Overland Off Road Truck Camper Build - Our 2nd Gen Cummins gets a new m1031 military box!

The Dodge Cummins gets a new camper box in phase 1 of our custom 4x4 overlanding project. We installed an aluminum military bed with extra storage and are in the process of welding a tall top with a cab over sleeping area. A diesel heater, windows and insulation will be added in phase 2 so subscribe and follow along for updates on the series. We are building this truck to be a daily driver as well as a long range touring vehicle without sacrificing off road capability. It’s important for us to build this truck to work well in all climates and weather conditions because we camp year round in snow, rain, and desert heat. When completed the goal is to have a vehicle that is equally at home from Alaska to Baja.

[@largemarge1603]

Excellent editing and content!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thank you!

[@joell439]

Cool - Mike Festiva sent me over. I immediately subscribed and look forward to viewing all your content. Joel....... 👍👍😎👍👍

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks watching and subscribing! That was nice of Mike to do the shout out. I should have some more videos posted soon.

[@chillyspoon]

Recently discovered yours and your brother's channels when learning about kei trucks, I've been working my way through both of your back catalogs since then and have been enjoying the great content, shooting, scripting, editing and music choice throughout - thank you!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! I’m trying to get a bit more consistent with posting so lots of edits to catch up on. We just did a Kei truck camping trip and that one should be next. Thanks again for watching and the positive comments, I appreciate those!

[@allanperryman388]

Dogs love it.

[@OlympicOverland]

Ha ha it’s pretty much their favorite thing!

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

This is going to be a epic build. My brother has a 97 F350 7.3 4x4 he just cab swapped and put a kodiak camper on. Its amazing for cruising around.

[@OlympicOverland]

That’s rad! I’m looking forward to seeing some shots of that F350. We have been having a great time with this build so far, the diesel heater will be going in soon because it’s getting cold here in the PNW🥶!

[@Mikefestiva]

I’m looking forward to seeing your new camper progress!

[@OlympicOverland]

Slowly but surely!

[@budagen]

I just stumbled unto your video. I'll be subscribing. I don't have a truck yet. But always had diesels, and my idea of camper is very much like yours: simple, functional, utilitarian, easy to fix. Keep it up, looking forward to watching the other videos you've made and will be making regarding this build.

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! I am editing a new video and will hopefully be uploading it soon. The truck has been a fun project and daily driver that just keeps getting better! 👍

[@richardthompson6406]

Paint the truck to match the Camo on the box that would look good

[@OlympicOverland]

Yeah, I’m hoping to finish the camper top this winter and figure out the paint next spring after we cut the pass through cab. The camo is really starting to grow on me and it’s definitely easy to touch up for repairs! 👌

[@traxoff-grid6600]

I love the new box Andy

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! It’s nice having the extra space and utility of the new bed. The next phase of the build will be fun and I finished most of the welding so it’s on to aluminum sheeting, installing windows and insulation soon! 👍

[@DuddiesAdventure]

Awesome Project! I've wanted to do this same thing with one of my Dodge Cummins. Can't wait to see more progress! Great video and great Channel!

[@dragonknee]

Well done... Its always cool to see you and your adventures...

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks Jim!!!!

[@Aussompossum2008]

I am literally starting the same build! awesome

[@OlympicOverland]

That’s rad! I only had to notch the rear of my frame 2” to clear the back aluminum lip and was able to use the stock fuel fill location with my original filler neck. I used a stubby 90 degree air drill with a stepped bit to drill the frame out, that was helpful! I would be interested in seeing your build! Cheers👍

[@jessinez7662]

Can’t wait to see the finished product! That camo/tan combo looks bad ass!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! We took a break from camper work this weekend and headed out to the desert for some heat but I’m ordering more camper bits next week and the work continues!

[@j4513]

Did you consider putting the Alaskan on a service bed and just replacing your regular bed. Would solve the problem of the wasted space and give more storage. That’s the set up I have. (Silly question I’m sure as I am sure you obviously considered it!)

[@OlympicOverland]

I had definitely considered the Alaskan service bed combo, it’s the best Alaskan camper configuration that I’ve seen so far and had we kept ours that would have been the next setup. Sadly we had decided to sell it after 10 years but Stacy and I still miss it, they are great campers. Our 1970 took about 40 pumps from the hydraulic jack to lift it and after 10 years of raising and lowering we decided to build a different camper with an extra strong roof for snow loads and permanent mounting to the frame. Alaskan’s are great though, I will probably own another one someday 👌

[@j4513]

@@OlympicOverland This is a fantastic reason and thank you so much for sharing. We ran into the same problem as well when we were full-timing in it for months at a time :-/ We did not deal with it for anywhere near the 10 years that you dealt with it so I can’t even imagine. One thing we did to deal with the constant lifting the top over and over: my husband ended up making some alterations where the camper stayed in the up position but was fully secured and without any pressure to the hydraulic system and safe to drive at highway speeds or off-road. Totally agree, with a camping trip here and there, the constant up down is not a problem but when you’re staying in it for extended periods of time and need to lift it and drop it so many times a day, we decided to make that alteration. 👍🏼 Your new rig is AMAZING and one of a kind. I would certainly be drooling on myself to see that thing in person driving down the road!

[@OlympicOverland]

@@j4513 I do miss the low profile of the Alaskan for squeezing under down trees on the dirt roads. They do a lot of things really well! Let me know if your travels ever end up on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, Stacy and I would love to show you the camper and some great local spots to camp 👍

[@foghornstation4118]

Love your videos! Makes me want to hit the road

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! You guys have an awesome Alaskan that’s ready to roll 👍

[@TheEmotionalArcheologist]

I so love that military box and would love to put one on my 06 mega cab. Where can one pick up one of these gems?

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi! The box I used was supplied on Military trucks in the 80’s as a service truck. They are also commonly fitted to military trailers. You could check some of the military vehicle forums on line and leave a post that you are looking for one, I’m sure someone will have an extra one available. I would call a few of the military auction yards as well to see if they have any leftover. Many of these boxes got recycled when aluminum prices were high but there are still a lot left and with a little searching you will find one 👍

[@9252LIFE]

I have the same set up happening and was thinking about putting the military box on the original bed like a camper and just fabbing the front. And fabbing the floor section.

[@MrRerod]

Awesome. I chose the same truck, in storage waiting for me.. Where did you get the box and can you give me any details about it so I can find and buy one too?

[@raydewitt517]

Awesome truck! Can't wait to see how you finish it. Only one recommendation, I can't stand trying to watch a video and read captions at the same time. Thanks for sharing this.

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks Ray! It’s rare for me to use captions but I ran out of time for voice over on this one so ended up adding it. I have a bunch of build footage coming up soon and some good trips so stay tuned and thanks for the support! 👍

[@raydewitt517]

Just subscribed. Looking forward to more videos.

[@largemarge1603]

@@OlympicOverland I am a visual learner. I prefer captions. For me, today's video is ideal.

[@anthonyc362]

Wow! That is one cool build.

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! I should have another video up soon with some welding and fab work on the new top and details about the diesel heater. I responded to your other comment about our current suspension and tire setup on our truck too. Good luck on your camper search and keep me posted on your build! 👍

[@michaellynch31]

Looking good

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! We just got back from Eastern Washington and the truck did great. It’s like camping in a tin can at the moment but it was actually pretty cozy. I’m looking forward to the taller top. I just upgraded/simplified the fuel system with new lines and installed bigger injector’s. It’s incredible how smoothly it pulls going over the mountains!

[@fidoexpeditions9366]

Total Beast!

[@OlympicOverland]

😂 it’s been a fun project and daily driver! We have been camping with it as we build it so every change is getting noticeably better. The new diesel heater is going in soon and I’m really looking forward to getting the new higher top finished. Cheers! 👍

[@fidoexpeditions9366]

@@OlympicOverland I look forward to watching the progress!

[@Bostonaholic]

That's so cool! I wonder how it would look if it were painted to match the cab?

[@OlympicOverland]

I’ve been thinking that same thing! We will try to finish it by the end of summer and will pull it off to make the walk through cab and paint it. The camo is growing on me more everyday but i think we may go tan with a white top to reflect heat from the sun. 👍

[@workingallday8194]

Your videos are awesome. How much for the old Alaskan 😛

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks for the support, I really appreciate it! The Alaskan will probably be looking for a new home after this build is done so if your looking to combine a road trip with a classic 1970 Alaskan I’m sure we could work something out! 😀

[@workingallday8194]

Yo Andy how’s the progress going? I’ve said it before but your video editing are top notch!!! Let’s see another one

[@OlympicOverland]

Working All Day thanks! I am pretty close to having the next video ready to upload and I’ve got enough trip content lined up for a second video so hopefully soon if I can get a few hours to complete these. We were on the road and exploring in the Cascades so I got a little distracted but we got some great footage 😂

[@9252LIFE]

Where is the build videos?

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi, I’ve been working on more camper build videos and will hopefully be posting more progress soon. We are in the busy season at work so I haven’t had as much time to edit but more footage is on the way.

[@9252LIFE]

@@OlympicOverland awesome! Looking forward to it!

[@stacyhodgson3469]

Yorkies !

[@OlympicOverland]

They run the show

[@paulie12345ish]

Hated those folding doors...pinch points.

[@OlympicOverland]

Yeah, I can see the finger pinch potential. I might make a new rear door that folds up like a hatch, that way it would be easier to seal and offer rain/sun protection like a small awning when it’s open.

[@jason328d6]

Any update?

[@OlympicOverland]

I should have a new video ready to post early next week with some fabrication footage and a few trip shots. The Dodge has been working great. 👍

[@southernpinkster8319]

What lift are you running on the truck?

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi, the lift was on the truck when I bought it and I can’t remember the brand. It’s a 6” lift and has worked well but we will be going with Carli or Thuren stuff when I get the camper finished and we know the final weight. I’ve heard great things about both of those companies and the ride is supposed to be really good. If I figure out what lift is currently on the truck I will let you know. Cheers! 👍

[@assassind36]

You've got a new sub. Looking forward to seeing more!

[@OlympicOverland]

Welcome aboard and thanks for the support! I’ve got more videos on the way 👌. We are doing a lot to the truck build at the moment and continuing to take it on trips so I will have plenty of mixed build/adventure content to edit!

[@paulie12345ish]

Who’s the welder?and what drone model?

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi Paul! I did the welding and metal fab work. The drone is a Mavic Pro, it has active track and can follow the truck.