BoldAdventures 2015 Ram Power Wagon ROCKLANDER Build

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BoldAdventure

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2015
Engine
Hemi 6.4
2015 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Laramie


The ROCKLANDER Build


Vehicle Objective:

The purpose of this build is to support our family of four, in both on and off-road adventures. The rig needs to serve a multi-purpose role of towing regularly and handling overnight off-road adventures. We're seeking a compromise between capable trail rig, tow rig and rock crawler.

Where it stands today:
[Updated: Sept 13th, 2017]

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SUSPENSION / AXLE:

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN:

VEHICLE ARMOR:

ELECTRICAL / LIGHTING

COMMUNICATIONS

  • Yaesu FT 8900R
  • Larsen NMO2/70B
  • WeBoost Drive 4G-M (cellular booster)
  • Surecall 9 inch magnetic antenna

EXTERIOR APPEARANCE:
  • 15% Ceramic Tint on Drivers & Passenger front windows
  • 5% Ceramic Tint on all rear windows Windows
  • 5% Ceramic Tint glare strip on windshield
  • AVS in channel vent visors
  • Bakflip HD Tonneau Cover

INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS:
  • Husky Weather Beater floor liners
  • Koomus K2 Dashboard iphone mounts
  • RAM Mounts (RAM-B-316-1-202U) Universal No-Drill Vehicle Mount 18" Rigid
  • Ram Mount EZ-ROLL'R Model Specific Cradle for the Apple iPad mini
  • Mopar Rambox storage organizer

RECOVERY & EMERGENCY GEAR:
  • 48" Hi-Lift Jack All-Cast in Black
  • 30' ARB Recovery Strap
  • ARB Tree Saver Strap
  • x2 Crosby 1018534 Carbon Steel Shackle, 1" Size
  • x2 Crosby 1018534 Carbon Steel Shackle, 3/4" Size
  • x2 WARN 92093 Epic Shackle 3/4"
  • Automotive Fire Extinguisher
  • Road Flares
  • ARB Tire Repair Kit
  • x2 Viair 300P + x2 - 20ft air hose
  • MAXSA Innovations Escaper Buddy

PLANNED MODS:
(Still in the works as I evaluate our needs through trial and error.)
  • Dynatrac Free-Spin Hubs with DynaLoc hubs
  • 4.88 Regear
  • Synthetic winch line (either 3/8th or 7/16 probably 100ft)


VIDEOS OF THE RIG IN ACTION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2wa_0GtzvA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y088OZhRsKA
 
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BoldAdventure

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Airstream, USA
Ram Year
2015
Engine
Hemi 6.4
First Mods


Window Tinting

I wasted zero time getting right to the modifications. For starters, traveling around the country with kids meant one thing for me. We NEED TINT. I don't like driving around in a fish bowel. And I decided to take advantage of the lax laws in Nevada.

I ended up purchasing Ceramic Tint which claims to block 90% of the heat. And went with 5% around the back windows for the kiddo's and privacy and 15% on the front windows with a 5% glare strip on the windshield. I had the work done by Precision Window Tint in Henderson, NV. They do excellent work.

The results, perfect:

tint-overview.jpg


tint-side.jpg


After the tint was cured for a few days, I installed AVS in channel vent shades. I've been installing these on most of my vehicles for awhile. So the Power Wagon gets them too.

ventshades.jpg


Intake & Exhaust

Within the first week of ownership I was already giving money to the Jeff Bezos retirement fund (aka Amazon). I placed an order for a K&N intake and Magnaflow muffler.

We can all debate the worthiness of the next mod. Typically I'm a Volant intake guy. But K&N is the only one on the market for the 6.4L right now, so what the heck.

kn-air-intake.jpg


I had also purchased a Magnaflow 12589 muffler. On my 1500 I had installed the Mufflex 14inch muffler. And I liked the sound. This time I thought I'd try something a little similar but more custom.

Took it to a local exhaust shop in town, paid $200 even to have it installed and have the trash can resonator removed. Was very clear about wanting it to be out of the way for ground clearance.

What he came up with was fantastic. I'm very happy with the results.

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exhaust-04.jpg


You can check out an exhaust clip here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z28lVGwiVvk
I waited a couple of days for the exhaust to break in before recording it.

Amazingly there is no drone. To be completely honest, I was disappointed at first. It was quite. And I think I am used to dual exhaust. I've owned several Camaros, a Pontiac G8 GXP and Corvette. All of which had loud, dual exhaust systems.

But after a few days break in time, it became audibly louder. But it's not extremely loud in any sense. When you mash the peddle you hear it. When you are cruising, it's barely noticeable.
 
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BoldAdventure

BoldAdventure

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Airstream, USA
Ram Year
2015
Engine
Hemi 6.4
Exterior Mods:

On our first truck, I ran the BakFlip G2. I was pretty happy with it, so this time, I decided to go with the BakFlip HD tonneau cover.

Really happy with the quality of the product. Both top and bottom are aluminum with a UV resistant powder coat. Add on a 2yr warranty and made in America, and I'm a happy camper.

bakflip-hd-installed.jpg


If you own a Ram then you probably noticed that the antenna is flappy and bounces all over the place. I hate the factory antenna. Since we are always traveling we don't ever listen to actual FM or AM radio. 100% of the time my iPod is plugged into the truck.

So I swapped out the antenna for a 7 inch model by AntennaX.

antenna-replacement.jpg
 
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BoldAdventure

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Spent the afternoon catching up on a few projects I was behind on. Mostly re-installing old hardware from our other truck into the new Power Wagon.

Becuase we travel and are on the go so much; I have a WeBoost Drive 4G-M cellular booster paired with a Surecall 9-inch external antenna. It works great, and there are plenty of places where 1X becomes 3G or 2 bars of 3G becomes full LTE.

For placement, I like the internal antenna on the dash just above the stereo.

inside-antenna.jpg


This works with our phones best, as I have two Koomus K2 phone mounts.

koomus-setup-01.jpg


koomus-setup-02.jpg


I am not sure where I want to mount the booster itself. For now it's just in the lower center console.

booster-install.jpg


I also spent some time wiring up our dash cam.

dash-cam-install.jpg


camera-installed.jpg


I'm running the Auto-vox B40-C dash cam. I've had this for over a year and half and it still works great. Shoots in 1080p, continuous and has a shock sensor that can lock your files to prevent over write in the event of an accident.
 
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Engine
Hemi 6.4
Moab, May 2016

Just what can a stock Power Wagon do? A LOT. And man can it conquer terrain like nobodies business. Moab is thought of as a popular destination for Jeepers. And I can't believe how many "Are you crazy, you'll die" comments we received. But fact of the matter is we conquered a bunch in Moab.

Trails we did stock

Fins and Things
Hells Revenge
Poison Spider Mesa
Elephant Hill
Top of the World

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Here's my stock Power Wagon (driven by my wife), doing Hell's Gate on Hell's Revenge in Moab:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9feGGhzRiNk

This is me doing the V Notch on Poison Spider Mesa Trail
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ESojiZub4A

This is me doing THE SQUEEZE otherwise known as the Devil's Pocket on Elephant Hill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC6Lu0RqY70

Wife drives Baby Lion's Back
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQYBE8eYwck

Playing on Fins and Things
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsCDwiuUj90

Driving the car wash on Hells Revenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAXpzcLicKk

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TIRE UPGRADE

After lots of testing in Moab, new shoes for the Power Wagon. I had considered 37's and given that we tow often I decided that 35's would be a better fit for capability and retaining power and mpg while towing (somewhat). So today I had Toyo Open Country AT/II's in 35x12.50 R 17 installed on the truck.

Perfect fit with no rubbing! And these tires are quiter than the Goodyear Durtracs, also a plus.

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BoldAdventure

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Also for anyone wondering, I managed to fit the 35's back in the spare tire location, I had to deflate to 25psi and then guide it into position. It's very tight. Hopefully, it won't be a problem. But it did fit.

FTQCZ3JFHaXcEUna_PSRQBwTUgJIG3uXZIwUY1KD2ZL60=w780.png


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Really close to the panhard bar:
FwS3ctNHf-7e3pCoI9Im26cIyTsI7jksH37eNVfZZiOCI=w780.png

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BoldAdventure

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Engine
Hemi 6.4
ARMOR - DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION

I used Purple Cranium's half spider's on my Trailblazer build and they were good enough for most of the stuff I threw at them. After evaluating our needs with a lot of wheeling in Moab with no protection, I decided that the half spiders would be sufficient enough. I generally attempt to go over or around obstacles I could get my differential caught up on. But the occasional strike does happen.

FRONT
diff-protection-front.jpg


REAR
diff-protection-rear.jpg
 
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BoldAdventure

BoldAdventure

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Ram Year
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Engine
Hemi 6.4
ARMOR - Rock Sliders

Well, I finally had access to a lift, and installed the sliders on the PW. These things are beefy and very well built.

WHxsZFp__TNW--WuPrh9SF8IUVjBC6MK7bCd8QkF1y0g8=w780.png

Installation on the passenger side was a breeze. The drivers side, will make you curse more than once. But the lift made the work easier. I was done with the installation in 3 hours.

Also made sure to use red Loctite on all the bolts. Now for the photos:

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SHOP RECOMMENDATION

If you're ever in Moab and need a garage to work on your vehicle, you are in luck. Gotomoab Garage has you covered!

It's a DIY hobby shop and really convenient when you are traveling and need to work on your vehicle. All you gotta do is go online and schedule your shop time. Really easy to do.

Today was our first visit, and we meet with the owner Joe who is a really friendly guy. The shop has tools, including a welder and plasma torch and two 2-post lifts, jack stands, etc. Most everything you'll need.

Be sure to check them out if you're in the area!

The name of the place is GOTOMOAB GARAGE Home

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BoldAdventure

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Engine
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LIGHTING UPGRADES

I replaced the factory Halogens in the projectors with DDM Tuning's HID Canbus system. The color temp is 5000 kelvin. I also installed their new Canbus LED bulbs in the high beam position, it took some work, but here it is, installed and inside the cover.

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I also added a Rigid 30-inch LED bar, D2 Driving and SAE Fog's. I ran all on separate power switches. I actually really like using the Fogs as DRL's and trail lights.
 
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BoldAdventure

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Engine
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Thought on Power Wagon Ownership

We love this truck. I don't feel like much was needed to make it a real performer offroad. And even with the 6.4L Hemi, she's been a pleasure to tow with across all types of terrain. I have yet to find myself saying "I wish I had a diesel".

This truck really fits our lifestyle. And I'd highly recommend the Power Wagon to anyone who is considering a full-size truck that is truly capable and won't require thousands of dollars worth of modifications to actually be capable. Compared to some of my past vehicles, we have a small amount invested in this truck.

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BoldAdventure

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Location
Airstream, USA
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2015
Engine
Hemi 6.4
AEV Raised Air Ram intake install

The setup ....
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No turning back now
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Completed install
6CWhML9_En5kgbQnG5VxhNmzikto67sC5tYS69i6HSi7w=s720.png

AEV ProCal Module
Managed to snag myself an AEV Pro Cal to set the proper tire size to recalibrate my speedo and set the TPMS to 35psi.
 

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BoldAdventure

BoldAdventure

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Location
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Engine
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Onboard Air Version 1.0

So, onboard Air. I never fully finished this project. And we're leaving for Moab in only 5 more days. So I wanted to tackle this.

Last year, I ended up loaning our compressors a few times to help others. This got me thinking about not having a permanently mounted setup. But something I can easily move around, and share with a group if needed.

What I decided to do was to recreate with wood (for speed) one of the RamBox inner compartment lids, and mount my two compressors on it. I also added a fan which I'm wiring in line to the two compressors. This is a 140mm fan and should help keep them cool when in use. Hopefully. icon_lightbulb.gif

Anyways, it's really secure, I have two airlines, and can do both sides of the truck at once. Or if we wanted, I can lift it out of the rambox, take it over to someone else's truck, and connect to their battery. Boom, bang, go.

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This will function for now, until later when I do something more permanent.
 
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BoldAdventure

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In preparation for our trip to Moab, I've been catching up on some things for the truck. My RamBoxes have been a little disorganized now for some time. So I purchased the Mopar RamBox Cargo Management system. I had it on my previous Ram 1500 and have been meaning to pick it up for some time now. Becuase I use my Ram Boxes like crazy, it's very useful.

Old Truck:
Iy6wLTm550ZIU3LEhX87lmraK3JWz_PiBCQLUs-yUuKUy=w700.jpg

Going, to be honest here though. I really feel like this should be standard, or included from RAM when you buy a truck with the RamBox option. I don't understand how it's a dealer "extra". I can see excluding it from a Tradesman, but I have a Laramie.

Anyways, some pictures:
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Also picked up two TEKTON tire gauges. The one I have now is garbage. Why two? Well, I setup my onboard air so that the wife and I can each air up a side of the truck at the same time. This saves time naturally.

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BoldAdventure

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Engine
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High Clearance Bumper Install


This project has been a long time coming. But I've wanted a high clearance bumper for awhile that matches the Ram 2500 front well and works with the factory winch. So, I had one made.

17903733_1684408535188840_3199787990666130773_n.jpg


Now, off to Power Wagons in Moab - the event I helped organize to test all our new mods. :favorites13:
 
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So got to Moab (May 2017), and the first thing I did was put the truck through it's paces. Went up Strike Ravine to test out the new bumper. More details to follow.

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Engine
Hemi 6.4
Power Wagons in Moab 2017

May 4th 2017

This year, I organized and lead the 10th Annual Power Wagons in Moab event. The event has turned out really great.

Really been putting the Power Wagon through the paces again in Moab this year. It's been interesting leading a group of other Power Wagon owners on these trails. Learning the new bumper and how I can better approach and take on new lines has been a lot of fun.

Yesterday was one of the easier days. The second time the Power Wagon has been on Top of the World.

18318966_1803321499982221_6420401701930913502_o.jpg
 
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Power Wagons in Moab 2017

May 2017

I've been so happy with how the truck has performed. Including doing things that were suppose to be IMPOSSIBLE in a full size. The comments from folks have been mostly positive, with the occasional dumb "No way you did those."

The Moab Trifecta has finally been completed. Along with a host of other trails. Those completed this year

Poison Spider
Wedgy (obstacle)
Golden Spike
Launch Pad (obstacle)
Golden Crack (obstacle)
Gold Bar Rim
Waterfall (obstacle)
Hells Revenge
Hells Gate (obstacle)
Tip Over Challenge (obstacle)
Seven Mile Rim
Wipe Out Hill
Fins and Things
Top of the World
Steel Bender
Elphant Hill
The Squeeze (obstacle)

And because I know some wont' believe it, photos and videos. I have so many I could bore you to death.

Gold Bar Rim
The Waterfall
18380868_1937713906500244_2884150902397075456_n.jpg




Golden Spike
Skyline Drive
18380469_153489521854071_1089001975946674176_n.jpg


Golden Crack
l6oSgSPN5GpWPnpDF_fvTBbYHfQ0epp1K3ophC571tDqA=w720.png


Seven Mile
Silver Crack
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Wipe Out Hill
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Hells Revenge
Hells Gate
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Video Highlights!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2wa_0GtzvA
 
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