RAM 2500, 6.7, Hawk Flatbed Camper

[cware]

Here is my 19' RAM 2500. The build is nearing the end and took about a year due to all the supply chain snags. Overall pretty simple but to get all the factory items to work with the flatbed and not throw codes it took some work. I'm waiting for more companies to offer bumpers for the 19+ RAM's (ARB!!!) and now am moving into the camper to change some things around.

Basics are...

2021 Four Wheel Camper Hawk
Norweld Tray
35" General X3's on AEV wheels
Thuren 2.5 KING's all around, Thuren trackbars
Air bags w/Daystar cradles
Viair on board air

 

[pvstoy]

Looking pretty sharp!

Welcome aboard....

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Looks great! Quick question: how did you build your onboard air system? Are you running a tank? Location of the components?

 

[cware]

Looks great! Quick question: how did you build your onboard air system? Are you running a tank? Location of the components?

I used a Viair setup and then threw 90% in the trash. I used all AN lines (I think they are -4) and Vibrant fittings. Tank is under the flatbed and compressor is on top of one of the storage boxes with the air intake in the box. Pretty simple but super nice to have.

 

[Wildcat]

Great looking rig!! Does the molle board fold up (or down) with the ceiling with the lifting panels when you collapse the top, or do you have to remove the molle when traveling? I like that location for it.

 

[cware]

Great looking rig!! Does the molle board fold up (or down) with the ceiling with the lifting panels when you collapse the top, or do you have to remove the molle when traveling? I like that location for it.

Folds with, here is a pic without bags when I first installed.

 

[Vic Harder]

Maybe not the right place to ask this question, but...

Why do flatbeds need to be so "thick"? I see 3" to 4" crossbeams on these which makes the camper ride so much higher. I get that these beds are built for heavy duty use. Carrying a FWC/ATC is not a heavy duty task! Does anyone make a flatbed that is not as "beefy" and still works well?

 

[cware]

Maybe not the right place to ask this question, but...

Why do flatbeds need to be so "thick"? I see 3" to 4" crossbeams on these which makes the camper ride so much higher. I get that these beds are built for heavy duty use. Carrying a FWC/ATC is not a heavy duty task! Does anyone make a flatbed that is not as "beefy" and still works well?

The Norwelds have a drawer option which adds height, I really wanted all the storage I could get. I totally agree though, most people don't think about the height and the fact is this truck stock was high. It also have 15 liters of water under the bed. If you remove the drawer and water it would drop the bed 6".

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Thanks for the write-up on your air system…very nice work.

 

[Vic Harder]

what parts of the VIAiR kit are worth keeping/buying? I'm looking to do on board air soon myself.

 

[Adventurebound]

Nice truck! Looking to order the Kings myself but a 10 month wait time!!!! What are they selling FWCampers....lol?

 

[sdsailor]

Looks beautiful! I have an '07 2500 RAM and am looking to do a similar set up once I sell my 5th wheel.


Have you taken it off? How hard is it to get back on? I've owned a slide-in - loading wasn't terrible, but the dealer was talking about needing to line up 4x bolts for the flatbed - sounds a little more varsity level.

Did you get the inside toilet/shower? I'm leaning towards not necessary.

Are you able to carry a full size spare (35") spare under there? With the curved back I don't see any commercial bumper mounting options.

 

[Lighthawk]

Very clean setup. Top notch work!

Vic raises a good question about height. If you didn't have the water tank / drawer what would your height be estimated to be?
We're getting ready to remodel our garage door opening and I'm still considering going with a flatbed for our 2021 RAM 3500.

 

[kmcintyre]

Very clean setup. Top notch work!

Vic raises a good question about height. If you didn't have the water tank / drawer what would your height be estimated to be?
We're getting ready to remodel our garage door opening and I'm still considering going with a flatbed for our 2021 RAM 3500.

We're looking to do the same and I'm waiting for the 1 ton truck prices to get back to normal although that might be a while . Did you get any kind of deal on your 3500?

 

[Lighthawk]

We're looking to do the same and I'm waiting for the 1 ton truck prices to get back to normal although that might be a while . Did you get any kind of deal on your 3500?

I ordered the 2021Tradesman 3500 hemi on March 9 with 4.10 gears, dual alternators, 8.4" U-connect, accessory switches (now have new fogs wired in!), upgraded interior trim and mats, Snow Chief group, bed liner, clear coat paint, etc. We got priced at $500 over invoice (yeah right!) and bought at $44,840. I sold my Sprinter van and was able to pay cash for the truck. When I came back to finalize the purchase three months later they told me they had no HD stock, and prices were higher.

WTW member ramblinChet posted a great breakdown of RAM options here, and RAM has a useful website to design your build.

 

[pvstoy]

This is the best I got right now for flatbed no lift and camper close to truck cab. It is possible.
.
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[Lighthawk]

How tall is that setup Patrick?

 

[pvstoy]

My shop has 9 foot door and fits. I remember it is about 8"5" top of the vent. Could be off a inch either way.

 

[cware]

what parts of the VIAiR kit are worth keeping/buying? I'm looking to do on board air soon myself.

The lines and fittings are what I tossed. Tank, regulator and compressor all are in their "kit", I got a good price on the kit so I went with it.

 

[cware]

Looks beautiful! I have an '07 2500 RAM and am looking to do a similar set up once I sell my 5th wheel.


Have you taken it off? How hard is it to get back on? I've owned a slide-in - loading wasn't terrible, but the dealer was talking about needing to line up 4x bolts for the flatbed - sounds a little more varsity level.

Did you get the inside toilet/shower? I'm leaning towards not necessary.

Are you able to carry a full size spare (35") spare under there? With the curved back I don't see any commercial bumper mounting options.

I have not pulled it off, the dealer also warned me it was hard but I don't get them much credit. Hard is relative for sure. I'm changing out the mounting plates and used some different hardware. I think I could do it in 30min or so.

No inside toilet or shower, the storage gained by not getting them was worth it.

35" in spare under the bed deflated. I'm going to try to get a 37 under there are re fab the whole hitch area. There is room side to side but it's very close to the trackbar so that's why its deflated. I should be able to get more space.