The F-250 is one of the most popular full-size pickups on our forum, with recent offerings including this 2000, 2002 with a Bowens Customs flatbed and Aterra XL camper, and 2020 with a Northstar Liberty camper. It blends legendary workhorse attributes with impressive capability and mechanical longevity. Today’s 1997 Ford F-250 (432,000 miles chassis/165,000 miles engine) has been overhauled with backcountry adventures in mind, showcases a plethora of upgrades, and is topped with an Outfitter Caribou pop-top camper. This iteration seamlessly blends classic styling with modern refinements and remains a popular choice for travel both at home and abroad. If you’d like a better understanding of what it’s like to overland in a classic F-250, then reference the adventures of Jon Burtt and Basil Lynch. Still not inspired? Check out this truly spectacular 1995 Ford F-250 Camper with a custom flatbed and a classic 1988 Four Wheel Camper.
From the Seller:
“This truck has been meticulously maintained and is extremely reliable. The paint is not perfect, but presentable. Some dents and scratches from use. The previous owner was a falconer, and his birds used to land on the hood. Interior is very nice. The truck can tow and haul pretty much anything. I love the combination of ground clearance and long-range. It allows me to get into more remote areas and still be very comfortable. The rig has been mostly used for the Eastern Sierras but has camped all up and down the West Coast.”
1997 Ford F-250 4×4
Today’s F-250 is fitted with a modified 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel motor that delivers 420 horsepower and a considerable 850 pound-feet of torque (impressive range is provided via a 50-gallon fuel tank). An exceptionally long-lived engine is mated with all-terrain capability thanks to 4WD, an uprated and lifted suspension, manual locking front hubs, and a TruTrack locking rear differential. Inside, these rugged credentials are balanced with driver comforts that include:
- Air-conditioning
- Power steering, widows, and locks
- Cruise control
- Center console with cupholders
- Aftermarket Alpine stereo
Distinguishing Features
- Deaver leaf springs and airbags
- Outfitter Caribou camper pop-top slide-in camper
- Freshwater (20 gallons)
- House batteries (300 amp-hours) with Victron charger and battery monitor
- Furnace
- Refrigerator (130 liters)
- Method wheels with Goodyear tires
This 1997 Ford F-250 4×4 with a Caribou camper is listed for $30,000 (or $10,000 OBO for camper) and is currently located in Tehachapi, California. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
