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

[montypower]

This video segment includes parts of Section 2 of the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) from Yellow Pine to Boise (heading south). We mapped our own off road route from Boise to Ketchum Sun Valley Idaho.

This adventure includes hiking, mountain biking, hot springs and lakes! The most EPIC stop was the Trinity Fire Lookout Tower. It’s a legit hike to the tower that resides at 9,500ft elevation. The views!!! By far the most dramatic and beautiful of Idaho. This is a MUST visit destination.

Most of the roads are rough and rocky but passable by most any vehicle. However, always exercise caution and be prepared.

This concludes our 7 Part Series on the BackCountry Roads of Idaho. We’d love to hear what you enjoyed most from this adventure.

 

[tacollie]

Thanks for continuing to share your trip reports!

 

[mk216v]

Paging @mk216v

LOL.

Peter, what is your rig/camper weighing in at now? With all of your successful miles on your 37x12.5x17 Yoko X-AT (D load; 3525lbs at 50psi. 3ply sidewall), if there wasn't a good E load alternative (I'd consider the Toyo AT3), would you stick with the Yoko X-AT?

 

[montypower]

Our rear axle weight is ~ 6,200lbs with the camper. And ~6,900lbs with the camper and trailer. The X-AT have been fantastic for durability on/off road. They have been having trouble with the tread crowning and cupping. This became noticeable after the dealer overinflated the tires (80psi) and we didn't discover it until a couple weeks later (and hauling heavy). They have been used hard and held up well (no complaints). The rubber has gotten harder likely slowing the tread wear. We are just under 30k miles. Guessing they could go to 40k or possibly more.

Looking to go to the HD Method wheels 4,500lb load and new 37x12.5R17 tires (load E) with 3,970lb weight capacity for extra margin. We are nearly maxing out the tires with the trailer attached. It did fine for 2+ months traveling fulltime this summer. But I would like a bit more margin.

These are the longest time and most miles I've owned a set of tires! Guess that says something about them!

 

[mk216v]

Thx Peter. I'm loving my Yoko X-AT's D-loads (6100lbs RAW) thx to all of your feedback. Will see what I do for the next set of tires.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Will see what I do for the next set of tires.

Based on current usage, that should be around 2037. Will probably have other options available by then!

[kissyface]

 

[HowardH]

You may have already addressed this but what’s your MPG with the 37’s vs OEM size tires?

 

[montypower]

Thx Peter. I'm loving my Yoko X-AT's D-loads (6100lbs RAW) thx to all of your feedback. Will see what I do for the next set of tires.

Keep us posted on how they wear. I'm curious if our cupping/crowning issue was from the over inflation or a tire carcass design thing. They are a great tire and the best option until these new tire options. I'm glad to see HD truck tire options for 37s on 17s. Very cool.

 

[montypower]

You may have already addressed this but what’s your MPG with the 37’s vs OEM size tires?

We put our 37s on when the truck had about 100 miles on it. I'm not sure we've ever run an entire tank empty (not towing or hauling). We did run empty for most of one tank and got 13.6mpg. Our lifetime average is 10.155mpg since new. We track every mile.

We towed our trailer with camper all summer 4,566 miles @ 16k CWR. Most of the tanks were in the 9-9.5mpg range. Although we did hit 10mpg one tank. Typically with the camper (not towing) we get 10-12mpg range (depending on terrain and off road miles).

Essentially this is the same fuel mileage we've found after researching all trucks with similar loads. Diesel, Gas and regardless of engine size. And often smaller engines will use more fuel (think Ecoboost F150s).

Our previous 2019 F250 6.2L on stock tires would get in the 16mpg and the best was around 19mpg on the road (under 65mph) empty on stock Michelin tires. In town it would be around 13mpg.

HD trucks are terrible commuter rigs! They are excellent workhorses. We have our Tacoma, HHR SS and motorcycle for commuting. F150 is a good combined use vehicle but only if hauling lighter loads and infrequent towing; it wouldn't last well towing heavy constantly.

 

[montypower]

We have been extremely happy with our "boring work truck" Ford F250 Super Duty! It is the XL trim with factory options for enhancing capability and functionality (no luxury items). It's a Work Truck not a Jaguar (people seem to be confused these days on the differences).

Past videos to bring you up to speed:
Super Duty Build Series

Yes, we still like the PSC Hydro Assist even after the hose failure. I love the ability to easily turn 37s on the trail (and everywhere). It significantly reduces the load/wear on the steering gear box and most steering components as the steering force is distributed between the drag link and tie rod. It also gives additional steering dampening with the steering ram attached to the tie rod.

We will be looking into upgrade options for the drag link and tie rod at some point. So far... the majority of the drivetrain is completely stock and holding up well. These trucks are built for work and hauling!

Parts added since the original 4 Day Build:
UCF Sterling 10.5 Differential Cover
Camera Source Tailgate Camera Replacement
Window Tint
PSC Hydro Assist
FOX ATS Steering Stabilizer
Dealer Leaf Springs
FOX 2.5 Resi Shocks
Baja Designs Squadron SAE Fog Lights
Baja Designs Squadron Rear Flood Lights
Baja Designs XL80 Driving Lights

Parts Rebuilt or Changed over the past 2.5 Years:
FOX Shock Revalve & Rebuild
PSC Hydro Assist hose replacement & Steering Ram (replaced but working fine)

The truck and modifications have proven durable and reliable over 2.5 years and nearly 30k miles with the truck only being used to haul or adventure off road. "Donkey" has been a great truck!

 

[Ninelitetrip]

Peter,

Thanks for the update. Good to see that your choices worked out for you. No buyer's remorse.

 

[montypower]

Peter,

Thanks for the update. Good to see that your choices worked out for you. No buyer's remorse.

Absolutely! It is amazing how well it has held up. Looking forward to more adventures!

Hopefully our experience can help provide inspiration and ideas.

 

[Explorerinil]

I had a psc ram on my old 2001 ram truck. I also blew a hose on it once. After that i went to a local hydraulic hose shop for tractors and had a couple spare hoses custom made, I kept them under the seat with a spare quart of fluid.

im looking at a set of those xl 80’, how do you like them?

 

[montypower]

I had a psc ram on my old 2001 ram truck. I also blew a hose on it once. After that i went to a local hydraulic hose shop for tractors and had a couple spare hoses custom made, I kept them under the seat with a spare quart of fluid.

im looking at a set of those xl 80’, how do you like them?

That's not a bad idea. We do carry a couple of the line caps. Potentially could cap the steering box if needed. Carrying extra fluid may be a good idea. Although we do try to limit how much extra stuff we carry.

XL80 lights are quality. It was rather difficult paying the price! Most money I've ever spent on a light. But the value is there. Reflectors, housing, wiring, glass face... all high quality. It produces better quality and equal quantity of light as our 40" LED light bar. That's rather impressive considering the small size! Wiring them to come on with the factory high beam is most helpful. We use a factory auxiliary switch that turns on the Amber lights; that switch also powers the XL80 relay; then the high beam turns them on/off. We did a video showing them -

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I second the XL80s

Amazing little light and the ability to quickly and cheaply change out the lenses for different colors and beam patterns is awesome!