BackcountryBaggins
Member
I always appreciate anyone who documents their build, and I took a lot of inspiration from everybody else, so when I started my build I was determined to post a log of my progress. I meant to post this much earlier, but life got in the way. (And I was having too much fun out in the woods)
Early last year, I found myself looking for a new daily driver, but I also wanted something that would be ready for an overnight or week-long trip at a moment's notice. (And with minimal set-up once I arrived in camp) I was originally looking for a mid-size truck like a Tacoma, but after test-driving one on a whim I fell for the added size, comfort and technology of a full-size F-150.
COVID hit shortly after buying the truck, and I found myself with the time to start the camper project immediately. The next major step was acquiring a shell. I went with a Leer mid-rise topper.
Next, I set out to make a platform for a bed:
I cut UHMW plastic to use as slides for the drawer:
On the other side of the bed, I wanted to have a dresser/desk of sorts for clothes, gear, and space to to set my laptop:
Here's both pieces installed in the truck:
After a couple of trial runs at local state parks, I set off on some real voyages to Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah.
Technically speaking, I don't know if this is really an "overland" rig. But it has served me great in the last year for road trips across the west, and has proven comfortable and capable on both highways and fire roads. I can keep all of my gear, kitchen, and bed ready to go at a moment's notice, and I don't have to worry about setting up a tent after rolling into camp after a long day driving.
This project is far from finished, and I still have plans to upgrade the suspension, go with bigger tires, and add a roof rack and a light bar. I'll update when I finish those projects, and until then I'll fill in with some small upgrades I've done since building out the back.
Early last year, I found myself looking for a new daily driver, but I also wanted something that would be ready for an overnight or week-long trip at a moment's notice. (And with minimal set-up once I arrived in camp) I was originally looking for a mid-size truck like a Tacoma, but after test-driving one on a whim I fell for the added size, comfort and technology of a full-size F-150.
COVID hit shortly after buying the truck, and I found myself with the time to start the camper project immediately. The next major step was acquiring a shell. I went with a Leer mid-rise topper.
Next, I set out to make a platform for a bed:
I cut UHMW plastic to use as slides for the drawer:
On the other side of the bed, I wanted to have a dresser/desk of sorts for clothes, gear, and space to to set my laptop:
Here's both pieces installed in the truck:
After a couple of trial runs at local state parks, I set off on some real voyages to Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah.
Technically speaking, I don't know if this is really an "overland" rig. But it has served me great in the last year for road trips across the west, and has proven comfortable and capable on both highways and fire roads. I can keep all of my gear, kitchen, and bed ready to go at a moment's notice, and I don't have to worry about setting up a tent after rolling into camp after a long day driving.
This project is far from finished, and I still have plans to upgrade the suspension, go with bigger tires, and add a roof rack and a light bar. I'll update when I finish those projects, and until then I'll fill in with some small upgrades I've done since building out the back.
