2006 Dodge Mega cab camper home build (with Pictures)

[Mongoloveshammer]

Like all great things discussed around a campfire this build started as a copy of simular service bodied camper owned by Tim Sanchez. I fell in love with simplicity and not wanting a pop up tent style camper and already owning a Dodge Cummins powered truck about a year and a half ago I took the plunge and I just wanted to share some pictures of the camper I have been building at the house.
The donor truck was my Cummins powered 2006 Doge mega cab that I have owned since new currently has 100300 miles. Sine the stock trans had some miles behind a built 5.9 I decided to spring for a new full billet trans built by Inglewood transmissions. Billet converter,input shaf and Gorend valve body. Shortly after I installed Carli 3" dominator system on the front and Deaver springs in the rear and a Hellwig "Big Wig" sway bar.
I had previously installed Firestone bags and compresor.Left the bags but up graded to a ARB dual air compressor. The truck is plumbed for air, both sides are serviced by quick connect ARO fitting with covers.
Shortened a used service body to six plus feet, cut down the existing doors, painted inside and out.
Fabricated a steel camper frame, skinned it with .040 aluminum and 3M VHB tape bonded the skin to the frame.
Installed a 38 gallon water tank. Installed a instant hot water heater for a shower. Fabricated stainless steel tube for the gas system to feed both the shower and the Partner stove.
Installed a Quick pitch shower enclosure and a Shadow wrap around awning.
installed 640 watt solar panel
charging a 2D interstate battery.
Installed a 2000 watt inverter
Wired 12V plugs both in the cab and in the camper to power my Fridge Freeze.
Fully lighted both the interior and exterior and inside the boxes. of the service body.
Fully insulated and skinned the interior.
Installed a folding bunk. Lagun table
Fabricated the swingers.aluminum box and the rack to hold the recovery matts.
Fabricated the stainless steel rack.
Arctic tern windows,Custom rear door.
I have literally a hundred pictures, If you want to see more you may find me on insta. @mr22.5comeon

I am going to take some more pictures this weekend of the completed truck. I will post.

Im sure I forgot a few things but the are the highlights.

A big Thank you too Tim Sanchez for the sage advice while I was building this beast. Thank you Gregg@Caltime metals for always being on point when I needed material.

 

[redthies]

Beautiful build with great attention to detail! What’s the weight situation? Megas are behind the 8 ball on camper/payload hauling to start with, so I’m guessing your at or over your max? Not that the truck can’t handle it...

 

[Scoutman]

Nicely done. Subscribed for more pictures.

 

[SDDiver5]

Woah what a good looking setup!! Love that color too!

 

[Tubefitter61]

Beautiful build with great attention to detail! What’s the weight situation? Megas are behind the 8 ball on camper/payload hauling to start with, so I’m guessing your at or over your max? Not that the truck can’t handle it...

I weighed it and wet (38 gallons of water.30 gallons of fuel) gross weight was 10200. FA 4560 RA 5460. I figure loaded,bikes gear food people and clothes its probably 11K. After driving it I installed the Hellwig sway bar,big difference. Believe me its got plenty of engine.

 

[Tubefitter61]

Nicely done. Subscribed for more pictures.

I will post more tonight. Thank you its been a long road. I literally did everything myself at home short of the transmission.

 

[Tubefitter61]

Woah what a good looking setup!! Love that color too!

Thank you I appreciate it

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

great job! Thank you for sharing.

 

[Mongoloveshammer]

Nicely done. Subscribed for more pictures.

Here are a few more pics

 

[Mongoloveshammer]

Here is a few more build pics.

 

[redthies]

I weighed it and wet (38 gallons of water.30 gallons of fuel) gross weight was 10200. FA 4560 RA 5460. I figure loaded,bikes gear food people and clothes its probably 11K. After driving it I installed the Hellwig sway bar,big difference. Believe me its got plenty of engine.

I have an ‘05 3500 QCLB that is around the same loaded weight. I know there is plenty of capability in these trucks! I had a ‘14 3500 before and I prefer the 3rd gens. I’m probably (ok, definitely) over my gvw, but still under on tires and axles. I’ll eventually get brave and scale my new set up.

 

[Topgear]

What is the story behind the roof rack setup? I love this build one the best dodge mega cabs out there.

 

[Mongoloveshammer]

What is the story behind the roof rack setup? I love this build one the best dodge mega cabs out there.

Well I built it myself, It is bolted to the frame of the camper with rubber isolation pads in the rear and the front mounts ride on Polyurethane bushings and Heim joints to allow for some flex.

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Nicely done, sir. I’ve always thought that a simple canopy on top of a service body would make a decent camping rig. You’ve really expanded on that with your custom work. ?

 

[workitjr]

I will post more tonight. Thank you its been a long road. I literally did everything myself at home short of the transmission.

You are finishing, I am beginning Sent you a PM. Got so many great ideas and direction from your build. Look forward to learning more.