Full-size trucks are swiftly becoming the default choice for overlanders planning long-term trips or living on the road full-time (listen to Why Full-Size Trucks Should Be Seriously Considered for Overlanding on the Overland Journal podcast). The reality is that big pickups offer many advantages over their mid-size counterparts with limited drawbacks and are, in most respects, better suited to the demands of off-grid travel. With this in mind, the Ram 3500 is a popular choice and is well-appointed from the factory for exploration. Publisher Scott Brady states, “While the Power Wagon gets all the off-road attention, the 2500 and 3500s have quietly overtaken the #1 seat in the full-size overland segment. With the combination of solid axles, the Cummins motor, and the aftermarket support of companies like AEV (American Expedition Vehicles), the Ram has consistently ranked as the most popular big truck for our audience.” Cue today’s 2005 Ram 3500 (150,000 miles), which showcases the “million-mile” 5.9 liter Cummins diesel (famous for its low-end torque) and a long list of premium modifications. In addition, it’s undergone extensive mechanical servicing and upgrades for total peace of mind. These include a complete transmission rebuild with BD performance pan, transfer case rebuild with upgraded flanges, rebuilt front axle with free spin hubs, Fass Platinum fuel delivery/filtration system, and much more (see original listing for details). This turnkey rig has already been extensively proven and would serve as the ideal platform for a camper or habitation box. If you’d like to better understand the merits of this vehicle for travel, check out the adventures of the Mortells, Girl Gone Glamping, and Off Grid 4×4.
From the Seller:
“This Dodge is the last of its kind before ‘the DEF of the American diesel truck.’ It has been thoughtfully upgraded with reliability and capability in mind. We wanted something that could take us on any terrain and a setup that could handle a camper, trailer, haul a Jeep, and also tow loads for construction projects. We’ve taken it on sand, up mountains hauling a ton of weight, and on ice and snow. It doesn’t bat an eye. We bought it at the Overland Expo in Oregon to drive home on a long 3-month trip to Washington, DC, and have used it as a beach camping vehicle on the East Coast since then. We are a family of three with two dogs. We mostly used it with a cab-over camper, which felt agile and flexible for everything from Yellowstone to the Badlands and hot MD beach camping. Our favorite feature ended up being the 60-gallon fuel tank. For those parts of the country where gas stations are few and far between, we had absolutely no worries about making it from place to place. [Another bonus], we didn’t have to risk waking up our 1-year-old for midday gas stops (IYKYK). Another thing we loved was the Milwaukee packout system. We put pack-out base plates around the foot of our camper (which was a Bigfoot, already sold) to use for external storage, and then without the camper on there, the boxes served as removable walls for when we wanted to haul furniture or use it as a classic truck bed. We are selling because we need a different interior configuration for car seats and dogs, but we know we’ll miss the power and reliability of this rig.”
2005 Ram 3500
The 3500 is fitted with a 5.9-liter diesel motor that, in stock form, produces 325 horsepower and a considerable 610 pound-feet of torque (today’s example has been uprated). An exceptionally long-lived Cummins engine is matched with impressive capability thanks to 4WD, a lifted and uprated suspension, rear limited-slip differential, skid plates, high and low range, and manual locking Dynatrac front hubs. Inside driver comforts include:
- Cruise control
- Air-conditioning
- Sony stereo
- Center console with cupholders
- Powered seats from a 2018 Ram
- Multi-function steering wheel
- Heavy-duty floor liners
- Fourth-gen Ram mirrors and interior upgrades
Distinguishing Features
- Custom powder-coated flatbed with integrated storage
- Full Milwaukee pack-out integration
- Raptor running boards
- Thuren suspension system with upgraded shocks, track arms, leaf pack, and more
- Black Rhino wheels with Toyo Open Country A/T tires
- LED lighting throughout
- Sound deadening
- Titan 60-gallon fuel tank
This 2005 Ram 3500 is listed for $42,000 OBO and is currently located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Tel: 240-418-4922
