FishAll50 F350 Fullsize Build

[FishAll50]

Objective:

Dedicate one of our Ford trucks to a full-time travel/camping rig. Over the next several years, the beautiful, talented, intelligent and generally wonderful Ms. FishAll50 and I will be traveling North America in search of great places, great camping, great adventure and great fishing......great!

After taking a poll of which of my trucks to dedicate, the overwhelming request to use the 1995 F350 was obvious - in act, it was unanimous. Yes, thanks to all 4 who responded.

Use:

We will use the truck as our base camp while we search out fish that need to be caught, waters that need to be paddled, trails that need to be hiked and areas to be explored. We anticipate dry camping as our primary method of stay with occasional campground/state park camping and stays with friends along the way. The build will include a topper/shell setup.

Topper features will include:

Sleeping platform with storage underneath
Water storage/pump system
Propane setup for cooking/ heated shower
Refrigerator
LED Camper Lighting
Dedicated battery(s) and/or solar
Electrical outlets
Awning(s) / outside camp setup

Truck Features / modifications:
GPS/electronics/alarm
Interior storage
Winch
Front / rear bumper mods
Off-road lighting
Custom Roof Rack for (2) kayaks
Rear carrier for spare tire / propane / other accessories
Mild mods for improved performance/mileage - exhaust/intake/etc.


Other allowances depending upon travel location:

Hitch Carrier for taking CT90's or XR650
Trailer for Four Wheeler
Trailer for Jeep Wrangler



The truck:

1995 F350 XLT CC 4wd SRW
7.3 Powerstroke/E4OD
All power / dual tanks / etc.

 

[jeeps4fun]

Can't wait to see it. Wish I would've kept my 07 CC LB and done something similar. The ride was just horrible for my 3 yr old and a newborn on the way

 

[FishAll50]

Can't wait to see it. Wish I would've kept my 07 CC LB and done something similar. The ride was just horrible for my 3 yr old and a newborn on the way

Most ppl who have owned one of the OBS trucks wish they had kept them. Yes, although I used the one-ton for a DD for many years and found the ride acceptable, I have had the ocassional back seat passenger bounced out of the back seat given the right bump at the right speed - no place for a newborn. When loaded or pulling a gooseneck, the ride is actually quite good - better than my later model F250 CC. When I went to D-rated 285's, the ride was noticeably improved. I also have plans for Bilsteins in the near future which most OBS owners report also significantly improves the ride. I'm leaning toward a contactor style topper and with camping equipment, I expect it will settle out the back and ride similar to when I have had it loaded.

 

[BigTex]

Sounds like a good plan. Sounds like a fun plan too. It's cool that your wife is on board for so much "roughing it". I'm still working on that part. Great looking truck, I've always loved that era of F350 CC 4x4. Enjoy, and I'll be following your build.

 

[redthies]

I'll be watching this closely! Nice truck too, but I might be slightly biased.

 

[FishAll50]

redthies, I've read through your build and looking good. Nice camper setup and looking forward to your re-bushing, lift, etc. I am getting ready to do a complete rebuild on my brakes, suspension (shocks/bushings/tie rods/etc). The truck is mechanically good but just want to freshen everything up. Will be watching your progress.

I've debated going to a lift and running 315's.......but I would prefer keeping the factory alcoas and would be pushing it to put a 315 on that width wheel........so I will probably just freshen up with 285's. Leaning toward ProComp Xtreme AT's or BFG Mud Terrain.


bigtex - I read your thread - nice F150 - great job on fabbing up the light bar and nice effort on the C10. nothing wrong with having fords AND chevy's. The wife drives a silverado and I also have a chevy pickup that I am building - SBC and suspension from a salvage C4 corvette.





Yes, that is a wood frame.

 

[Jimmeh]

If I could have found that exact same truck in that exact color, I would not have my Chevy. That has been my dream truck since my dad brought home his 94 F250 EC 4X4 LB back in 97. Absolutely love those trucks, and can't wait to see your progress!

 

[redthies]

I keep looking at Alcoas, but the load capacity of 255s or 285s seem to run 3200-3400 lbs. The 315s in load range E are in the 3800 lb range. I am at or near my gvw with the camper on, so the more weight I am rated for, the better. I might even gain some stability with the beefy tires.

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I think you made a great choice of which truck to focus your efforts on. Great looking avatar too.

 

[FishAll50]

I keep looking at Alcoas, but the load capacity of 255s or 285s seem to run 3200-3400 lbs. The 315s in load range E are in the 3800 lb range. I am at or near my gvw with the camper on, so the more weight I am rated for, the better. I might even gain some stability with the beefy tires.

Agreed. For your setup, E's are mandatory. I wish there were more options of E-load 285's. I've seen a number of people running 315's on the factory Alcoa's and report good results but I think that's pushing it a bit - even with my 285's, I tend to get wear down the middle. I have another full set of Alcoas so if I end up doing a rear tire carrier, I'm already set to keep them matched.


Not the best pic, but you can see wear in the middle while the edges are near new.

 

[FishAll50]

I think you made a great choice of which truck to focus your efforts on. Great looking avatar too.

Thanks, I have enjoyed your Waltzing Matilda thread and trip reports. Good stuff.

 

[FishAll50]

Ok, found this topper and thought I would "experiment" with it.

 

[FishAll50]

The driver's side has the same configuration - outside storage at rear and open to the bed on the front.

 

[FishAll50]

I am debating if I like it or not.


Pros:

Outside storage
"Windoors" open to the bed which can make for a nice and ventilated sleeping area.
Rear doors vs. tailgate (easier access in and out IMO)
VERY solid - no problem mounting full length cabover rack for kayaks. This is a Reading brand.....double walled doors - everything is HD. I stood on the roof (200lbs) with no problem.
Nice driprails above all doors. Everything appears watertight.
While it is heavy, the weight settled the rear a bit and improved the ride. With gear, I think it will be a good compromise of not being too big/heavy to get back into some places we go while still being substantial so it is not prone to damage/etc. The fiberglass Leer I have on my F250 has developed a few stress cracks......I don't anticipate that being a problem here.


Cons:

All windows are fixed - would prefer, at minimum, a slider in front for access to cab/ventilation
Would prefer some side windows (sliders preferred) to eliminate claustrophobic effect and to be able to see the boogeyman sneaking up on us at night.
All metal inside - will plan for insulation and carpet to make more hospitable
Will need to fab a screen arrangement for the front windoors
Will need to fab a strut arrangement for the front windoors. The topper originally had gas struts on the front doors (since removed) but I would like something where I can lock the door at various openings for more flexibility on how much air/ventilation desired. I am thinking some kind of channel sliding within a channel and screw lock design.
Not overly stylish.


I think I will try it for a few trips and see how I like it. Will go ahead and put in some insulation (at a minimum in the roof) and carpeting. Also consider putting in a slider in the front and research windows that would fit the front "windoors". If it seems to work for us, I will do a color match to the truck.

Open to ideas/thoughts.

 

[colodak]

your slider idea for the front, I would take the topper to a topper shop and have them look at it, they may be able to retrofit something in. If you have any custom van places within reasonable, they would be able to do the window idea in the sides as well. Since your already doing as much outfitting as planned for travel, on-board with a 5 gal. tank would be a great addition with an air-ride setup, if you find the settling too much.