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Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 7:27 pm
by DamageWagon
Hammerballs wrote:For the rear tire carrier I have been considering having someone local fab up a rear bumper with a removable tire carrier. Simply because there are occasions where I want to use the bed with the tailgate down. If I go to 37s however I won't be able to fit a spare underneath so I would want the tire carrier for the spare if I'm heading too far from home or rolling terrain with tire dangers.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
My tire carrier will let you use the tailgate. That's a requirement. The tire carrier will be an option on my bumper.

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 7:28 pm
by DamageWagon
Hammerballs wrote:For the rear tire carrier I have been considering having someone local fab up a rear bumper with a removable tire carrier. Simply because there are occasions where I want to use the bed with the tailgate down. If I go to 37s however I won't be able to fit a spare underneath so I would want the tire carrier for the spare if I'm heading too far from home or rolling terrain with tire dangers.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
My tire carrier will let you use the tailgate. That's a requirement. The tire carrier will be an option on my bumper.

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 8:24 pm
by OffroadTreks
I plan to go 37's and a roof top tent here. I'm not 100% sure if a tire carrier will work for me or if it will smack the trailer. But we shall find out.

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:04 pm
by Reloaderguy
DamageWagon wrote:
Hammerballs wrote:For the rear tire carrier I have been considering having someone local fab up a rear bumper with a removable tire carrier. Simply because there are occasions where I want to use the bed with the tailgate down. If I go to 37s however I won't be able to fit a spare underneath so I would want the tire carrier for the spare if I'm heading too far from home or rolling terrain with tire dangers.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
My tire carrier will let you use the tailgate. That's a requirement. The tire carrier will be an option on my bumper.
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Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:18 pm
by adeluca73
Colibri wrote:That's absolutely beautiful! Looks like a great time sir :rockon:
Some really incredible country, that's my post-military retirement dream!!! :rockon:
You've really staked out some amazing sight seeing and touring out West, impressive!

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:21 pm
by Hammerballs
DamageWagon wrote:
Hammerballs wrote:For the rear tire carrier I have been considering having someone local fab up a rear bumper with a removable tire carrier. Simply because there are occasions where I want to use the bed with the tailgate down. If I go to 37s however I won't be able to fit a spare underneath so I would want the tire carrier for the spare if I'm heading too far from home or rolling terrain with tire dangers.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
My tire carrier will let you use the tailgate. That's a requirement. The tire carrier will be an option on my bumper.
I would be stoked to see you get this done. I'm struggling with the balancing act to build a badass overlanding rig but still everyday useable truck. Lol!

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 1:32 pm
by coder
MikeKey wrote:Maybe about 2 miles back. Just ended up turning around and heading back out off that route. Overall though, no traction issues for the slush/snow section. But it did feel like we might get buried if I pushed on.
So true, swaybar disconnect, lockers, larger tires, etc. doesn't mean you never get stuck it just means you get farther down the trail before you get stuck! That's where the winch comes in... Been there done that!

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 3:49 pm
by OffroadTreks
It begins. :rockon:

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 4:04 pm
by Hammerballs
Did you decide on .5" or 1.5" springs?

I'm considering a Turtleback Trailer with the 23Zero RTT.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 4:05 pm
by Colibri
:popcorn: eagerly awaiting

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 4:11 pm
by OffroadTreks
More stuff!!

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 7:04 pm
by OffroadTreks
Hammerballs wrote:Did you decide on .5" or 1.5" springs?

I'm considering a Turtleback Trailer with the 23Zero RTT.
I went with the 1.5" springs. I'm figuring with the bumper and steel cable.... well I dunno. Guess I'm going to experiment here. I'll take full measurements and post back when I install them. Probably tomorrow or Saturday.

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 8:19 pm
by Pit Slave
So where's the pic with the 40's?

Yeah, I smoked 'em, sometimes you just gotta #sendit

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:53 pm
by olyelr
Pit Slave wrote:So where's the pic with the 40's?

Yeah, I smoked 'em, sometimes you just gotta #sendit
Or the 37's!?

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 6:20 pm
by OffroadTreks
No updates till everything is done. :P

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 12:00 am
by OffroadTreks
Getting really excited to share some updates with everyone on this build. Should have everything completed and tested by the end of Labor Day weekend.
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Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 10:55 pm
by olyelr
:popcorn:

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 4:06 pm
by olyelr
:nopics:

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 11:04 pm
by OffroadTreks
I've done a lot of upgrades in the past few months, but have been behind with my build thread. But here are some highlights.

Modified Front Bumper

I had some problems with my bumper the way it was. Had a good friend rework all the welds, and weld the back side which originally was not welded. Also removed 2 1/2 inches from the bottom of the bumper.

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Thuren Parts Galore!

Installed Thuren 1.5 inch front Hemi coils, Thuren Rear Trackbar, Thuren Boogie Rated Front Bumpstops and King Steering Stabilizer.

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Also Dodge Off Road Steering Brace

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Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 11:37 pm
by OffroadTreks
Tire Upgrade

After installing the Thuren 1.5 inch Hemi coil up front, I went ahead and installed Toyo Open Country M/T's in 37x12.50R17

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I love these tires. They fit the truck so well. And I'm going, to be honest here, when wheeling in Moab, I feel like the 37's are a bigger difference compared to the 35's. I did not notice a huge gain with the 35's when wheeling compared to the stock 33's. But the 37's are very noticeable in terms of gains compared to the 35's.

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 11:37 pm
by OffroadTreks
Dethloff MFG Custom Build Stuff

So, my pal Marcus started up a fabrication business and I was to be his first customer. The plan, build me a custom Oil & Transmission skid plate, a custom Rooftop Tent Rack and if time permitted, build a custom rear high clearance bumper. With the long term plan being, that my truck would use prototype parts that Marcus could take to production for other Ram 2500 owners.

I also helped Marcus build his website: dethloffmfg.com - designed by yours truly :tongueout:

Skid Plate

So I dented my transmission skid plate in Moab last May. Ram doesn't offer any protection for this area of the vehicle.

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Marcus spent A LOT of time engineering a solution for my truck. The first prototype
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CUSTOM ROOFTOP TENT RACK - Designed for Ram's with Ram Boxes

No one makes a decent rack for the Ram 2500 with Ram Boxes. Nuthouse kinda sorta makes an overpriced joke, but it's fugly as all get out. And did I mention, OVER PRICED.

My requirements were first that the rack MUST match the design of the cab. It must follow the truck lines. It has to work with my Ram Boxes and I didn't want my tent completely at roof height. And the cross bars need to be removable so I can use my truck as a truck. I can still load a dirt bike or an ATV if need be.

Marcus spent A LOT of time designing and engineering a solution for me. One that he'll take to market shortly for others. This is the rack, the forward section matches the cab contours and clears the 3rd brake light. Custom mounting brackets and only weighs about 100lbs total. Made from 2 inch 120 DOM steel.

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This rack also features custom mounting brackets that allow me to mount the RTT directly to the cross bars. So no need for those stupid cross bars these tents usually come with.

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We also did a weight test. We put myself, my wife, Marcus and my two kids in the tent on the rack. The tent weighs 130lbs and say 690lbs for 3 adults and two kids, so about 820lbs with no bending in the tubes.

The rack underwent a lot of testing before we sent it off to powder coat.

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This rack has been thoroughly Moab tested as well during our Labor Day 2017 trip.

No one makes a rack that sits this tightly to the cab
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Ram boxes are completely useable with this rack
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Completely trail worthy!

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I'm extremely happy with how the rack turned out.

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 11:45 pm
by OffroadTreks
Final Touches

Painting

Since we modified the front bumper all the paint got removed. I considered for a good while powder coating the front bumper. But I scratched the hell out of it in Moab. So I decided the painting the bumper with a high-quality automotive paint might be a better idea. I etched the metal and used Eastwood Two Part Rat Rod Satin Black. I LOVE THE WAY it turned out. I also took the time to touch up my sliders, since they were scratched to hell and back also.

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I finally got some new lights for the front bumper. Picked up a pair Baja Designs Squadron Sport S. They compliment the bumper very nicely.

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And as you might have noticed, I replaced the front winch hook with a Factor55 Flatlink E. In safety orange of course.
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Trolling IRL

To cap it all off, I had a set of these custom decals made to replace the White Knuckle logo on my sliders.

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Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 11:59 pm
by Colibri
Fantastic work mikekey and damagewagon!!!

Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 12:01 am
by OffroadTreks
Electric Upgrades & Communications

So, you could spend like 500 something dollars for an S-Pod thingy because you can't wire, or you could spend $65 dollars and learn to do some basic wiring. Those S-Pods do not have $500's worth of electronics in them. Sorry, it's relays and switches. There is a level of the amount I'd personally pay for ease of installation.

I've been meaning to upgrade my wiring for awhile. It was looking a tad nasty. So I spent some time cleaning things up. I also had a few new items to wire up. Such as the new Baja Designs lights and a new Yaesu ham radio.

I installed a RIGrunner 4005 to power the 12v accessories inside the truck. Not pictured, not only am I using the RIGrunner, but I used about 5 relays throughout the system. The large Anderson connector is for connecting other accessories, such as solar or my portable air compressors.

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I love beautiful connectors. :)

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My switch panel install, lovely OE look.

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RADIO

To step up my communications game, I picked up a Yaesu FT-8900R and Larson NMO 2/70 antenna.

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Re: BoldAdventures 2015 Power Wagon Build

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 12:35 am
by OffroadTreks
Moab Testing

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I frequent Moab quite a bit. So all this stuff needed some durability testing. And I can't think of a better place to test things, than a weekend trip to Moab. This past Labor Day, I took the family down to Moab to test all our new modifications. We were just there in May, so everything is was still fresh in our minds.

We had a great time camping, hiking, and rock crawling in this magical place.

I put together a fun little video of our time in Moab
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Clickable link for Tapatalk

Flexing on the Pickle!

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The 37's made quick work of obstacles on Seven Mile Rim.

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THE PICKLE

We tackled some new trails, and as far as I know, I am now the SECOND Power Wagon to have tackled the first obstacle on the PICKLE. And I'd just like to brag a little more, but this is one of the hardest trails in Moab.
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Sadly though, our attempt left some marks when we got to the second obstacle. See the video of damage here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BYpNMJih2Kv ... dadventure
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