West Coast Mags
Adventurer
Love your truck, I'm planning to build something similar.
The Dodge
- Thread starter Desert Proven
- Start date
Desert Proven
Observer
When the camper was on, there really wasn't much sag at all. We removed the factory overload springs and are running mini packs (4 leaf packs that go under the factory leaf springs). This basically gives you the weight carrying capa=city of a 3/4 ton truck, but a much more pliable rear end for off road use. With the Outfitter camper fully loaded and gerry cans full, there was slight sag. Almost undetectable. I estimated that we were carrying about 2500+ pounds in the bed or more on those occasions.
This set up has served us well. I do miss having a camper sometimes, but I enjoy not having to worry about it.
Thanks
This set up has served us well. I do miss having a camper sometimes, but I enjoy not having to worry about it.
Thanks
masterplumber
Observer
So for all around use which do you like better - the FWC or the Gem top. I just took my FWC off my F350 for the winter to do some work on it & I used to have an ARE topper. I'm thinking of going back to the topper for some of the same reasons you mentioned but I'm wondering if I'll miss the standup height & the built in kitchen & storage.
Doug
Doug
Desert Proven
Observer
It's a tough question. I do miss having the camper and the stand up height. However, it always seemed that when I had a camper, I was always repairing something. Not all the repairs were specific to the camper. Some were camper appliances. Camper wiring, etc.
The shell is simple. I bring what I need and set it up. It is also nice if you need to leave camp and not have to break down camp. I can set up camp and then run around in the truck and not have to break down.
There are pro's and con's to each. I'm a big fan of vans and I think my next rig will be a 4x4 van. Then you get the best of both.
The shell is simple. I bring what I need and set it up. It is also nice if you need to leave camp and not have to break down camp. I can set up camp and then run around in the truck and not have to break down.
There are pro's and con's to each. I'm a big fan of vans and I think my next rig will be a 4x4 van. Then you get the best of both.
Desert Proven
Observer
Last time at the scales, I was 7200 pounds without the shell and rear swing aways. With the current set up, we're probably about 8500 pounds.
The diesels are very heavy. Make sure you are running E rated tires!
The diesels are very heavy. Make sure you are running E rated tires!
Desert Proven
Observer
We've run our tires pretty soft and hammered them pretty hard, and haven't really done any damage, or popped a bead. We put a pretty big spike through one of them while in Baja and while watching the local llantera try adn break the bead, I felt a lot better about what I had been doing. I do, however, agree that Bead Locks are the way to go.
I'm pretty fond of the Walker Evans wheels. As far as I know, they are still the strongest of all the aftermarket wheels. They are rated to 3800 pounds each and you can get them custom cut with the correct backspacing for your vehicle. If you need specifics, PM me.
I'm saving for a set myself.
What are you running for suspension? I can't really tell from the pictures, other than it looks pretty cool.
I'm pretty fond of the Walker Evans wheels. As far as I know, they are still the strongest of all the aftermarket wheels. They are rated to 3800 pounds each and you can get them custom cut with the correct backspacing for your vehicle. If you need specifics, PM me.
I'm saving for a set myself.
What are you running for suspension? I can't really tell from the pictures, other than it looks pretty cool.
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jdholder said:
Are you off road racing? If not, for a big full size Diesal about 20lbs to 25lbs is good but I have run less with out issue. Plush ride too.
You risk tire damage by not lowering the air pressure. Could be serious damage like a side wall puncture but breaking off large chunks of rubber is the usual sign of too much pressure.
jdholder
Explorer
mrblond said:
No - not racing at all - just trying to learn what is best for places like - the Mojave Road or Anza Borrego or ... And I am trying to learn this easily (through other's experience) rather than hard (through my own misfortune).
As for bead lock's - the trailer I bought came with 5 additional wheels and tires that are already bead locks - so is there a downside to running them?
Guinness44
Adventurer
Another very strong rim is made by GT Inc. (hummerproducts.com). Think they are rated to 4500 lbs each. They have an extra lip to hold the bead at lower pressure. It mentions Dodge on the page. Give Tom a ring for specs.
BTW, excellent customer service provided.
BTW, excellent customer service provided.
Desert Proven
Observer
As mrblond said, you should be pretty safe running those tires down to about 20-25 psi.
Bead locks only present an issue in the sense that most are NOT DOT approved. Technically, you could be cited for running them on the street.
Bead locks only present an issue in the sense that most are NOT DOT approved. Technically, you could be cited for running them on the street.