2020 Ford F250 on 37s - Expedition Truck Camper Build!

[sumnrfam]

@montypower ,, Great Build!! ,, great info all around, Thanks for taking the time to document. It sounds like the 6.2 is performing (typically) great for you,, but I was wondering if you considered the 7.3 when you made the new purchase and your thoughts on it.

We drove a 2020 F250 RCLB XL with the 7.3 yesterday and it was pretty impressive,,, but the 6.2 is cheaper,, and lots of low miles used 19-20's are popping up,,,,

Thanks for any feedback,

Wade

 

[montypower]

Hey Wade -

7.3L is a beast. We definitely considered the motor. Love the design and durability. Plus, the focus being on simplicity and reliability not mpg. This is the problem I see with most of the Dodge/Ram/Chrysler products (complexity for efficiency). It's all a trade off. But back on topic...

We could have ordered the 7.3L but decided against for several reasons. It's new and unproven. Not to say it won't be great but I don't want to find the issues. Many places we go are far from easy recovery or towing. There is value in a proven drivetrain. Also, the transmission is "new" and two crucial components being updated gives me pause. Cost increase is minimal. I'd buy one in 5+ years after any bugs are worked through.

MPG. This is going to be essentially the same (sadly). We are 14-15mpg mixed driving empty lifted on 37s. 10-13mpg with camper. 9-10mpg with camper and trailer in tow. I've tested higher octane but doesn't seem to make a difference. So sticking with 87 for now. 55 gallons of fuel gives us the range needed.

From a performance standpoint... the 6.2L has plenty of power. Sure the 7.3L is better. But you could also buy the 6.7L for more. Or supercharge either gasser for serious performance. More power is always enticing! Is it needed? Nope, not for us

6.2L is a basic design motor. Cast block. Aluminum heads. SOHC. 2 Valve per cylinder. But it does have the unusual 16 spark plugs. That's probably the only fault for complexity but it's been well proven. The only issue you'll hear about is the occasional lifter tap on start up (randomly occurs for a couple seconds). It likes chugging along under 2k rpm even loaded. But for max power you'll need to be in the 4k range. We rarely exceed 3k rpm even on hills and towing.

 

[sumnrfam]

Hey Wade -

7.3L is a beast. We definitely considered the motor. Love the design and durability. Plus, the focus being on simplicity and reliability not mpg. This is the problem I see with most of the Dodge/Ram/Chrysler products (complexity for efficiency). It's all a trade off. But back on topic...

We could have ordered the 7.3L but decided against for several reasons. It's new and unproven. Not to say it won't be great but I don't want to find the issues. Many places we go are far from easy recovery or towing. There is value in a proven drivetrain. Also, the transmission is "new" and two crucial components being updated gives me pause. Cost increase is minimal. I'd buy one in 5+ years after any bugs are worked through.

MPG. This is going to be essentially the same (sadly). We are 14-15mpg mixed driving empty lifted on 37s. 10-13mpg with camper. 9-10mpg with camper and trailer in tow. I've tested higher octane but doesn't seem to make a difference. So sticking with 87 for now. 55 gallons of fuel gives us the range needed.

From a performance standpoint... the 6.2L has plenty of power. Sure the 7.3L is better. But you could also buy the 6.7L for more. Or supercharge either gasser for serious performance. More power is always enticing! Is it needed? Nope, not for us

6.2L is a basic design motor. Cast block. Aluminum heads. SOHC. 2 Valve per cylinder. But it does have the unusual 16 spark plugs. That's probably the only fault for complexity but it's been well proven. The only issue you'll hear about is the occasional lifter tap on start up (randomly occurs for a couple seconds). It likes chugging along under 2k rpm even loaded. But for max power you'll need to be in the 4k range. We rarely exceed 3k rpm even on hills and towing.

Thanks so much,, great info & insight,,, we are kind of in the same place,, even though the 7.3 has been out for a year now,, and it'll be a new vehicle under warranty,,, do we want to be the one finding a new problem,, maybe,, maybe not,, lots to consider,,


Thanks again for the info,, Wade

 

[mk216v]

Hey Wade -

7.3L is a beast. We definitely considered the motor. Love the design and durability. Plus, the focus being on simplicity and reliability not mpg. This is the problem I see with most of the Dodge/Ram/Chrysler products (complexity for efficiency). It's all a trade off. But back on topic...

We could have ordered the 7.3L but decided against for several reasons. It's new and unproven. Not to say it won't be great but I don't want to find the issues. Many places we go are far from easy recovery or towing. There is value in a proven drivetrain. Also, the transmission is "new" and two crucial components being updated gives me pause. Cost increase is minimal. I'd buy one in 5+ years after any bugs are worked through.

MPG. This is going to be essentially the same (sadly). We are 14-15mpg mixed driving empty lifted on 37s. 10-13mpg with camper. 9-10mpg with camper and trailer in tow. I've tested higher octane but doesn't seem to make a difference. So sticking with 87 for now. 55 gallons of fuel gives us the range needed.

From a performance standpoint... the 6.2L has plenty of power. Sure the 7.3L is better. But you could also buy the 6.7L for more. Or supercharge either gasser for serious performance. More power is always enticing! Is it needed? Nope, not for us

6.2L is a basic design motor. Cast block. Aluminum heads. SOHC. 2 Valve per cylinder. But it does have the unusual 16 spark plugs. That's probably the only fault for complexity but it's been well proven. The only issue you'll hear about is the occasional lifter tap on start up (randomly occurs for a couple seconds). It likes chugging along under 2k rpm even loaded. But for max power you'll need to be in the 4k range. We rarely exceed 3k rpm even on hills and towing.

x2! Same path we chose 2 different times now with our '19s.
6.2L/6spd has been out for awhile. Simple and reliable. Why risk it so soon with the new 7.3L and also more complex 10spd?
6.7L torque is enticing as well as improved MPG, but at the cost of ~$5k+ more than 6.2L, then all the emissions (DPF, SCR, etc) stuff to deal with, increased maintenance costs, etc.
YMMV of course however.

 

[LovinPSDs]

MontyPower - I just want to give you some props on the build and the documentation of it. Rig is awesome, just like the one you had for sale a while ago. I'm a HUGE fan of everything you've done on this truck from the buying, suspension choice, wheel/tire combo, etc. Well done and I will keep watching.

 

[nicholost]

CHECK OUT POST #1 FOR COMPLETE TRUCK/BUILD PARTS (just updated)

Thank you for updating this list. It's both intriguing to see what costs to expect to build a brand new rig from stock and to see the component choices laid out.

You break down your North Star cost in your camper walk through video. I found that beneficial. You should add it to your first post too.

 

[montypower]

You break down your North Star cost in your camper walk through video. I found that beneficial. You should add it to your first post too.

Good idea. We track all the expenditures. May organize them and total. I know we've spent a good amount on the camper modifications.

 

[montypower]

In this off road adventure, we attempt an overland route across the Alvord Desert. This would be easy except a rain storm turned the Alvord into a muddy lakebed. Is it possible to get across??

The Alvord Desert is located in the SE corner of Oregon. Although it’s called a desert in reality it is a dry lake bed (at least during the dry season). Today, it is quickly becoming a lake with all this rain!

When the Alvord dries up it forms an amazing textured surface that is incredible to photograph.

The desert covers 84 square miles and is approximately 12 miles tall by 7 miles wide. Our route is taking us on the shorter distance of around 7 miles straight across.

We somehow got caught in one of the few storms... The Alvord only averages 7 inches of rain fall per year. It sits at 4,000ft in elevation and is bordered by the Steens Mountains which tower above at 9,700ft. The Steens Mountain loop road is the highest elevation road in Oregon.

The weather is fairly temperate in the winter with average daytime temperatures in the 40s. Storms can quickly change the conditions as we are experiencing. Spring time is when most of the thunderstorms and rain occurs with slightly warmer temperatures. It warms up in the Summer with the hottest temperatures in Oregon often exceeding 90 to 100 degrees. Fall is typically the driest time of year with the most comfortable temperatures.

On the western edge you’ll find the Alvord Hot Springs which is located on private land but allows public soaking for a fee. And that’s where we’re headed.

 

[montypower]

In this off road overland adventure, we drive an old route that I mapped years ago. It was easily passable in a much smaller, modified SUV. Could we make it with the truck camper?

Exploring during “transition” seasons can be extremely rewarding with less people. However, there are some challenges. Things get interesting quickly in sub-freezing overnight temperatures, snow, rain and mud. You really need to be prepared for anything!

SE Oregon offers some of the most remote vast landscapes in the state. I absolutely love creating and exploring off road routes to fun destinations. The challenge of getting through is equally exciting as the destination.

What are your favorite spots in Oregon?

 

[drumguy_18]

What are your favorite spots in Oregon?

We prefer not to say, as the cool remote areas are getting pretty busy compared to even a few years ago.

 

[mk216v]

We prefer not to say, as the cool remote areas are getting pretty busy compared to even a few years ago.

Hehe, let's switch the conversation to the favorite places to explore in Nevada.

 

[montypower]

We prefer not to say, as the cool remote areas are getting pretty busy compared to even a few years ago.

It is sad. Especially the "vanlife" bums occupying area and leaving a mess. Or is it "buslife". Not sure!

 

[montypower]

In this off road overland adventure, we continue our track through the remote mountains in Southern Oregon!

We encounter many challenges along the way. There were fallen trees that put our Dewalt pole saw to the test. Thankfully, it worked perfectly to help clear the road for the truck camper. The muddy sections of road kept things interesting. Then there was our failed “short cut” that resulted in some backtracking. And of course, there was snow and lots of it.

We climbed to over 7,000ft in elevation and camped for two nights as we made slow forward progress. Then we got the truck stuck on some hidden rocks and logs while turning around. Thankfully, the winch enabled a quick recovery.

Adventure is nothing without obstacles and challenges…

 

[rruff]

Adventure is nothing without obstacles and challenges…

True... but on the other hand, you could be hanging out naked at the beach in Baja rather than freezing in the effing snow!

Different sorts of obstacles and challenges down there I guess...

 

[plumber mike]

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Power. We’ve purchased a 2021 F350 and this has been a great learning thread.

Perhaps I missed it, but are the Method wheels a zero offset? How is the clearance around the brakes with 17” aluminum wheels?

I absolutely agree with you about the sway bar and have removed most on most vehicles I’ve had. Much better always IME. Do you think the factory steel 17’s would be a viable wheel if the sway bar is gone? I like the look of the Methods very much, but would like to save a bit when I can. I’ve also considered 18’s if I invest. Gain a little clearance for the brakes and to allow some interchangeable options with some other trucks we have. I’m thinking zero offset would be best for longevity of components and good handling and steering characteristics. A switch to 18’s could allow for a slightly positive offset which would tuck the wheels a bit better. I’d sure love to hear your reasoning.

I was a little bummed to find out that bushwhacker doesn’t make a cut out flare for the new body style. That would be the only reason to install a flare IMO. To fit bigger tires with less or no lift. I like the functionality of the Fab Fours option, but the look just kills it for me. How are the rocks treating the paint? It almost seems like a non issue anymore for an aluminum body.

Thanks again and happy travels.