Project - Upgrade my 2022 Adventures

[bernardocolorado]

As my current job might be coming to an end, I'm looking to upgrade to a full time expedition vehicle, capable of working remotely and traveling internationally, 4-season Worthy (skiing, deep Winter, maybe Alaska?).

I own a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Diesel with a nuCamp Cirrus 620. I love everything about it but already see its limitations and if I'm going to travel full time for a while, potentially even down to SA, I need more storage and greater confidence in it's reliability.

I would like to upgrade to a 350 base truck. I generally love diesels, but I like the Ford Gaszilla for lack of DEF and easier international travel. I love the interior of the RAM trucks, and would likely go full Crew Cab for the ease of storage and access to key items (traveling solo or +1).

I would install a flat bed ideally with some storage (skis, climbing equipment, off-road recovery gear) and either find a custom builder for the shell, or upgrade to an 8'+ slide in camper and find a way to make it look good.

Mostly just using this space to think out loud, brainstorm, get ideas and recommendations fr the community, and post a build log with photos and current travel adventures...

• Strong opinions on Ford vs RAM 3500 series?
• Gas vs Diesel for South America (mostly Patagonia, Chile, Peru)

 

[bernardocolorado]

Current rig...

 

[GeorgeHayduke]

For South America, diesel seems like a nonstarter with DEF, ULSD, and other emissions equipment unless you're looking at an older truck. For AK, diesel should be no problem. Honestly, I think I would pick two totally different trucks for your two destinations. Do you really want to be that American with a 100k+ rig in South America? I've been to Peru, Chile, Patagonia, etc. Get an old van or a red ranger/hilux and try to live like the locals. For AK, go full send with a diesel 3500.

The current Ram HD crew cabs are a bit smaller than the other domestics, so wheelbase and turn radius are much better but you don't get the flat floor in the rear of the cab. Like you, I much prefer the Ram interior. The Ford 7.3 gasser looks awesome, as does the 10 speed tranny and factory rear e-locker. I'd go Ford gasser or Ram diesel. Lockers and gears aren't as widely available on the 2019+ Rams, especially if you get the HO motor and 12" rear AAM axle. Carli/Thuren suspension either way with Deaver leafs customized for your loaded weight.

Maybe take a look at a Total Composites flatbed shell and build out the interior. Or put boxes on the flatbed for skis and get a Scout Kenai or one of the TC slide in truck camper models. It's cold in the places you're looking at going, think about fuel choices for heat, cooking, and the vehicle. Lots of new Chinese diesel heaters on the market that are giving Webasto/Espar a run for their money. Also think about toilet choices: black tank, cassette, composting, etc.

 

[bernardocolorado]

Thanks for the insights, @GeorgeHayduke !

I don't mind being THAT American since I'm not American Brown and dark and EU passport means I can blend in... but for real, I do agree and prefer to keep it low-key in South America. But I would rather not change vehicles, get my adventure rig ready for any location on the American continent.

I'm pretty set on the 7.3L Godzilla at this point, seems to be the best of both worlds, and even if it ends up having atrocious gas mileage, the break-even compared to diesel is quite a few years out. I'm entertaining a few available F350 builds right now with the Tremor package, dual batteries, dual amps, 6-3/4ft bed. Feels like the 8ft bed is overkill and the additional WB length makes it even harder to get around in those small villages/roads. I'm not looking for an EarthRoamer replacement, just big enough to be comfortable and have storage for toys.

Submitted a request with Total composites, thanks for the lead, love the concept. Would want to find someone to do the interior if I go that direction. I like my Cirrus right now and may keep it for a while, which makes boxes on the flat bed very tempting for current and future use.

 

[SDDiver5]

I've been thinking about what I'm about to say a lot recently so keep it in mind

So, Just a thought, sell your current set up when it is time and find a build that generally meets your needs. With covid generally slowing down, people getting back to work and things opening up I think there will be a lot of overland/expedition type vehicles coming for sale. This way instead of building your own and spending $$$$ and countless hours doing so, you can find one already done and upgrade what you want/need. Maybe save yourself some time and money.

The campers, vans, trucks, boats etc are starting to hit local CL and Ebay. There have been a few even posted on here. I myself am looking for a boat.

There's a certain romance to building your own and I totally get the desire to want to do so and if you have the time, money and skillset to do it, I say go for it!

 

[GeorgeHayduke]

@bernardocolorado sorry to have mistaken your nationality! I assumed you were from Colorado, USA based on your username. Mea culpa.

I think the 7.3 is a great choice. The Tremor package looks pretty awesome right out of the box too. If you poke around on the Tremor forums, I believe you'll find that the F250 and F350 gasser Tremors have the same mechanical parts on the rear suspension, and just different payload stickers for insurance/registration purposes. Might allow you to consider more vehicles if you have trouble finding F350 Tremors.

One advantage to the crew cab long bed Fords is that they can be had with the 48 gallon gas tank from the factory. EPA regs are more restrictive on aftermarket gas tanks than diesel, so that might be a consideration if range on the Tremor is a concern. However, as you pointed out the wheelbase becomes a big drawback. No free lunch and all that.

If you don't need a crew cab and wheelbase is a priority you could look at a gasser cabover like a fuso or NPR. I think the EarthCruiser CORE comes with the the Chevy 6.0 gas. Or for that matter look at an F450/550 chassis cab and super single rear tire conversion with reg/extended/crew cab as needed. They come with a wider front axle that gives a better turn radius.

 

[bernardocolorado]

@bernardocolorado sorry to have mistaken your nationality! I assumed you were from Colorado, USA based on your username. Mea culpa.

Not at all, no worries. I'm sorry my reply now seems snarkier than I intended. I am infact in Colorado, loving it here and very grateful to be allowed as a resident of this country! I plan to do lots of traveling in the western states with this rig before going south...

---

I really like the crew cab. Unless I build a passthrough. Which seems like a massive PITA. The crew cab gives me ample room to have storage in the back, quick access to essentials, maybe room to change when I get to a trailhead, maybe room to relax for a moment if I'm caught in a torrential downpour and don't want to get out. Just something about having that space there that gives me comfort. I would probably leave one of the seats, tear the rest out and build very accessible storage.

Thanks for the further info. I'll look into the gas tank problem. Argh! I found a great 350 Tremor configuration I'm ready to pull the trigger on. I was surprised by the Tremor package - at first skeptical about OEM off-road packages like that, but for the price it seems like a no-brainer, even if later I end up upgrading some components.

 

[bernardocolorado]

Well, it happened...



2021 F350 Tremor 6-3/4ft bed
7.3L
Bunch of junk (as in, fun options like heated seats and sunroof)
Dual battery, dual alternator.

 

[bernardocolorado]

So I'm looking into upgrading the battery on my Cirrus as the first step.

Currently has a cheap lead acid crap battery. It has 210W worth of solar. I'm thinking 100-200Ah worth of LiPoFe batteries.

What should I keep in mind?

Looks like most Li basis batteries now come with management systems built in?

There's room for 2'ish depending on model and size, I'm semi-competent and will connect them in parallel.

 

[DJSponge]

How do you access the roof? Hatch above the bed? I like the 620, but wish they could fit a shower in it like the previous model...following...

 

[GeorgeHayduke]

Truck and camper combo look great! How does the Tremor suspension handle the camper weight? Let us know what the MPG is like with the camper after you get to know the setup. The Tremor with the 7.3 looks like a great package, but my main concern is range with a camper loaded.