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

[DickM]

We just did "most" of the Idaho BDR in the 4 runner w/ RTT with our friend who had previously done it on his adventure bike. Like you guys we used the route as a general guideline, and modified it as we desired. It was a great trip lasting about 10 days. It really gave a great overview of the "feel" of Idaho and Montana as we came north through Montana, turned west into Idaho, and then south (backwards) on the BDR.

 

[montypower]

@DickM It sure is beautiful and lots of fun places to explore! Next time... bring your truck camper.

 

[DickM]

Next time... bring your truck camper.

That is the plan. We are currently talking to Alcan and Carli about the suspension upgrades to finalize my ongoing build. We have done the Camino and some local stuff here in Colorado, but I wasn't sure of it on the BDR. Turns out, it would have been OK.
Thanks for your ongoing posts in this thread. It has been incredibly helpful in our transition to the full size truck/camper world!

 

[montypower]

In this video… we continue south after biking the Hiawatha Trail (an abandoned train track with many tussles and tunnels). This section of the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route is one of the most scenic drives in Idaho! It follows the St Joe River along the old train route and includes many train tunnels through the mountains. You do need to exercise caution while entering the tunnels as the visibility can be limited and tunnel width is somewhat narrow. What a special treat!

This drive is part of Section 6 of the Idaho BDR from Wallace to Pierce. The town of Avery is a MUST stop to explore. It is packed with railroad history and a well-kept park with original train car. Shortly after passing through Avery the route goes off road and progressively becomes rougher and more remote. There are plenty of opportunities to hike and explore along the way; take you time slow down and enjoy!

The next major destination is Dworshak Reservoir which provides an excellent paddling opportunity. There are gems like this throughout the BDR route. Of course, there are lots of gravel road miles as well.

Next week… there is more off road fun with Fire Lookout Towers! Stay tuned…

 

[IdaSHO]

Welcome to my backyard. Nothing like it

 

[Macfly]

What a great vid, thanks for sharing! As a train lover since childhood, this is absolutely on my 'to do' list once my build is done!

 

[montypower]

We travel Section 5 of the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) heading south from Pierce to Darby. This route includes the well-known “Lolo Pass” and multiple fire lookout towers.

This begins the remote, scenic and rugged sections of the BDR route. You can expect slower travel speeds as the roads are dirt, rough and narrow. There’s a good chance to encounter fallen trees! You’ll find carrying a chainsaw to be rather essential.

Be sure to stop and explore the Fire Lookout Towers along the way. There are plenty of remote camping opportunities just be sure to follow all camp fire ban requirements. It is an extremely short “allowed” campfire season from snow melt to summer months. We rarely have campfires and instead enjoy the warm hardwall truck camper.

Stay tuned for our next adventure on the Magruder Corridor!

 

[montypower]

We continue on Section 4 of the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) from Darby to Elk City. This route includes the most popular Idaho Overland road segment the “Magruder Corridor”.

You can expect moderately rough and narrow roads with more frequent traffic on this historic 101 mile single lane road. Primarily you’ll encounter dual sport motorcycles. Be watchful. The road travels through the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Sadly much of the forest has been burned and fires are common in the summer months. Be sure to check road condition and status before heading out.
Burnt Knob Fire Lookout is an exceptional detour to explore. It is a rough, steep 4WD only road. This is my favorite lookout tower in Idaho by far. Please tread lightly and keep these special sites trash free. It’s a special place!

Next week… our adventure continues!

 

[montypower]

We continue on Section 3 of the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) from Elk City to Yellow Pine (heading south). Highlights include: Florence Ghost Town, French Creek Grade, Pilot Fire Lookout and the Old Abandoned Bus.

Elk City to Yellow Pine is the most remote segment of the Idaho BDR route. Fuel stops are limited and expensive in the small towns but much cheaper than a tow or recovery. There are plenty of opportunities for exploring rough roads. None of the roads are technically challenging but the remoteness brings a challenge element.

Be well prepared! Certain sections of the route are traveled infrequently and will be rough limiting travel speed with obstacles (often trees) to deal with. It’s best to have a flexible schedule and explore along the way.

Next week… we nearly run out of fuel and find hot springs.

 

[montypower]

There's some exciting tire news!!!

Toyo RT Trail - 37x12.5R17 - Load E - 128 load index (3970lbs @ 65psi).

Toyo AT3 - 37x12.5R17 - Load E - 128 load index (3970lbs @ 65psi). 3 peak snowflake.

Both have 3 ply sidewalls. Waiting on a call back to hear if they share the same carcass.

Method 704 HD gives you 4500lb load capacity.

This combo is a game changer for 4x4 Truck Camper folks! Keep you higher profile tire sidewall with the 37" tires and 17" wheels. Yet don't need to run 80psi to carry a heavy load. Load E rating for extra ply count. Awesome!!!

 

[montypower]

Another new tire could be ideal for 8-8.5" wheels:

Nitto Recon Grappler 37x11.5R17 - 128 load index - Load D yet 3970 lb capacity @ 65psi. 3 ply sidewall

Exciting to see innovation for us off road tire folks.

 

[Trail Talk]

Yet don't need to run 80psi to carry a heavy load. Load E rating for extra ply count. Awesome!!!

That’s what I’ve been waiting for!

 

[tacollie]

I was planning on the Toyo AT3 for our next set of tires. Looks like I should probably step up to a 37 for the higher load testing?

 

[montypower]

This video segment includes parts of Section 2 of the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) from Yellow Pine to Boise (heading south). We stray further from the planned route to incorporate additional destinations such as Hot Springs.

We purposefully don’t share the locations of hot springs to avoid promoting them. Sadly many of these remote locations have become heavily trafficked. Please be respectful and keep these locations clean and cared for.

The roads progressively improved south of Yellow Pine. However, you may still encounter obstacles like road washouts. Be prepared for anything! And plan your fuel stops carefully. Fuel availability can be limited and bypassing a small town fuel stop may result in a situation like we experienced.

Next week… is the FINAL IDHAO Video.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

There's some exciting tire news!!!

Toyo RT Trail - 37x12.5R17 - Load E - 128 load index (3970lbs @ 65psi).

Toyo AT3 - 37x12.5R17 - Load E - 128 load index (3970lbs @ 65psi). 3 peak snowflake.

Both have 3 ply sidewalls. Waiting on a call back to hear if they share the same carcass.

Method 704 HD gives you 4500lb load capacity.

This combo is a game changer for 4x4 Truck Camper folks! Keep you higher profile tire sidewall with the 37" tires and 17" wheels. Yet don't need to run 80psi to carry a heavy load. Load E rating for extra ply count. Awesome!!!

Paging @mk216v