2020 Ram 5500 DIY Composite Panel Camper Build Thread

[MaxxdOut]

I finally started one! Thanks for the prodding. I could use your input on those dang Buckstop fenders when you get a second. Did they give you any instructions? Curious to see if you had the same issues with your front Kelderman kit too.

Another 2020 Ram 5500 Flatbed Camper Build

About two and a half years ago I moved half way across the country up to Utah. For someone who loves four-wheeling, dirtbiking, camping and wide open spaces it’s an outdoorsman’s paradise. I quickly bought a slide-in camper and a bigger truck to haul it. Since then I’ve racked up over 20K miles...

expeditionportal.com

Thanks for the info. I’m following along. Although a different platform, I’m in the process of building an F-550. Until the other day I was planning to go with the stock height Kelderman, but seems like some people are struggling.


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[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Thanks for the info. I’m following along. Although a different platform, I’m in the process of building an F-550. Until the other day I was planning to go with the stock height Kelderman, but seems like some people are struggling.

My only issue with the front is that I moved the front axle forward an inch so they sit funny.

With axle in stock location it would be awesome

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I finally started one! Thanks for the prodding. I could use your input on those dang Buckstop fenders when you get a second. Did they give you any instructions? Curious to see if you had the same issues with your front Kelderman kit too.

Another 2020 Ram 5500 Flatbed Camper Build

About two and a half years ago I moved half way across the country up to Utah. For someone who loves four-wheeling, dirtbiking, camping and wide open spaces it’s an outdoorsman’s paradise. I quickly bought a slide-in camper and a bigger truck to haul it. Since then I’ve racked up over 20K miles...

expeditionportal.com

What you have questions about with the flares? Was fairly straight forward from what I recall

 

[Brad_UT]

Just wondering if they sent you any instructions that say where they want the fenders cut, where they want it to sit, etc. I guess you just held it up there, marked some holes, and started hacking away at the sheet metal?

 

[rruff]

... and started hacking away at the sheet metal?

It can be a bit worrying at first, but I quite enjoyed taking the angle grinder to my brand new truck....

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Just wondering if they sent you any instructions that say where they want the fenders cut, where they want it to sit, etc. I guess you just held it up there, marked some holes, and started hacking away at the sheet metal?

They did have some Instructions, but they were pretty useless.

I’m assuming you already removed the plastic inner fender lining? That actually requires a lot more trimming than the actual fenders.

Personally, if you haven’t moved your axle forward an inch, I’d hold off on much cutting.

The amount of cutting to get the MPTs to clear without moving the axle forward would be pretty substantial, likely into parts of the firewall. That’s the whole reason for moving it forward in the first place.

But when it came time to line up and mount the flares, I basically lined up the front lip of them with the headlight and bottom of fender lip right in the front and worked backwards

hope that helps

 

[Brad_UT]

Actually, that helps quite a bit. Without seeing the instructions, I just wanted to make sure there wasn't some important detail I was missing. Seems pretty straightforward now.

I took out the inner fenders before installing the front kelderman kit. Haven't tried re-installing them yet. Hoping it will all go back together cleanly without looking kludged together.

Control arms getting built this week. Found a place in Utah that specializes in them. Seems like a safer/faster option than Dodge Offroad. I'm going to give it a shot with the stock height bags first. If no bueno, then I'll try the 2" taller bags, but may need track bar drop bracket then. Not really stoked about begging buckstop to sell me one by itself, but I guess there's no other option.

Thanks

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Actually, that helps quite a bit. Without seeing the instructions, I just wanted to make sure there wasn't some important detail I was missing. Seems pretty straightforward now.

I took out the inner fenders before installing the front kelderman kit. Haven't tried re-installing them yet. Hoping it will all go back together cleanly without looking kludged together.

Control arms getting built this week. Found a place in Utah that specializes in them. Seems like a safer/faster option than Dodge Offroad. I'm going to give it a shot with the stock height bags first. If no bueno, then I'll try the 2" taller bags, but may need track bar drop bracket then. Not really stoked about begging buckstop to sell me one by itself, but I guess there's no other option.

Thanks

Ooooooh

What place in Utah??

Yeah, DodgeOffroad has been the worst ever freaking company to deal with and their service absolutely sucks...

I ordered my arms from them almost 2 months ago. ?

 

[Brad_UT]

Check these guys out. Located in Orem, UT just south of SLC: https://www.core4x4.com/
He said they hadn't done any 5500 arms that he could remember, but he was happy to build whatever I needed. I'm taking him the stock arms today so he can measure.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Check these guys out. Located in Orem, UT just south of SLC: https://www.core4x4.com/
He said they hadn't done any 5500 arms that he could remember, but he was happy to build whatever I needed. I'm taking him the stock arms today so he can measure.

Oh, CORE has been around forever! Good stuff.

Mind asking him how much for a second set?

You getting them exactly an inch longer? Adjustable?

 

[Brad_UT]

He ballparked it around $700 for the set before we really discussed any details. I expect it will be more. The lowers will be Currie/Johnny joints each end, but fixed with no adjustment. The uppers will be Johnny joints each end with your typical right/left hand threaded turnbuckle. Length is a good question. I was thinking at least an inch, maybe 1.25". Do you have any thoughts one way or another?

 

[DGOlc100]

Waiting on some more adhesive to arrive from TC to finish some final touches.

It’s 95% done

Lots of pics and updates soon. Slammed at work right now

Yes, I was thinking that if I did this, I would just suck it up and order an extra case of adhesive. This is especially true since they recommend adhering cabinets, etc. to the walls using the same adhesive. Can't wait to see the pics.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Yes, I was thinking that if I did this, I would just suck it up and order an extra case of adhesive. This is especially true since they recommend adhering cabinets, etc. to the walls using the same adhesive. Can't wait to see the pics.

110%, suggest ordering extra from the get go. This is my second time ordering more adhesive. Not even close to enough supplied. ??‍♂️

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

He ballparked it around $700 for the set before we really discussed any details. I expect it will be more. The lowers will be Currie/Johnny joints each end, but fixed with no adjustment. The uppers will be Johnny joints each end with your typical right/left hand threaded turnbuckle. Length is a good question. I was thinking at least an inch, maybe 1.25". Do you have any thoughts one way or another?

Hmmmm... What’s their logic for fixed lowers? One would think you’d want them both adjustable.

My gut says if I was ordering a custom set, I’d go 1/2 longer than stock. That way they could be adjusted to an Inch further out, or even back to stock if I want later down the road.

That’s just me thinking though.. for whatever that’s worth ?

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Its basically done, but here is video one of the build to keep ya'll panties on: