2022 Ram Rebel: My build notes

[Lewbrown]

Hi Everyone:

I've posted a thread here and there, but long story short, I have been slowly but surely putting a build list together for my 2022 Ram Rebel overlander. I am planning on tracking my build progress in this thread. I look forward to hearing from anyone who has thoughts, ideas, or suggestions, and I certainly hope to get a bunch of constructive criticism.

My build objectives:
- A truck that looks really cool
- A truck that can get me into the deep wilderness of the desert west
- An overland capable living setup
- As much speed and power as I can (safely) get out of the 5.7l Hemi
- All of this in a daily driver capable setup

The crew is me, my partner and our 13 y/o son, and two dogs, 65 and 25 lbs respectively.

So far, I've put a CAI, a rack, and an awning and rooftop tent on her. Here's what comes next:

Livingspace

Alu-Cab canopy camper with water tank and pump, 100Ahr battery and electrical. Probably do a Goose Gear interior. Working with OK4WD. See attached quote.

No fridge plan. Probably go with a cooler for now

Lift/Level/Suspension/Tires

I want to run 37" tires but currently don't have a plan. Here's my plan right now for 35"

- Carli Ram Performance 2.5 System, 2019+ with Heavy Duty Rear Coil Springs (lift and level)

Performance System

And just like that, the 2019+ 1500 Platform is a wrap! It seems like forever ago the process started but we've finally come to a close. What felt like 100 different combinations of coilovers, reservoir hoses, front & rear springs, and reservoir mounting combinations culminated into the beautiful...

carlisuspension.com

- Method Bead Grip 701 wheels

701 | Matte Black

The 701 Bead Grip® wheel was designed to be the perfect wheel for overland enthusiasts. The Bead Grip® technology allows deflation of tires down to pressures that previously would have required beadlock wheels to make sure tires didn’t debead. It’s advantageous to reduce tire inflation pressure...

www.methodracewheels.com

- Nitto Trail Grappler M/T 35x12.50R18LT E 123Q

Trail Grappler | Nitto Tire

Blend the off-road performance of a mud terrain tire with the quietness of an all-terrain and you get the Trail Grappler M/T. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

www.nittotire.com

Engine and Performance mods

- Rough Country CAI (Installed)
- AWE Catback (on order)

AWE 0FG Exhaust Suite for the 5th Gen RAM 1500 5.7L - 0FG Dual Rear Exit Catback (with bumper cutouts) / 5 in / 2 - Diamond Black - AWE

AWE 0FG Exhaust Suite for the 5th Gen RAM 1500 5.7L

awe-tuning.com

- Pedal Commander (on order)
- No plan, but scheming on additional HP mods, up to and including a supercharger (advice wanted!!)

Exterior Appearance and Function

- Expedition One front bumper (hoop? bull bar?)

Expedition One RAM1500-19+FB-PC Front Bumper for Dodge Ram 1500 2019-2022 - Textured Black Powder Coat | Bumper Superstore

Buy this Expedition One RAM1500-19+FB-PC Front Bumper for Dodge Ram 1500 2019-2022 - Textured Black Powder Coat at BumperSuperstore.com. Everything on Sale!

bumpersuperstore.com

- LED RAM Logo (see them cheaper elsewhere, maybe an oops?)

2019+ Dodge Ram Multicolor LED Illuminated Emblem | Flow Series + BT controller | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2019+ Dodge Ram Multicolor LED Illuminated Emblem | Flow Series + BT controller at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

- Exterior light upgrades (all tbd)
- Winch (tbd)
- Rear Bumper (tbd)
- Custom Rock Sliders by https://www.hardlinefab.com/

Interior Appearance and Function
- Paragoptics Ambient LED kit (Red probably)

Full ABL Retrofit Kit Rebel Crew Cab (Premium) — Paragoptics

www.paragoptics.com

- ProClip Phone holder

RAM Truck Center Dash Mount

This ProClip Center Dash mount is custom-made for your RAM Truck starting in 2019. (See below for full list of compatibility) The mount attaches to the dashboard to the left of the driver's side vent. Combine with a ProClip device holder to make a custom mounting solution for your phone or GPS...

www.proclipusa.com

- CJC Built Ram Switch Pros Package with dash mount - 8 button

CJC Built 2019+ Ram Switch Pros Dash Mount & Switch Pros Package

This CJC Built upper dash mount kit is designed to fit the 2019+ Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, and Power Wagon trucks is made from a carbon fiber filament that’s 3D printed for a perfect fit in your factory dash. It was specifically designed to work with the Switch Pros 9100 switch unit to provide a...

www.cjcoffroad.com

- Rear Seat fold-down mod

RAM How To FOLD DOWN REAR SEAT!!!

Stash things behind the rear seat after watching this how to video! great for umbrellas, paperwork, ammo, or valuables!!!

www.youtube.com

- Dash Cam (tbd)
- Digital Rearview mirror (tbd)

Random Odds and Ends
- Power Tank tire inflator
- Mount for spare
- Approx 10 gal spare fuel (tbd, probably rotopacks)


I think that's about it so far. I look forward to hearing opinions.

Matt

 

[danielmid]

That Carli setup looks badass.

Expedition One makes a sweet rear bumper also that would match the front, hold your spare and fuel. Link

That switch panel is nice but you lose that top opening completely, I run one from this company (Bayou Goat Mounts) and have a dual phone mount setup. I'm sure you can find a suction mount for the Switch Pro that would go on the Goat mount and still allow another 1 or 2 things to mount up there also. That might also eliminate the need for the ProClip. Also, RAM Mounts makes some sweet setups for tablets and laptops if you're planning a full Gaia or OnX setup.

White Knuckle Sliders have a premade slider setup here that may be more cost effective, not sure how much your custom ones would run.

CAI might not be the best option for long term engine health, AEV has the snorkel out for the HD Rams 19+ but nothing listed for the 1500 Rams newer than 18, might be worth calling them up and seeing if they've had anyone put the HD snorkel on a 1500. Snorkel

Lastly, at least to me, your mods seem to be a little scattered goal-wise. If you're truly wanting off grid and overlanding reliability, supercharger and other extra power mods doesn't jive with that goal focus. Reliability should be number one, especially with kid(s) and family with you. Seems like it's going to be a sweet build, just maybe focus up on what your future goals are to not be running around in circles with mods.


PS. There is a build section of the forum, maybe ask a mod to move this thread? https://www.ramforum.com/forums/member-trucks.17/

 

[danielmid]

Also that Carli setup doesn't address the rear control arms or track bar, there's a few companies that you can go with, Freedom Offroad, Core 4x4, Clayton, just to name a few. That will help keep the rear axle settled down and in place.

 

[Lewbrown]

That Carli setup looks badass.

Expedition One makes a sweet rear bumper also that would match the front, hold your spare and fuel. Link

That switch panel is nice but you lose that top opening completely, I run one from this company (Bayou Goat Mounts) and have a dual phone mount setup. I'm sure you can find a suction mount for the Switch Pro that would go on the Goat mount and still allow another 1 or 2 things to mount up there also. That might also eliminate the need for the ProClip. Also, RAM Mounts makes some sweet setups for tablets and laptops if you're planning a full Gaia or OnX setup.

White Knuckle Sliders have a premade slider setup here that may be more cost effective, not sure how much your custom ones would run.

CAI might not be the best option for long term engine health, AEV has the snorkel out for the HD Rams 19+ but nothing listed for the 1500 Rams newer than 18, might be worth calling them up and seeing if they've had anyone put the HD snorkel on a 1500. Snorkel

Lastly, at least to me, your mods seem to be a little scattered goal-wise. If you're truly wanting off grid and overlanding reliability, supercharger and other extra power mods doesn't jive with that goal focus. Reliability should be number one, especially with kid(s) and family with you. Seems like it's going to be a sweet build, just maybe focus up on what your future goals are to not be running around in circles with mods.


PS. There is a build section of the forum, maybe ask a mod to move this thread? https://www.ramforum.com/forums/member-trucks.17/

I'm so glad I found this place! Thanks for the comments! A couple of responses:

I like the Exp1 rear bumper but I have to see what it looks like and how it integrates with the alu-cab.

I looked at the White Knuckle sliders and I really like them, but by the time I've paid shipping I'm well over $2200. My guy at Hardline was making a custom set for his Power Wagon and offered to make a second. Might be similar in price, but at least they'll be unique.

Lastly, you are totally right on both the CAI and the super charger. I'm going to try and slow roll any major performance mods until at least after my first major outing, which should be to Utah and CO for the month of June.

Thanks again for the reply. I will see if I can get a mod to move the topic!

 

[rule18]

@Lewbrown moved as requested.

 

[Lewbrown]

After spending quite a bit of time pricing out a bunch of bells and whistles for the interior of the Canopy Camper, I rediscovered the Khaya Camper. I think it's exactly where I was going with the interior build on the Canopy Camper, and ends up being a little bigger and more comfortable. Oh, and cheaper.

What I don't get is windows or airflow in the bed section, and since I plan to use that as an office, that might be more than I'm willing to give up.

Thoughts?

Alu-Cab Khaya Camper 4 Sleeper Walkthrough

Jeremy Bergh, CEO & Founder of Alu-Cab, walks us through our flagship overland camper. He explains why the Khaya 4 ticks all the blocks for what's needed whe...

www.youtube.com

 

[Lewbrown]

I finally ventured out in the new roof top tent. It was a great weekend.

 

[Lewbrown]

This week I placed the order for my Khaya camper with Asheville Vehicle Outfitters. I also ordered my rims, tires, bumper, switch panel, and suspension system. I have the Paragoptics multicolor LED ambient light kit on order, and a multicolor LED ram logo for the front in hand. I also have my Pedal Commander waiting for install.

Today the truck is in to get the tinting done. When I get it back, I’m gonna install the red start button.

Edit: Tinting done

 

[Lewbrown]

Also, RAM Mounts makes some sweet setups for tablets and laptops if you're planning a full Gaia or OnX setup.
Hey Daniel, what do you mean by a full Gaia or OnX setup?

 

[danielmid]

Also, RAM Mounts makes some sweet setups for tablets and laptops if you're planning a full Gaia or OnX setup.

Hey Daniel, what do you mean by a full Gaia or OnX setup?

Overlanding maps and nav, you can use a full iPad for your nav setup.

How to use the Gaia GPS Navigation App (Basics)

In this tutorial we walk you through the basics of the Gaia GPS navigation app and help you prepare for your next adventure. Post requests below for more det...

www.youtube.com