3500 RAM Prospector + Alu Cabin + Custom Bed

[Tex68w]

Its a good question. I guess its about familiarity. Never tried Starlink, but I have use sat phones in the jungles of Colombia and Tanzania. Given that this is a US centric vehicle, you make a good point.

Starlink has been working in many countries around the world without issue, even in countries where they list that it doesn't work. They touched on this in a recent episode of the Overland Journal Podcast. Combine the Starlink with your cell phone for wifi calling at basecamp/around and in the vehicle along with full internet capability and then use your inReach on your person when away from the vehicle.

 

[DTAdventure]

I use Starlink, but also have a Weboost that just got installed.

Regarding the flatbed, I made the decision to go flatbed 2 months before I got my camper. I would have gone Bowen, but the lead-time was too much. I ended up going with a Mits Alloy Evo 2 in the 7' configuration. Great flatbed, but the issue I ran into is that the mounting brackets were raising the bed unnecessarily high and I had a very big gap between the cab and the cab overhang of my camper. I tsked my local off-road shop to lower the bed. I surrendered the centered drawer in the process, but man - I am so glad I did. But the cost adds up. If you work with Bowen, make sure to fully get the numbers and calculate out the gap and if you can live with it. I have a 2022 F250 and it is on 37s. I got the Carli Trophy hitch (not available for RAM) and I really don't care about a rear bumper. If I get rear ended it will go into the hitch.

I love the flatbed and the extra storage + it comes with an additional water tank.

 

[hdas]

I would have gone Bowen, but the lead-time was too much.

This was my issue as well. But now I know and I can time everything to for next winter.

also have a Weboost that just got installed.

Can you comment on the functionality?... Is it worth it?

 

[Tex68w]

I use Starlink, but also have a Weboost that just got installed.

Regarding the flatbed, I made the decision to go flatbed 2 months before I got my camper. I would have gone Bowen, but the lead-time was too much. I ended up going with a Mits Alloy Evo 2 in the 7' configuration. Great flatbed, but the issue I ran into is that the mounting brackets were raising the bed unnecessarily high and I had a very big gap between the cab and the cab overhang of my camper. I tsked my local off-road shop to lower the bed. I surrendered the centered drawer in the process, but man - I am so glad I did. But the cost adds up. If you work with Bowen, make sure to fully get the numbers and calculate out the gap and if you can live with it. I have a 2022 F250 and it is on 37s. I got the Carli Trophy hitch (not available for RAM) and I really don't care about a rear bumper. If I get rear ended it will go into the hitch.

I love the flatbed and the extra storage + it comes with an additional water tank.

How are you liking the Carli 37" spare hitch? Is the juice worth the squeeze because that's a lot of pesos.

 

[DTAdventure]

How are you liking the Carli 37" spare hitch? Is the juice worth the squeeze because that's a lot of pesos.

It's not perfect. It's not cheap for sure. You lose a little bit of ground clearance with it. I had a rear bumper with dual swing arms before and the spare was mounted on one of the swing arms then, but when I switched to the flatbed that option went away. The Carli hitch fills the void. It is a good product, but like you said - expensive.

 

[Tex68w]

It's not perfect. It's not cheap for sure. You lose a little bit of ground clearance with it. I had a rear bumper with dual swing arms before and the spare was mounted on one of the swing arms then, but when I switched to the flatbed that option went away. The Carli hitch fills the void. It is a good product, but like you said - expensive.

The price is quite literally the only thing that is holding me back from buying one at the moment. I know it's just a matter of time before I break down and order one. Do you trust the strap to be enough in the long run to hold the spare up?

 

[DTAdventure]

The price is quite literally the only thing that is holding me back from buying one at the moment. I know it's just a matter of time before I break down and order one. Do you trust the strap to be enough in the long run to hold the spare up?

This thing is solid. Zero doubts about the strap. It is a high-quality product. The price sucks, but I have peace of mind. I would have to spend my money differently, but in the end the truck needs to get me to places and I go far into the backcountry ....

 

[hdas]

The upcoming BFG KO3 40" tires are a game changer for prospector owners. Tire is a bit narrower and has a more efficient thread. Also notice how it fits the Salta wheels, whereas the TOYO and others requires the Kalta.

If for some reason I decide to go for 40", it seems that it would cost me around 4k including labor;

 

[hdas]

Not much movement, just taking advantage of discounts of the season. All the major purchases were done. Waiting for AEV to finish. Target for the whole build still, end of February, early March.

 

[hdas]

Ok, car is ready….but can’t find a driver willing to come out west to deliver it.



I think eventually I will end putting the brush guard and some lights in the front.

The AEV bill was 25k and change. The shipping costs are going to be around $2k-2.5k round trip.

 

[hdas]

Good podcast with Dave Harrington of AEV on payload and OEM quality.

Link Here

 

[TexasSixSeven]

Ok, car is ready….but can’t find a driver willing to come out west to deliver it.

View attachment 815754

I think eventually I will end putting the brush guard and some lights in the front.

The AEV bill was 25k and change. The shipping costs are going to be around $2k round trip.

Sounds like you need to catch a flight and put that truck to use doing what it’s made to do!

 

[hdas]

Sounds like you need to catch a flight and put that truck to use doing what it’s made to do!

I would but

Shuttle to Airport $120
Flight $300
Taxi/Uber to AEV $100
Michigan tax $ 1500
Cheap Hotel $150
Diesel x 1360 miles $275
Missing 1 day of work $ 500 - $1000

Total $3-3.5k

The shipping will cost me anywhere from $1200 to $1700.

 

[hdas]

Truck on its way….

 

[ramblinChet]

Congratulations on an amazing truck!