Great looking build! Love the custom flatbed and storage. Is your engine stock? If so you might look at some of the lab tests of K&N filters versus OEM. They seem good for engines pushing huge HP and needing lots of air but for stock, it seems they may not be the best choice. I went back to OEM on my Yukon after reading the tests.just my $0.02. Looking forward to more updates!
2001 GMC 2500 HD Flatbed Camper Build
- Thread starter hobbsrt
- Start date
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
Awesome so far, cant believe I had missed it. Keep up the great work.
Incredible build man! Just now checking in! I’d like to do a flatbed for my ‘04 GMC 2500 but I decided to put money into the engine first. I also have the 6.0 and I decided to put a low end cam for torque which according to comp the torque/powerband ranges from 1200-4000 which is perfect for what I use the truck for. I also added flat top pistons to get the compression up and further increase the torque capabilities. I’ve just barely broken in the motor at 500 miles and I’m heading to the tune shop to get every drop of power left from when I did the initial tune. I also have long tubes and no cats because I don’t have to smog my truck unless I sell it. The power so far is very much worth the money spent! In fact it almost has too much power because I found that my foot got mysteriously heavy all of a sudden haha! Next on the build list will be the SAS then the flatbed. I’m about 5 years behind you though!
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Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Roadtoaster
New member
I don't know where you are with springs but I just had a set of rear springs (1 ton with 4" lift) for my 2006 HD 2500, LBZ Duramax, 5 speed Allison, with a 10' Alaskan Cabover. Alacan Spring in Grand Junction, CO made them to order and they work great. I drove the rig fully loaded across a CAT scale and was surprised at the weight 11,500 lbs, they built the springs to match. I had already switched from light truck tires to 19.5" medium duty truck tires so I'm good for 4500 lbs per wheel/tire combination. With the springs and tires it handles like a different truck very stable with zero tire squirm.
hobbsrt
Member
thanks guys and sorry I have been MIA. I've been completing the build, got caught up in my real job that pays money to afford this, a KTM Rally in Park City and whoa look where we are in the year. Since last update, the bed was completed and installed (all cabinets and drawers lock), camper was reinstalled, fender flares installed, all lights, bd, double din, air compressor and tank, auxiliary fuel tank and fuel valve (to fill up other vehicles or ATV's Moto's etc) and I have replaced the front bumper with an Iron Bull Bumper and Warn 12k winch. The Iron Bull bumper is a beast and so was the install. nothing worked like they said (a bolt on - yeah right) It was about a 5-6 hour process of installing and removing the brackets to get them right - grinding frame rail ends, drilling new bolt holes, etc. After all that I still needed to shim the bumper quite a bit. The winch install was super easy though and it looks ************. I have to trim the brand new bumper however as the front tires rub just a tad. Took it out this weekend for a test of sorts to make sure everything works. Believe it or not, I don't have enough use for all of the storage - yet. Here are some more recent photos for you all.
I tried the 4wd and lockers and went up a very short but super steep incline near my house and it just walked up. I did it before when the bed was on and then tried it again with the camper and flatbed and was really impressed. I need to get a photo of that and put that on here. I actually need someone else with me to snap the photo because I have to drive up it. To be continued.....
Cheers.
I tried the 4wd and lockers and went up a very short but super steep incline near my house and it just walked up. I did it before when the bed was on and then tried it again with the camper and flatbed and was really impressed. I need to get a photo of that and put that on here. I actually need someone else with me to snap the photo because I have to drive up it. To be continued.....
Cheers.
Attachments
hobbsrt
Member
well I have a couple more photos, could only upload 10.....to answer a few questions, I did install the K&N and love it. As far as springs, I left the stock ones on the rear but added airbags, I may need an upgrade on the springs but want to run it awhile and see. My lift is only 2" and I want to keep it that way so I need to be careful. The Tires are 37's and the wheel wells are cut out to accommodate full articulation. I've been toying with the cam idea too, but wanted to get the rig ready and be able to use it, then I can make some other mods as I go. I also need to give a shout out to Chris Rose at Anvil Rod & Custom for doing all of the heavy lifting! I came up with the design and did some of the work, but the loin's share was on him and he did a great job!
Attachments
thezentree
pretend redneck
Looks great!
The project turned out great. What is your fuel capacity with the auxiliary tank?
Cheers
hobbsrt
Member
Thanks everyone. I love how it turned out and now for the fine tuning. Getting AC to work consistently, testing and tuning the suspension, getting it weighed to understand rollover angles and getting all of the tools and farkles needed. The total capacity should be 51 gallons and I get about 10mpg on the road. It should weigh 8-8.5k lbs - much lighter than alot of other overlanding vehicles with the same capacities.
Desertdweller1776
New member
That is a sweet rig, great build. Do you have any interior pictures of the camper?
hobbsrt
Member
interior pics are on 4 wheel camper site, just look up grandby flat bed. I don't remember what interior package I have, but I do have a toilet and shower, fridge, solar panels, 20 gal water storage. Over the winter I have accumulated more tools shovels, and misc odd and ends. I have to get the driver seat repaired, the foam is bad and it has a couple rips, otherwise the interior is in great shape - seat is going in tomorrow. When I get the seat in maybe I snap some photos of the interior of the truck.
I've had it out in the snow a couple times to try and get used to it and man its great.
I think my first big trip will be to Moab in March/April. Then I am thinking about taking the continental divide trail down to Big Bend for a spin and back in Sept/Oct.
Ideas for either would be much appreciated.
I've had it out in the snow a couple times to try and get used to it and man its great.
I think my first big trip will be to Moab in March/April. Then I am thinking about taking the continental divide trail down to Big Bend for a spin and back in Sept/Oct.
Ideas for either would be much appreciated.
Kaufmaniac
New member
More pics and info on that switch panel dashboard setup please.
I was about to ask this. What's the material made out of or what's it wrapped in? I've got a ZF6 manual but would like to do something similar or build a whole new center console.