Abandoned Truck to Expedition Truck | The Full Build | Destination Adventure
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Going into this project, I thought I would be embarking on the next season of travel with a new rig and nothing more, but that could not be further from the truth. I am leaving with so much experience, knowledge, pride, gratitude and a whole lot more grey hair. This build was an ambitious undertaking, and became more of a project that I had anticipated, but it also turned out so much better than anticipated.
Nearly one year ago, this build went into the early stages of planning. This was my fathers old work truck when he owned a small logging company. When the company sold, the truck got parked inside a shop, and it sat there for nearly two decades. I always wanted to buy this truck off of him, but he wouldn't let it go. Once we had the conversation about an expedition truck build for my business, he was happy to donate the truck, an the plan was officially in motion. Over the summer travel season, before the build was announced, I began to arrange the logistics. Researching other builds, researching the truck, making connections and arranging sponsors. Once the first snow fall came, the motorhome was in the shop and the build was under way. Looking back now, I am thankful I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but I am so happy and proud to have pushed through to the end. And now I have an expedition truck that is ready, and capable of long term remote travel.
The candidate truck for this build is a 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab & Chassis, powered by a 12 valve cummins engine. I wanted this particular truck not only because it was my Dad's old truck, but because of the drivetrain. A 12 valve cummins is an engine that can get more than a million km, it is completely mechanically operated and it gets remarkably good fuel economy. I also needed a one ton truck to handle the weight of the living quarters and storage, because this is not a camping rig, it is home. The truck needed some pretty big repairs from the last season it served in the bush, but the larger concern came from the fact that it had sat for so many years. Because of this, it is a low milage truck for the age, and it is nearly rust free, but anything rubber had dried out. The engine got new seals, but is otherwise stock. I did a complete front end rebuild, replaced nearly every bearing and every seal, rebuild both axles and differentials, new U-joints front to back, and anything that was showing wear got replaced or rebuilt.
Getting the truck mechanically sound took a couple of months, and then it was time to look into the task of mounting the living quarters and the storage boxes. Lucky for me I had some amazing sponsored support on both of these tasks, and this is where the truck really began to come to life. The camper was going to be mounted inside a cradle, and positioned 21 inches behind the cab, leaving enough room for a pass through storage compartment, and leaving the final product nicely balanced over the rear diff. Stinger Welding, out of Prince George was helping with this portion, and they were more than capable. They designed and build a three foot frame extension, with a six inch drop to get to the back of the camper, where they then built a bumper and trailer hitch for the boat. Leaving the shop, the truck looked like a frankenstein machine, but it was solid and ready for storage compartments, so I was off to Prince Rupert.
Harbour Machining, out of Prince Rupert was my sponsor for the storage boxes, and they had a plan that far surpassed my wildest expectations. I arrived with a need for storage boxes, and a place for the outboard to ride upright and accessible. I left with a world class set of boxes that turned the truck from a plain truck build to a show piece. Not only did they look amazing, but the functionality was 100%. By the time I left Prince Rupert, we all had a pretty good idea of just how capable the truck was going to be, but I still had a lot to finish.
Batteries, airbags, solar, heat, water, plumbing, generator, air conditioner, fridge... the list goes on and on, but day after day things began to get checked off. Finally the list is nearly complete, and the only things left are aesthetic. The truck is rock solid, it is reliable, and it is capable of very remote travel and self sufficiency for weeks at a time. Everything I need to comfortably live, travel and produce the show is contained within this truck, and built custom to the needs of myself and the channel. At this point, I trust this truck to take me anywhere, and I can't wait to see where we will go with it.
Thank you all so much for your patience during this time of infrequent uploads, and thank you so much to everyone that helped to make this build possible.
If you wish to help support the channel, please consider taking a look at the Patreon Page or the Merch line. Most of all, thank you for enjoying!
Patreon: / destinationadventure
Merch Line: destinationmer...
Watched this not knowing what to expect. I'm a convert. As a retired industrial fabricator, I can appreciate the amount of work and talent this took. Stinger and Harbour really shined. Great job.
Can’t imagine how it feels to have so many skilled people want to be a part of this project bc they believe in you and what you are doing. Can’t wait to see what this new rig brings!!
It is incredibly heartwarming.
You know it seemed every now and then your videos pop up on my feed, I have to say every video that I have watched has been quite impressive. I hope and pray that all your Ventures goes smoothly, may God bless you and your family always.
his personality and his passion is all soooo real
Me too. Its gonna be great though
ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS 😂😂😂😂😂 ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL TOO
I love watching people smarter than me do what theyre passionate about. This is fascinating!
It was so interesting watching the pros when I was in the shops. Much better than watching me struggle through hahaha. Thank you for enjoying:)
Perfectly covered the build.
Perfectly covered the build.
I agree totally, I try to learn something new each day.....
Epic build video. It hit all the right notes. Techy build things, comedy relief, humanity, talent showcase, and the soundtrack is a masterpiece! Safe travels, Dustin!
Thank you so much.
This is so personal, that's what makes it so special. A job very well done, Dustin.
Thank you very much.
Mécanicien engineer are the best in the word was 23 years on ship good mechanic experience after that u can do everything.
Congratulations!! And huge thanks to your sponsors for helping out...love this channel
Thank you so much. :)
Dustin, this video shows what you're capable of. What a fantastic job. I'm soooo looking forward to your upcoming adventure videos! Thank you for doing what you do!!
Thank you very much. I’m excited for adventure content again.
@@Destination_Adventure🎉❤
You are Hall craftsman, and you did a outstanding job
I'm exhausted from just watching you move the fuel tank! awesome video, awesome truck. I admire your talent! happy trails sir! my hat is off to the fabrication guys; you are a heck of a team!
Ya, the fuel tank removal was a dumpster fire. Hahaha
Absolutely fantastic! Amazing work, Dustin!
Thank you so much.
We are ready for the new videos. Appreciate all the work by you and all the sponsors. Big fans from the U.S. and I am very happy for you!! Can’t wait for what’s next.
Can’t wait to get back on the road.
What an impressive video. The truck build was awesome to watch. Having all those people around you making this dream come alive was heart warming. Have loved watching your content and can’t wait to see where you go from here. Much love from Australia ❤
You and everyone that helped to achieve this rig should be proud of their work. Have to say we have enjoyed seeing it develop however are pleased it is time to hit the road and start the adventures again. Thank you for all the well produced videos and looking forward to what comes next. Safe travels.
I am also very excited to be getting back on the road. Thank you for enjoying.
Hats off to the skilled tradesmen that built awesomeness. And you too. Nice to see a plan come together better than planned!
First class video friend thank you. Your dad's old truck has a great new life to it you and your team done a great job 🎉😊please keep the great videos coming friend from Scotland.
Looking forward to seeing where this old boy takes you. Keep on adventuring Dustin ...✌❤🍄🍻
Cheers amigo 🍻
2gen dodges have history. They are literally the definition of family trucks. They always have a story to tell whether its rusting away or fully intact. They will never leave you hanging. Its also a good truck to start working on because of ease of parts and knowledge.
* Yes Sir ! We've been following the build right along Dustin but good "All In One" finish. Good Luck from the wife and I . Can't wait to see the off grid vids .
Thank you very much.
Turned out very well! Nice job! Can't wait to see where you go. 🙂
I think we have to see the Harney Davidson one last time 😜
Awesome effort Justin , been following for quite a while , loved the stuff fom Mexico , looking foward to the new adventures , greetings from the yacht Taurangi, Wellington, New Zealand.
I spent five months all around NZ, and absolutely loved my time. One of my favourite countries.
@@Destination_Adventure hey , thanks for the reply , yeah its not bad , has its moments though l.o.l. 👍👍😁
Great job well done Dustin!! I can't wait for the next..."Destination Adventure"!! This going to be Epic.
Thank you.
Totally flabbergasted with this build! Looking forward to your new adventures, this is going to be epic! :) If you ever do venture out to to the Sunshine Coast... :) would be wicked to meet you and see your expedition truck!
Thank you so much. :)
WOW I'm super early and excited to see this rig come together
Thank ya Sir! Can't wait for the next adventure in the Dusty Wagon(i just made that up😘😆). Seriously though, stay safe and much love mate
You make it look so easy bud! Can't wait to see Expo Cookin' Show in the new beast!
YUSSSSSS CUMMINS IS AS RELIABLE AS THEY COME
Amazing work! Can't wait to see day one of the new adventure!
You've become the adult version of Saturday morning cartoons over here at the shop, it'll be played a few times here today.
I hope I didn’t get rusty at making adventure content. Hahaha
Adventurins like riding a bike, as soon as you get to the destination, hop out of the truck and smell the fresh air... You're back in the saddle faster than a saddle broc rider winning the big prize at the rodeo 😂
Wow! Incredible video Dustin! Love seeing men at work together building something where all that hard work will result in amazing adventures down the road. And Mick is a treat too lol 😂 🤣 😉
Thank you so much.
I've been looking forward to this video for a long time. Nice work Dustin! As always.
Thank you so much.
I don't know you, I've never met you and never even seen your channel before today. Is it strange that I feel oddly fulfilled and proud?
I’ve seen your other grandpa but is your father’s father still with us? It sounds like you have a Great family. You and Mick got this, with the help of pop’s. Watching from Panama City Florida, USA. 🇺🇸🦅 Still no Snow Just Breeze !
My grandfather on my dads side has been gone for a long time now, but he would have loved to see the truck.
I have to say one more thing, that pull out ladder is gonna get you one day. So be careful when you go up that ladder because that tibia/shinbone blood thirsty ladder, will get you when you least expect it.
@@Destination_Adventure absolutely, I definitely believe that and if you believe in God, Heaven and Hell Gramps is absolutely looking down with a smile from ear to ear.
Man all this work has been EYE OPENING! And Wonderful all in itself! I too want to travel " More of a Need" and These Videos you have, I have Been BINGE WATCHING! And MAN, This came a PERFECT TIME!!! All in one video, MAN YOU GOOD!! Inspiration as ALWAYS! I could HUG you right now, well you know what I mean! THANKS SO MUCH, I AWAIT The Ventures AHEAD! You Are THE MAN!! THANK YOU!!!
Thank you so much for such a nice comment, and thank you for enjoying.
Job well done. Can't wait to see where your adventures take you and the videos you share with us.
The welders and crafters of the cabinets and cradle for the camper are amazing. Too bad they are so far away from me! I can't wait until you and this beast get underway! So excited!!
Adventures cooking asap :)
I am so excited to see your upcoming adventures! Every time I log into my account I check to see what's new with this channel. I LOVE this channel and all the fun things you do. So excited for the new adventures man, so excited!!
I really appreciate that, thank you very much.
HOOOO, IT'S HAPPENING! I am way excited for what comes next!
IT’S HAPPENING. :)
Totally enjoyed watching the build start to finish. Can't wait to see all the adventures.
Dang man, I'm excited for you! Right in time for Summer!
DUSTIN!!! 😳😳😳wow WOW. Everytime I see a new video up I grin, drop everything, and watch. This one is Aaah-mazing! Truly a work of blood sweat and tears all the way through. I love how you put it all together in one beautiful video! Watching you work on the truck brings back memories of sitting in my own garage watching and talking to my husband as he wrenches away on different trucks, before he passed away @33. Miss those days very much , and I watch these videos through tears, but happy ones. Now I am excited to see you do your adventures again!!!! I will live vicariously through you again!!!
Thank you so much, and I am sorry for your loss. Too young.
I am excited to finally have the project wrapped up.
😮😊
Your Dad is the coolest! I love him!
Was great to meet you on Thursday in Williams Lk the setup looked fantastic and your help Re the e-bike was nice. Thanks again from the bumper couple
Thank you for making the trip over.
Once again a beautifully produced video of the start to finish in a all in one video that I hope BBC will pick up and show along with your other adventures. If not it’s really their loss. Your a one man show as far as filming and editing which are very professional quality and on the road adventure that I think could easily put on Tv as is. The amount of sponsorship you have obtained in products and services for this vehicle to come to fruition is testament to your abilities as a videographer. Congratulations and can’t wait for more videos and special thanks to Stinger Welding a fantastic beautiful project.
I really appreciate this comment, thank you so much. I don’t think I’m interested in a TV show, because of the drama that comes with it, but it would be amazing if this full video got some traction.
Your editing though 🤤
Love watching this whole build all over again...but that ending!!! "NOW LET'S WHIP IT!!!!!" Let the Adventure's begin....
Dustin thank you so much for putting out the extended version of the build episodes. So much love and enthusiasm went into this project and I thank you so much for sharing the build and the people that made it reality for you. And now, let's whip it. ;-)
Good luck on your adventures can't wait for videos.
OK, it’s time to hit the road jack…
What’s your first destination?
Freakin FABULOUS!!!
Wow! Your dad is a dead ringer for Ricky Schroeder when he was younger!
I love the Mick bits! You're hilarious 😂❤ Can't wait to see the places this thing takes us 😍 Going to Bella Coola next week on my motorcycle because of your video of the Heckman Pass! This channel is inspiring me to see and do the things I've always wanted to but found excuses not to. One of my favorite channels frfr! ❤️👍
Yes the Freedom Trail as the locals call it. Don't be looking over the edge there fella. I always chuckle at my grampas story about driving my grandma out one year (she taught school there) and how he mimicked her screaming out his name and lot of "slowers") thrown in. Enjoy the community as it has a lot of history. I've been der and dun Dat glorious trip. Thanks for reading.
PS. Just go into the shops and get a locals intro into the history. Ask the olders if they recall Miss Mabel. What a hoot.
You’ll love the trip down there, especially on a motorbike. Have a blast.
I was sold on your channel when your dad said "That truck deck is Skookum"!
I live in Japan, but I'm from Kelowna.
Cheers!
I’m so happy for you, Dustin! Your new rig is absolutely beautiful. You’ve worked really hard to get here and we’re so proud of you. Well done! With grateful thanks for sharing your adventures with us. S & D 😊
Thank you so much Sharon and Dorothy. Always a treat to see you both following and enjoying.
Dustin you have a kick ass family, and they all are so sweet. I love all of your attitudes. Keep up the awesome work.
This is going to be epic. Waiting until I have the time to watch it straight through.
Sorry missed Mick Thursday in WL BUT it was great to meet you in person ☺️. So looking forward to watching everywher you go with your expedition truck/camper and swell boat! 🤘
Thank you so much for stopping by. :)
Congratulations she looks amazing. Now to the next adventure!
Very well thought out Dustin. Its going to be great watching you utilize her and tweak things as you see fit. Cant wait for the next episode from the road.
Love your videos Dustin.
Looks like BC is full of great people. God bless from Tac. Town
Whip it Dustin!!!!🤟🤟😎👌👏🍻 Can't wait to see where you take us 👊👍
Trails BEWARE: The Destination Adventure Beast is coming for you.
For Dustin's Dad: You must be as proud of your Son as a lion! I am too.
TU for sharing - onwaord! I look forward to what unfolds.
Mighty fine editing, really nice work.
Very awsome rig Dustin - best wishes and look forward to your next adventure!
Thank you very much.
What an awesome edit of an amazing build ! The fab teams did such an amazing job on everything ! 👏👏 I bet Harbour could fab an entire camper shell ! Good luck on the future voyages ! Whoo Hoo, on the road again. 🤙
Yahoooooo travel time 🤟🏻
Another awesome video. Happy adventuring, Dustin.
When the TIG welder finished a bead and then held the tip in place and let the aluminum cool in the Argon/Helium gas so it wouldn't oxidize was the little detail that told me 'This man knows his job.' Highly skilled craftsmanship. I loved watching this video.
Absolutely amazing how it turned out I'm so happy to see what u have done and how far u have become cant wait to see what in store
Thank you very much.
OMG shes a beast! I loved rewatching so much of this in a documovie style. Can't wait to see where you go now! I'm also proud as a viewer of your channel. Great job Dustin!
Thank you so much Cindy.
So pumped to see the first official adventure with the new rig!
Can’t wait to make it
Incredible! I rarely watch a whole video of this length but you managed to put together a great overall viewing experience. Thanks!
Looking forward to the adventures in the new rig! keep up the great work dustin. you'll hit 1 million in no time.
That would be truly amazing. Big hill to climb still.
@@Destination_Adventure between you, mick ;) and the incredible content, I'm very surprised your not well past it already!
Having watched along the way, I did not mind rewatching - that's saying something!
Just an incredible project, and so good to show how rising people to whole other level can and will do.
I have enjoyed the build series.
Good review. Lovely legacy.
I just finished watching. What a fantastic video! Entertaining, educational and exciting. I’m happy for you, and for us - the viewers. Thank you! 🎉
Rarely do I sit down and watch any content this long. This was truly entertaining, heartwarming and uplifting. To see a community come together and help out someone like this was really a joy to watch. Such craftsmanship, ingenuity but more generosity than anything else. A new viewer and new subscriber from Florida. Kudos to you and everyone involved with this build. The thoughts and planning are daunting alone, and the perfect execution is unbelievable. Thanks for the content, keep it up! Safe travels!
Thank you for enjoying, and for all the kind words.
So much respect, you are an amazing person. Thanks for sharing!
Let’s whip it!!! So ready for this.
I’m ready too. Ready to be back on the road.
A really nicely edited compilation of the truck build series there Matey. Ready to Rock, Ready to Adventure and absolutely 110% : Let's Whip It (Put a sticker of that on yer Bumper! hehe)
I need let’s whip it stickers. lol
This is such an awesome and satisfying thing to watch. Not every day that you get to see everything that goes on behind the scenes on a project like this one
You are a very lucky man, I feel that your father is a great support, I can hear it in his voice that what you are doing is the coolest thing ever!
To be surrounded by two great men! Including your Grandfather!
Brings a tear to my eye that they have you back!
Can't wait to see what happens next, Lets roll brother!
Your adventures are mind blowing
It’s a blessing to have people in your life that believe in you. Both family and fans. This isn’t possible without. Thank you for being one!
My new favorite channel. Absolutely fantastic content in every way. Binge watching all night.
@19:43 Could really use a cooler full of sand right about now...
Great recap of all your hard work. Looks great.
Go get em Dustin, I'm sure its been a tough build with many a hour laid there at night thinking over ideas. however you've done yourself and everyone in this video (and around you) proud. credit to all involved. Nows the time to start the next level of adventure.... From one Overlander to another "Go whip it"
Turned out perfect awesome job 👍👍
Thank you.
Wow this was an eye opener on the mechanical side, but then watching the welding being done was truly art in motion! Those guys did an outstanding job with the welding! Your rig looks pretty phenomenal now that its all done. I have to say that when i saw all the different aspects of the build i didnt quite understand how it was all going to come together into your dream rig, but watching you put it together piece by piece gave me a much better understanding than i thought it would. Now i understand how it can take some people years to put together a build of their dreams. With everyone coming together to help put this rig together and all the different moving parts, yeah i can see how it took the better part of 6 months. Phenominal job to everyone involved in helping put it all together. Happy trails and safe adventuring in your future!
Man, I wish you all the best. You produce grade A content that I wait for. This has been a wicked build , and I look so forward to see where this truck will take “us”
So nice to be finally gearing up to hit the road, instead of fix more things. Lol
Absolutely awesome Dustin. Great job everyone did to make a dream come true. Can't wait to see it in action. Hope you keep us up to date on how your accessories are working out. As always your taping skills are amazing. Thanks for sharing with us.👍👍👍👍👍🍻🍻
I’ll definitely be doing some update videos in the systems as I get used to how they all work. Lots of new things to get used to. lol
Love to meet you some day, just to thank you and shake your hand. Old school.
after watching a few of your videos i ran across your full build video. first I'd like to say its awesome seeing a young man that can still work on his own equipment. im so tired of dress wearing boys that couldn't drive a stick unless they were sitting on it. your videos are great fun and enable me to see places i would never get to go myself. thanks and i hope you great success. thank you.
What an amazing build ,,, congratulations,,,,she is a unicorn…🦄
How come I've just found this channel that part where you removed the last tool box to the music was awesome. You guys deserve 1,000,000 subscribers. #road to one million
Let the Adventures continue as you map out new Destinations. Love your ambitions, skills, and creativity.
Thank you. Stoked for the upcoming travel season. :)
Okay, so overall I think you did a great job Justin, but you might want to check the tolerances on the thing-a-ma-doddle where it attaches to the thing-a-ma-bob. Other than that, I think you did pretty swell. (Mic wanted me to point that out.)
Thanks, I passed a mouth full of coffee through my sinuses and out my nose, thank God for rubbers, HEHEHE.
You must be quite pleased at how that turned out, nice. I'll be keeping an eye out for you here on Vancouver Island !
This Canadian is more American than most Americans 🦅
There's a whole slew a Canadians like that though, I know several in the Yukon. Fix, build or use anything.
I had previously watched the other vids when your Expedition was coming together, but for some reason, this one really hit me. No matter what is going on in my life (and right now, it's not good), you make me smile (and laugh with Mick's antics, LOL!) and cry happy tears. I've been with your channel for a long time, and I've said it before and I'll say it again, your talent knows no bounds. It does my heart good to see all of these people that are helping you get where you need to be because they believe in you, just as much as I do. So a massive shoutout to all of them for their support. We can't wait to see where you take us with your new rig!
Very nice to read this, thank you so much.