Advice for my 1st rig: F-150 Hybrid 7.2kw ProPower + GFC?

[B-MO | SKI-MO]

Hey ExPo,

I am new to overlanding and want to build a simple rig that I can live out of for short periods of time (a week or weekend) while traveling around the American west with my bicycle. I like exploring new places on my bike and am training to race professionally, so usually spend 10-15hrs a week on the bike. When I'm not on the bike I would like my rig to have:

• A bed (thinking GFC XL V2, I have a line on a trade so I won't have to wait long)
• A fridge (thinking a dometic or ARB with 80-100L capacity)
• A shower (thinking external, like a yakima rack mount, or internal portable with heater, or both)
• A pooper (really have no idea what to get here; composting?)
• WiFi or hotspot (I'll make do with my unlimited AT&T hotspot early on, but may pivot to Starlink if I get hooked)
• Storage for the bike or bikes, max 2 (must be secure so that when I'm sleeping it doesn't get stolen - could be internal)
• Storage for food, clothes (pretty minimal, but I burn about 2-3k calories training each day so I gotta have a lot of carbs around, sadly no beer)
• Select recovery gear (maxtracks, shovel, etc.)
• Room to stand up in the bed in case of inclement weather

I'm thinking the base vehicle for this will be a 2021 F-150 XL Hybrid with 7.2kw Pro Power generator and the FX4 package. The pre-wired generator obviates the need to have an independent power system. Wouldn't even need solar.

All in, I'm looking at about $60k to get this off the ground. I also plan to do some overnight rentals in rigs on Outdoorsy or other RV share apps to test this out before I take the plunge. If others in the Seattle area have similar rigs or want to advise me, please reach out.

So - my question to you is: am I crazy? does this make sense? Am I missing anything? Advice for a newcomer?
Thanks
B

 

[BBsound]

Well keep in mind the truck engine has to run to generate electricity. I would have solar with batteries in addition to having the on board generator.
that way you have decent lighting, etc at night while the solar panels charge all day when you are out riding.

 

[B-MO | SKI-MO]

Good point. But the battery capacity is 1.5kwh from what I understand, which I'm guessing won't drain overnight unless I really need to heat or cool the unit.

If the 1.5kwh battery does drain while the truck is off because something like the fridge or a heater or fan/AC is pulling power overnight, the engine will automatically kick on to charge the battery back up. I've heard that can be a nuisance if you're sleeping on it because the truck shakes a little as it turns on.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Well keep in mind the truck engine has to run to generate electricity. I would have solar with batteries in addition to having the on board generator.
that way you have decent lighting, etc at night while the solar panels charge all day when you are out riding.

Close....but not quite... Lol. The motor cycles on and off depending on how fast you deplete the battery. If it's just running lights and fans...it will be many hours in-between start ups.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

The only downside to the powerboost trucks is they have a really low payload rating.

 

[Todd780]

The only downside to the powerboost trucks is they have a really low payload rating.

I was wondering that. When building an HDPP F150, I noticed it doesn't allow power boost. I'm sure the weight is why.

Generally speaking any clue what the average payload of a powerboost supercrew 4x4 is?

 

[calicamper]

Well keep in mind the truck engine has to run to generate electricity. I would have solar with batteries in addition to having the on board generator.
that way you have decent lighting, etc at night while the solar panels charge all day when you are out riding.

Only if your pulling lots of power. A guy needing some lights and charging stuff in a gfc isn’t going to trigger the need to start the truck anytime soon.

 

[calicamper]

Good point. But the battery capacity is 1.5kwh from what I understand, which I'm guessing won't drain overnight unless I really need to heat or cool the unit.

If the 1.5kwh battery does drain while the truck is off because something like the fridge or a heater or fan/AC is pulling power overnight, the engine will automatically kick on to charge the battery back up. I've heard that can be a nuisance if you're sleeping on it because the truck shakes a little as it turns on.

CO2 poisoning risk is a factor if it fires up while your dreaming of Amazonian women and American Pie

 

[B-MO | SKI-MO]

CO2 poisoning risk is a factor if it fires up while your dreaming of Amazonian women and American Pie

Hmm very good point. Not keen on poisoning myself. Maybe I could use a spare battery for night use (fridge, fan, lights) and charge it from the truck during the day? Would that work? Any recs on a good battery for this purpose?

 

[calicamper]

Hmm very good point. Not keen on poisoning myself. Maybe I could use a spare battery for night use (fridge, fan, lights) and charge it from the truck during the day? Would that work? Any recs on a good battery for this purpose?

Truck can likely be set on a no start status. Battery draw over night likely isn’t an issue. Testing it out before buying more stuff is easiest on the wallet

 

[Huck]

I have a powerboost truck and our solution was to use a goal zero between the fridge and onboard generator. Might have been overkill but I didn't want the truck turned on all night/day. We were also in the desert with no shade. So while driving it the truck charged the goal zero, then we never had to leave the generator on when parked.

We have 1500lbs of payload for what its worth. For what you describe (same thing I'm planning but with a Super Pacific camper) it should be fine based on my calculations and weight of cargo/people.

 

[jadmt]

look at a 50L fridge I have been running an ARB50 for several years and it holds plenty of food and you just put beverages in as you use them. I recently bought a jackery 1000 and it runs my fridge for 4 days without a charge. If I had solar it would probably run forever. I have also used my vehicle battery for up to 3 days and never once has my fridge shut itself off. I know people say that is bad for your battery but I never had an issue. lots simple porta potties out there. we use a bucket with a lid and poo powder if in an area that is required. simple and light and odor free.

 

[Huck]

one thing to note is that it's not really possible to ensure the battery is fully topped off at a specific moment. Looks like it will run for up to ~3 minutes to charge the battery based on this guy's test:

 

[B-MO | SKI-MO]

one thing to note is that it's not really possible to ensure the battery is fully topped off at a specific moment. Looks like it will run for up to ~3 minutes to charge the battery based on this guy's test:

Exactly - I watched that video a few days ago and instantly re-thought running power from the onboard generator overnight. That, and the carbon monoxide considerations count in favor of @Huck 's solution. Put a goal zero between the onboard generator and the things that will draw power at night, and turn off the truck generator so it doesn't turn on. Charge it during the day from the truck, and run intensive electronics from the truck during the day.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

Edit: actually, assuming the 1.5kwh onboard battery is fully charged before bed, that's 3x as much capacity as the 0.4kwh Goal Zero. I'd be better off just pulling power from the onboard battery with the generator turned off.

I'm not sure it is possible to prevent the truck from turning on while drawing power from the battery though. @Huck do you know the answer?

 

[Huck]

I don't but am now also curious! I'll see what I have in the owners manual and/or mess with it today.