Project White Truck: 2010 Dodge Ram 3500

131 1105 Project White Truck 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Front Shot With Trailer

Last month we took our '10 Ram 3500 to a local Dodge dealership to get some Mopar upgrades. This truck is our base-model bruiser that is earning monthly upgrades to make it more useful and off-roadable. It started as a basic ST package Ram with vinyl seats, floor mats, a Cummins diesel, and manual transmission. Last month this no-frills killer grew up a little with a Mopar leveling kit and 35-inch BFG's on the stock steel wheels.

131 1105 Project White Truck 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Truck Bed

We took the big Dodge to the desert this past fall and slept under the stars. It was perfect, but also not realistic, as most of the time the wind, rain, snow, or cold make open-top camping ugly.

We took the big Dodge to the desert this past fall and slept under the stars. It was perfe

We decided a few aftermarket upgrades were next on the list, but nothing extreme, as this truck should be everyman's everything 4x4. The truck does tow rig duties most of the time and also serves as daily driver and general junk hauler, but we really dream of more backcountry exploring. We envision traveling desolate dirt tracks, finding scenic campsites, and basically hanging out in the woods, desert, or wherever for a few days-maybe hunting, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, prospecting, or just escaping. In fact, we did just that in last month's inaugural White Truck Road Trip.

131 1105 Project White Truck 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Chevy Camper

We were cruising down the highway contemplating a bed shell when we spotted the perfect-looking camper shell for the Dodge, so we flagged down the driver. He gave us the name Caravan Campers from Reno. It seemed a road trip to western Nevada was in our future.

We were cruising down the highway contemplating a bed shell when we spotted the perfect-lo

To make our truck the perfect base camp, we recently added a rugged Caravan Camper on the back. It's seems the trend of building expedition vehicles is in full swing these days, but we like to call this our "white work truck that gets to go exploring on vacation days."

Caravan Campers was started in 1955 by Wally Rusk and Dale Devine and is currently run by Dale's son Mike. These campers are designed and built for structural integrity no matter the terrain you take your truck over. The campers use a steel boxed frame covered with steel PaintLok sheetmetal for longevity and the ability to haul excessive gear on top of the camper if needed.
Caravan Campers was started in 1955 by Wally Rusk and Dale Devine and is currently run by
Our top was ordered to match the Bright White paint of our Ram 3500 and the 6-foot 4-inch bed length. The top has three roof bars for hauling your boat, bikes, mother-in-law, or whatever. Just don't exceed the 2,000-pound weight limit!
Our top was ordered to match the Bright White paint of our Ram 3500 and the 6-foot 4-inch
To make in- and egress easier, we chose the dual rear door option. These heavy doors are rubber-sealed against dust and moisture, plus they are lockable for secure storage or sleeping but can still be opened from the inside. There are also rubber seals along the entire bedrail, ensuring a clean, dry place to sleep on our next adventure. Note the 12V dome light, rails for hanging clothes, and shelf for storage.
To make in- and egress easier, we chose the dual rear door option. These heavy doors are r

The camper also has a small vent that keeps fresh air in the camper and forms positive air pressure to keep dust from entering yet remains watertight so that cold, rainy weather stays outside. It also has a sliding screen and flip-up windows for easy access.
The camper also has a small vent that keeps fresh air in the camper and forms positive air
In the back of the camper is a switch that lights up the auxiliary and factory backup lights to help when you're hooking up a trailer or setting up camp after dark.
In the back of the camper is a switch that lights up the auxiliary and factory backup ligh
You may think adding a camper to the White Truck hindered its hauling ability, but not really. We can now carry long pieces of tubing or lumber on the roof, and the bed still has room for at least eight 35-inch tires. Plus, at the end of the day we have a great cabin on wheels.
You may think adding a camper to the White Truck hindered its hauling ability, but not rea