Where my Mini Cooper idea was probably just fine, slightly modified, I've decided to back off due to my perceived issues with the reliability on the Mini. Fantastic gas mileage doesn't justify the difference to my old F-150.
So, beginning tomorrow (too busy today) the project begins.
The vehicle;
99 F-150 XLT, extended cab, 4x4, 5.0, towing package, now with 82K on the clock, with a matching snug bed cap. Never any mechanical issues, bought it new, a little slow kicking in or out the 4x4, but that is probably from very limited use, I'll use it weekly to get past that. A/C-heater needs attention and a PW needs a quick fix, other than that, it's in excellent condition.
Intended Use;
Overlanding in North America, no extreme off roading, no rock climbing, camping, with and without a utility trailer. Mostly highway but will go outback in the Western desert, boondocking, fire trails. Alaska is on the agenda and the Circle might be a goal. Anything a stock LR3 can do, I should be able to do, including Wal-Mart parking lots
Trailer, when used, hauls a motorcycle, toilet and kitchen gear, probably a generator and A/C.
Budget;
Let's say $5,000, can go up depending on the need/desire/cost justification. Like to stay under 7K, won't go to 10K on this truck.
Building this up isn't going to payoff much if I sold it, so I'll plan on driving the money out of it.
Requirements;
Dependability is paramount. The budget goes here first.
Independent for 5 to 7 days, usually 3 to 4 days,
Driver and passenger with one Boxer, all need to be comfortable. An easy unloading or modification will accommodate 2 or 3 more in the back seat, but rarely.
I'd like some custom touches, LED headlights, grill, maybe a hood and bumper cover, cosmetics, $500 of the budget might go here but the rest of any custom stuff won't be in that budget.
Need wheels? Not sure but I do need new tires, I usually go with BFG A/Ts, unless there is something better from you guys. My old truck has 15's, I'd go larger but I'm not sure what I do with the speedo.
Need a skid plate under the oil pan.
I'd like two full size spares, need one more.
Recover gear, I need your advice!
I have a bed liner, need a platform in the back for sleeping.
The bed cap lifts up, I'll go to an awning shop that does custom camper tops for boats. With the lid up I'll have tent sides and the tailgate end will have two options, one encloses the bed with a door, then an extended awning that connects to the trailer making an enclosed tunnel to the tentage on the trailer. A plank will lay on top of the tailgate in the down position and connect to the trailer, over the tongue so we can walk or crawl from bed into the trailer and out the back end. $500 should cover the sewing costs there, screens, snaps and zippers, I have material.
I have a small window A/C unit, 110V. $500 or ? for a generator. I already have heaters, propane, kerosene and electric.
One side of the trailer will hold the kitchen the other side the head, need a shower. Would like at least 25 gallons of water. Tank or cans. Not sure I want or need a black water holding tank, please advise on national parks.
I'd like a dual battery system, maybe 3 batteries, 250-500 watt converter, even with a generator on board. Will consider solar trade offs.
Need on board air and hose. What is your suggestion.
I have an ATV winch for the trailer. What is really need for the truck if anything. I will lean in the direction of safety.
There is a lot of room to mount and store stuff in the fender body and bed and above the frame under the bed, how can this space best be utilized? For what? May ford shallow waters. Underneath isn't a place for recovery gear. Just hate to see wasted space.
Planning on a fridge in the back of the cab, a top loader(?) , any suggestions, please! I know everyone is into that popular fridge, but if it's in the cab, what about a simple apartment type, the small dorum types.
Considering a nice looking rack for the top of the bed cap, any suggestions?
Range 400 miles, means additional fuel on board. I get 10 mpg in town, 16/17 on the highway and 500 to 1000 pounds in the bed makes little difference. Estimate is for the need for only 10 more gallons when that range is needed.
I'm not really interested in big suspension modifications other than shocks, maybe 2" lift, springs if needed, don't really know. With the usual camping gear, a bit on the light side, where do you see the weight of all this going?
I'll have an Icom 707, a CB, a marine radio, computers, cell phones and some misc. radio gear.
I need to cut this off, it's getting long with a lot of questions, sorry. I don't think the requirements are that tough or other than being an American cruiser for off the path camping is a big deal for the F-150.
But where do you begin, building reliability and comfort with a little go almost anywhere flavor?
Thanks guys!
So, beginning tomorrow (too busy today) the project begins.
The vehicle;
99 F-150 XLT, extended cab, 4x4, 5.0, towing package, now with 82K on the clock, with a matching snug bed cap. Never any mechanical issues, bought it new, a little slow kicking in or out the 4x4, but that is probably from very limited use, I'll use it weekly to get past that. A/C-heater needs attention and a PW needs a quick fix, other than that, it's in excellent condition.
Intended Use;
Overlanding in North America, no extreme off roading, no rock climbing, camping, with and without a utility trailer. Mostly highway but will go outback in the Western desert, boondocking, fire trails. Alaska is on the agenda and the Circle might be a goal. Anything a stock LR3 can do, I should be able to do, including Wal-Mart parking lots
Trailer, when used, hauls a motorcycle, toilet and kitchen gear, probably a generator and A/C.
Budget;
Let's say $5,000, can go up depending on the need/desire/cost justification. Like to stay under 7K, won't go to 10K on this truck.
Building this up isn't going to payoff much if I sold it, so I'll plan on driving the money out of it.
Requirements;
Dependability is paramount. The budget goes here first.
Independent for 5 to 7 days, usually 3 to 4 days,
Driver and passenger with one Boxer, all need to be comfortable. An easy unloading or modification will accommodate 2 or 3 more in the back seat, but rarely.
I'd like some custom touches, LED headlights, grill, maybe a hood and bumper cover, cosmetics, $500 of the budget might go here but the rest of any custom stuff won't be in that budget.
Need wheels? Not sure but I do need new tires, I usually go with BFG A/Ts, unless there is something better from you guys. My old truck has 15's, I'd go larger but I'm not sure what I do with the speedo.
Need a skid plate under the oil pan.
I'd like two full size spares, need one more.
Recover gear, I need your advice!
I have a bed liner, need a platform in the back for sleeping.
The bed cap lifts up, I'll go to an awning shop that does custom camper tops for boats. With the lid up I'll have tent sides and the tailgate end will have two options, one encloses the bed with a door, then an extended awning that connects to the trailer making an enclosed tunnel to the tentage on the trailer. A plank will lay on top of the tailgate in the down position and connect to the trailer, over the tongue so we can walk or crawl from bed into the trailer and out the back end. $500 should cover the sewing costs there, screens, snaps and zippers, I have material.
I have a small window A/C unit, 110V. $500 or ? for a generator. I already have heaters, propane, kerosene and electric.
One side of the trailer will hold the kitchen the other side the head, need a shower. Would like at least 25 gallons of water. Tank or cans. Not sure I want or need a black water holding tank, please advise on national parks.
I'd like a dual battery system, maybe 3 batteries, 250-500 watt converter, even with a generator on board. Will consider solar trade offs.
Need on board air and hose. What is your suggestion.
I have an ATV winch for the trailer. What is really need for the truck if anything. I will lean in the direction of safety.
There is a lot of room to mount and store stuff in the fender body and bed and above the frame under the bed, how can this space best be utilized? For what? May ford shallow waters. Underneath isn't a place for recovery gear. Just hate to see wasted space.
Planning on a fridge in the back of the cab, a top loader(?) , any suggestions, please! I know everyone is into that popular fridge, but if it's in the cab, what about a simple apartment type, the small dorum types.
Considering a nice looking rack for the top of the bed cap, any suggestions?
Range 400 miles, means additional fuel on board. I get 10 mpg in town, 16/17 on the highway and 500 to 1000 pounds in the bed makes little difference. Estimate is for the need for only 10 more gallons when that range is needed.
I'm not really interested in big suspension modifications other than shocks, maybe 2" lift, springs if needed, don't really know. With the usual camping gear, a bit on the light side, where do you see the weight of all this going?
I'll have an Icom 707, a CB, a marine radio, computers, cell phones and some misc. radio gear.
I need to cut this off, it's getting long with a lot of questions, sorry. I don't think the requirements are that tough or other than being an American cruiser for off the path camping is a big deal for the F-150.
But where do you begin, building reliability and comfort with a little go almost anywhere flavor?
Thanks guys!