I'd skip the bed steps, and just learn to walk up the rear tires.
The rest depends on alignment, installer competence, and tire selection. But both of those options that you listed are great, and there's people running each here.
I did that for a bit on my old GMC. While it worked it wasn't something I really enjoyed doing for "daily" use of the bed.
I’m currently in a 3500 with the AEV DS on 37s. Love it. It rides rough on the stock springs though. So I plan on swapping the springs and shocks.
Handling is better due to the flipped drag link.
The total height of the truck on just 37s is just under 84” I think it’s 82.5 on my Nitto RG, but depending on tire choice YMMV.
If you’re looking for ride quality, go Carli.
I hear that Carli is amazing for ride quality. My current "issue" is that I have a 2500, and I paid a bit too much attention to the towing numbers. I had looked at GMC and Ford also and didn't realize that the Ram was so much lower than the other two. I worry that if I sacrifice ~15% of my payload and towing I'm getting close to half ton numbers and doing any longer trips or trips with my buddies will be basically impossible unless we put all our gear in a trailer. If I had gone with a 3500 it would be far less concern but here I am. Truck is 1 week old and while I got a good deal I'm sure if I traded now I'd lose my shirt.
I'd give Thuren a call. Small company with loads of experience. Speak to Chris. They won't oversell you.
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I looked into them as well. Same issue as Carli from what I'm seeing, which is payload/towing loss.
I'm running almost exactly what you are looking at for an option - 2017 Ram 2500 Megacab with 3" DS, 40" Toyo MT, Amp steps, bunch of other stuff like new gears, steering assist, lockers, etc..
If you have an instagram account my handle is the same as here PaxG56. I just started the account a few weeks ago to put pictures of the truck on it and some build details - 10s of followers
My feedback is that I've driven the truck over 35k miles in this configuration and towed a around 5k miles of that with probably a max load of around 12k lbs. I haven't noticed any difference in payload or towing but you have to make sure you have the right set up and tires. I also added a free spin kit on the front axle to give me peace of mind with the heavy tire/rim instead of the factory wheel bearing assembly. I daily drive this truck and haven't regretted the build after 2 years (owned for 3). If you have questions feel free to PM me or ask here or my IG account. I'm happy to share and I'm in VA if you happen to be on the east coast.
I shot you a message on instagram. I'm very curious to how the added height is for daily driving. Not so much for when you're driving the truck, I sort of know what to expect there, but more getting in and out. Using the bed for weekend trips to home depot. I also have a newborn so getting his carrier into the truck needs to be straight forward and not involve a ladder.
I've put 30k miles on my '18 2500 PowerWagon in the past year with 25k-ish of those miles with AEV wheels and 37" Toyo MTs. The truck is on stock PW suspension with only minor plastic/pinch seam trimming. I think it drives great, and gets decent mileage. No complaints whatsoever. There are a bunch of pics in the link from when I drove it out West from NY
September into October 2019 It’s impossible to go online these days in the world of overlanding and social media without being inundated with beautiful pictures of built up rigs and backdrops of majestic mountains. Being born and raised in New York, this world feels completely out of touch. For...
www.expeditionportal.com
Firstly, beautiful truck and great photos. I'm in NH, so not too far from you as things go and have been chatting with my wife about doing basically this same trip but with a trailer (2 dogs, plus newborn). I'd love to know how you broke up the travel towards the west, how many days it took, etc.
Onto the truck, that's basically exactly the setup I'm considering (cap and all). Mine is a diesel so I don't have the factory 2", but with the AEV 3" lift that is only the difference of an inch which I can't think would be noticeable. I've seen a lot of guys do a level with 37s and I love the look. Less space between the top of the wheel well and top of the tire, but not sure if it would have enough travel for back roads. I don't take many/any technical trails and not looking to run moab with it. Mostly want the ability to deal with the standard offroad trail challenges. I think 37s would be more than enough for the task but I'm also a large child so is 37s who not 41s? Just wanting to make sure I don't ruin the daily drivability of the thing.
Can't wait to see more photos man, beautiful stuff.
