Just wanted to start a build thread on my new 2022 Ram 2500 Big Horn. I'll be slowly building this truck up over the next 9 months or so as I await my flatbed truck camper from Total Composites. I come from the Toyota world so this is my first introduction and experience with a truck from the Big 3. Ford and Ram were my top two choices but I really like the interior fit and feel of the Ram HD's and the fact that I HATE the Ford door chime, it's the most annoying noise I've come across in a vehicle. I also appreciated the shorter length of the Ram HD's as I have a shorter driveway so I didn't want the extra length of a 6.75' bed. The Ram's look the best and have an abundance of aftermarket support as well. Now I bought a Ram 2500 and I understand some of the advantages and shortcomings with that platform. Payload on the door is 2180lbs which is much less than other 3/4 tons. I spoke with BVO and Technique Vehicle Outfitters, either of whom I'll be doing my build with and it seems like we can make this work without going too far over GVWR. I know BVO has done 2500 builds with flatbed OEV campers with success. Should I have gotten a 3500? Probably. However I was able to get this 22' Ram 2500 on the lot, within an hour of where I live with about 90% of the options I wanted. I got a decent deal off MSRP for it and got in with low interest rates before the fed rate hike. Plus I was able to get it without a wait and got decent trade in on my 2011 Tacoma. We'll make this work.
My intention for this build is to have a 4 season ski base camp. Our two favorite resorts allow overnight camping so we'll take advantage of this without having to spend money for lodging. It will be nice to have a place to rest up at night and get up on the lifts early. We went back and forth on a hard side and pop-up soft side but ultimately decided a hardside camper would be the best for our use. We wanted true 4 season performance without dealing with thermal transfer. After doing our research we decided on a Total Composites 6.5' flatbed camper. These are shell campers that you can DIY yourself or have a builder spec out for you. The focus on my camper will be in storage space and seating area and I'll keep the heat, water, and cooking systems very simple and minimal to avoid complication, winterization and excess weight. We're not full timing so I don't need hot water or a full wet bath system. So hopefully can keep the camper under 1200lbs. We decided to go with BEAR Vehicles in Santa Paula, CA to do our camper build.
To support our flatbed camper I'll also be getting an aluminum flatbed tray from Bowen Customs. I'll have to measure the weight pre and post flatbed at a CAT scale to get true weight but the tray is going to be lightweight and likely 50-100lbs lighter than the stock bed. Check out their trays as they do amazing work. Plus I placed a deposit on one about a year ago when I was going to do the build on my Tundra but decided to step up to an HD truck for obvious reasons and they honored the price at that time and my tray is at least $4k less than what it is currently with rising cost of materials and inflation. The tray is set to be installed next week so I'll be sure to update this thread on the flatbed tray.
Suspension wise I haven't decided yet and the build is in progress. Tires will likely be 34-35" tires, which ever is the largest full size spare I can fit underneath.
Here are a few pics of her bone stock.
Picture of my other rig because I'm a Toyota Land Cruiser guy at heart!!!
My intention for this build is to have a 4 season ski base camp. Our two favorite resorts allow overnight camping so we'll take advantage of this without having to spend money for lodging. It will be nice to have a place to rest up at night and get up on the lifts early. We went back and forth on a hard side and pop-up soft side but ultimately decided a hardside camper would be the best for our use. We wanted true 4 season performance without dealing with thermal transfer. After doing our research we decided on a Total Composites 6.5' flatbed camper. These are shell campers that you can DIY yourself or have a builder spec out for you. The focus on my camper will be in storage space and seating area and I'll keep the heat, water, and cooking systems very simple and minimal to avoid complication, winterization and excess weight. We're not full timing so I don't need hot water or a full wet bath system. So hopefully can keep the camper under 1200lbs. We decided to go with BEAR Vehicles in Santa Paula, CA to do our camper build.
Polar Bear | BEAR Adventure Vehicles Flatbed Camper
The Polar and Kodiak Bear are 4 season campers for full-size trucks with flatbeds. We use Total Composites shells and can provide a blank shell for DIY enthusiasts or fully outfit the camper.
www.bearvehicles.com
To support our flatbed camper I'll also be getting an aluminum flatbed tray from Bowen Customs. I'll have to measure the weight pre and post flatbed at a CAT scale to get true weight but the tray is going to be lightweight and likely 50-100lbs lighter than the stock bed. Check out their trays as they do amazing work. Plus I placed a deposit on one about a year ago when I was going to do the build on my Tundra but decided to step up to an HD truck for obvious reasons and they honored the price at that time and my tray is at least $4k less than what it is currently with rising cost of materials and inflation. The tray is set to be installed next week so I'll be sure to update this thread on the flatbed tray.
Overland Flatbed
Introducing our new overland flatbeds! All aluminum Made in the USA Lifetime warranty on craftsmanship Custom sizes available (Email for quote) Black powder coat standard Base Model Includes The Following: 2x Rear lower boxes 2x Fenders 2x Front body line trim panels (5 stock beds) 2x Front...
www.bowencustoms.com
Suspension wise I haven't decided yet and the build is in progress. Tires will likely be 34-35" tires, which ever is the largest full size spare I can fit underneath.
Here are a few pics of her bone stock.
Picture of my other rig because I'm a Toyota Land Cruiser guy at heart!!!
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