2018 Ram 3500 Expedition Family Adventure Vehicle

[Boz]

Good pics start on page 23 of his build thread.

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/expos-2000-7-3-excursion-build.162674/page-23

 

[Kingsize24]

That is/has been a very well sorted Excursion build. I enjoy seeing his additions to that thread, and his pics are always awesome.

It looks like that Buckstop bumper could possibly be an option as well. I really like how the design is clean and smooth for the rear sensors to be (functional), and still has lighting holes for rear backup lights.

I will say however Christo would get my $$$ if he did decide to make parts for this platform. They are just more proven. Especially skids, etc.

 

[Tex68w]

Well I received a reply from Christo and this was his response:

"I appreciate you thinking of Slee and we’re flattered by your request. However, with a recent decision to up all of our capacities in our bumper manufacturing as well as introducing new bumpers such as 200/LX570 and Tacoma our resources are completely consumed. We’re always open to new product suggestions, but for our business model it will remain Toyota for now (although we appreciate the dodge lineup)."

So it sounds like he appreciates the platform and would love to help out, but he simply has his hands full with his current production and can't take on anything further. It's a bummer for sure, but that doesn't mean that someone else won't step up to the plate and make a quality offering for the 4th Gen's. There are tons of excellent bumper/fender/slider manufacturers in the Jeep world, I might start investigating those and reach out.

 

[Expedition One]

We'd like to chime in and clarify a lot of misinformation floating around --

When we set out to create our RAM bumper with our innovative dual swing latch system, we purpose-built it first and foremost for off-road/overland use. Initially we planned not to include any sensor holes in our bumper design but there was enough people that voiced their desire to have it (knowing it was finicky by nature). Our Tundra dual swingout bumpers for example don't include any sensor hole locations, but we chose to use the Ram variant as a test bed to see how they would work. The rear sensors on our Ram work great with no issues. We've installed sensors on our Jeep JL bumpers, Toyota's, Sprinters, and most recently Chevy Full size with a Duel swingout and all worked with no issues. Keep in mind this is simply our experience with the vehicles that we've work on, but have had vehicles that we did not modify that had similar sensor issues to what is being discussed in this thread.

We do want to do as much as we can to assist in educating the comunity on what we know about the nature of these sensors so we will be releasing a video clarifying how these types of sensors function on three different vehicle platforms (RAM, Mercedes Sprinter Van, Jeep JL) and clarifying any misinformation that is being suggested out there with our products. When we started taking orders late last year and into the early part of this year, we directly contacted early customers/brand sponsors (who we asked for direct feedback) if they wanted these sensor holes added with the expressed concern that in our experience were temperamental, and that we could not guarantee there proper function.

We work closely with many dealerships in regards to R&D on our products and in one case, we drove a brand new RAM 1500 off the lot for development. During this time we discovered the sensors where malufunctioning. upon returning the vehicle to them we let them know the issue with the sensors and, they noted to us as that it was not uncommon and it was somthing that they dealt with regularly.

There is a lot of research we do that goes into our products that we've done over the last 15 years with what is given to us at an OEM level from vehicle manufacturers. We do the best we can to engineer our products to the highest quality standards and to work for needs of the overland community and the off-road enthusiast first and foremost.

We appreciate the constructive feedback we've seen and appreciate the emails, calls and support for our bumper products!

 

[Tex68w]

@ExpeditionOne If you knew these sensors were "finicky" then this needs to be mentioned to every customer who purchases this particular bumper so that they know ahead of time that they may not work as advertised. I think it's great that you modified the swing out arms so that they no longer make contact with the tail gate, excellent first step. I also appreciate the fact that you took notice of this growing concern/issue in the community and took the initiative to create an account here and address this head on. This is a good start towards clearing up any miscommunication and possibly attempting to better resolve the issue for future orders.

 

[Expedition One]

@ExpeditionOne If you knew these sensors were "finicky" then this needs to be mentioned to every customer who purchases this particular bumper so that they know ahead of time that they may not work as advertised. I think it's great that you modified the swing out arms so that they no longer make contact with the tail gate, excellent first step. I also appreciate the fact that you took notice of this growing concern/issue in the community and took the initiative to create an account here and address this head on. This is a good start towards clearing up any miscommunication and possibly attempting to better resolve the issue for future orders.

We appreciate the feedback @Tex68w

Our product page does mention the reliability concerns with sensor plugs if they choose to include them on their bumper order. We also try to make efforts to make sure people are aware of it if they choose to go with them.

It's worth mentioning we do offer a camera relocation bracket to allow backup visibility once you start mounting tires and equipment on the arms. Sensors are definitely something that has drawn a lot of conversation on and we hope the video we put out here in the next week helps educate on how it functions and things we've found that causes the sensors to stop working (and possible solutions). Although we are continuing to find ways to make it more reliable, we focus our product line ups for off-road/overland enthusiasts who don't necessarily need these sensors. That's not to shy away from those that have to have these working. This is definitely an ongoing development process we hope to nail down in a timely manner.

 

[Explorerinil]

We appreciate the feedback @Tex68w

Our product page does mention the reliability concerns with sensor plugs if they choose to include them on their bumper order. We also try to make efforts to make sure people are aware of it if they choose to go with them.

It's worth mentioning we do offer a camera relocation bracket to allow backup visibility once you start mounting tires and equipment on the arms. Sensors are definitely something that has drawn a lot of conversation on and we hope the video we put out here in the next week helps educate on how it functions and things we've found that causes the sensors to stop working (and possible solutions). Although we are continuing to find ways to make it more reliable, we focus our product line ups for off-road/overland enthusiasts who don't necessarily need these sensors. That's not to shy away from those that have to have these working. This is definitely an ongoing development process we hope to nail down in a timely manner.

I give you credit for getting on this forum and helping to clear things up, that definitely helps your company gain back some credit, now I hope you can make it right with the member on here that had to remove his bumper.

 

[Kingsize24]

We'd like to chime in and clarify a lot of misinformation floating around --

When we set out to create our RAM bumper with our innovative dual swing latch system, we purpose-built it first and foremost for off-road/overland use. Initially we planned not to include any sensor holes in our bumper design but there was enough people that voiced their desire to have it (knowing it was finicky by nature). Our Tundra dual swingout bumpers for example don't include any sensor hole locations, but we chose to use the Ram variant as a test bed to see how they would work. The rear sensors on our Ram work great with no issues. We've installed sensors on our Jeep JL bumpers, Toyota's, Sprinters, and most recently Chevy Full size with a Duel swingout and all worked with no issues. Keep in mind this is simply our experience with the vehicles that we've work on, but have had vehicles that we did not modify that had similar sensor issues to what is being discussed in this thread.

We do want to do as much as we can to assist in educating the comunity on what we know about the nature of these sensors so we will be releasing a video clarifying how these types of sensors function on three different vehicle platforms (RAM, Mercedes Sprinter Van, Jeep JL) and clarifying any misinformation that is being suggested out there with our products. When we started taking orders late last year and into the early part of this year, we directly contacted early customers/brand sponsors (who we asked for direct feedback) if they wanted these sensor holes added with the expressed concern that in our experience were temperamental, and that we could not guarantee there proper function.

We work closely with many dealerships in regards to R&D on our products and in one case, we drove a brand new RAM 1500 off the lot for development. During this time we discovered the sensors where malufunctioning. upon returning the vehicle to them we let them know the issue with the sensors and, they noted to us as that it was not uncommon and it was somthing that they dealt with regularly.

There is a lot of research we do that goes into our products that we've done over the last 15 years with what is given to us at an OEM level from vehicle manufacturers. We do the best we can to engineer our products to the highest quality standards and to work for needs of the overland community and the off-road enthusiast first and foremost.

We appreciate the constructive feedback we've seen and appreciate the emails, calls and support for our bumper products!

Thank you for commenting EXP-1. Nice to see y'all on here. As I've mentioned and others have mentioned, and even in e-mails with you, The bumper itself is super well built, and with the small changes you've made with the gate, it will now not rub the tailgate at all. The only frustrating part has been the sensors, and I was never contacted by anyone to tell me there was a possibility of them not working. It isn't a deal breaker at all for me, as I've also mentioned in this thread, but it is frustrating when you have an expectation for it to function as OEM, and you fiddle with it for hours trying to get it to. You can see, as you mention, that it was designed with Offroading/Overlanding in mind first, and electronic functionality second. No big deal, but for sure I would tell future customers about it, and/or remove the option altogether.

I'm more concerned with the ability to bolt up the license plate while retaining the class V hitch bolt supports that bolt to the bumper. As I mentioned in my email, I will not be bending my plate, or removing the bolts, so I will fabricate a spacer plate to fix the issue if you guys can not for mine. That may be something you look at correcting on future bumpers.

I appreciate you sending out the lights for the license plate. Things sometimes don't get put in these big boxes, it happens.

We appreciate the feedback @Tex68w

Our product page does mention the reliability concerns with sensor plugs if they choose to include them on their bumper order. We also try to make efforts to make sure people are aware of it if they choose to go with them.

It's worth mentioning we do offer a camera relocation bracket to allow backup visibility once you start mounting tires and equipment on the arms. Sensors are definitely something that has drawn a lot of conversation on and we hope the video we put out here in the next week helps educate on how it functions and things we've found that causes the sensors to stop working (and possible solutions). Although we are continuing to find ways to make it more reliable, we focus our product line ups for off-road/overland enthusiasts who don't necessarily need these sensors. That's not to shy away from those that have to have these working. This is definitely an ongoing development process we hope to nail down in a timely manner.

Again... Thank you for taking your time to come on here. If you didn't care, you wouldn't take time to comment, so that matters.

Only reason I have not used the bracket you supplied to relocate the camera is because I will be using one built into a topper, and will not need it. I accomplished this by having M2Mods custom make me a break out harness that goes between the plug before the tailgate, It breaks out the signal to allow an aftermarket or OEM camera to be located elsewhere, in my case the topper. I had a couple designs made to allow for multiple different plug types, but this will be the one used...



There are first allocation growing pains, but if you accept that some changes need to be made, and take those small changes to the product, those last 5-10% of issues will go away. Thanks for the bumper! Now get back to work! LOL

Jason

 

[Expedition One]

Thank you for commenting EXP-1. Nice to see y'all on here. As I've mentioned and others have mentioned, and even in e-mails with you, The bumper itself is super well built, and with the small changes you've made with the gate, it will now not rub the tailgate at all. The only frustrating part has been the sensors, and I was never contacted by anyone to tell me there was a possibility of them not working. It isn't a deal breaker at all for me, as I've also mentioned in this thread, but it is frustrating when you have an expectation for it to function as OEM, and you fiddle with it for hours trying to get it to. You can see, as you mention, that it was designed with Offroading/Overlanding in mind first, and electronic functionality second. No big deal, but for sure I would tell future customers about it, and/or remove the option altogether.

I'm more concerned with the ability to bolt up the license plate while retaining the class V hitch bolt supports that bolt to the bumper. As I mentioned in my email, I will not be bending my plate, or removing the bolts, so I will fabricate a spacer plate to fix the issue if you guys can not for mine. That may be something you look at correcting on future bumpers.

I appreciate you sending out the lights for the license plate. Things sometimes don't get put in these big boxes, it happens.




Again... Thank you for taking your time to come on here. If you didn't care, you wouldn't take time to comment, so that matters.

Only reason I have not used the bracket you supplied to relocate the camera is because I will be using one built into a topper, and will not need it. I accomplished this by having M2Mods custom make me a break out harness that goes between the plug before the tailgate, It breaks out the signal to allow an aftermarket or OEM camera to be located elsewhere, in my case the topper. I had a couple designs made to allow for multiple different plug types, but this will be the one used...

View attachment 455901

There are first allocation growing pains, but if you accept that some changes need to be made, and take those small changes to the product, those last 5-10% of issues will go away. Thanks for the bumper! Now get back to work! LOL

Jason

Thanks for the feedback Jason,

One thing to note is the class V bolts you mentioned literally do nothing for the structural strength of our bumper or the OEM receiver hitch assembly. Their pupose is to strengthen the flimsy stock bumper. Our dual swing bumper design was originally developed for the Tundra platform which doesn't have those bolts, nor do Chevy's, Fords, or GMC's. By design our bumpers are much more rigid and robust than what the OEM's are providing, and have been designed for maximum strength. The Dual STC's in particular have even more structure than our standard rear bumpers to increase rigidity. So when it comes to the Ram rear, those bolts aren't necessary for tow capacity, and for us are really just in the way. They can be cut of, hammered out, or just ingnored entirely. Our SEMA Ram build has them on, and other than sloping the plate ever so slightly, they really have no effect. However, they are nice to hold your bumper if your doing the install alone. Its a bit sketchy to set a bumper on the hitch and just let it balance there while your underneath trying to line up bolt holes.

 

[Explorerinil]

I got a detailed message today from Expedition One, I thank them for their explanation and insight into the development of their product. I know feel allot better about them and their ram rear dual swing out bumper, taking the time to explain things to me really shows they care about their product and customers/potential customers.

I will be ordering one of their rear bumpers this fall, thanks EXP1.

 

[Kingsize24]

Sounds good! Congrats!

Have you thought much yet about what options you will equip it with? Are you going to order it without the shackle mounts, or no sensor holes?

I got a detailed message today from Expedition One, I thank them for their explanation and insight into the development of their product. I know feel allot better about them and their ram rear dual swing out bumper, taking the time to explain things to me really shows they care about their product and customers/potential customers.

I will be ordering one of their rear bumpers this fall, thanks EXP1.

 

[Explorerinil]

Sounds good! Congrats!

Have you thought much yet about what options you will equip it with? Are you going to order it without the shackle mounts, or no sensor holes?

Yes, I will not get shackle mounts, I want to keep my back up sensors as I love that option. As for the swing outs, I need to check again, I think you can get just a tire carrier, that’s really what I am after... to get the spare out of my bed.

 

[Kingsize24]

Finally getting some more parts in this week. The end of this week and beginning of next some of the extra mounts and parts should arrive. I got a few of the parts coming in from a member here for a great price, and I thank him for packing well and shipping promptly.

The new 10.1 Samsung Tablet came in, along with the Gumdrop case to protect it. It fits well on the Ram mount.




I also recieved my Baja Designs XL Pro lights that will be mounted on the A piller mounts once they arrive. They are a driving/combo light, and should do well in the location they will be mounted.




I also got in some maintenance specialty tools to more easily change the front and rear fuel filters. Love Made in the USA parts!




The rest of these items are just some random bits that I needed for this truck. Some of my straps will be staying in the 2500 Hemi, so I needed at least one more 20ft 30,000lb strap. The wife loves the Front Runner utensils. Will make it much easier at camp to have it all in a nice neat location.

 

[Kingsize24]

During this week I have also started getting the front winch cover plate ready with some of the accessories that I will be adding over the next couple weeks. The ARB twin compressor for OBA will need a front and rear location for the quick disconnects. Here is where I will be adding it to the front, along with the Noco GCP1 plug for the truck block heater. I also added a Parker rubber quick disconnect cover to keep out moisture and debrees.





Without the plate, and with the plate on, and the location of the hole that will need to be cut. The winch is fairly exposed currently without the plate, and this spot makes for a good central location for everything without making permanent changes to the bumper itself.




After a bit of work we get this. It will all need plumbed once the rest of the parts come in.

 

[Kingsize24]

I fitted an intercooler cover for cooler protection. It does however sit about 5 inches lower than the actual cooler itself, and I HATE that. It looses ground clearance right where it is needed. It will most likely come off and be modified to fit properly.




I've been waiting for the topper to get on the truck before I ordered the Fridge/Freezer, but now that the ARB hard wire kit is in I will be adding it to the inside of the bed soon. I'm still working out the best location, but it is looking like the passenger rear will be the likely location.




I also picked up a Trasharoo for keeping the campsites clean and picked up.