Questions about overlanding
Posted by Spicyduck003@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 21 comments
I wanna get a 4x4 Truck and get it ready for overlanding im looking at old trucks because honestly my ability to repair on the go is super important and I have some experience with 70s to 90s Fords the brick noses. I wanna get a f250 or 350 deff off fb and I wanna slide a truck bed camper in it. Is this something that people have done with overlanding rigs or is the weight and mph and tipping just to worrying I was gonna get a 4x4 van but the one I was looking at sold and I gave it some thought and came to the conclusion that a truck with a removable bed camper gives me the control I want and frees me up when I'm not on a weekend trip deep in bad country. Is there anything I should consider? I really want a solid top and good insulation no collapsing stuff it tends to break at the worst possible times and never keeps temp in the camper but I need a camper that can take the occasional low lying limb without ruining the whole trip. Is there anything for me or should I scrap the idea and go for a more specialized vehicle like a camper converted 4x4 van
PirateRob007@reddit
There are shells light enough for 1/2 tons and Tacoma's, but I doubt you'll find a slide in light enough for one, especially if you're shopping the used market. You're def going to want a 3/4 or 1 ton. Check out r/truckcampers
Spicyduck003@reddit (OP)
Thanks I just got a 1997 f250 4x4 manual with a 7.3l turbo diesel she is a monster needs a little work but ill have her on the trails soon enough
Weak_Impress3358@reddit
Not sure if this is drivable for you but there will be an “Overland” Expo in Virginia I think in October. You will see every type of overlanding set ups on all kinds of vehicles. You will learn so much and meet so many people in the business. We went to the one in Colorado. It was amazing.
dcsenge@reddit
Sir, you need a landcruiser. All engines and cars work on similar principals. No ford is going to be an overlander man.
starbythedarkmoon@reddit
Lol this is why worn out and trashed toyotas cost the same 30 years as rhey did on the showroom. They where phenomenal, but you are also being delusional. A Dodge caravan minivan can overland.
clauderbaugh@reddit
This might be the most ridiculous take I’ve ever read. Ford makes the best selling truck on the planet. I’m not a die hard brand guy and have owned various vehicles over the years and I’ve been running an F350 rig built for off grid travel for several years with zero issues. It’s been able to keep up fine with smaller rigs and can do 90% of things my old Jeep Rubicon could.
Cosmiccomie@reddit
I could not disagree more.
My 97 ranger has done naches several times which is probably more than most rubicons will ever see.
For most of its life it was on stock 29" tires and trans fluid that may have been factory. It has been incredibly reliable despite some leaks and matters of age. The 31"s i roll on it now take me everywhere I want to go and more. I sleep in the canopy or just throw out a tent.
Spicyduck003@reddit (OP)
Brother I i could afford something as badass as a land cruiser I wouldn't be on Facebook mp lmao. But honestly I thought about a tyota tundra or even a Tacoma but it seems like ill have to g9 bigger for the type of camper im trying to get.
starbythedarkmoon@reddit
An old truck, if well maintained, is gonna be a great rig. Id take one BEFORE anything new full of computers and sensors and impossible to diagnose systems. If you are going solo into the bush, pre 2000snis the way. I just got myself a 60s truck for these reasons.
expericmental@reddit
I may be biased but 4x4 vans are fuckin rad.
Spicyduck003@reddit (OP)
Bro i had an old deep woods rescue ambulance that was an 87 e350 4x4 it was so sexy and begging to be turned into a camper but it sold the day I was gonna go look at it
Senior_Road_8037@reddit
Bought my 78 f150 with the intention of overlanding, ended up going more long range rock crawler. Lessons learned, small by modern standards for trucks, wide AF in the woods. Duraspark is neat, throw it in the trash and swap to MSD to avoid carrying spare ignition modules. 4 speed is in reality a 3 speed with low. A 203 low range box can be added to the 205 case giving you a "budget" doubler for extra low range. 4" of lift is plenty for 40" tires. The cab roof is not structural in a rollover, it will basically flatten to the bottom of the window. Old trucks are fun, but you need to stay on top of maintenance.
SurfPine@reddit
If you really want to go the slide-in camper route, you need to start looking at what kind of weight a lot of those are with regards to what you find suitable for space. Many of the hardsided slide-ins are not suitable for 1/2 ton payloads, and that is even before you start loading it up. It can be quite shocking how much the dry weight is on some of those slide-in campers.
basic_asian_boy@reddit
There’s a guy on IG who goes by @awildtuan. He drives an older f350 with a slide in camper, although he mounts it on a flatbed. That sounds like what you’re looking for.
Spicyduck003@reddit (OP)
I'll give him a look i wanted to go alot smaller think Tacoma with the v6 but for the size of camper I want half tons might not cut it. The flat bed is interesting tho ill have to look into it
basic_asian_boy@reddit
If you’re looking at small trucks, you might want to look at the Frontier instead. Tacomas post 2005(?) switched to c channel frames, which are a lot weaker than the boxed frame that the Frontier and half-tons have. This is especially important if you want to go the camper route with your build.
Spicyduck003@reddit (OP)
You know iv never considered a nissan could be a good truck to consider but with the hard shell camper would it be able to do it without turning the transmission into soup
basic_asian_boy@reddit
I have friends with older Frontier rigs and they don’t have any issues with 35” tires and carrying lots of gear. One of them even tows a fishing boat. I’d avoid any camper over 1200lbs though.
I’m actually looking at pop up campers (~1100lbs) now for my Titan. It’s too easy to roll over when you’re carrying something with a high center of gravity like a truck camper.
Spicyduck003@reddit (OP)
Interesting. But im probably not getting out of the 90s with my selection of truck if im being honest. I owned a 94 f150 for almost 10 years and it still hasn't quite. Broke down oh yeah but died NEVER. Iv driven that truck Into a ditch and didn't even get body damage the slave cylinder gave out and in a dirt driveway with a weekend and a YouTube video I had it replaced. I crave that kind of reliability out of my vehicle especially if its gonna take me into some tuff spots. And I would not hesitate to take the f150 I love but its got some years and its only a 2wd with the inline 6. I'm looking for an old work horse with grit to spare ya feel me
VonGrippyGreen@reddit
I found my happy place with an '03 Suburban. I could list 20 reasons why, but for some reason your thread is being downvoted, so I'll save my breath unless asked.
Spicyduck003@reddit (OP)
Idk maby because what I wanna do isnt technically overlanding or something but iv seen the suburban sounds like an interesting overlander