2020 Ram 5500 DIY Composite Panel Camper Build Thread
- Thread starter RAM5500 CAMPERTHING
- Start date
RAM5500 CAMPERTHING
OG Portal Member #183
I used the Sterling preset for Lipo4.
For these particular batteries, the spec sheets are incorrect (i've confirmed this with signature solar) so i am treating them as any other Lipo4
a late question to your build but do you know how much glue (sausage or tube) did you use for the complete build of the box? i think you mention ordering extra afew times but how much total do you think you used? thanks
RAM5500 CAMPERTHING
OG Portal Member #183
I honestly have no idea at this point
I had a lot of waste at the beginning, it was my first time using the sausage style caulking and the gun they included was horrible.
I think a good quality cordless caulking gun is basically mandatory.
We ended up getting 2 of them and used both extensively
I had a lot of waste at the beginning, it was my first time using the sausage style caulking and the gun they included was horrible.
I think a good quality cordless caulking gun is basically mandatory.
We ended up getting 2 of them and used both extensively
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RAM5500 CAMPERTHING
OG Portal Member #183
I’ve had 1 message on IG and 2 on YouTube this week asking me why I don’t have an awning…
Weird…
I simply don’t believe in them…
Had one on my FWC. Used it once. Did literally nothing for shade because of the angle of the sun.
Soooo…. I look at them as an “overland farkle”
Everyone has one, but they are almost never used properly
My rig is 11ft tall.
I simply move my camp chair to where the camper is giving shade.
The end
Weird…
I simply don’t believe in them…
Had one on my FWC. Used it once. Did literally nothing for shade because of the angle of the sun.
Soooo…. I look at them as an “overland farkle”
Everyone has one, but they are almost never used properly
My rig is 11ft tall.
I simply move my camp chair to where the camper is giving shade.
The end
mk216v
Der Chef der Fahrzeuge
A solid point. But you also live in ElDiego where it doesn't rain that often. Up here in the PNW, it's nice to have an awning deployed (one leg shorter of course) when the clouds are rolling in, so you can escape to it under a sporadic downpour, then walk out from the awning after the downpour passes. Or angle the awning such that most of the sun is being blocked a majority of the time. Of course if the sun is on the other side of the camper, then no awning deployment needed.
As always, YMMV, and we know yours varies wildly from the rest.
As always, YMMV, and we know yours varies wildly from the rest.
RAM5500 CAMPERTHING
OG Portal Member #183
False.. when it rains.. I go inside..
Inside is where the booze and hot pockets are…. Sooooooo
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180out
Well-known member
Yup, what he said!
mk216v
Der Chef der Fahrzeuge
LOL, touche.
I'm glad you added the hot pockets.
I'll see how much I use my Fiamma awning...maybe I'll end up removing it.
RAM5500 CAMPERTHING
OG Portal Member #183
LOL, touche.
I'm glad you added the hot pockets.
I'll see how much I use my Fiamma awning...maybe I'll end up removing it.
All jokes aside, the Fiamma quality was hands down the nicest I’ve seen. Just never used it.
I tried valiantly to mount a manual one in the rear of my FWC to cover the door area for photo stuff, but I could never mount it high enough to clear the door when it opened.
Hard to tell from your “non photoshoot” photos but it looks like how yours is mounted, if it’s raining the rain would be flying off the slanted roof in the gap between the roof and awning and dilute your hard seltzer…?
mk216v
Der Chef der Fahrzeuge
You are very correct sir. Mind the gap as they say.
So perhaps this will only be a sun shade?
RAM5500 CAMPERTHING
OG Portal Member #183
Anyone else doing a project like this deflated of motivation because of the fuel prices?
I started this it was around $3.50 or so for diesel. Now its basically doubled here.
The entire purpose of this rig was my annual Canada / Alaska trip (with some local ones as well).
Now that the rig is done enough to use for long term trips, i was to start heading north in September.
But with diesel at $6+ i dont think its going to happen this year, AGAIN!
Anyone else in this boat?
I started this it was around $3.50 or so for diesel. Now its basically doubled here.
The entire purpose of this rig was my annual Canada / Alaska trip (with some local ones as well).
Now that the rig is done enough to use for long term trips, i was to start heading north in September.
But with diesel at $6+ i dont think its going to happen this year, AGAIN!
Anyone else in this boat?
180out
Well-known member
i get 9-10 mpg combined with a mix of 50/50 on and off road driving. we also do a 3000+ mile trip every summer in fact heading across the north border this year. i will spend just under $2800 in fuel if the average price is $7 per gallon. we looked into the alternative. first leave the rig we love in the driveway, not good. $1500 round trip air fair. no sites along the way other then way to many peps and the inside of two airports, not good. 15 days at $300+ for a room and i still have no car to drive around. $6k+ and no adventure getting there other then surviving traffic and way to many people. the fuel bill is a bargain! and hell yeah I'm driving.
rruff
Explorer
I doubt you are so poor that you are grounded by necessity. Spend the money! Fuel would still be a minor cost of owning and driving your rig... maybe 25%. That's if you never pay for camping.