it supper comfy. The purpose would be for mild back country exploring, camping with our family of 4. I wanted to know what mods are suggested with these trucks? I thought maybe a small lift, camper shell and a front bumper with lights and winch. Any and all info on a HD truck as an expo rig would be appreciated.
thanks.

 

[rock_shoes]

In terms of modifications I would expect the recommended list to be the same as for any other overland rig just doing everything bigger. Bigger tires to give that larger rear end enough clearance, a more burly winch to move around a more portly vehicle etc..

Your biggest hurdle is going to be maneuverability. That's a big truck to lumber down some of the smaller routes. Not to say it can't be done. I've had a stock 1985 K 20 in some hairy spots.

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[Buliwyf]

You might not even need a lift. But Carli is the way to go for Dodges and Fords. The 2.0-2.5" kits are plenty:
http://www.carlisuspension.com/dodge-ram/suspension/pintop25.html

Long travel airbags or a custom setup that isn't connected to the axle is a nice touch as well. 295/70 r17 is all the mud terrain tire I need. Add some tire chains and a 9000+ pound winch and I'm good to go. We just use the Warn transformer II mounts. Fullsize guys don't tend to go rockcrawlin and need armored bumpers.

Camping in a fullsize is way more fun than the little SUV's everywhere I've been so far. My jeep got replaced by a DRZ400S.

Also keep in mind that winches are darn near useless on a fullsize. We're always breaking through wet grass and getting stuck in hardly a 4" deep depression on a farms field. No tree or anchor point around, 9 out of 10 times I've been stuck. Or at least a tree big enough to apply 5000+ pounds of force to. Spend some serious $$$$ on other recovery means. Hilifts, shovels, ramps etc. Taking the easy way out with a winch on a fullsize, without grabbing the shovel first, is a great way to lose an eye.

 

[98dango]

I have gone from toyotas on 38s to superduty on 40 then 37 35 and now 33. I'd say to do 90% of travel a just over stock truck dose it better. Many forget you also have to live with this truck day to day and for many of us you drive 200 miles to get where your heading. My superduty was bad *** on 40s except wheel bearings every other month and bending steering. So the cost to keep it that was was just not worth it.

Spend more on the trip less on the truck if your not building a crawler you can get there. Most of the time there is a road under you. Find the rig that fits your needs use it see what it needs. Yes a mega cab is a big truck but so is a crew cab long box. The majority of rigs that get a ton of non trail use are.

 

[Power Wagon Family]

So it sounds like what i was thinking is along the right path. A small leveling or 2" lift with maybe 35s but no bigger. I would like a nice winch bumper and winch with some LED lights. Would like a bed cap too, but have no knowledge of these. What is some info or points to consider when it comes to a bed cap. Some type of false floor in the bed with storage would be cool too.
If you have a picture of your modded dodge that would be cool to see, post it up please.

 

[Power Wagon Family]

wow those Carli suspension kits are expensive $$$$:Wow1: any other companies out there worth looking into.

 

[Buliwyf]

wow those Carli suspension kits are expensive $$$$:Wow1: any other companies out there worth looking into.

Sure, but they're even more.

The Carli kits actually work. Many kits just make the truck sit higher and clear big tires, but the Carli stuff actually works. $3000 ain't much vs a $50,000 truck

 

[coastal616]

Sure, but they're even more.

The Carli kits actually work. Many kits just make the truck sit higher and clear big tires, but the Carli stuff actually works. $3000 ain't much vs a $50,000 truck

Bingo...most of the lift kits on the market are for street trucks. I bought Carli with the cheapest shocks so I can upgrade later, but my base system is one of the best.

 

[Power Wagon Family]

Thought I would ask anyway lol
You are correct though, I dont want to put cheap stuff on my truck just wondering if they had any competitors. Is there any reprograming that needs to be done when you lift the truck?

 

[Big50]

Looking forward to seeing your build. I'd expect you'd have plenty of places to explore in New Mexico. And based on this thread it looks like plenty of trails wide enough for your rig.

 

[chet6.7]

wow those Carli suspension kits are expensive $$$$:Wow1: any other companies out there worth looking into.

Check out Thuren Fabrication,unfortunately their website needs to be upgraded,follow the link to their facebook page.Carli is not the only game in town.
http://thurenfabrication.com/

 

[east_tn_81]

Don't forget to address your skid plates