Up next Toyotas Thrilled and Endured at King of the Hammers 2024 Published on November 13, 2024 Author Gene Pascua Tags 2500 Power Wagon, Off-road, off-roading, OnX Offroad, outdoor, outdoors, Overland, overlanding, power wagon, Ram 2500 Power Wagon, Share article Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Mail 0 From Dreams to Drive: Building the Ultimate 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon A 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon built piece by piece In 2021, Jeff Coxen started his quest to build a more capable version of his 2015 4th gen Ram 2500 Cummins to accommodate his needs for filming in remote areas. Leaning on his 20-year experience designing and customizing off-road capable rigs in the car sales industry, he eventually decided on a 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon. However, the path to that decision was a bit longer than one would think. Jeff dabbled with some other capable vehicles before his needs and desires took him back to Ram. Jeff was anxious to get his build started for his next film project, but the pandemic proved the process challenging as he battled with the worldwide logistical issues for custom parts. Eventually, after eleven challenging months, he finally completed the Power Wagon for his adventure docuseries “Divergent Pathways” to be aired on Amazon Prime. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Jeff Coxen uses his Skinny Guy Camper on the back of his Ram 2500 Power Wagon when on family trips and not filming The Necessary Experience Jeff’s love for the outdoors started at a young age, traveling and off roading with his family. He eventually stopped off roading for a time to pursue motorcycle and rally motorsports in the early 2000s and didn’t even own a 4×4 truck till 2012. “Eventually, after eleven challenging months, he finally completed his Power Wagon for his adventure docuseries “Divergent Pathways” to be aired on Amazon Prime.” Being in the car sales industry for 20 years, mainly with Ford and Mopar brands, Jeff enjoyed designing and customizing over 200 Jeeps and trucks to be off-road capable rigs for his customers. His years in the sales industry gave him the necessary knowledge and experience to build functional off-roadworthy vehicles for himself. After trying out different vehciles, Jeff found himself drawn back to a Ram truck. A Little More Room After owning various other vehicles, his love for the 4×4 life didn’t reignite until after his fifth Jeep Wrangler. In 2014 when the off-road and overlanding industry started trending, like others at the time, he started adding all the accouterments that one does to his adventure vehicle. “ ‘I wanted to still be able to rock crawl, haul a trailer, and have enough room for the family and three car seats,’ said Coxen.” He eventually outgrew the Jeep and needed a little more room, so he experimented with a few different trucks before he finally found his inclination for full-sized overland rigs. His first full-sized vehicle started with a 4th gen 2015 Ram 2500 Cummins he dubbed, “The Warthog.” “I wanted to still be able to rock crawl, haul a trailer, and have enough room for the family and three car seats,” said Jeff. A Rhino Rack Backnoon roof rack helps haul extra cargo when on the road during filming. Filming the Outdoors Jeff pursued his filming career in 2010 after attending an event called Full Draw Film Festival. It highlighted amateur filmmakers in the hunting industry who were producing short films. Attending the festival sparked his creativity and two days later he purchased his first set of video equipment. He then started creating hunting films, which eventually lead him to his first hunting tv show with a group of friends that aired on NBC Sports for one season. “He needed the Power Wagon to be a workhorse, a daily driver, and a production crew vehicle for filming.” Soon after, Jeff found himself working with various production companies and on several show productions, such as ‘Booze Traveler’ on The Travel Channel. He absorbed the processes and procedures of what went on behind the scenes with bigger production shows, which lead to his first very own television show called ‘Brotherhood of Brew.’ More Creature Comforts Eventually, as Jeff’s family grew, he needed a little more luxury, additional creature comforts, and more room on those long family trips. Two months after the pandemic hit, he sold his 4th gen Ram and upgraded to a 2017 Raptor, swayed after driving one for a client of his. It was by far the most fun vehicle he’s ever owned as far as drivability and sheer performance in an off-road vehicle. Unfortunately, the fun was short-lived as the Raptor had multiple issues and Jeff soon sold the Raptor after only a year. “he experimented with a few different trucks before he finally found his inclination for full-sized overland rigs.” In the meantime, Jeff found himself missing his 4th gen Ram and was on the lookout for a new Power Wagon which proved difficult during the pandemic. He purchased a 1985 Jeep Wagoneer to restore to keep himself busy while he searched for his perfect rig. There was more work than anticipated for the Wagoneer so without a vehicle to daily drive he continued searching for his Power Wagon. A few weeks later in October 2021, a new 2500 Power Wagon was in his possession. He dubbed it the “Big Pig,” and the modification process began. He needed the Power Wagon to be a workhorse, a daily driver, and a production crew vehicle for filming. Acquiring products during this time was insanely difficult and filming production was to start in January 2022. The Skinny Guy Camper allows Jeff to have both versatility and flexibility in his travels, whether it be with his family or for work. Divergent Pathways Needing to move forward with filming of “Divergent Pathways,” a series encompassing the lifestyle, and culture that makes up overlanding, Jeff had a work in progress overland film crew truck. He had to build it as they filmed, which allowed him to tie the show together with his build. As the series progressed, so did Jeff’s Power Wagon as parts trickled in during production. “The addition of the Skinny Guy Camper brought many amenities. It ‘has a freakin’ bidet,’ Jeff shares ecstatically.” Seeing the Big Pig evolve in appearance with each episode wasn’t intentional, but it added to the theme of the show. Filming “Divergent Pathways” has been a memorable experience for Jeff. He met a variety of people in the overland community traversing from the Bay Area to Death Valley, Oregon to Utah during the series. Finessing the Build As filming production progressed, Jeff started finessing his ideas for the Power Wagon on what needed improvement and any additional functionality necessary for his production crew while out in remote locations for long periods of time. First, he needed to upgrade and dial in his suspension. It took ten months to receive his King shocks 3.0 front suspension and 2.5 suspension in the rear via Thuren Fabrication. Additionally, he added a Thuren 13/8 rear spacer on Carli R2 rear coils, a Thuren rear track bar, drop links, and a Hellwig Big Wig rear sway bar to handle the heavy loads of filming gear and camping gear for the crew. Jeff also needed durable organization for gear and opted for Zarges K series cargo boxes to mount on his Rhino Rack Backbone roof rack above the cab. In addition, he added an RSI SmartCap system to cover the rear bed for equipment when he doesn’t have his skinny guy camper attached. He also added front and rear body armor protection, provided by Chassis Unlimited, to be able to traverse through rough terrain when needed out in the field. And to help guide him and his team through remote areas to film, Jeff’s preferred navigation system is the OnX Offroad app. “Seeing the Big Pig evolve in appearance with each episode wasn’t intentional, but it worked out for the theme of the show.” Power management is also crucial for his production crew in the field, and he opted for a portable 12V mate battery box featuring a Redarc BCDC1225D power system to handle the charging of crew equipment. Eventually, Jeff added a Redarc Manager30 system with his Skinny Guy Camper for when he camps with family and friends. Dual Benefits The addition of the Skinny Guy Camper brought many amenities. It “has a freakin’ bidet,” Jeff shares ecstatically. The camper allows ultimate comfort with his family adventures which includes a Truma refrigerator, Truma water heating system, integrated 190w swing open solar panel, RV-style flushing bidet and much more. When the camper is not needed, Jeff uses the camper jack system to switch to his SmartCap. The SmartCap allows for extra room for him and the film crew to do production work out in the field. Having the flexibility and ability to switch between the two has been beneficial for his needs between work, daily activities and going on adventures. Jeff has his sights set on other upgrades down the line. He would like to add a Procharger Supercharger, upgrade his rear to 3.0 shocks to handle the additional weight of his camper, and add fiberglass widebody front and rear fenders. Otherwise, he’s a happy camper with how his Power Wagon turned out from all the hurdles he faced during the pandemic, and he looks forward to more adventures with his Big Pig. Follow Jeff Coxen and his team on social media @rogueelementadventure. Divergent Pathways is available to watch on Amazon Prime and YouTube starting November 23rd, 2023. The Skinny Guy Camper allows Jeff to have both versatility and flexibility in his travels, whether it be with his family or for work. The Diablo front bumper from Chassis Unliited provides protection and good looks. The Ram 2500 Power Wagon is built to provide Jeff utility and function. 2021 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Engine: 6.4L Hemi Suspension: Full stage 3 Thurens with King 3.0 shocks, Thuren track bar, Thuren front coils. King 2.5 rear shocks, Thuren 13/8” rear spacer on Carli R2 rear coils. Thuren rear track bar, Hellwig Big Wig rear sway bar with Thuren drop links. Wheels & Tires: Vision Ojos 17-inch with +12 backspacing, BFG KM3 37×12.5 Steering: Synergy drag link, Synergy tie rod connect with a Thuren tuned King stabilizer. Interior Accessories: OnX Offroad app, 67 Designs Carbon rail mount, Switch-Pros RC12 switch panel, 67 Designs Garmin inReach Mini GPS Mount, Midland MX500 GMRS communications, 12V portable battery with RedArc BCDC1225D with a Full River Battery system, Redarc Manager30 inside Skinny Guy Camper. Exterior Accessories: Skinny Guy Camper, Builtright Industries in-bed molle panels, Bedslide Max 1500 Bedslide, SmartCap (when the Skinny Guy Camper is off), Snomaster 66L fridge, PowerStop Z36 Extreme brake with slotted and drilled rotors, ceramic/carbon pads Torco full synthetic oil, Powertank 10lb tank, Factor 55 ultra hook, and full recovery bag Rigid Industries D-series light pods up front and in the rear bumper, NH Overland custom Switch-Pros under hood mount and second battery mount, Abel off-road nanny switch. Camper Features: Truma heater, Truma fridge, 1000watt Xnatrex Freedom inverter, 190 watts integrated, swing-open solar panel, Italian-made CAN brand cooktop/sink, Optional RV-style flushing toilet with 20 gallons of waste storage, Bide optionally, Rainwater Catchment system, 36 gallons of water capacity, Optional LED UV sterilization system, Camper Jacks with integrated receiver ports for quick detachment, Automotive-style wiring harness with Sealed Deutsch connectors, All stainless hardware and fasteners, 304 stainless tent bows, 125” 5052 alloy laser cut exoskeleton shell for impact resistance and strength, Aqualon Edge tent material, Langun brand swivel table base, Sunbrella fabric dinette seat cushions, Marine Mat flooring Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the Jan/Feb 2023 edition of Tread Magazine. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What are some final thoughts and words of wisdom when choosing an overlanding adventure rig? Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom When Choosing an Overlanding Adventure Rig When selecting your overlanding adventure rig, remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The ideal vehicle will depend on the type of terrain you’ll be tackling, the destinations you plan to visit, and your desired level of comfort during the journey. Here are some guiding principles to consider: Simplicity is Key: Complex systems can lead to greater chances of malfunction. Focus on vehicles that are straightforward and easy to operate. Manage Weight: Heavy vehicles can struggle with performance. Keep modifications lightweight to enhance the vehicle’s agility and efficiency. Optimize Suspension: Effective suspension will greatly improve ride comfort and handling, especially over rough terrain. Maintain the Engine: Stick with stock engine configurations when possible. Unnecessary modifications can reduce reliability and complicate repairs. Minimize Electrical Changes: Limit electrical modifications to avoid potential failures. If changes are necessary, isolate and secure them properly. Choose the Right Tires: Invest in high-quality tires with the appropriate tread for your adventure. Your tires are critical to vehicle performance and safety. Avoid Heavy Roof Loads: Heavy gear on the roof can affect handling and increase the risk of rollovers. Store heavy items low within the vehicle. Plan for Self-Recovery: Equip your rig with recovery gear and consider professional training. Knowing how to get unstuck is vital for remote travel. Secure Your Cargo: Inside the vehicle, ensure all items are safely stowed to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on high-quality gear and essential modifications. Less is often more when it comes to overlanding equipment. By keeping things simple and reliable, you’ll be better prepared for the varied challenges of long-distance adventure travel. Why did you choose your rig platform and how long have you had it? I opted for my specific truck and camper combination back in early 2018. One of the main reasons I went with this setup is somewhat unique compared to typical buyers in this category. I needed a 4WD vehicle with a long wheelbase, a 3/4 ton capacity, and an enclosed, comfortable camper for my travels and work. In my line of work, vehicles play a crucial role. I already own a couple of off-road vehicles—one designed for rock crawling and short scenic trips, and another configured for long-distance overlanding. However, my overlanding vehicle was inconvenient for crowded events; it offered little privacy and made cooking cumbersome. Thus, I needed a more comfortable and private solution for these situations. Therefore, I chose this rig platform, which provides the necessary comfort, privacy, and functionality, allowing me to attend events without sacrificing convenience. This addition complements my existing vehicles perfectly, without abandoning my passion for activities like rock crawling on the Rubicon Trail. What would you do differently if you could start from scratch? If I had a chance to start over with a bigger budget, my approach to purchasing both the truck and the camper would certainly be different. Let’s break it down. Truck Considerations With more financial resources, I would opt for a high-payload, high-towing capacity truck. For instance, I might go for a heavy-duty model on a 3500 platform, which offers significantly greater utility for overlanding adventures. Camper Preferences When it comes to the camper, I believe a flatbed style would have been a more practical choice than a slide-in version. The flatbed offers more storage and is generally sturdier, providing a better overall experience on rough terrains. Alternative to Trucks: Vans Given the option, investing in a van instead of a truck could also be a smart move. Vans present several undeniable advantages: Integrated Living Space: Once driving is done, you can seamlessly transition to the living area without stepping outside. This is particularly beneficial in unsafe or harsh weather conditions. Enhanced Interior Room: Vans often offer more living space. The passenger seat can often be rotated to face backward, contributing to additional seating and floor space. With these insights, when I plan my next overlanding vehicle, a high-utility truck or a spacious van would be strong contenders. These adjustments would vastly improve my overall experience and efficiency on the road. What’s the one thing that makes your rig awesome for you? “The addition of the Skinny Guy Camper brought many amenities. It ‘has a freakin’ bidet,’ Jeff shares ecstatically.” After years of roughing it with basic setups, Jeff feels like he’s finally hit the jackpot with his new rig. The Skinny Guy Camper not only offers the luxury of a bidet but transforms his outdoor experience entirely. Imagine being in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the tranquility of nature, and yet enjoying the comforts of home. Jeff recounts how the camper’s insulated walls keep the interior warm and cozy even when the temperature drops. “It’s like having a slice of paradise when it’s snowing outside,” he says. The camper’s compact design also ensures a smooth ride, even on rugged terrain, making it feel more stable and comfortable than many sedans on the road. Key Features: Comfort and Warmth: Insulated walls provide excellent temperature control, making it perfect for all seasons. Smooth Ride: The camper’s design ensures that it handles well on both pavement and rough trails. Convenience: Features like the bidet add a touch of luxury to the camping experience. For Jeff, the combination of these elements makes his rig not just a vehicle, but a true home away from home. What are the benefits of specific features in practical use? The camper’s design ensures a warm, protected environment during extreme weather, while the engine’s power allows for confident and efficient travel on difficult terrain. The combination of these features makes the rig highly practical for extended overland trips. What personal satisfaction or emotional connection do you have with the rig? The rig provides a deep sense of satisfaction, offering both luxury and adventure. The ability to comfortably navigate through remote, harsh conditions while enjoying modern comforts creates a strong emotional bond with the vehicle. How does the rig compare to other vehicles? Compared to other overlanding vehicles, this rig stands out with its superior performance and comfort. It easily outperforms other heavily loaded vehicles on steep inclines and even rivals the ride quality of high-end sedans like a Lexus. What specific features contribute to the overall experience? The camper offers a luxurious feel, transforming the experience into one of comfort and coziness. The powerful engine adds a sense of reliability and strength, while the smooth ride quality enhances the overall enjoyment of the journey. How does the rig perform in different conditions? The rig excels in various conditions, providing unmatched comfort and protection during snowy weather, even in the most remote locations. Its robust engine ensures that it performs admirably on challenging routes, maintaining high speeds and stability. What characteristics or components would you change if you could? Jeff has his sights set on other upgrades down the line. He would like to add a Procharger Supercharger, upgrade his rear to 3.0 shocks to handle the additional weight of his camper, and add fiberglass widebody front and rear fenders. However, Jeff has also identified a few areas where the current setup falls short. The front bumper, for instance, is not ideal for repetitive winching. This has been a significant inconvenience during his off-road excursions. Moreover, the payload capacity is a major concern. The Power Wagon comes with a paltry maximum payload of 1466 pounds, largely due to the very soft coil springs designed for robust axle articulation on uneven terrain. This low payload means it isn’t recommended for slide-in campers, a restriction that Jeff has personally felt. He even experimented by adding a heavy camper on the rear, tightening the rear sway bar, and installing airbags, which unfortunately compromised the off-road specific design. Jeff has a set of stock RAM 3500 coil springs in his shop, ready to be tested as a potential solution. He’s hopeful this will improve the vehicle’s performance under heavier loads. Another limitation is the overlanding range. Off-road, Jeff can get about 230 miles on a full tank of fuel when in 4WD high. While this range is acceptable, it’s certainly not ideal for longer adventures. To mitigate this, Jefftypically carries two five-gallon jerry cans of gas on extended trips. These challenges haven’t deterred Jeff; instead, they fuel his ambition to make continuous improvements. What potential solutions or modifications are being considered?** The owner is considering experimenting with stock RAM 3500 coil springs to improve payload capacity and typically carries extra fuel for extended range during long excursions. What personal experiences highlight these issues?** The owner experienced performance problems after putting a heavy camper on the rear, necessitating the addition of a tight rear sway bar and airbags to compensate. What specific design choices contribute to these issues?** The use of very soft coil springs to allow for robust axle articulation on uneven terrain results in the low payload capacity. What are the consequences of these issues?** The inadequate front bumper makes winching difficult, and the low payload capacity limits the ability to carry heavy loads, such as a slide-in camper, which can negatively affect the vehicle’s off-road performance. What are the current issues with the vehicle?** The front bumper is not suitable for repetitive winching, and the vehicle has a low payload capacity of 1466 pounds.