I just thought I would start my own thread about the build up of my rig, a 2003 Dodge Dakota.

When I started with DE I thought about getting something else but after driving it offroad on a few trips with Lance and Wil, I have found it to be a great platform for this "hobby" we all share.
First of all it has a lot of room inside the cab for My wheelchair, my girlfriend at least one of my wheelchairs and my horse of a dog!
Next its still a truck with a bed so I can still go out and pick up a couch or whatever! I can also carry my offroad bike/trike (pictures to come).
Styling is nice and reminds me of the curves of an 80 series (I've owned 2 of those!).
Driving it cross country a couple times has given me a great feel for how it drives... I love it! it handles great has nice tracking as a longer wheelbase vehicle.
Really the only thing I don't like about this truck is how much I pay per month to own it!!! oh well, live and learn right?

Things I have done already;
1.I have removed the rear seats for room, mainly for my dog. Astro is a 200+ pound great dane that even when standing on the floor of the truck has to duck to stick his head out of the window! Man does he love going for rides!!
2. I purchased a thule cargo basket with extension on CL and welded it to some yakima crass bars in such a way as to lower the rack coser to truck roof.
3. I fabricated (my job) a custom rack for a RTT (provided by Camping Lab)
so that it was high enough for my "bikes" to fit under it but not too high that I can still use it. It also is under the wind profile of the fairing that the rack has so I don't notice any difference in MPG.
4. Last week before a 3 day trip I took the useless center seat out of the front seat assembly and made a center console that is huge and usefull. room enough for two nalgene bottles and then wired for power for laptop and radios and a switch panel for lights and such.
5. Just came inside after my girlfriend and I removed the rear bumper and hitch stuff. Cutting the rear quarter panels off the truck for better departure angle. Planning on making a swing away rear bumper with a fold out kitchen for an "L" shaped counter area including the tailgate.

I will have more about my truck and what we are doing with Disabled Explorers soon... I work as a consultant at the local VA and am planning some demo days and ride alongs for newly injured Vets, as I am a Vet too.
More later...

 

Sweet ride man! Can't wait to see the future mods. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

 

welcome, wow love the all black. Cant wait to see more pics

 

sorry for the delay.... I started fabrication of rear bumper today. well started making my cardboard mock-up. it will wrap around the rear and be an sealed air tank when done. swing away tire rack with jerry can holder and either high-lift or ARB Xjack. when the tire rack is open it will lock into 90 degrees or full open with a counter top for a kitchen set up. I will post some pictures or links soon!!!!

 

WOw man, great job... can't wait to see more progress!

Cheers and welcome to our home

 

here is a link to my blog for some pictures.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YDXhh31KNv...bumper+002.jpg

I mocked up where everything is going to go...

 

Just an update on the truck.... the bumper build is going slow likeeverthing right now! bummer... I should have some time tomorrow to work on it again.

I wanted to let you guys know a little of what I do with this truck...
www.disabledexplorers.com
there is a bunch of stuff on there about what we do and who we are.
we are planning a ride along event for wounded veterans next month and for local disabled individuals to get them out into the back country.

I will start another thread about some questions I have for Dak owners...

 

thats a great article... for those who are interested here is the link:

http://disabledexplorers.com/index.p...d=88&Itemid=26

 

Thanks for the link, Bryant. good read.