Hello WTW!
Been lurking here for a few weeks, seems like a perfect fit for the kind of overlanding and camping I do. Before I ask my first question, let me introduce myself.
I'm currently wheeling a `96 LandCruiser, 2.5" OME heavy springs and shocks, on 285/75r16 duratracs. Got it pretty well decked out for overlanding, 2nd battery, fridge in the back on homemade shelf system.
I'm thinking hard about replacing it with a truck camper setup. Space is pretty tight in the LC with the wife, 2 kids, and dog. We do a lot of tent camping, and I'd like to be able to extend our season to be year-round. I'm dreaming about a flatbed setup with either a FWC or ATC camper, modded somehow to sleep 4.
First things first: the truck.
After the requisite drooling over the Power Wagon, I came to the inescapable conclusion that the payload and range(mpg) just isn't there. I'm quite sensitive to the idea of not overloading the GVWR too badly - I think I've done this on the LC and the braking / handling really suffer.
I think that a late model Ram 2500 / 3500 CTD Crew Cab short wheelbase is the platform for me. The question is, which one? Ram 2500 has the 5-link rear suspension, which sounds attractive to me for on and off-road handling, but payload rating is a tad light at 2230. Ram 3500 has leaf springs in the rear, but has 4000lbs payload.
I'd like to be running 35" x 12.5" , E-rated tires for clearance, and I'm very open to upgrading the suspension (carli? thuren? rancho?)
Thoughts? What setup do you think would give me the optimal balance of highway manners and off-road capability?
Thanks!
Been lurking here for a few weeks, seems like a perfect fit for the kind of overlanding and camping I do. Before I ask my first question, let me introduce myself.
I'm currently wheeling a `96 LandCruiser, 2.5" OME heavy springs and shocks, on 285/75r16 duratracs. Got it pretty well decked out for overlanding, 2nd battery, fridge in the back on homemade shelf system.
I'm thinking hard about replacing it with a truck camper setup. Space is pretty tight in the LC with the wife, 2 kids, and dog. We do a lot of tent camping, and I'd like to be able to extend our season to be year-round. I'm dreaming about a flatbed setup with either a FWC or ATC camper, modded somehow to sleep 4.
First things first: the truck.
After the requisite drooling over the Power Wagon, I came to the inescapable conclusion that the payload and range(mpg) just isn't there. I'm quite sensitive to the idea of not overloading the GVWR too badly - I think I've done this on the LC and the braking / handling really suffer.
I think that a late model Ram 2500 / 3500 CTD Crew Cab short wheelbase is the platform for me. The question is, which one? Ram 2500 has the 5-link rear suspension, which sounds attractive to me for on and off-road handling, but payload rating is a tad light at 2230. Ram 3500 has leaf springs in the rear, but has 4000lbs payload.
I'd like to be running 35" x 12.5" , E-rated tires for clearance, and I'm very open to upgrading the suspension (carli? thuren? rancho?)
Thoughts? What setup do you think would give me the optimal balance of highway manners and off-road capability?
Thanks!