A Tradesman for off pavement travel/dispersed camping.
- Thread starter DevilDodge
- Start date
Thanks for the replies everyone. I have been playing in the woods of Pa for along time. We started camping with a travel trailer awhile ago...and I just want to be back to a simpler setup for some more interesting camping. Just learned about the motorized campsites in state Forest here last year.
Now we have a new hobby and I found this awesome site to help.
Some of my past Mopar outdoorsman trucks.
I wish I had picks of my trailduster and all my Powerwagons but they have been lost.
Now we have a new hobby and I found this awesome site to help.
Some of my past Mopar outdoorsman trucks.
I wish I had picks of my trailduster and all my Powerwagons but they have been lost.
Advocate I
Trust me, I know you can get lots of places with them: Fool-size Overland Trip: Tamarack Lake in Shasta-Trinity National Forest
-TJ
I had already checked out that trip @tjzo6
That looks like alot of fun. Maybe someday we will make it out to the west coast.
Awesome
That looks like alot of fun. Maybe someday we will make it out to the west coast.
Awesome
Member III
I run the 285/75R18 on all of my F250's (7 at the moment) for the farm and really like the size. Tall and skinny so they fit on stock rims nice, the first couple pickups i put leveling kits on but I have a few without and there is no rubbing. Toyo offers most of their line in that size. I know you can get the A/T2, R/T and M55 maybe more. I've had pretty good luck with the A/T2 and R/T tires, the A/T has better winter traction and when you get it in this size it really opens up the space between the lugs making it look fairly aggressive for an A/T. The R/T is better out in the mud and fields but not by much. I have found though that the R/T hold up better to rock chip so I have been running those more on the pickups that see more gravel. As you said you can get Nitto's in this size, the 2 sets I got were nonstock and had to order them in but they are available.
It is amazing how a picture takes a steep hill and makes it look flat.
Trail report for Pennsylvania
ICE.
Looks like the game commission did some tree trimming aswell.
My son calls it the tree nibbler because it has monster truck tires and looks to have ate the trees.
Trail report for Pennsylvania
ICE.
Looks like the game commission did some tree trimming aswell.
My son calls it the tree nibbler because it has monster truck tires and looks to have ate the trees.
I also need to figure a way to incorporate the kayaks and bikes.
I have a hitch hauler for the bikes. I have contemplated a roof rack for the kayaks.
I usually haul the kayaks above the toolbox and bed cover...but don't like just using the tie down straps
In this pic the bikes are actually under the bed cover. But, going without the camper...I will need that room for camping supplies, etc.
Our other hobbies are geocaching and orienteering, but that stuff is always in my pack under the rear seat.
I have a hitch hauler for the bikes. I have contemplated a roof rack for the kayaks.
I usually haul the kayaks above the toolbox and bed cover...but don't like just using the tie down straps
In this pic the bikes are actually under the bed cover. But, going without the camper...I will need that room for camping supplies, etc.
Our other hobbies are geocaching and orienteering, but that stuff is always in my pack under the rear seat.
Influencer I
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285/75/18 on our '14 Tradesman also. Second set of Toyo R/T now. I hate buying tires and went back to these. We really enjoyed our ARE MX with sliding screened windoors when we had it. Sleeping platform in the rear. Its nice to sleep great through a nasty storm and not be too concerned. We have had our truck for over 3 years now. No buyers remorse and 60K miles of adventure later. This rig has no job other than take us to cool places.
The threads for the trips I will be using this full figured truck for.
www.overlandbound.com
www.overlandbound.com
www.overlandbound.com
www.overlandbound.com
Rothrock to Bald Eagle connection
This will be the trip planning for a extended trip with overnight stays and daily exploring that will be an attempt to off pavement travel from the begining of one to the end of the other. Looks like it is possible according to the maps I have. Will need to get some tires in the mud to see for...
Bald Eagle State Forest in a RAM or 2
We are planning an off pavement travel/dispersed camping trip to BESF this year. Nothing fancy with tents and stock trucks. We will be using our 2015 RAM 2500, BUT may also trek out with our 03 or 99 Dodge 2500s. We camp every weekend from start of fishing season in April til November in...
Rothrock State Forest in a RAM or 2
So, before I have been able to make my first planned trip, I got a curveball. So another member was asking how to connect BESF with Rothrock. Then i realized, hey, I could do this and incorporate one of my favorite state park campground, Trough Creek. Just emailed for the public uuse and...
Moshannan State Forest in a RAM or 2
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Moshannon/Pages/default.aspx So, got the email sent to receive info about motorized camping here. This will also be on the list to explore. More info to come...if anyone has experience here please post.
Got offpavement today. Made it out to Bald Eagle State Forest to check out conditions and motorized camping sites.
Got out to the great outdoors today and did some scouting for campsites with the Tradesman.
Some poser shots 
from our trip 3 miles into the gamelands to find a hill with enough snow to sled ride.
from our trip 3 miles into the gamelands to find a hill with enough snow to sled ride.
My maps for my exploring. Got the dispersed camping info in there too.
Now, just need more free time to roam
Member III
Explorer I
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One of the first things I plan to do is add the I/P mounted auxiliary switches. The first thing that will be wired to them will be some auxiliary lights.
Not sure what else I will be adding. A winch will arrive I am sure, but maybe not much else.
Debating a CB and have been gaining interest in HAM radio. Just not sure if either are really needed. But both will be cool to have.
So far the plan is to head out with what we have and keep notes of what was used what was missed.
I am so ready to camp, got so much to do though.
Not sure what else I will be adding. A winch will arrive I am sure, but maybe not much else.
Debating a CB and have been gaining interest in HAM radio. Just not sure if either are really needed. But both will be cool to have.
So far the plan is to head out with what we have and keep notes of what was used what was missed.
I am so ready to camp, got so much to do though.
Enthusiast III
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Here's my 2018 tradesman 3500. Just got the CVT yesterday so I'm excited. I had to reinstall the front sway bar this morning because that tent is no joke on swaying. I'll have to pickup some BDS qd sway bar links to get this large dirt surfer through the trail, properly. 
Made the decision on tires. Posting this here so I do not change my mind 600 more times.
LT275/70R18 Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx
Going with these in this size for a few reasons. First, I am not lifting the truck and the extra cost for the next size isn't going to give me much pay back in the minimal extra clearance.
And the specs show the best blend of tread depth, diameter and section width and weight.
Done...decided...now, should I get them right away, or finish the life of my current tires...lol
LT275/70R18 Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx
Going with these in this size for a few reasons. First, I am not lifting the truck and the extra cost for the next size isn't going to give me much pay back in the minimal extra clearance.
And the specs show the best blend of tread depth, diameter and section width and weight.
Done...decided...now, should I get them right away, or finish the life of my current tires...lol
