Project 2013 Ram 2500- Mods

[lchrum]

Made a cap rack for my ARE. I came across some 2020 series (2”x2”) extrusion at the local metal shop. These were made into a 9’x4’ frame of some Sort with various crossmembers. Picked up exerything I needed for the rack for less than $180. I disassembled it. The stuff is really fun to work with and it’s like an erector set for adults. I’ve decided to go with a 3/16 x 3 alubar for the sides. I am certainly no metal expert but I think this turned out pretty good for 75% less money than a prinsu. I can always add holes later if I want to and the sides and the 2” x 2” crossbars are ridiculously solid.

 

[lchrum]

Made a cap rack for my ARE. I came across some 2020 series (2”x2”) extrusion at the local metal shop. These were made into a 9’x4’ frame of some Sort with various crossmembers. Picked up exerything I needed for the rack for less than $180. I disassembled it. The stuff is really fun to work with and it’s like an erector set for adults. I’ve decided to go with a 3/16 x 3 alubar for the sides. I am certainly no metal expert but I think this turned out pretty good for 75% less money than a prinsu. I can always add holes later if I want to and the sides and the 2” x 2” crossbars are ridiculously solid.View attachment 536054View attachment 536055View attachment 536056View attachment 536057View attachment 536058View attachment 536059

Here are more pics of the mounting. I had extra 1” x 1” extrusion. I cut four pieces 10 1/2 inches long to match the spread on the outside of the bars. I used four 1 1/2 inch stainless steel lag bolts in each bar. I slid the bolts through the track at the bottom and I put a piece of window seal between the bar in the shell. Inside the cab are used a piece of 1 inch aluminum stock and made a single “washer” then lock washers and nuts. I probably went overboard, but I didn’t want this thing to move. It is VERY very solid.

The other plus about buying the Scrap, is that I ended up with a ton of extra parts, t- nuts, drop in nuts and brackets. Lots of extra bolts and about 10 ft of extra 2”x2” extrusion also. I probably have $60-80 in extra parts.
The extras make the possibilities endless. Sides for lumber. Brackets for an awning. Feet for any kind of box I put up there.

 

[lchrum]

Now for a little organization. I wanted a nice platform for sleeping and something that would still be able to handle loads from the DIY stores. This worked out great. I built a 3 drawer system that slide out to a full 6 ft. The middle drawer can hold 12 ammo cans from Harbor Freight. Other dresses are great for camping gear and tools. View attachment 535560View attachment 535561View attachment 535562View attachment 535563 And of course the bottle opener.

Here are a few more pics for those that were asking. I made 4 cubby holes in the sides to put misc crap. The drawers are all ply and I put a very generous amount of canning wax in the box and drawer bottoms. The slide super easy.

Velcro gloves attach to the carpet. Very handy.

 

[jrob]

Nice work sir.
Looks liks we have some pretty similar ideas...mines an oil burner though.
My drawers are similar, but I left the center bay open for long stuff like skis.

 

[D45]

Which motor, 5.7 or 6.4

 

[lchrum]

Nice work sir.
Looks liks we have some pretty similar ideas...mines an oil burner though.
My drawers are similar, but I left the center bay open for long stuff like skis. View attachment 536218View attachment 536219

Looks good. You have a leveling kit ?

 

[lchrum]

Which motor, 5.7 or 6.4

5.7. I contemplated the 6.4. The 5.7 seems to do the work I need. I pulled a 33ft travel trailer with no issues. If I made frequent elevation trips, the 6.4 would make more sense.

 

[lchrum]

Here are a few more pics for those that were asking. I made 4 cubby holes in the sides to put misc crap. The drawers are all ply and I put a very generous amount of canning wax in the box and drawer bottoms. The slide super easy.

Velcro gloves attach to the carpet. Very handy.View attachment 536140View attachment 536141View attachment 536142View attachment 536143View attachment 536144View attachment 536145

Made some blackout curtains. They tuck into the track nicely. I used Reflexticsl

Here are a few more pics for those that were asking. I made 4 cubby holes in the sides to put misc crap. The drawers are all ply and I put a very generous amount of canning wax in the box and drawer bottoms. The slide super easy.

Velcro gloves attach to the carpet. Very handy.View attachment 536140View attachment 536141View attachment 536142View attachment 536143View attachment 536144View attachment 536145

i made blackout curtains tonight. Reflectix wrapped in black material. Sewed them up and they tuck into the groove by the glass so I can still open the windows when I need to. My latches are through the glass so I made slits and Velcro tabs to keep the light in/out.

 

[D45]

5.7. I contemplated the 6.4. The 5.7 seems to do the work I need. I pulled a 33ft travel trailer with no issues. If I made frequent elevation trips, the 6.4 would make more sense.

What gears are in the axles?

You have rear coils?

 

[lchrum]

What gears are in the axles?

You have rear coils?

It has the 3.73 gears and rear springs. The coils were not an option until 2014 i think.

 

[lchrum]

Nice work sir.
Looks liks we have some pretty similar ideas...mines an oil burner though.
My drawers are similar, but I left the center bay open for long stuff like skis. View attachment 536218View attachment 536219

are those the stock fender flares?

 

[lchrum]

View attachment 535542Bought a stock tradesman 2500 4x4 hemi last summer. Found a steal on these wheels and tires. I sold The stock 17” steelies and put in $200 cash to get these 20” rockstars with Nitto Grapplers with90% tread. I’d prefer 18” beadlocks, but can’t complain.

Full chrome delete today!! I’ve been wanting to shoot my bumpers with raptor liner since I did the ARE shell. Today was the day. I hit the bumpers with 80 grit and self etching primer. While I was at it I decided the grill would look way better in raptor. I love my wheels, but the center stars were always too much for me in chrome. I could have easily bought black replacements but since I had the raptor out.... I love the look!!!

 

[D45]

You feel that the 5.7L with 3.73s in such a heavy truck has good power?

What tire size?

What's your mpg?

 

[lchrum]

You feel that the 5.7L with 3.73s in such a heavy truck has good power?

What tire size?

What's your mpg?

Tires are 275/65/20. And I get 10-12 city. Around 16-18 hwy. I can get 20 at 60mph on long trips. But I rarely drive 60. It has plenty of power. The engine barely notices a 30ft trailer. If I lived in a really hilly or mountain region I might opt for 4:10 and prob the 6.4. I really like the security knowing tat the 5.7 is such a popular motor and if something were to go wrong I don’t have to wait too long for repairs. This is my 4th truck with the 5.7, and 2nd 2500. I’ve never had problems with the power train or motor in any of them.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

You feel that the 5.7L with 3.73s in such a heavy truck has good power?

What tire size?

What's your mpg?

I had a 2004 HD Hemi with 3.73 gears and 35” tires and it did just fine. I prefer the 4.56’s in my Power Wagon, but my 2004 was a damn good truck.