2022 Ram 2500 BH with Bowen Customs flatbed + Total Composites camper build

[sn_85]

Yes, Bear has started the build, and we're connecting with them today about AC options. Not entirely sure if we’ll add one yet—it really depends on the cost. We went into this build with the goal of keeping it simple, but it’s funny how the feature creep sneaks in. Definitely trying to be mindful of that.

Dropout Fab is putting together some solid builds. I will share some pics of the flatbed soon.

Your take on AC makes a lot of sense. The weight, space, and power requirements are definitely things to consider, and hearing that the total composite campers perform well in the heat is reassuring. I like the idea of leaving room to add it later if it ever feels necessary.

If anything else stands out from your experience—things you’d add or maybe skip—definitely let us know. Our intended use is really similar to yours (skiing, mountain biking, surfing, camping), so any insights would be helpful. Looking forward to sharing more as the build progresses!

What systems do you plan to go with? Honestly I'm happy with ditching propane. The induction cooktop is a game changer IMO. It's fast, clean and no worry about fuel. I had my induction cooktop built into the counter top but having one that's portable would be a good option too. That way you can cook outside depending on weather and have a bit more counter top space when not needed. Solar panels have been such a gamechanger as well. It's amazing how quickly it can charge up my 270ah battery even on cloudy overcast days. You may struggle if it's really cloud covered but I suppose I could start the truck up and charge via dc-dc.

How do you plan to mount the camper to the flatbed? I externally mounted mine with fastgun turnbuckles and really like that method. I had Bowen mount external L-tracks to the side of the flatbed and then bought some custom fabbed brackets made by Zero Declination that attach to the L-track. I would ask Dropout to see if they can make external mounts for you or perhaps have L-track on the side.

 

[ratherBcamping]

What systems do you plan to go with? Honestly, I'm happy with ditching propane. The induction cooktop is a game changer IMO. It's fast, clean and no worry about fuel. I had my induction cooktop built into the counter top but having one that's portable would be a good option too. That way you can cook outside depending on weather and have a bit more counter top space when not needed. Solar panels have been such a gamechanger as well. It's amazing how quickly it can charge up my 270ah battery even on cloudy overcast days. You may struggle if it's really cloud covered but I suppose I could start the truck up and charge via dc-dc.

How do you plan to mount the camper to the flatbed? I externally mounted mine with fastgun turnbuckles and really like that method. I had Bowen mount external L-tracks to the side of the flatbed and then bought some custom fabbed brackets made by Zero Declination that attach to the L-track. I would ask Dropout to see if they can make external mounts for you or perhaps have L-track on the side.

Thanks for your insights. We're going with a Dometic 2-burner induction cooktop built directly into the countertop, complemented by a dropdown grill attached to the L-track on the flatbed for outdoor cooking flexibility.

We've also decided on four Renogy 200W solar panels to charge our Epoch 300Ah battery setup, backed by DC-DC charging for cloudy days. For refrigeration, we opted for the Isotherm 85L pullout drawer fridge, the Breville Combiwave microwave will fit the bill so we can use it as an oven and microwave in one system, and we've chosen the AquaHot diesel furnace and hot water heater, which will tap directly into our truck's 48-gallon fuel tank. I'll also carry a few modular diesel tanks externally, just to ensure we're fully prepared.

For mounting the camper, we've coordinated with Dropout Fabrication and Bear Vehicles to use Fastgun turnbuckles with L-track mounts. Dropout Fabrication designed custom brackets specifically for our camper-flatbed integration, ensuring a seamless fit.

Let me know if I'm missing anything you are curious about.

 

[sn_85]

Thanks for your insights. We're going with a Dometic 2-burner induction cooktop built directly into the countertop, complemented by a dropdown grill attached to the L-track on the flatbed for outdoor cooking flexibility.

We've also decided on four Renogy 200W solar panels to charge our Epoch 300Ah battery setup, backed by DC-DC charging for cloudy days. For refrigeration, we opted for the Isotherm 85L pullout drawer fridge, the Breville Combiwave microwave will fit the bill so we can use it as an oven and microwave in one system, and we've chosen the AquaHot diesel furnace and hot water heater, which will tap directly into our truck's 48-gallon fuel tank. I'll also carry a few modular diesel tanks externally, just to ensure we're fully prepared.

For mounting the camper, we've coordinated with Dropout Fabrication and Bear Vehicles to use Fastgun turnbuckles with L-track mounts. Dropout Fabrication designed custom brackets specifically for our camper-flatbed integration, ensuring a seamless fit.

Let me know if I'm missing anything you are curious about.

That's awesome, sounds like we have a similar build. I'm eager to see what your final product looks like on the interior. With 800W of solar you should really be charging that battery up fast. Even with 400W it recharges my 270AH battery up in no time. The microwave will make things so convenient to cook with and having an oven will be sweet.

I was their first customer who decided to go with the Aqua Hot Gen 1 system and so far it's working great. With a 48 gal fuel tank you won't need any modular diesel fuel tanks. The thing sips diesel even on frigid nights. I have a 52 gal tank and most of the time I'm conscious keeping the gas tank at least above 1/4 tank and haven't noticed any effect on the fuel gauge after running it all night. The good thing about the AquaHot is that it has 4 output ports as compared to most diesel heaters that have only one outlet port. That way you can pipe heat to different areas of the truck and don't have any cold zones. I guess if you plan ahead you could have them even pipe one up to the bed alcove. The only downside to the AquaHot is that compared to traditional diesel heaters it is quite loud and eats up more juice. It does quiet down when it's on idle but it can get very loud which I have gotten used to and it's just white noise but you definitely are aware of it at first. Now that winter is coming to an end I'll be eager to try out the hot water function as I kept it winterized this past season.

Any thoughts on electrical systems and monitoring? Are you going with full Victron and what will you use for electrical accessory switch panels? Mine is full Victron and I went with the Garmin PowerSwitch and Tread Overlander as the headunit. The Tread Overlander is overkill but I can power my accessories from the truck and camper all in one unit and can bring the Tread with me anywhere as well.

Absolutely looking forward to your build!!!