F350 SuperCab 4x4 Lariat 6.2 V8 Build Story - Completed

[Macfly]

Full flatbed, standing on the shoulders of giants, I am more or less copying the Bowens-Hallmark 'Stromtrooper' build that I saw last year at the Overland West Expo. There were several possible paths to off-grid freedom, but on meeting the people behind these brands, it was an absolute no-brainer to entrust building my dream rig to them. Here's the pix I keep on my phone to remind myself of where I'm headed.

 

[IdaSHO]

Looks like you are off to a great start?

A suggestion if I may, if you are going full flatbed you really should go side entrance. It makes a world of a difference in useable interior space as well as stays much cleaner than rear.

 

[Macfly]

I originally wanted a side entrance and was looking long and hard at the Hallmark Nevada/Utah units, but for the combination shower/toilet and full kitchen counter & fridge I wanted, I ended up going with the Gunella and it’s massive extra external storage potential. There was no easy way to get it all and do a side door, which I still would have preferred, but the rear door advantages outweighed my side door desires.

 

[Macfly]

Are you sticking with the factory bed or going with a flatbed?

Bowens flatbed with Hallmark Gunella camper - Stromtrooper replica build.

 

[Macfly]

So today I got to fit in my live-aboard Fahrt storage system, it's my second upgrade from Canada after the Vice bumper, and as with Vice the Fahrt build quality is simply off the charts excellent, as is their customer service. To say I'm beyond delighted is an understatement!

 

[GPurcell01]

Very neat! Hopefully that kind of fart... ahem... fahrt don't stink.

 

[Ninelitetrip]

So today I got to fit in my live-aboard Fahrt storage system, it's my second upgrade from Canada after the Vice bumper, and as with Vice the Fahrt build quality is simply off the charts excellent, as is their customer service. To say I'm beyond delighted is an understatement!

What led you to these guys? What was the turn time from ordering to delivery?

 

[Macfly]

What led you to these guys? What was the turn time from ordering to delivery?

Just a ton of research online, reading what others had to say, looking at pictures, talking to Mike at TruckCamper Adventure etc. Every part of this build has involved months of research, and each step & supplier has met, matched, and exceeded expectations. Of course, the real truth of the all-important off-road ability won't be known till I get the truck finished by Bowen and Hallmark sometime in Q2 next year.

I haven't been on a tight timeline on any part of this build as it's a retirement plan, and that's still some years away, so I really haven't been counting the days. Everyone involved has taken time, maybe CJC the most, I actually booked the truck into them once my build date was confirmed by Ford as their lead time is many months out.

 

[mk216v]

To be honest I went with what those who know more than I recommended, what would be the plus or minus of that & my ratio?

Congrats on your build Andrew! Great choice on the 6.2L.

Sorry to hear "those who know more than you" didn't recommend factory 4.30 (w/ rear e-locker). As stated, that would have been the wise choice to best prep for future 37" tires. Higher gear ratio # (ie 4.30 vs 3.73) = smaller gear vs larger gear. Think of bike sprockets; easier to move the pedals on the small cog vs the big cog right? Same with your truck.

Also, if you aren't aware, you can fit a 37" tire into the factory spare tire location without having to go with the Carli Trophy hitch; https://expeditionportal.com/forum/...mor-adventure-rig.222682/page-14#post-3070240
I have a slightly worn 37" in my spare tire location; only cost me a 6pk of microbrew and help from a friend for 20min.

Can't wait to follow along with your rig!

 

[Ninelitetrip]

Bowens flatbed with Hallmark Gunella camper - Stromtrooper replica build.

@Macfly Any communication from Hallmark on your Gunella build?

 

[Macfly]

Yes, spoke to them this week, looks like it's going to be a sometime in May delivery date with the new fiberglass.

 

[mk216v]

Yes, spoke to them this week, looks like it's going to be a sometime in May delivery date with the new fiberglass.

New fiberglass, meaning non CF Maier 'glass?
How's the Hallmark bankruptcy going to affect your camper?

 

[Kingsize24]

I wonder who's glass Hallmark are using now?

 

[mk216v]

I wonder who's glass Hallmark are using now?

Sure as isht's isn't CFM(who used to build Earthroamer's cabins), after CFM is out $1.75M for 'glass!

 

[Macfly]

How's the Hallmark bankruptcy going to affect your camper?
Honestly not sure it will at all, they're still working as if nothing's happened, but it seems there was an issue with the old glass supplier that brought this about, hence the move to the new supplier. I am unaware of the name of the previous or current supplier, so can't help there, so I'm just hoping my dream build will be a dream build!