New guy, full sized Dodge Ram expedition vehicle...(long post)

[LXRACR]

Hello, I have been a "lurker" for a long time now, thought I would introduce myself. I have learned so much from reading these posts! My name is Jason and I'm from the bay area, California. I have been on several extended trips with this set-up and continue to learn and improve my equipment and strategies. I am close to a complete, self sustaining combination. I have been camping since a small boy and am an Eagle Scout. I have worked for the San Jose Fire Department for many years and am also a paramedic. I juggle this between other hobbies (racing, motorcycling, boating, etc). I alternate expedition trips between this rig and my outfitted dual sport KLR 650. I love the outdoors and look forward to being on this web site for years to come! Thanks everyone for helping me learn! Here are some pics with some truck / trailer specs. (kinda long, sorry!)

2005 Dodge Ram Hemi 5.7L Hemi 4 x 4

Powertrain:
Superchips power programmer
Mopar Performance long tube headers
Magnaflow stainless performance exhaust system
Cold air induction system / K&N air filter
Redline synthetic lubricants
4.56 gears with Auburn pro carrier / LS
Optima yellow top deep cycle battery / 140 amp alternator
Complete Autometer gauge compliment
Remote engine start
Oil cooler

Suspension/Tires:
Fabtech 6" suspension lift
Rancho shocks
Supersprings leveler kit
35" ProComp Mud Terrain tires
Full size spare tire
Appropriate skid plates

Recovery:
Highlift jack / wheel lift / jack plate / 20000 lb bottle jack
"Comealong" 4000 lbs x 2
Warn 9500 lb winch mounted on custom recessed mount
Full recovery equipment compliments, sledge, pulleys, straps, gloves, alternative anchor systems,etc. / pull pal
Front mounted tow hooks

Onboard H2o System:
18g potable water tank (in factory spare location, custom skid plate)
Exterior H2o fill neck and outlet
Sureflo 3.0 gallon h2o pump
Water faucet in truck bed
Exterior propane hot water shower
Onboard 2lb propane tank for shower

Misc.
Puma onboard airtank, 2 permament airchuck access points, airtools
Hella x 4 offroad scene lights on Mega Warrior basket contolled via remote control
Hella x 2 off road lights on bumper
Hella x 2 foglights behind grill
Aftermarket factory driving light bulbs
Exterior 12v access plugs
Exterior 110v outlet plug
Back-up camera
Magellan Crossover GPS dash mounted / Magellan handheld explorist 300
Cobra 40 channel CB radio / Firestick antenna / radar detector/ complete Pioneer stere system/ IPOD
Yakima mega warrior cargo basket
Leer Camper shell
Front mounted tow reciever hitch
23 total gallons spare fuel
10 gallons potable H2o in sceptor cans
Smitty seat covers
Thule pro-awning
Tire-gate full size spare swing out holder / N-fab step bars
Locking "safe" bolted and welded to frame (Springfield XD45 inside)
Complete camping equipment (lanterns, cookware, stoves, accessories, etc.) in locking bins
Comprehensive "bug-out" bag
Advanced medical kit
41cc 18" chainsaw / ax/ shovel/ bolt cutters/ sledge/ mallat/ complete hand tool kit/ Milwaukee 18v recip. saw/ air tools

Electronics:
1500 watt and 750 watt modified sine wave inverters, 300 watt pure sine inverter
Honda eu2000 inverter generator/ 40 amp Xantrex battery charger
220 watts total solar panel capacity
3 total "house batteries" AGM 115 AH, isolated via custom solenoid set-up
Engel 45 fridge / freezer
Onboard 10 amp marine charger
Charger posts

Camper Shell Specs:
Coleman padded cot / 12v heated bunk matt
carpeted floor
custom woodwork
"Litle Buddy" propane heater / 12v 300 watt electric heater
"Swampy" 12v swamp cooler
700 watt microwave
12v 13" tv / dvd player
RV lights interior
smoke and CO detectors
12v regulated power supply (15 amp)
Endless breeze 12v fans x 2
Blackout curtains
Motion alarm off rear
H2o faucet
Chemical toilet
Truck tent that fills out rear of camper with tailgate down
Multiple 110 and 12v outlets, battery meter
Recharging flashlight station
multiple 12v appliances

Custom offroad trailer:
31" procomp mud terrain tires / full sized spare
spare battery and fuel
back-up camera
Yakima mega warrior cargo basket
LED rear lights
4 12v scene lights
custom dirt bike rack with electric winch

 

[Fish]

Welcome

Sounds like we have pretty similar rigs, only mine is unlifted and diesel. Oddly enough, most of the time I'm sleeping in it, I'm in fire camp.

I don't have any pics of the new rig, but picture the shell shown below on a Dodge 2500 chassis. My new shell has cabinets unlike the shell on the Ford. The new shell now has a 1000 watt modified sine inverter in it. The Swampy, toilet, heater, bed, etc. are all moved over.

When I have a chance I'll take pics of the Dodge and post.

 

[LXRACR]

here is some more pics

http://photobucket.com/lxracr

 

[Metcalf]

DANG! That's a lot of stuff!

 

[Larry]

LXRACR,

Very nice truck you have there! Great job, especially with the interior of that Leer topper.

I like!

:victory:

 

[LXRACR]

Thanks!

Thanks,I have never been a minimalist I keep her' pre-packed and loaded up. I keep battery maintainers on all the batteries and keep a full tank of fuel. The goal is to fill the potable water tank, load the fridge and hit the road! I try and go on at least 2 extended expedition trips per year. I have got this combination through some pretty tight spots (small technical jeep trails) and got some strange looks from ATV guys when I emerge from some backwoods hideaway. J.

 

[Scott39]

Nice to see another fullsized Dodge on the tight trails.
I take my 95' 2500 single cab Cummins on tight trails.
I was wheelin here in Colorado last weekend, and was barely fitting in between the trees, I scraped up the paint some.

Looks like a great setup you have.

 

[MATTY291]

Very nice set up. You have everything you need...where are you hiding the kitchen sink.:victory:

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Beautiful rig. I'm currently working on outfitting my '96 Dodge similar to yours, but you've gone the distance! :drool: Cheers from one Eagle to another.

 

[Burl Swift]

Excellent truck, nicely done.

I plan on doing something similar to my 07 1500 4x4, I'm thinking about going the Flip Pac route though.

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

How do you like the Tire Gate tire carrier? Does it rock at all in the receiver? Looks like a good way to solve the "where do I carry the spare" problem. :sombrero:

 

[Scott39]

Hey LXRACR,
I have a few questions.
Where did you get the Blackout curtains, or did you make them?
I`m looking to use limo tint on my windows, or some type of Blackout curtains.
Motion alarm off rear, what type did you use, and how does it work/setup on your truck?
Thanks,
Scott

 

[02TahoeMD]

WOW LX :Wow1: I am impressed. How long did it take you to do the mods?

 

[LXRACR]

Thanks!

Thanks for the comments, I learned everything mulling around this site for a few years! I do carry the kitchen sink! I kinda like being in the middle of no where and have all the comforts of home, I even bring a 6000 btu window ac unit when I go to the desert!
The blackout curtains I made myself, just went to a fabric store and bought the darkest, thickist material (like canvas)..measured, cut and hemmed. Then I put regular snaps on them and on the interior window frame I drilled and pop-riveted the other side of the snap so that they could be removed.

Been working on the truck just about every day off for a couple of years now.

I like the tire gate carrier (I tried to carry the spare on the roof rack, too heavy! too hard to get out by myself without injury). I will admit though, it does move around a bit while wheeling. I'm looking into a more secure mount as I don't plan on removing it.

 

[chasespeed]

You could always drill and tap for a 1/2 bolt FORWARD of the hitch pin, one for the side, one for the top(or bottom)...

Put the tire gate into the receiver, and snug them down.. should solve alot of the movement...

Chase
EDIT, after looking at a pic from the website... maybe the bolts AFT of the hitch pin?

and what did that run?