Nice truck/rig, love the Raptor builds. So many great vehicles here.....but
I don't post much anymore, I've learned, that in these types of forums, that the dream is commercially driven, macho cliff scaling rigs seem to be the scared cow, regardless of how impractical they might be. I'm not so sure there is any space on this planet that you couldn't get parts for an F-150, in some areas you may have to wait longer, but considering all things out there to travel in or on, you won't be stranded that long. Chances are, you'll never go to such remote areas that you really need an egomobile.
I've considered getting a larger vehicle, commercial and private as well as all kinds of trailers. The very best vehicle to go in is the one you have. There is no reason an F-150 can't do enough to get you there, if you simply must go over bolder, get a trailer and haul a 4 wheeler or trail bike, if you must cross a river a quarter mile wide, take an inflatable raft. And how often does that really happen?
Never had a 5 ton truck, but drove a few, no thanks. I've had Mazda, Ram and Dodge Raider, the Honda, Pathfinders (2), Bronco, Trail Blazer, Ranger, Excursion, my F-150 and nearly a hundred cars over 45 years, nothing was perfect. If I were going to do something crazy, I'd probably go with a duce n half or a Mog, but I'd rather not change a tire on either one much less travel at 50 mph on the highway.
I don't mean to tick off folks, but seems easy to do without meaning too, but while I could be considered new to much of this I'm not new to traveling by vehicle, including military vehicles. To say one vehicle is better than another is never correct in all cases or even possible in most cases. The question should be, what's the best vehicle to accomplish this defined mission.....now you can qualify the vehicle to a stated need. Best SUV of the year? Best for what? I'm not liking my mpg with my F-150, but I know I'm happier than the guy with a F-250, 350, 450 or larger trucks. I need to travel lighter, but I go further on a dollar too. I may get there quicker too, if time is important.
Not saying at all that larger trucks or any other vehicle isn't great to have or use, each will have pluses, advantages over other vehicles, there will also be disadvantages, there is always a trade off.
Being totally dependent on your vehicle doesn't mean 6,000 pounds of stuff, I've been out for more than a month with only what I could carry, having a VW bug would have been a luxury, an F-150 heaven, compared to what can be done. I just don't really need a wine cooler and a fridge.
So, IMO, your F-150 is a great vehicle to build, to it's limitations and to use for the purposes it is modified for. Best thing to travel with is a good credit card and a cell phone, a radio is good stuff too.
Looking forward to watching your build, but you'll probably do more to yours than I will to mine, I'm sure mine will make it to Alaska the way it sits, or to Mexico City and it's stock!
