This 5-Speed Cummins Ram 3500 4X4 Is a Mighty Overlander

This 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 4×4 Xplorer Xcursion recently for sale on eBay is an eye-popping overlanding rig. It combines the reliability of a Cummins diesel, a manual transmission, and hotel-like accommodations for the end of the trail.

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Grab a Gear

Getting there is all the fun in this rig. Driving its pre-emissions 5.9-liter Cummins diesel is a visceral, ground-gobbling experience enlivened by the truck’s NV4500 manual transmission.

In factory tune, the Cummins produced 245 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. There’s likely more on tap now with modifications including:

• RV fuel injectors
• FASS fuel system
• Upgraded turbocharger
• Banks intake
• DPS exhaust manifold
• Four-inch turbo-back exhaust

With 120,000 miles on the clock, this engine is just hitting its stride.

The transmission, transfer case, and front driveshaft were recently rebuilt, the seller says, and a new clutch is rated for 550 horsepower. Cooling the engine is an oversized aluminum radiator with a new water pump and thermostat.

Custom Suspension

You’ve probably seen more than a few eager off-road adventurers split their overloaded stock pickup trucks in half. To support the weight of this conversion, the Ram’s one-ton chassis received serious beef:

• Custom suspension with long-arm conversion
• Synergy progressive-rate lift springs
• Rear air springs
• Heavy-duty adjustable track bar
• Heavy-duty Redhead one-ton steering box

The seller says the chassis modifications lit the ABS and brake warning lights, but states that it does not affect the truck’s driveability.

Apartment on Wheels

The Xplorer Xcursion conversion ruggedizes the motorhome concept. It’s set up for overland travel while enhancing the living area far beyond a rooftop tent. As the seller states:

This rig does not feel like a camper, it feels like an apartment.

Yet, at 21 feet long, the Xplorer Xcursion Ram is shorter than many Class C motorhomes. Taller too, with its 35-inch tires providing traction and ground clearance when the pavement ends.

Unlike a pickup with a slide-in camper, passengers can go from the cab to the living area without leaving the truck. Should you find yourself bedding down in mosquito territory off the Dempster Highway, for instance, nothing in the world could be better. Efficient use of space makes room for a queen-size bed in the loft, a daybed with a Purple brand mattress, a bathroom with shower and toilet, as well as a galley with a three-burner stove/oven combo and a full-size refrigerator/freezer.

Upgraded Amenities

According to the seller, the living area has received recent upgrades:

• New vinyl flooring
• New quartz countertops
• New instant water heater
• New shower/faucet combo
• New Kohler Stages 33-inch sink

There’s handsome custom cabinetry made of 80/20 aluminum and plywood. LED and reading lights augment the ambient light streaming through the windows. The electrical system includes plenty of 12-volt and USB outlets. Off-the-grid power comes from a 400w Renogy solar panel system.

Related: Portable Generators Power Up Your Overland Campsite

Four-Season Travel

Overlanding shouldn’t stop after the leaves fall. That’s why this Xplorer Xcursion was built with four-season insulation. Even the black and gray waste-water tanks are insulated for convenient cold-weather servicing.

The living area stays cozy with forced-air propane heat. In warmer weather, big Maxxair and Fanntastic fans keep the air moving, with another Maxxair in the bathroom. A large exterior sun awning is a dream at the campsite, making it a perfect spot to plan the next day’s adventure.