Expedition Gen4 Cummins- An Off-road "Do Anything" Diesel
The Why:
Don’t Get me wrong, I love the good old recreational camping scene as much as the next guy. Sometimes though, you just need to get out away from all that. Away from the crowded public campsites, giant trailers, screaming kids, boats cluttering that pristine lake, and that really obnoxious guy that parked just way to close to you. I have found myself, as well as some of my closer friends, wanting to explore more of the wilderness that is out there. To sleep, hunt, fish, and just plain enjoy some of the places that few often venture. Take some extended time in more of the “Remote” places of the world. So begins this new project to... "Get The Hell Out Of Dodge! In A Dodge!"
The Mission:
To build a 2011 Ram 2500HD 6.7 Cummins 4x4 Crew Cab Short Bed that can go just about anywhere, at any time, safely, with reliability, and still make it back to drive to work at the end of trip. To carry all necessary (and some unnecessary) tools, water, food, fuel, and "entertainment" to sustain an extended trip into Nature's great big backyard. Yet, all without defeating the purpose of having a 3/4 Ton Diesel truck. Still need to pull that giant trailer, haul those screaming kids, dump that boat in that lake, and camp with that obnoxious guy, (who is my friend by the way). In turn, creating well balanced "Do Anything" truck.
What I started with:
Straight from the dealer.

Towing to the lake.


What it looks like now:



Currently:
Suspension & Steering
- 3" Carli Backcountry 2.0 Lift

• Custom Bilstein 5160 Remote Reservoir Shocks
• Multi-Rate Coils Springs
• Rear 5-Leaf Progressive Spring Pack
• Zinc Plated U-Bolts
• Stainless Sway Bar End Links With F.K. Bearings
• Limit Straps
• Adjustable Track Bar
• High Misalignment Spacers
• Reservoir Mounts

- Carli Long Travel Helper Air Bags
- Carli High Mount Steering Stabilizer
Wheels & Tires
- 17" Wheels BMF M80s (Custom Powder Coated)
- 35x12.5x17 Nitto Trail Grapplers
Bed Cap/ Camper Shell
- Bestop Supertop
Currently this truck spends it’s time hauling the boat to lake, cruising the sand dunes in Pismo, and occasionally surviving the extreme Costco load out my wife takes it on,(good thing I bought an HD).
So, How do I get from here to “The Hell Out of Here?” Well…
Potential Goodies:

Suspension & Steering-
- Carli Full Rear Leaf Packs
- Carli Control Arms
- Carli Dual Steering Stabilizers
- Carli Torsion Sway Bar
Wheels & Tires-
- 35x12.5x17 Toyo Open Country M/Ts
- Full Size Spare
Exterior-
- Custom Front and Rear Bumpers
- Skid Plates and Diff Armor
- Cab Roof Rack
- Bed Cap/ Camper Shell w/ Roof Rack
- Exterior LED Lighting Bumper to Bumper
- Fender Flares
- Roll Out Awning
- Roof Top Tent
- Adjustable Mounting Solutions for Bikes, Kayaks, Fuel Cans, Spare Tire, Hi Lift, Axe & Shovel
- Cab Rock Rails

Cab Interior-
- Navigation/ GPS
- CB/ UHF Radio
- Firearms Safe/ Lock Box
- Small Fire Extinguisher
- Interior Storage Solutions/ Under Rear Seat Storage
Bed Cap/ Camper Shell Interior-
- 12 Volt Electrical System
- Lighting
- Adjustable Rail System
- Pull Out Bed Storage Drawers
- Small Fire Extinguisher
Gear-
- Recovery Gear: Winch, Pull Pal, Hi Lift, MAXTRAX, ECT.
- Tire Deflators
- Axe & Shovel
- Extra Fuel Cans
- Onboard Air System Capable of Air Ups and Running Air Tools
- First Aid and Emergency Survival Gear
- Minimalist Cooking/ Kitchen Supplies
- Camp Table & Chairs
- Fresh Water Tank Plumbed for Heated External Shower
- Larger Fuel Tank

Updates and pictures to follow soon!

 

nice looking truck, and great build idea! would love to have the money to have a "do it all" truck. id probably make it an excursion though! just with a cummins.

ill be following this build! i love seeing things like this

 

great looking truck. have any more pictures to post of that suspension in action? I drive some rough forest roads in CO and wonder if the that same suspension will work for me....

 

Beautiful truck. Saw this on Expo, and Love it. Same basic concept that I am going for with my Dodge, but not doing all the same stuff as you are.

 

Lookin great so far bud!