Ram 5500 Fire Crew Carrier Overlanding Camper Build

[OverlandFT]

Bunk bed install: I knew when we first got this truck, we would need two beds (two adults, 1 kid). I decided a drop down bunkbed would be one of the only options for the small space. I ended up building a metal frame with a pulley/cable system on unistrut trolleys to make this work. I also added an ATV winch to operate the system. It works great and is rock solid. I later insulated the winch (super loud without) and added some upholstery to finish it off. We added a trifold sofa underneath, which makes a full size bed and is really comfortable with a pillow topper and bedding.

 

[OverlandFT]

Diesel heater: Just a basic heater from Amazon, but works well. I may plumb it into the truck fuel tank at some point, but for now I installed the 10L tank provided.



Water tank: I installed a 20 gallon tank with a pump and spigot. This will be updated and improved, but the tank will stay in this location. I may add another 10 gallon tank to give us 30 Gallons overall. I really just wanted to get a fresh water system onboard before the UT trip.


Batteries: I didn't have the budget for lithium and went with two 105 Amp/Hr AGM batteries. I have room for two more in the cabinet if needed. I also plan to install a solar panel system and 120V inverter.


Fridge: Went with a 45L ICECO fridge/freezer. Simple and works great!



Cassette toilet: Decided a toilet would be a good investment with a 5 year old on a long trip! It was, lol!

 

[OverlandFT]

We just returned from a 5 day trip to UT to visit Zion, Bryce, Escalante and just camping in the back country. The truck did great over about 2K miles. I think the thermostat is stuck open though, because the truck was running cold (150F) when the outside temp was low. I wouldn't have noticed this in PHX, because it's been over 100F degrees everyday since I've own it. On the HWY, the tires were well mannered, not loud at all and smooth. I'm very happy with them! I had tire pressure around 80PSI and may play with lowering the pressure up front for a less jarring ride on worn out roads. I kept the HWY speed around 65MPH and recorded an average of 12.5 MPG. The tires were also great off road, but we just went through FS roads with a few larger rocks and ruts. I do plan on adding 1.5" of lift to the rear, to improve the squat. Otherwise, we're ready to focus on building the interior, adding storage, organize the boxes, roof rack/ladder, and bumper/winch sooner than later.

Also, I forgot to post above that I built a sliding tire carrier for the spare. Pictures below.

 

[OverlandFT]

This a great build.

Could I ask a favor and could you take some pictures of how the boot is handled with the cab rear window being removed? It's always been in my mind to do this with my truck and cap for a passthrough.

Thanks,
D

Sure, I'll do that for you. I just dropped the truck off at the storage lot, but will take some pictures next time I pick it up.

 

[02TahoeMD]

I am a pretty die hard Chevy guy....and I love this entire build. Well done from top to bottom. I may have to start watching government auctions for one of those. Bravo!

 

[OverlandFT]

I am a pretty die hard Chevy guy....and I love this entire build. Well done from top to bottom. I may have to start watching government auctions for one of those. Bravo!

Haha, thanks! I would have preferred a Ford myself over Ram.... Overall I'm really happy we found it and the Cummins is a great engine. Also, you can't beat the turning radius of this truck. I think it's smaller than my wife's Mini Cooper!

I actually saw a very similar gov. military truck for sale at an airstrip a while back. It was a Chevy with a duramax!

 

[OverlandFT]

On our Utah trip, I really noticed the inconsistency with the raptor liner sheen. It low light conditions, the side profile of the truck looked pretty blotchy and just poorly done. In direct light, the coating looked good. When I sprayed the truck, I was focused on getting more coverage over the yellow vs keeping a consistent spray. Reluctantly, I gathered supplies for "round two" of raptor coating! You would think I could get a perfect color match, since I used the same paint shop, paint brand and color mix... but apparently not the case. This time the grey is a bit lighter and I like it just the same. I also chose to take the exterior lights off this time, delete the emergency lights, and raptor lined the rear bumper in black. Overall, round two was worth the effort and I'm much happier with the results.


BEFORE:





AFTER:

 

[OverlandFT]

Also, I added a 1 1/2" block lift from Dodge offroad. That should get take care of the squat!





After the lift (rear up 1-1/2")

 

[wanabxtrm]

That’ll make a lot of great memories!

looks great.

 

[OverlandFT]

I recently decided to make an actual bathroom in the camper. Just a toilet, door, light, fan, and maybe a folding vanity. The shower is permanently outside since it's too short inside the camper and space is limited. So far I cut the box section out of the closest to give more room for a toilet. I lost a bit of my outdoor kitchen, but everything is a compromise with a small camper. Today I'll clean up the welds and seal up the seams. It will be a cozy bathroom lol

 

[Korey H]

On our Utah trip, I really noticed the inconsistency with the raptor liner sheen. It low light conditions, the side profile of the truck looked pretty blotchy and just poorly done. In direct light, the coating looked good. When I sprayed the truck, I was focused on getting more coverage over the yellow vs keeping a consistent spray. Reluctantly, I gathered supplies for "round two" of raptor coating! You would think I could get a perfect color match, since I used the same paint shop, paint brand and color mix... but apparently not the case. This time the grey is a bit lighter and I like it just the same. I also chose to take the exterior lights off this time, delete the emergency lights, and raptor lined the rear bumper in black. Overall, round two was worth the effort and I'm much happier with the results.


BEFORE:
View attachment 622574
View attachment 622575
View attachment 622577


AFTER:
View attachment 622597
View attachment 622598
View attachment 622599
View attachment 622600

Looks great!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[OverlandFT]

A few more updates from the week! I finished sealing the bathroom cutout. Much more work upcoming in the bathroom, but the first step is done. Also, I bought a 2015 Ram grille in black over the weekend. I'm going to leave the cow guard off and start shopping for a real bumper & winch.






Good side view of the truck, showing a lil' bit of rake from the rear lift.


Lastly, test fitting the ladder!

 

[OverlandFT]

Anyone know if I can have the silver stainless steel box handles powder coated black? or any other method of changing them to black?

I plan to replace the locks with tubular cam locks and will need to drill the rivets and remove the handles during that time. I'm thinking it would be a good opportunity for a color change if possible.

 

[OverlandFT]

You should have no problem having your SS handles powder coated... But beware! Not all powder coating is created "equal" Do a little research, Epoxy powder was the "hip stuff" 4 or 5 years ago (in the middle of my last "remodel"). I doubt it will take you 1/2 an hour to find the powder you want... Then find a local firm that sprays it and insist that your parts will be painted with that brand/ name. You can also offer to pay for the paint upfront if you are going to do a lot of parts the same color.

Thanks for the info!

 

[OverlandFT]

I'm working on getting the truck registered as an RV (currently reg as commerical). In AZ, you need 4 of 6 listed requirements for the RV inspection to pass.

Here's the list I found. These items have to be permanently installed:
1.) A cooking facility with on board fuel source <- Induction cooktop
2.) A gas or electric fridge <- cooler fridge is not built-in and may not qualify
3.) Toilet with exterior evacuation <- Cassette toilet won't qualify
4.) Heating or air conditioner separate from engine <- diesel heater installed
5.) Potable water supply with sink, faucet, and water tank with exterior service connection <- working on it
6. ) A 110-125v electric power supply. <- Need to purchase and install

With that said, I recently decided to install an induction cooktop and sink on top of butcher block countertops. I had to split up the sink and cooktop to accommodate the infrastructure and leave enough room for a future seat/table. I also painted the interior white with oil based enamel and am pretty happy with the outcome. This was a few weeks worth of weekend work, I'm just slow to update!