This is the perfect expedition vehicle for someone looking for reliable simplicity with all the comfort and capability. My wife and I built this to do Alaska, Baja, and to spend a year traveling through the National Parks which has been a dream for over 15 years. But, life happens and that will need to wait. This was my 5th overland build after 4Runners, Jeeps, Vans, etc. I learned a lot from the other builds so hopefully someone will get to benefit from my evolution in thinking. Reliability and availability of parts (after overlanding a Vanagon Syncro!) anywhere in the country/world was key. Given we are located in California and I didn’t want to deal with any future issues around diesels, we went with the 7.3L Godzilla. No complaints. Amazing engine. The F350 platform and comfort in ride cannot be beat. Not unrealistic to store this camper and use the truck as a daily driver as well.
The Truck: 2024 Ford F350 Super Cab Lariat FX4 (148” wheelbase!) 4,800 Miles
This truck is brand new with only 4,800 miles (will increase). We Special ordered the truck from Ford with very specific specs to achieve the most comfort, great off-road performance with short wheelbase, and future add-on capabilities. Some relevant specs:
-Leather Console and Seat
-B&O Sound System, preferred equipment pkg.618A
-4.30 Electronic Locking Axle
-Carpet delete, all weather floor
-FX4 Off-Road Package
-Skid Plates
-11400Lb. GVWR Package
-Console Safe
-Engine block heater
-Pro Power Onboard – 2KW (This dials in our camper power system)
-“Camper Package”
-Heavy Service Front Suspension
-Trans Power Take-Off Provision (Allows for some cool attachments like generator etc.)
-Upfitter Switches
-Duel Battery
-Auto rear window slide (This connects with camper for pass-through)
* We have installed a Ravelco Anti-Theft System*
*In addition to truck warranty, we purchased a 120 month, 100,000 maintenance plan that covers 100% on all scheduled maintenance and oil changes every 7500 miles. Cost $3500.
The Modifications
-Carli Super Duty PinTop (2.5”/3.5”) Lift Suspension System
-Carli Leveling sway bar drop brackets
-Carli High mount stainless stabilizer
-Carli XHD by Deaver Full Progressive leaf springs (1800-2000Lb. constant load tuning)
-Carli leaf spring shackles
-Carli Low Mount steering stabilizer
-King Offroad Racing Shocks
-5 Method Race Wheels 305 (NV Heavy Duty) Matte Black, Matte lip bolts
-5 Toyo Open Country A/T III ( 37x12.5R18)
-Magna Flow Catback Exhaust System (sounds amazing!)
-Amp Research Powerstep Running Boards
-High Impact Bed Mat
-Buckstop Outback Front Bumper (Aluminum upgrade, black hammer powder coat)
-2x Baja Designs LP4 Pro LED (Amber Lens for bumper) *Still needs install
-Warn 16.5TI-S 12V Heavyweight Winch with Spydura Pro Synthetic rope *Still needs wiring
-RIGd Supply UltraSwing Mega-Fit hitch mount spare tire carrier with drop down camp table and license plate light kit. *I thought long and hard on the best way to carry a full size 37” spare tire. This solution also makes camp setup easy with stove and cutting board right at edge of tailgate. Keeps the dirty stove and other items in backpack and outside of camper!
-WolfBox G900 4K touch screen parking monitor, dash cam, and smart mirror.
-Full truckbed molle panels by Addictive Desert Designs (love these!)
The Camper (AT Overland Aterra Topper)
-King size bed system is what sold us!
-Increased solar capacity to 370 watts
-Dimmable lighting, four 12vdc power ports, four double USB power ports
-All windows have blackout shades and screens
-Two folding side tables, molle panels in rear
-Mechanical jack brackets (makes taking off camper easy)
-Front cab slider window (connects with truck auto-slide rear window)
-10lb Propane bottle and exterior mount
-MaxxFan Dome roof vent and light
-Additional “bunk bed” style sleep panel and mattress
-NOCO AC port plug for shore power (game changer)
-EcoFlow Delta Pro Power Station 3600WH (~300AH equivalent)
* This is the most efficient and simple system that works perfectly in a scenario where you may not be fully knowledgeable about complex DC power systems or don’t want a full-time camper/battery install. I have this set with multiple ways to charge power station given any situation. You can charge by solar, shore power, truck alternator, or truck pro power generator. I have completely disconnected from truck batteries (alternator) but have left a simple plug in rear of camper as emergency power. You can charge by solar during the day and pro power while traveling at night. Everything else runs from EcoFlow power station via camper plugs and plugs located on molle panels. You can use both AC and DC appliances with this configuration. The power station is brand new and only used about 20 hours. For anyone needing more power, you can double the capacity (~600AH) of this system for about $1500 with additional battery. Literally would take one-minute to install. If the system goes down or when a replacement is needed, you can choose any Jackery, EcoFlow, Goal Zero, etc., and just plug-n-play. All else would stay in place and simply just plug into the new power station. Even with how cool the RedArc and other power management systems are, I don’t think you could ever convince me to go back to those complex integrated systems. This is just too simple and works too well.
I’m sure I have missed a few things, please email if you want to see or know something specific. We are located in Northern California. Keep exploring!
jmjardine@gmail.com
The Truck: 2024 Ford F350 Super Cab Lariat FX4 (148” wheelbase!) 4,800 Miles
This truck is brand new with only 4,800 miles (will increase). We Special ordered the truck from Ford with very specific specs to achieve the most comfort, great off-road performance with short wheelbase, and future add-on capabilities. Some relevant specs:
-Leather Console and Seat
-B&O Sound System, preferred equipment pkg.618A
-4.30 Electronic Locking Axle
-Carpet delete, all weather floor
-FX4 Off-Road Package
-Skid Plates
-11400Lb. GVWR Package
-Console Safe
-Engine block heater
-Pro Power Onboard – 2KW (This dials in our camper power system)
-“Camper Package”
-Heavy Service Front Suspension
-Trans Power Take-Off Provision (Allows for some cool attachments like generator etc.)
-Upfitter Switches
-Duel Battery
-Auto rear window slide (This connects with camper for pass-through)
* We have installed a Ravelco Anti-Theft System*
*In addition to truck warranty, we purchased a 120 month, 100,000 maintenance plan that covers 100% on all scheduled maintenance and oil changes every 7500 miles. Cost $3500.
The Modifications
-Carli Super Duty PinTop (2.5”/3.5”) Lift Suspension System
-Carli Leveling sway bar drop brackets
-Carli High mount stainless stabilizer
-Carli XHD by Deaver Full Progressive leaf springs (1800-2000Lb. constant load tuning)
-Carli leaf spring shackles
-Carli Low Mount steering stabilizer
-King Offroad Racing Shocks
-5 Method Race Wheels 305 (NV Heavy Duty) Matte Black, Matte lip bolts
-5 Toyo Open Country A/T III ( 37x12.5R18)
-Magna Flow Catback Exhaust System (sounds amazing!)
-Amp Research Powerstep Running Boards
-High Impact Bed Mat
-Buckstop Outback Front Bumper (Aluminum upgrade, black hammer powder coat)
-2x Baja Designs LP4 Pro LED (Amber Lens for bumper) *Still needs install
-Warn 16.5TI-S 12V Heavyweight Winch with Spydura Pro Synthetic rope *Still needs wiring
-RIGd Supply UltraSwing Mega-Fit hitch mount spare tire carrier with drop down camp table and license plate light kit. *I thought long and hard on the best way to carry a full size 37” spare tire. This solution also makes camp setup easy with stove and cutting board right at edge of tailgate. Keeps the dirty stove and other items in backpack and outside of camper!
-WolfBox G900 4K touch screen parking monitor, dash cam, and smart mirror.
-Full truckbed molle panels by Addictive Desert Designs (love these!)
The Camper (AT Overland Aterra Topper)
-King size bed system is what sold us!
-Increased solar capacity to 370 watts
-Dimmable lighting, four 12vdc power ports, four double USB power ports
-All windows have blackout shades and screens
-Two folding side tables, molle panels in rear
-Mechanical jack brackets (makes taking off camper easy)
-Front cab slider window (connects with truck auto-slide rear window)
-10lb Propane bottle and exterior mount
-MaxxFan Dome roof vent and light
-Additional “bunk bed” style sleep panel and mattress
-NOCO AC port plug for shore power (game changer)
-EcoFlow Delta Pro Power Station 3600WH (~300AH equivalent)
* This is the most efficient and simple system that works perfectly in a scenario where you may not be fully knowledgeable about complex DC power systems or don’t want a full-time camper/battery install. I have this set with multiple ways to charge power station given any situation. You can charge by solar, shore power, truck alternator, or truck pro power generator. I have completely disconnected from truck batteries (alternator) but have left a simple plug in rear of camper as emergency power. You can charge by solar during the day and pro power while traveling at night. Everything else runs from EcoFlow power station via camper plugs and plugs located on molle panels. You can use both AC and DC appliances with this configuration. The power station is brand new and only used about 20 hours. For anyone needing more power, you can double the capacity (~600AH) of this system for about $1500 with additional battery. Literally would take one-minute to install. If the system goes down or when a replacement is needed, you can choose any Jackery, EcoFlow, Goal Zero, etc., and just plug-n-play. All else would stay in place and simply just plug into the new power station. Even with how cool the RedArc and other power management systems are, I don’t think you could ever convince me to go back to those complex integrated systems. This is just too simple and works too well.
I’m sure I have missed a few things, please email if you want to see or know something specific. We are located in Northern California. Keep exploring!
jmjardine@gmail.com
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