F250 diesel build

Terrainist

Explorer
Shock - you requested ideas and thoughts. I remember from your other thread, young child, wife, dog. Key in on how you will be using the truck. If it is to get you and the family into the wilderness, campfire, solitude, hamburgers, leisurely strolls, peace and quite -- start with how you are going to do that first.

The truck is more than capable as it is, it doesn't need a winch, gas tank or bumper. You need shelter. I would start there. You mentioned the six pac or similar. Space for sleeping and relaxing, cooking, hauling gear, staying warm and dry. Once you have that, get out and use it. Using the truck with the family will tell you exactly what you really need.

It sounds like you have a place to drop the camper when you are using your truck as your daily driver. The camper is the first thing I would do, then get out there. I think you will find that you really don't need to spend your money on some of the things you thought you did.

Good decision on keeping the truck over that suburban. That burb would have bled you dry (daily driving that = $$$). The person that owns it would be trading up (way, way up), they most likely knew that. And perhaps they conveniently got the lift specs backwards, that is a 6" body lift with a 2" suspension vs. 2" body and 6" suspension if anything -- modifications mean possible, more than likely, unreliability, repairs, suspension and drive train -- more $$$$. Then more gas $$$.

Do what you have to do to start using your truck, then let your needs dictate what you do as you go. Just my 2 cents.
 

poriggity

Explorer
I'm with Terrainist.. Often times, IMHO, people spend $$ right away on a bumper or two, winch, and a lift kit, and when outfitting a rig for expedition type travel, and camping, the FIRST thing to do is get some shelter... Whether thats a shell, camper, popup, or tent, get some sort of shelter, then get all the appropirate camping gear for sleeping, cooking, and survival. Then, you can start modifying the truck. Just my opinion.
Scott
 

shock

Observer
Thanks guy that is what i am doing right now. I am planing this type build. It is just a mock up but it will be a slide in but no over hang. Thoughts?
mockcamper.jpg
 

poriggity

Explorer
I like it.. Plan on building it like this, or is there a company that makes something like that? Have you thought about looking into the FWC's?
Scott
 

shock

Observer
I think i am going to build it. I dont know anyone that mkes it. I am going to do a alum frame and alum skin.
 

chasespeed

Explorer
I think you are spot on.

Now, go to the custom camper section, and look at other projects, and how they were built. Very do-able, but, not a minor undertaking by any means.

I think the aluminum skin, over aluminum frame IS the better way to go, but, will come with its own challenges.

You have an excellent platform to work with, I miss mine a LOT.

Make some trips, and start thinking about what you and your family NEED.

Cant wait to see this take shape..

Chase
 

shock

Observer
Thanks i am going over the plans and ideas now. The miles on the truck at 273k kinda worried me i have had a few powerstrokes but it runs good drives good and i have about 5k in it all together.
 

BCHauler

Adventurer
That isn't scary mileage for a 7.3 . Do some maintenance on both it and the truck in general and both should serve you well.
 

chasespeed

Explorer
A little more food for thought....
The 7.3 is a POPULAR engine... they were used for a long while in the f series alone, plus, they were stuffed in school buses, blah blah blah... in other words... when you get your truck where you and your family want it... find another one....... when you start getting blowby issues... have a shop freshen up the other one... and replace the engine.... a LOT cheaper(though more labor intensive) than starting over with another truck...

but, you should have plenty of time before you even have to worry about it...

See, I have a different problem... once another body rots off my current truck, the cummins and 5spd, are going to find themselves in another rig...

Chase
 

shock

Observer
I dont drive it that much if i us it 300 miles a month that is a lot. I suppose there is a lot left then.
 

shock

Observer
I just want to make sure it is up for any long trip i want so i am taken it in for a scan and once over. You can put a price on peace of mind.
 

Project510

Adventurer
Nice truck :)

Excited to see this build. I was looking at this and the Chevy 2500HD as a possible replacement.. Too expensive for me right now tho. How are these as far as reliabilty compared the the Chevy? I did notice there resale value was a few thousand lower than the 2500HD in my area.
 

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