2005 F-450 4x4 Utility Body w/ Starcraft Pine Mountain Lonestar Pop-top Camper

[Bubblegoose1]

I definitely feel lucky to have found this setup. It is exactly what I would have built if I hadn't spent 8 years building a JK.

I will look into the Kelty stuff. Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like a very good option.

 

[pappawheely]

Had some time to breathe and investigate functions more, after the August trip. Learned that the 2 VisionX driving lights, under the front bumper, actually do work. They are wired to the factory fog light pull switch, located in the headlights switch. I was not aware the truck was equipped with that option. Hahaha, those would have come in handy during a 3500 mile roadtrip. Oh well, live and learn.
View attachment 303539

Excellent truck you have there however I always cringe when I see lights mounted under the bumper like that. If you never go offroad it's fine but otherwise they will get ripped off if you hit anything that would require the use of that front skid plate. Those vision-X lights are nice and definitely not cheap!

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Thanks!!

Agree on the lights being in a poor location. I have never put lights under a bumper. Considering moving them to a side mount position, using for lighting up both sides when needed.

In time the truck will get a 2-3" lift and 35s, for some trail ground clearance.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Awesome truck and camper set up. We have been investigating options for moving from our jeep + pop up and I think this concept might do the trick. The jeep and pop up work fine, but we are limited really to about 5 hours or so of road time for comfort reasons. The extra room in the truck and the (I would guess) ease of the slide it camper, make this an attractive package.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

I am really happy with this type of setup. The storage is irreplaceable; not wasted solid panel as in a regular pickup. I would buy the same setup all over again without any hesitation.

It is an extremely comfortable truck to drive long distances; and low profile. It made 3500 miles in 9 days, seem like a short jaunt from State to State.

I was stopped by at least 5 people, who just wanted to know about the truck and camper combo. Nothing but positive reviews and alot of "that is a great idea for camping and exploring".

While at Yellowstone in August, we saw a shiney new RAM 5500 w/ service body and Lance camper. It was amazing. Even though not a pop-top camper, it showed how nice a new setup can be.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Stopped in a Line-X for a quote to spray the cab rocker panels and full sides of the service body. $2500 for black, $3000+/- for color matched to the light grey leather interior.

INSANE!!!. That's not happening.

 

[ripperj]

Shop around that seems real high, I got a quote here in CT by the guys that used to do Linex(the place closed)
The quote was around $800 for lower doors, rockers, hood front and tailgate I think, been a while, I never did it

Sent from my Passport using Tapatalk 2

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Will do. I had half of my old 91 Suburban sprayed for $1000 with Speedliner. Pricing has gotten crazy.

 

[gtbensley]

Thats way too much!!

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Killer set up! I've been wanting to convert my truck bed to a Utility/Service Bed for some time now. I just cant justify the cost of a new one, and I cant seem to find any used that dont need $10,000 put into them to get them back in usable shape

Kudo's on such a sweet set-up

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Thank you!!

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Lighting update. Added 2 affordable, off brand, 96W LED lights to the ARB bumper. Extremely bright. Very happy.

Moving these VisionX 8 LED lights to side/campsite lighting.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Today's upgrade:
Removed the spare tire from the passenger side front service body cabinet.

Used a Tiregate truck bed tire mount to move the tire to the rear of the service body.

Inside the cabinet; tire mount plate.

Tire mounted by stout T-handle. Tire weight supported by the bumper.

Freeing up all this space for an easy access campsite ice chest and more usable storage. Install to follow.

2 motion activated LED lights added to each storage area.

 

[jerstw]

Great mount set up. Did the small pneumatic tire your using come with the mount?

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Great mount set up. Did the small pneumatic tire your using come with the mount?

Thanks!!

The tire is a solid rubber handcart wheel from Home Depot. The rubber "cone" that came with the kit is too small for the 10 lug rim center hole. I needed something rubber, approx 8" diameter, for the t-handle to push against. Removed the wheel's bearings, and perfect center opening for the t-handle shaft.

I gave myself some added adjustment space upwards, in case I decide to go to 35s later. The t-handle and handcart wheel are very adjustment forgiving.