A Capable, Mobile Hunting Camp with Room for the Dogs

Cheeseburgers, Budweiser, bald eagles, and my RAM Power Wagon—they all have an overriding theme that is unapologetically American. While my RAM was technically made in Mexico, my approach to the aftermarket is very patriotic. The Made in USA theme with this truck wasn’t intentional but more a result of my pursuit to find ultra high quality products for the fifth-gen RAM platform. The core of this build is centered around a few products that are essential parts of the build. These are from American brands like American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), Go Fast Campers, and Decked. The products all solve a core need, but there’s something that also just feels good about supporting American manufacturing.

“The Power Wagon is easily the most capable HD truck off the lot with features like front and rear lockers, a factory Warn winch as well as disconnecting sway bars. Couple that with some upgraded suspension components, and it’s a force to be reckoned with.”

While this RAM is my daily driver, I mainly built the truck to act as a highly capable mobile hunting camp that offers everything I need and nothing I don’t. Camp is quick to set up and break down, gear and bird dogs are all organized and safe, and I’m not bolting on every heavy accessory known to man. Instead, I rely on the essentials and “must haves” instead of the “nice to haves” that are so rarely used.

“Lighting upgrades were simple. I went with two Baja Designs fog lights mounted in a CJC off-road conversion kit. The driving lights are Lightforce HTX2s, which are LED and HID combos. These come in extra handy when there’s snow or ice as the HIDs will not freeze over.”

The ease of maintenance is another important factor for me to consider. After every adventure the entire camper is cleaned with a quick power wash and is ready to go for the next one. By going somewhat minimalist, the overall weight savings compared to other camper setups are huge. This is especially important for me to consider since the GVWR on the Power Wagon platform is less than the Cummins variant.

So, why the Power Wagon?

I had tossed and turned while choosing between the Cummins and Power Wagon for a while prior to purchase. I bought it at a time when gas prices were volatile and the fuel economy of a diesel really appealed to me—not to mention the bonus of a long-lasting engine as well. I also already owned a diesel Sprinter van, so I was accustomed to the slight annoyance of DEF, so that wasn’t a turnoff. In fact, all things pointed me toward a Cummins.

“The system is also weatherproof, which makes cleaning with a power washer an easy endeavor.”

Then I asked myself, “How am I really wanting to use this thing?” During hunting season (fall/winter), the conditions are notoriously bad and roads are often suspect in the high desert area in which I frequent, transitioning between snow, soft sand, rocks, mud, and gumbo. The Power Wagon is easily the most capable HD truck off the lot with features like front and rear lockers, a factory Warn winch as well as disconnecting sway bars. Couple that with some upgraded suspension components, and it’s a force to be reckoned with.

RAM owners these days are lucky as there are some incredible aftermarket suspension options available from brands like Thuren, Carli, and AEV that all offer top-of-the-line components. While Thuren and Carli tend to focus more on suspension, AEV leads the way with overall platform support with a full lineup of aftermarket parts including suspension, bumpers, 40-inch tire conversion kits, snorkels, wheels, lights, and more.

My plan was always to upgrade the front and rear bumpers with AEV products, so when it came to suspension choices, it was nice knowing that AEV’s 3-inch Dualsport XP suspension system is tuned from the factory using the same target weight as their Prospector/PXL conversions (which includes the front and rear AEV bumpers).

AEV’s system keeps the factory front coil springs but pairs them with 3-inch cast aluminum coil spring relocation spacers to achieve the additional lift height. The DualSport XP suspension system is built with AEV/Bilstein XP8100 reservoir shocks, which are 66mm reservoir shocks and constructed from aerospace quality billet components.

One of AEV’s famous offerings is the PXL—a collection of parts for the fifth-gen platform that transforms them into ultra burly behemoths on 40s. AEV’s typical offerings are more geared toward the Cummins variant of HD trucks, but I really wanted the off-road capability of the Power Wagon. I took their model and made it my own, opting for 37s instead of 40s and not needing the bigger wheel arches. Included in the suspension system is a 1-inch axle extension, which allows use of a 37-inch tire. I ran General Grabber X3s for a while, but I am now on Firestone Destination MT rubber in 37×12.50R17 with  17-inch AEV Katla wheels. Only minor trimming of the wheel liner was needed to have a worry-free fitment.

I rounded out the AEV shopping list with its front and rear bumpers, snorkel and mud flaps. Like AEV’s suspension offerings, attention to detail and pursuit of excellence is also seen in its line of bumpers. They are all made with stamped steel and are made specifically to work with your truck’s cooling system, parking sensors, lights, etc. They provide all the benefits of an aftermarket bumper but still have the fit and function of OEM. I originally opted for AEV’s front bumper with full hoops to offer increased protection from obstacles in the backcountry as well as from animal collisions from driving at night.

Lighting upgrades were simple. I went with two Baja Designs fog lights mounted in a CJC off-road conversion kit. The driving lights are Lightforce HTX2s, which are LED and HID combos. These come in extra handy when there’s snow or ice as the HIDs will not freeze over.

The camper setup is also straightforward with the Go Fast Campers platform camper being my turn-key solution. The camper is super lightweight and built tough—trust me, this thing can take a beating! I keep my sleeping bag and pillow inside so I can launch into sleep mode in a matter of seconds, making quick rest stop naps a breeze.

Storage is achieved with a Decked drawer system in the bed, which keeps everything safe and secure. The system is also weatherproof, which makes cleaning with a power washer an easy endeavor. Mounted on top are two Gunner G1 kennels, which are my go-to when it comes to kennels. They are not only crash tested but also made in the USA.

Overall I am really happy with how the build has turned out and wouldn’t really change a thing. The future plans for the rig is to add an auxiliary battery, solar and power management system, then wire up some fans for the dog kennels as well as charging stations for their GPS collars.

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UPGRADES

2022 RAM Power Wagon

OWNER:

Matt Hardinge

ENGINE: 6.4L V-8 HEMI, Magnaflow exhaust

SUSPENSION: AEV 3-inch Dualsport XP suspension system

WHEELS & TIRES: 17-inch AEV Katla

BUMPERS: AEV front and rear bumpers

RECOVERY: Factory Warn winch and Factor 55 FlatLink

ACCESSORIES: Decked Drawer system, Lightforce HTX2 from Baja Designs, ARB Twin air compressor, Switch Pros w/ CJC mount, Midland radio, Go Fast Camper, Gunner G1 Kennels, AEV snorkel, AEV Procal, AEV mud flaps, AMP Research Power Steps, NH Overland mounts, and Molle panels

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Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD Sep/Oct 2024