Mid size vs Full size platform for our next build

[OTH Overland]

We have been thinking about our choice of platforms for our next long range overland build. Our thoughts have been to go with a Gladiator/Alucab Canopy Camper as a one rig for all trips build, although overall cost and cargo capacity seem to be the big downsides. The recent addition of the Alu-cab Canopy Cabin for full size Ram trucks opens up the full size option, and the possibility of modifying the 3500 Ram mega cab dually that already sits in the driveway for long distance / extended trips. Thinking we could swap out the bed and rear axle for a single rear wheel setup, adding a lift, larger tires and lockers. Since it already has winch, lighting, comms, on board air and other upgrades, much of the work is already done, The dually configuration is just too wide and limits tire options. Would have plenty of weight capacity, and would be a fraction of the cost of a new rig, albeit 11 inches longer than a standard power wagon. Some accessories such as rock rails would need to be home fabricated as they are not available for mega cabs. Looking for thoughts from others who run full size long wheel base rigs, Love them or hate them?

 

[MidOH]

Or just get a bigger camper like a Bundutec and keep the dually a dually. Do the big dirt roads first.

 

[OTH Overland]

Thanks, I will take a look at the Bundutec site. I have thought about putting the alu-cab on the current bed and switching to a super single tire at the back and running it that way for a while to see how it works out. (don't like the damage that rocks can do when getting stuck in the duals, along with not being able to air down much) that would save me a bunch of time and work, could always to the bed and axle swap later if we hated it. Would still keep a jeep for the local trips on the narrow NW trails and for harder trails in places like Moab.

 

[M Rose]

I like your idea of running a super single tire… the width of the dully isn’t that much more than the mirrors any ways… I think you will find it to work quite well for you. I see a few dullies running the trails around here during hunting season… and they do ok.

 

[Longshot270]

My parents do a mother ship setup keeping the main truck/trailer off a forest road and use the horses for exploration. Definitely keeps you from getting stranded with a heavy rig broke down or stuck in a place nobody can get it out of.

 

[OTH Overland]

I like your idea of running a super single tire… the width of the dully isn’t that much more than the mirrors any ways… I think you will find it to work quite well for you. I see a few dullies running the trails around here during hunting season… and they do ok.

I think we finally came to a decision last night, Gladiator is going to be out for now due to payload limits and huge initial cost. Ram will stay as is until we get our shop finished, then pull the box, super single it, and add a custom made expedition type box. Overall cost will be a lot less than the other options, and we will have a 4 season rig for our extended trips. Both current jeeps (WJ & XK) will get replaced with a newer JK (If we can find one that does not cost an arm and a leg) for local NW trails and to pull behind the motorhome or Ram when needed. Found we got caught up in the desire to build a brand new rig when it really does not make practical or financial sense i.e. don't need another payment....and we have the tools and knowledge to do it ourselves...

 

[OTH Overland]

My parents do a mother ship setup keeping the main truck/trailer off a forest road and use the horses for exploration. Definitely keeps you from getting stranded with a heavy rig broke down or stuck in a place nobody can get it out of.

We do the mother ship / base camp option with our motorhome and WJ jeep, works well when we are exploring around a central area for a week or two, but we do find ourselves more and more into the travel portion and enjoy the flexibility of traversing several states without having to back track and move the base camp. defiantly advantages to both options. and hoping good maintenance, smart driving decisions, and a little luck will keep us out of paying for an expensive extraction..lol

 

[MidOH]

I dont think you need to do anything to the axles. On a pickup DRW. Just order 5 wheels, and toss the front spacers.

But I'm a Ford guy, so might be different.

A Bundutec tray camper would be awesome. Like a little Earthroamer. Flatbed campers get right side doors as well, which is really nicer than rear doors.