2007 Dodge Cummins "Power Wagon" Camper

[rube bonet]

Gotcha.

Ok, please elaborate on the crane's application. Lifting game?

The aluminum inset tracks are called Versatrack? Link to share?

The main use will be for game, but I am sure it will find many other different uses. Pretty nifty little unit, all aluminum so relatively lightweight. The top of the camper is way off the ground, and will see a multitude of uses from storage, sleeping, spotting, lunch breaks where you need to supply your own view, etc...so a crane and ladder will probably come in handy.

Here is a link to the versatrack: http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/category/VersaTie

Link to crane: http://www.spitzlift.com/

Little fittings slip into the rails allowing quick adjustments, with a fairly serious load rating.

 

[redthies]

I want one of those cranes! Not really all that expensive either. Thanks for the links.

 

[TRACTION]

Gotcha.

Ok, please elaborate on the crane's application. Lifting game?

The aluminum inset tracks are called Versatrack? Link to share?

I can vouch for the Versatrack as well. Have it installed in my truck bed and love it.

 

[Wh1t3nukle]

Sweet! Grateful for the info!

 

[Mako1114]

It is rated to 900 lbs (!), so the reciever for it will also be getting some more bracing. At this point, I am leaning towards a removable brace down to the bumper to support the load.

Does it make sense to somehow incorporate the crane brace into the ladder?

Cheers

 

[Wh1t3nukle]

I stumbled on the track stuff at McMaster Carr site. Any comments on their performance if you chose Versa over them? Kind hard to see if there is a difference as both are aluminum.

Traction -- are you just leaving the anchor points in place or do you take them out until needed?

Thanks!

 

[TRACTION]

I generally take them out and store them in a bag that hangs from one of the clamps that holds my canopy down.

One additional note. I highly recommend the plastic protector inserts you can get for the Versa product if you choose to mount the tracks in the bed like I did. The aluminum isn't particularly sharp to the touch but will still scrape plastic when you drag a loaded cooler or storage tote over it. Not sure any of the generic products have those inserts or not.

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

Outstanding work as usual. I think my F-250 needs to spend some time with you for at least some skid plates.

 

[ExpoMike]

Great looking work and love the rock rails.

Question, what is your opinion of the Mastercraft seats? I assume they are the wide version of the Baja RS. I sat in one and liked it but have not talked to anyone who has actually driven in a set.

 

[rube bonet]

Does it make sense to somehow incorporate the crane brace into the ladder?

Cheers

My thoughts here was to incorporate a removable brace that ties into the bumper/ frame itself. The bumper would support the load, the camper would only need to resist the side to side motion.

I stumbled on the track stuff at McMaster Carr site. Any comments on their performance if you chose Versa over them? Kind hard to see if there is a difference as both are aluminum.

Traction -- are you just leaving the anchor points in place or do you take them out until needed?

Thanks!

It seems the track stuff is all built to a MS standard. Mac's just had some different options besides the square profile, I am using the rounded track on the floor of the bed mounted similar to traction's.
http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/175/VersaTieTrackKits

One additional note. I highly recommend the plastic protector inserts you can get for the Versa product if you choose to mount the tracks in the bed like I did. The aluminum isn't particularly sharp to the touch but will still scrape plastic when you drag a loaded cooler or storage tote over it. Not sure any of the generic products have those inserts or not.

That is good to hear, I was getting ready to order the track filler plastics. Do you think they are secure enough to stay in at highway speeds on the roof rack?

 

[rube bonet]

Outstanding work as usual. I think my F-250 needs to spend some time with you for at least some skid plates.

Thanks! Let me know when, your Ford is coming along nicely, I was just checking out your build thread.

 

[rube bonet]

Great looking work and love the rock rails.

Question, what is your opinion of the Mastercraft seats? I assume they are the wide version of the Baja RS. I sat in one and liked it but have not talked to anyone who has actually driven in a set.

I love Mastercraft seats, I think these seats are especially nice for a daily driver. I have used a lot of different seats over the years, I always come back to mastercraft. I think the quality is a LOT better, I have found they hold up over time considerably better, not losing support after a few trips. I was just at SEMA and made a point of sitting in all of the "daily driver" seats I could find...I was still very glad we sourced these seats.

 

[rube bonet]

Little tire update:

I got the mpt-81s mocked up on the Walker Evans wheels to calculate the proper shim thickness for this bead bundle, but the tire is not seated on the wheel yet.

Here it is next to the 34" tall Toyos (285/75/17)


Mocked up in place on the front end, next step is cycling for clearance issues.




5" of backspacing will keep it tucked under the fender flares, and clear better under flex



And here you can see the tread width comparison between the old and new. The Conti will get shorter and wider once the bead is seated, it looks like they are near identical in width.

 

[Darwin]

Can't wait to see those on the truck and mounted up. In case I missed it, what gears is it running?

 

[mccustomize]

what is the aired up height on the Continentals?