Time for a bigger platform
Posted by pedrooky@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 9 comments
It hurts a bit to admit but I sold my overland rig and decided to rebuild on a bigger platform.
Overall it's just better for a family of 3 + dog, although it was just the perfect rig for me and my adventures when I didn't feel too guilty about it.
I'm trying to find a balance between size and weight although the truck is pretty big already and can't really fit on all trails I used to. I'm a big fan of dispersed camping and the harder it is to get to the spot the better (or at least it was).
The rig I sold was built on a 21 ranger + alucab canopy and the new one is basically a barebones 24 f250 ltx. This means I need to work on shocks before I can even think about a camper.
I'm however open to some suggestions and I think it's a good time to really plan before committing to anything so if you have any experience in a similar right please do share your thoughts.
All I've done so far was put new tires and the best window film I could find.
thecrookedtrail@reddit
I have almost the same truck except it’s a super cab instead of a crew cab so the wheel has is a little shorter. I’ve found the FX4 shocks fine. Any 3/4 ton truck unloaded is going to ride stiff compared to a 1/2 ton or mid size. They are meant to have weight in them. Once you get a camper in there it’ll be a lot better. You c an also run a little lower tire pressure, especially unloaded. My truck is pretty much stock and I’ve taken it all over in the Northwest, Southwest, and Baja and have been happy with the ride and performance.
I have an Outfitter Caribout Lite 6.5 pop up on mine. It’s similar to an FWC Hawk, but a little more space and a much better value in my opinion. It has the same aluminum frame, but comes with a lot more features standard, you can walk on the roof, you can use it off the truck without having to support the floor. Just seems a little more robustly built. And, they are cheaper to boot. With Four Wheel Camper you’re paying a lot for the name. My wife, cat, and I spend weeks at a time in it. You can check out some pictures of the setup at https://thecrookedtrail.com/category/notes-from-the-trail/. Happy to answer any questions.
pedrooky@reddit (OP)
I think something like a hawk ( https://fourwheelcampers.com/model/hawk-model-pop-up-truck-camper-leader-full-size-trucks/ ) may be a good balance. They are however not cheap.
SurfPine@reddit
I viewed a couple of the FWC slide-ins last summer, they are definitely a quality build. It did feel a bit tight inside but I believe that was in a midsize truck IIRC. If I were you and before spending that kind of money, I'd definitely want to see one in person first.
SurfPine@reddit
Me personally, I'd hold off on a shock purchase until you figure out what payload you'll want to carry. My F350 is a bit older and not sure on current model specs for F250/F350, but for me, I need to get my suspension re-worked since my rear leaf springs are meant more for heavy payloads with heavy towing. It doesn't quite translate as well to a compliant offroad capability. Common info you'll come across on this channel will be regarding midsized trucks with low payloads (you're already familiar with midsize), so those requirements are more about handling a heavy payload the truck wasn't designed for. With a full size, it can kind of be the reverse, making the suspension more compliant.
AnotherIronicPenguin@reddit
Yeah... I had an older F250 on F350 springs and axles. Great for hauling payload but kidney-rupturing off road...or really any time there was less than a ton in the bed. I really wish I had gone softer on that build. The truck I built after that I stayed on stock springs and added Bilstein 4600s and it was tolerable. Those full size builds are tough to balance the comfort without giving up utility.
pedrooky@reddit (OP)
Yep, good point. One of the reasons I considered working on it next was comfort on fire-roads honestly. Currently unless I driving bellow 10mph everything just hits so hard and it's a huge difference from the fox suspension I had in the ranger. That's obviously expected but I agree I should probably wait for a clearer picture first. Thanks.
Kerensky97@reddit
I'm of the firm belief that these fully kitted out "overland builds" should only be on bigger rigs.
Not only are people going well over their payload capacity with all this crap on little tundras and colorados, but it affects offroad performance too.
My new jam when watching overland YT channels is watching how often the heavily loaded rear ends cause the front tires to lose traction and turn easy obstacles into tire spinning challenges.
The channels love to highlight those scenes as how "extreme" the trail is. But if you look close it's not a obstacle issue, it's a vehicle issue that a vehicle built for carrying heavy loads wouldn't have.
pedrooky@reddit (OP)
yeah my ranger was very capable and somewhat still on the lighter side. This truck is a different story but I also am keeping in mind total weight for the reason you mentioned. I need a balance between something somewhat comfortable for the family but not a full earth roamer build.
pedrooky@reddit (OP)
yeah my ranger was very capable and somewhat still on the lighter side. This truck is a different story but I also am keeping in mind total weight for the reason you mentioned. I need a balance between something somewhat comfortable for the family but not a full earth roamer build.