Howdy Expedition Portal!
I've spent literally years getting inspiration from this community and figured its finally time to post something, and maybe (hopefully) get some advice!
I have a 2002 F-350 with a Leer topper, roof box, solar panel/dual battery setup, "expedition" kitchen with a sink, etc. I can definitely go into some detail and take more pictures if people are interested!
The latest configuration.
Hero Shot.
Bunch of stuff strapped to it.
Early Adventures!
Going forward with improvements, I've been tossing around a lot of ideas. The most consistent one is adding some sort of batwing awning to the side so that the side and rear are fully covered. It would have to be one with walls for privacy, and I was specifically looking at CVT's offering here- https://cascadiatents.com/shop/2m-batwing-awning/. The hope would be to have a good place to change (not a lot of head room under the topper currently) as well as protection from rain and bugs. Pictures like the one below are my inspiration for this, thoughts?
Additionally, I've been thinking a lot about the bike rack situation. Currently I have to unload the bikes to fully use the camper, which can be a hassle. I am really interested in some sort of side mount topper bike rack, but I think that would rule out the awning, and I don't know if thats possible with the way my leer topper overlaps the rail of the bed. Could some sort of tube bumper that swings out be the best option? In my head that looks awesome, haha.
Side rack inspiration.
Finally- the most challenging "issue" and the one with the least info/solutions online is some sort of ladder. Its really, really hard to get my skis out of the roof box with boots on, in the snow, without dying- and the roof box is primary for skis in the winter. I really like the ladders I see on the sides of all of the expedition vans. Is there any way to work something like that for a truck with a topper without some crazy fabrication job?
Thanks!!!
I've spent literally years getting inspiration from this community and figured its finally time to post something, and maybe (hopefully) get some advice!
I have a 2002 F-350 with a Leer topper, roof box, solar panel/dual battery setup, "expedition" kitchen with a sink, etc. I can definitely go into some detail and take more pictures if people are interested!
The latest configuration.
Hero Shot.
Bunch of stuff strapped to it.
Early Adventures!
Going forward with improvements, I've been tossing around a lot of ideas. The most consistent one is adding some sort of batwing awning to the side so that the side and rear are fully covered. It would have to be one with walls for privacy, and I was specifically looking at CVT's offering here- https://cascadiatents.com/shop/2m-batwing-awning/. The hope would be to have a good place to change (not a lot of head room under the topper currently) as well as protection from rain and bugs. Pictures like the one below are my inspiration for this, thoughts?
Additionally, I've been thinking a lot about the bike rack situation. Currently I have to unload the bikes to fully use the camper, which can be a hassle. I am really interested in some sort of side mount topper bike rack, but I think that would rule out the awning, and I don't know if thats possible with the way my leer topper overlaps the rail of the bed. Could some sort of tube bumper that swings out be the best option? In my head that looks awesome, haha.
Side rack inspiration.
Finally- the most challenging "issue" and the one with the least info/solutions online is some sort of ladder. Its really, really hard to get my skis out of the roof box with boots on, in the snow, without dying- and the roof box is primary for skis in the winter. I really like the ladders I see on the sides of all of the expedition vans. Is there any way to work something like that for a truck with a topper without some crazy fabrication job?
Thanks!!!