RAM5500 CAMPERTHING
OG Portal Member #183
Hey Guys
It's been a LONGGG time since i built up a rig, but i am really enjoying this build. I do a lot of dirtbike riding/racing, and got tired of towing around and dealing with my toy hauler. Sold the toyhauler, and decided i was going to just build up my truck to serve the same purpose. Did a few months of research, and came up with what i feel is the ideal plan for this build, and i will try to explain why.
This build is a bit different then most. Even back in the day, when i built up a rig i always used the same, keep it as simple as possible. The less moving parts the better. I've done the whole roof top tent thing, it was "cool" but i never really dug the idea of that much weight messing up the center of gravity, and the 3-4mpg it eats up. Anyway, here is my build, not quite done, but getting there..
DONE:
STILL TO DO:
The truck started out as a 2014 TRD SR5 4x4 Double Cab, bought new. First thing i did was swap out all of the chrome to the matte black OEM pieces that come on the base model.
Since i very rarely have more than one person with me, and the truck is always filled with camping or dirt bike gear, i removed alll the rear seating, and designed a platform for the fridge, inverter, AUX battery, and fuse block
I went through several iterations of how i wanted everything layed out and wear, and decided the battery would be in the center of the platform, mounted with an Artec Industries mount.
I went with the Odyssey PC2150 for the biggest deep cycle readily available. I mounted the Artect mount using flush stainless allen heads with barbed insert nuts underneath,
For the dual battery system, i chose to use a Power Gate Perfect Switch Dual Rectifier Isolator.. I have used them in 3 other previous builds and they have performed flawlessly under the harshest conditions, and are made locally!
I mounted the Isolator under the hood in the engine compartment on the passenger side, close to firewall, and wired it all with marine grade custom cables.
It's been a LONGGG time since i built up a rig, but i am really enjoying this build. I do a lot of dirtbike riding/racing, and got tired of towing around and dealing with my toy hauler. Sold the toyhauler, and decided i was going to just build up my truck to serve the same purpose. Did a few months of research, and came up with what i feel is the ideal plan for this build, and i will try to explain why.
This build is a bit different then most. Even back in the day, when i built up a rig i always used the same, keep it as simple as possible. The less moving parts the better. I've done the whole roof top tent thing, it was "cool" but i never really dug the idea of that much weight messing up the center of gravity, and the 3-4mpg it eats up. Anyway, here is my build, not quite done, but getting there..
DONE:
- Camper Shell www.leer.com
- Sleeping Platform Drawer Sytem www.decked.com
- ARB 63qt Fridge: http://store.arbusa.com/Fridges-C11.aspx
- ARB Series 2000 Awning: http://store.arbusa.com/Touring-Camping-Gear-C18.aspx
- Inverter: www.xantrex.com
- Shower: www.roadshower.com
- Dual Batteries: www.perfectswitch.com/ and www.westmarine.com
- Renogy 100 Watt Solar Suitcase: http://www.renogy-store.com/Renogy-100W-12V-Mono-Portable-Solar-Suitcase-p/kit-stcs100d.htm
- 2012 Toyota OEM Rock Warrior 17" TRD Wheels
- 305/70-17 Nitto Terra Grappler Tires
STILL TO DO:
- Suspension: Still undecided but leaning towards Old Man Emu
- Clean up the wiring
- Finish passenger side of fridge platform for storage
- Line-X or similar coat the wood
The truck started out as a 2014 TRD SR5 4x4 Double Cab, bought new. First thing i did was swap out all of the chrome to the matte black OEM pieces that come on the base model.
Since i very rarely have more than one person with me, and the truck is always filled with camping or dirt bike gear, i removed alll the rear seating, and designed a platform for the fridge, inverter, AUX battery, and fuse block
I went through several iterations of how i wanted everything layed out and wear, and decided the battery would be in the center of the platform, mounted with an Artec Industries mount.
I went with the Odyssey PC2150 for the biggest deep cycle readily available. I mounted the Artect mount using flush stainless allen heads with barbed insert nuts underneath,
For the dual battery system, i chose to use a Power Gate Perfect Switch Dual Rectifier Isolator.. I have used them in 3 other previous builds and they have performed flawlessly under the harshest conditions, and are made locally!
I mounted the Isolator under the hood in the engine compartment on the passenger side, close to firewall, and wired it all with marine grade custom cables.
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