FishAll50 Ford Fullsize Build

[FishAll50]

Objective:

Dedicate one of our Ford trucks to a full-time travel/camping rig. Over the next several years, the beautiful, talented, intelligent and generally wonderful Ms. FishAll50 and I will be traveling North America in search of great places, great camping, great adventure and great fishing......great! The choice of trucks is as follows:

1995 F350 Crew 4wd - 7.3 PSD




2004 F250 Crew 4wd - 6.0 PSD




or

1948 F5 Dually - Flathead V8.





We anticipate dry camping as our primary method of stay with occasional campground/state park camping and stays with friends along the way. The build will include a topper/shell setup.

Topper features will include:


Sleeping platform with storage underneath
Water storage/pump system
Propane setup for cooking/ heated shower
Refrigerator
LED Lighting
Dedicated battery(s) and/or solar
Electrical outlets
Awning(s) / outside camp setup

Truck Features / modifications:
GPS
Interior storage
Winch
Front / rear bumper mods
Off-road lighting
Custom Roof Rack for (2) kayaks
Rear carrier for spare tire / propane / other accessories
Mild mods for improved performance/mileage - exhaust/intake/etc.


Other:

Hitch Carrier for taking CT90's or XR650
Trailer for Four Wheeler



Where the members of Expedition Portal come into play:

Give your input on which truck to dedicate. Ok, the F5 is not actually an option......but we may actually drive it cross country once restored.

 

[poriggity]

Personally, I'm a fan of the reliability of the 7.3, so if it was me, the 95 would get my nod on the one to convert. All nice lookin trucks though!
Scott

 

[Chili]

I would use the 95.. A couple of the many reasons: Easier to work on, cheaper and wider availability of parts, more cargo space, more likely to appreciate than depreciate in value at this point..

 

[BkoJoe]

7.3 no doubt, big 4 door long bed with dual tanks thats the way i would go

 

[Spencinator]

Another vote for the '95. You will appreciate the long bed over the short bed very quickly. Although if money is not an object, I would build a custom camper on the '48, update the drivetrain (4x4) and have one of the coolest rigs on the road.

 

[FishAll50]

Thanks for the input......it is an overwhelming 100% unanimous, the 95 wins - thanks to all 4 who made input . I agree that I will like the additional bed length ........and yes, the 7.3 has been a strong and reliable powerplant. And the OBS always gets compliments wherever it goes.


I'll start a clean thread on the build.

 

[redthies]

I will vote for the F5 just to be different (after the fact). I personally use a '97 F350 4x4 crew with a 7.3 PSD and E4OD. I wouldn't want to force anyone to like what I like.