2004 Dodge/Diesel/Utility Bed/Skamper-Modifications
- Thread starter ToolBox Guy
- Start date
ToolBox Guy
Adventurer
I'm about 2 weeks ahead of you on the tank and grill idea. I will post some pictures of that tonight.
I will say that weight is more than a stock bed, how much, I have no idea. The real issue is that, even though it is really convenient for all the gear, you can get a little out of control with packing too much gear. I have went through at least 4 phases of trying to streamline what I carry so that the truck doesn't feel fat and bloated going down road.
The Skamper is stripped inside, no kitchen no stove, just my Edgestar fridge, Port-Potti and beds The manufacturer tag say around 1000lbs I think? I would have to look again, I am sure they fudge those numbers.
So with all of that....I have no accurate estimation on weight increase over a more traditional set-up.
ToolBox Guy
Adventurer
OK, since this was brought up, I will jump ahead and highlight a little camping gear, and how I have modified the bed to accomodate the kitchen that the Skamper is lacking.
Propane tank.
Adapter hose.
Cooking table ( This is the downfall of the side door not being large enough top to bottom. This table add-on had to be built.)
Propane tank.
Adapter hose.
Cooking table ( This is the downfall of the side door not being large enough top to bottom. This table add-on had to be built.)
ToolBox Guy
Adventurer
Now back to the tool storage on the drivers side.
Dewalt screw gun with complete drill index and specialty drivers
Matco 1/2" drive electric impact. This tool is quite an investment, but sees ALOT of use!
Assorted hammers and a wire brush.
A small and large very awesome and very useful Matco extendable/swivel head pry bars.
Now, not all of these tools are what people "need" of "have to have" to go off-road or camping/exploring, these are just tools that I have had from racing and find them very useful, and it is kind of a security factor for me knowing that we are some what prepared.
Dewalt screw gun with complete drill index and specialty drivers
Matco 1/2" drive electric impact. This tool is quite an investment, but sees ALOT of use!
Assorted hammers and a wire brush.
A small and large very awesome and very useful Matco extendable/swivel head pry bars.
Now, not all of these tools are what people "need" of "have to have" to go off-road or camping/exploring, these are just tools that I have had from racing and find them very useful, and it is kind of a security factor for me knowing that we are some what prepared.
ToolBox Guy
Adventurer
Back drivers side box contains the other items, like tools, that you never want to use.......First Aid and Recovery Gear.
The short list is a Tow strap, shackles, air compressor, Gerber knife-saw kit, ratchet straps, 2 different First aid kits, jumper cables, blue tarp, tire repair kit, rubber gloves , and a BIG HAMMER.
The short list is a Tow strap, shackles, air compressor, Gerber knife-saw kit, ratchet straps, 2 different First aid kits, jumper cables, blue tarp, tire repair kit, rubber gloves , and a BIG HAMMER.
Looks real nice man! Ya that grill idea is def the way to go. Gound you have built a tray that slides out of the box instead of the shelf? Maybe eveb mount HD drawer sliders to the grill? That'd be trick if it could be made to work.
Got any interior pics of your camper? Just wondering how much room you have with the swb. I'm currently thinking of doing something similar but swapping to a lwb to get the easier and cheaper to find campers and utility boxes. I've been looking for 2 weeks and have yet to find either!
Got any interior pics of your camper? Just wondering how much room you have with the swb. I'm currently thinking of doing something similar but swapping to a lwb to get the easier and cheaper to find campers and utility boxes. I've been looking for 2 weeks and have yet to find either!
ToolBox Guy
Adventurer
The drawer slide thing crossed my mind, but the side horizontal box is pretty high, if the stove just pulls straight out then it ends up being about chest high. My wife is pretty short, so for her to stir the simmering chili, she would need a step stool. LOL!
Plus It is nice having a flat counter top for food prep and to set stuff.
I will post up some pics of the camper this weekend, but you're on the right track, long bed is a little more common.
SLO_F-250
Explorer
ToolBox,
You setup is sweet! You have motivated me now. Im going to have to go through and start a thread on my rig. I come from somewhat of a desert racing background, and while I don't have the extensive amount of tools you do, I have plenty. What sort of spare parts are you carrying for your truck? I have an extra drive belt, fuse panel, cam shaft positioning sensor, standard fluids, and code reader. When I was driving my prerunner I would carry a significant amount of extra bolts, heims, bushings etc, alternator, starter, tie rod ends, etc. but since my superduty is mostly stock, I dont have that stuff now not to mention the starter and alternator are EXPENSIVE! haha
Paul
You setup is sweet! You have motivated me now. Im going to have to go through and start a thread on my rig. I come from somewhat of a desert racing background, and while I don't have the extensive amount of tools you do, I have plenty. What sort of spare parts are you carrying for your truck? I have an extra drive belt, fuse panel, cam shaft positioning sensor, standard fluids, and code reader. When I was driving my prerunner I would carry a significant amount of extra bolts, heims, bushings etc, alternator, starter, tie rod ends, etc. but since my superduty is mostly stock, I dont have that stuff now not to mention the starter and alternator are EXPENSIVE! haha
Paul
ToolBox Guy
Adventurer
You're looking at the right thread, right? I drive a Dodge, I don't need spare parts!! :Wow1: LOL!
I have a few things that I carry, but with taking the two kids and usually going out with a few trucks on our trips, we don't get too far off the beaten path very often.
Start a thread, you have a killer rig, show it off a little.
ToolBox Guy
Adventurer
I have been asked about the layout of my camper interior and for a few details.
So here are a few pics, the interior has been stripped and essentialy turned into a shell model. I have added LED lighting and a small step platform over my Porta-Potti to help my short wife get into bed.
Other than that, nothing else has really been done.
And some budget soft cabinets that fold out of the wat when the roof is down. they are hanging on an adjustable shower curtain rod.
Heater
Extinguisher
And a couple exterior features
So here are a few pics, the interior has been stripped and essentialy turned into a shell model. I have added LED lighting and a small step platform over my Porta-Potti to help my short wife get into bed.
Other than that, nothing else has really been done.
And some budget soft cabinets that fold out of the wat when the roof is down. they are hanging on an adjustable shower curtain rod.
Heater
Extinguisher
And a couple exterior features
ToolBox Guy
Adventurer
Thats where I was, this is my third camper before I found what I wanted, ana with purchasing all 3 I am still under $3,000.00.
I wish that I could justify a brand new camper, but this one being totally stripped is the only way my family of 4 can be somewhat comfortable.
The rack is a little something I fabbed up to carry extra gear in, the only time I used it we carried firewood to camp and trash back home, good for some of the bulky lighter weight things that can be carried outside.
Heater is a Mr. Heater, Heater Buddy. I have it attached to the door so that it doesn't get knocked over and we take the cutain off when the heater runs.
The heat deflector I made helps direct the heat down, because even from the floor, the ceiling would get VERY WARM!
Could you please post the important dimensions of your bed? I've been assuming from perspective in the photo's that it's a "low profile" version. I personally need specifics on interior wall height, width, and length. Depth of the cubbies would be helpful as well!
Yep, you're correct. Low profile non-top-opening. I will be outside loading the camper today, So I will pull osme complete dimensions and post pics of the loading process.
It is quite tricky!!!
Last edited:
ToolBox Guy
Adventurer
Well, I haven't done too many modifications to the truck in the last 6 months, but I have had it out on a few trips. 2 trips to the Eastern Sierras and 1 Mojave Road trip. We only got to Mid-Hills campground on the Mojave trip, mostly because my rig traveled ALOT slower than all of the Toyotas, and the desert heat kept us up in the higher elevation for a day and a half.
So here are some trip photos to bump this thread.
So here are some trip photos to bump this thread.