Half-a-million-dollar Ram campervan unveiled – Drive

One of the biggest selling pick-ups in the US has received the ‘glamping’ treatment.

Specialist builder Storyteller Overland has revealed a camper based on a Ram 5500 ute.

Dubbed the Hilt, this camper is now Storyteller Overland’s most expensive offering, priced from a staggering $US446,000 ($AU695,000), or roughly four times the price of the donor vehicle.

Aimed at serious off-roader enthusiasts who want to get off the beaten track, the Hilt is fitted with bead-lock wheels that are wrapped in massive 41-inch “multi-purpose” tyres.

An onboard air system is powered by a pair of ARB compressors, and a full-size spare is attached to the rear of the capsule.

A nine-tonne winch is housed in the front steel bumper.

As for lighting, the Hilt makes use of eight 10-inch perimeter light bars, five 8-inch front lights, two fog lights, and two spot lights in the bumper.

A 13-inch awning folds from the roof of the living area capsule, and automatic entry steps come from beneath.

Storyteller Overland notes the Hilt sits on a hydraulic suspension system that has three selectable drive modes.

It’s also claimed the suspension system has 7.5-inches of travel, and is able to raise or kneel.

Adding to this, the Hilt is equipped with a “zero torsion” subframe suspension system which separates the capsule from the chassis.

According to Storyteller Overland, this system reduces stress on the capsule, and assists with traction.

The 16.8kWh battery system is powered by 1325 watts worth of solar panels on the roof, and makes use of a pair of 3000 watt inverters.

On the inside, the Hilt is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, dining area, and a queen bed.

The timber-clad kitchen consists of a bench top, sink, oven, microwave, and an induction stove top.

There’s also a fridge and freezer unit with a claimed 6.9 cubic feet of interior space.

The bathroom features a shower that measures 6 foot 5 inches, a toilet, and a basin.

As for water storage, a 454-litre tank is used for freshwater, and a 151-litre tank stores grey water onboard.

When in dining mode, the rear of the capsule can reportedly seat up to four-to-five adults, it can then convert into a queen bed-sized sleeping area.

Above the cab is where the main sleeping area is, complete with a queen bed, and 110-volt outlets for device charging.

The capsule is insulated by two-inch thick foam, heating and air conditioning systems are also included.

All of this sits atop the Ram 5500 cab and chassis which is powered by a Cummins 6.7-litre turbocharged diesel V8 engine.

This engine produces outputs of 268kW and 1084Nm, which is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Storyteller Overland notes on its website there are limited spots Hilt build slots available for the 2024 model year.