2020 Ram 5500 DIY Composite Panel Camper Build Thread

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

F550 and Ram 5500 use the same front and rear ends.

You sure on the front? Fords have manual hubs. Rams have a funky vacuum axle disconnect like the old YJ Jeeps.

 

[HAF]

I thinks they use the same Dana front and rear. Wheel bolt pattern is the same. Not sure about hub disconnects. I had a Ram 5500 with switch operated locking hubs. The new Ford I have has manual locking hubs (I intentionally ordered it that way).

 

[java]

You sure on the front? Fords have manual hubs. Rams have a funky vacuum axle disconnect like the old YJ Jeeps.

My Ford had the stupid vacuum hubs....

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[dmanbluesfreak]

I thinks they use the same Dana front and rear. Wheel bolt pattern is the same. Not sure about hub disconnects. I had a Ram 5500 with switch operated locking hubs. The new Ford I have has manual locking hubs (I intentionally ordered it that way).

Dodges do not use a Dana front axle, even under the 4/5500. You can tell the cover is different if you look at post 56. I believe the 5500 still uses the AAM 9.25 up front, same as the 2500/3500, only with beefier knuckles and hubs.

 

[jonathon]

Dodges do not use a Dana front axle, even under the 4/5500. You can tell the cover is different if you look at post 56. I believe the 5500 still uses the AAM 9.25 up front, same as the 2500/3500, only with beefier knuckles and hubs.

Ram uses AAM for almost all their axles, front is a 10.5” on the 4500/5500. Look at RAM5500 CAMPERTHING’s photos. It’s substantially bigger than a 9.25.

You sure on the front? Fords have manual hubs. Rams have a funky vacuum axle disconnect like the old YJ Jeeps.

If it’s anything like the center axle disconnect in the 2500/3500 it’s electric and pretty simple and reliable.

 

[dmanbluesfreak]

Ram uses AAM for almost all their axles, front is a 10.5” on the 4500/5500. Look at RAM5500 CAMPERTHING’s photos. It’s substantially bigger than a 9.25.

Glad it's not the 9.25" on the 4/5500s. I wasn't sure, I don't have a 9.25 to use for reference, I just knew it wasn't a Dana axle. The rear is a Dana S110 though.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

If it’s anything like the center axle disconnect in the 2500/3500 it’s electric and pretty simple and reliable.

Correct. I misspoke, its electric, not vacuum like the older YJs

 

[tienckb]

Hi RAM5500

When will u upload new YouTube vids?

Anxiously waiting. I am in Mission Valley btw.

Hope to see your rig around SD.

Very inspired!

Tim


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[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Hi RAM5500

When will u upload new YouTube vids?

Anxiously waiting. I am in Mission Valley btw.

Hope to see your rig around SD.

Very inspired!

Tim

Hey Tim

Currently in a holding pattern waiting for the bumper and subrame to be built and the Kelderman suspension to arrive. Will do some video once there is progress, hopefully within a week or 2.

Always good to meet local expo folks, once its put together a little more maybe we could grab a beverage and shoot the poop

 

[tienckb]

Hey Tim

Currently in a holding pattern waiting for the bumper and subrame to be built and the Kelderman suspension to arrive. Will do some video once there is progress, hopefully within a week or 2.

Always good to meet local expo folks, once its put together a little more maybe we could grab a beverage and shoot the poop

What part of SD are you in?


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[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

What part of SD are you in?

Clairemont / UTC

 

[Mushadd]

Well, got the balancers installed and completed a quick 40 mile test drive.

I'll admit, i was a bit skeptical for sure. However, there was a VERY noticeable difference in how much smoother it was.

At 55psi front and rear, everything is suprisingly smooth and quiet.

Highly recommend these!

NOTE: Not sponsored, paid full price, just a happy as hell customer.

View attachment 576969

Do you mind sharing what model you went with on the balancers? 400-408? A few different options listed on their site.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Do you mind sharing what model you went with on the balancers? 400-408? A few different options listed on their site.

Sure, ill have to look it up. They are an oddball one for 20" wheels and heavy as hell tires

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Well, after the painful 5 WEEK wait, the Kelderman 4 link is here and i can start making some progress.

Seems like a fairly straight forward install, but we all know how those go, hehehehe

Hopefully should have this done this weekend.

NOTE: I am doing a complete manual install and no autoleveling bits and pieces that add multiple possible failure points.

Will just have a presta valve on each side to manually fill and deflate just like my tires.

 

[Adventurous]

Well, after the painful 5 WEEK wait, the Kelderman 4 link is here and i can start making some progress.

Seems like a fairly straight forward install, but we all know how those go, hehehehe

Hopefully should have this done this weekend.

NOTE: I am doing a complete manual install and no autoleveling bits and pieces that add multiple possible failure points.

Will just have a presta valve on each side to manually fill and deflate just like my tires.

View attachment 591640

With no bed or inhibitions about cutting and drilling a new truck, you should be fine.

Looking forward to seeing the results, even more looking forward to hearing about the ride post-install.