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  1. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    Very slow progress, but have finally removed the partial frame reinforcements that were badly rusted out and fabricated new plates. Got them mounted up yesterday and now just waiting for new leaf spring pivot bolts and bump stops. Next is to remove the cab rear window and replace with a metal...
  2. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    I have owned a number of small businesses and just don't feel comfortable sharing prices. Staz is just a phone call away and a very responsive business owner! I had my quote from him while on the phone. The centers he machines and are bolted to the MRAP rims just like the military wheels. I...
  3. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    No inserts yet as from my reading I will be able to run the Pirelli's quite low without them. If you are going to roll a bead it will very likely be the fronts. Easy enough to add them later if needed. The tires I went with (mainly due to a good deal) are the Perelli PS22's, 335/80/20. Staz...
  4. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    Indeed, those were an entirely different design. These are modified MRAP rims with the standard 14 bolts.
  5. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    Indeed...I am leaning towards a center rear pivot with some kind of locking mechanism for keeping the box more stable during road drives. Lots of good examples out there....now all I need is a plasma cutter, that likely won't happen :)
  6. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    I have also seen the old videos/articles about some of his earliest wheels and the bolt failures. The ones I have are an entirely different design which simply uses a newly machined inner plate that uses the stock MRAP bolts to the rim. When mounting I did check all of these bolts and they...
  7. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    I have read countless threads about the pros and cons of various composite walls and construction methods. Suffice it to say that I am undecided and plan on finishing the design first, then determining the one that is right for me. I have owned 11 different campers and certainly understand the...
  8. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    I disagree about the quality/strength of Styromax...Have a look at this: StyroMAX DIY Workshop- How strong is the glue? - YouTube Also I am not a fan of the Total composites look/corners and lack of internal routing for utilities and strength reinforcements.
  9. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    Still a thought in progress. I had everything designed up prior to purchasing the truck, but now am in rework mode as where I had the entry door is directly over the rear tires and I want a pocket below the door for stow-away steps. I am designing in Fusion 360. I am very much leaning towards...
  10. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    There are a lot of very informative videos available that will get you going quite easily. I used an old Pi-3 that I had laying around for the "server" very low power and dependable which is a necessity in any rig. I did not find it hard to use at all. You do NOT need to know how to program...
  11. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    Also...Have about 20% of the camper automation built using Node Red for the user interface and a Raspberry Pi on the back end with SQL database for logging. A bunch of wireless light switches, cameras, climate sensors. Working on the undercarriage cameras (so I can see what I am about to hit...
  12. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    And I have my new custom MRAP wheels from Staz, and have Pirelli's mounted.
  13. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    Progress is slow...Day job is demanding right now. I have most of the interior stripped out and nearly ready for Raptor lining. Since this was a Florida work truck the amount of sand in every nook and cranny was astounding! Without exaggeration, I vacuumed out >10 pounds of sand! Most of the...
  14. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    Taking the old work bed/rack off...A bit of a chore to plasma cut through where they welded the rear of the bed directly to the frame. Also a bit sketchy lifting it off and driving out from underneath, but no injuries!! Some bad rust between the wrapped frame reinforcement L-beams as again...
  15. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    Oh yea, it is in the truck and the other was a core. No spare for me!
  16. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    Flew down to Orlando with my Son to pick up and after showing them proof of insurance and working through the local sales tax issue. I went down on a Friday thinking that if some minor repairs were needed... I would have a fighting chance to do some work and get a part or two. Got a golf cart...
  17. Tomadoggy

    C5500 (Kodiak) - Composite Expedition Build is Underway

    Well as I am near a point in life where extended exploration can commence...It is time to take all that is in my head (and on my computer) and turn it into and adventure reality. After looking at all the available chassis options I settled on a 2005 GMC Kodiak. Found a bit of a Unicorn as it...
  18. Tomadoggy

    Wanted - Continental MPT 81 tires

    Thanks to all for the feedback. Going to go with Colony Tire and the PS22's in 335/80R20. After reading and talking to a number of sellers of this tire, good reviews overall. Yes the date stamps are technically out of date...but these tires apparently have been indoors all their life and in...
  19. Tomadoggy

    Wanted - Continental MPT 81 tires

    Called Earthroamer (is only about 35 miles from my house) but even though the receptionist was nice...they won't in any way shape or form assist anyone that is not an Earthroamer customer, not a bad suggestion thought.
  20. Tomadoggy

    Wanted - Continental MPT 81 tires

    Thanks for the suggestion, Looks like they have them for $525, Shipping to business with dock/forklift Total for 5 = $3,014
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