2005 F-450 4x4 Utility Body w/ Starcraft Pine Mountain Lonestar Pop-top Camper

[Bubblegoose1]

Was thinking weight reduction.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

First trip out - Yellowstone and Tetons so far. Will be 8 States in 9 days, by Saturday. Love this service body truck and camper setup.

 

[bknudtsen]

Cool! Have fun. Will be interesting to hear what tweaks you will want to make after you have time out using it.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

So far very happy with the setup overall. Would like some sort of outside storage for the pop-up canopy. Maybe fabricate something in an upright position to the left of the camper door.

Was thinking that I would be adding an awning to the passenger side, but so far it would have been useless. At 2 campsites, so far, trees blocked the area where the awning would be needed for shade or rain coverage. Portable pop-up is the way to go.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Love this beast more each day. Morning in Tahoe.

 

[dice59]

Nice setup! What's the MPG on this bad boy?

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Averaging 10 mpg, with all of the elevation change and high speed hwy. 4.88s, 32s, V10, running A/C the whole trip.

 

[jeffjeeptj]

You got an excellent package, i am envious. I had a 2004 F-550 with a Fontaine body on it , to pull my 5th wheel. The truck rear leafs had been completely removed and replaced with a 5 link air bag setup. The ride was fantastick whether empty or loaded with 5th wheel or other heavy stuff, like a load of bricks. There was also the ability to dump the air when unhooking the 5th, so the truck body would not jump when unloaded as the 5th came off the hitch.
Ride height was somewhat adjustable, and the ride comfort was great. You might want to look into that for the future. Iirc, it was a Link brand suspension.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

You got an excellent package, i am envious. I had a 2004 F-550 with a Fontaine body on it , to pull my 5th wheel. The truck rear leafs had been completely removed and replaced with a 5 link air bag setup. The ride was fantastick whether empty or loaded with 5th wheel or other heavy stuff, like a load of bricks. There was also the ability to dump the air when unhooking the 5th, so the truck body would not jump when unloaded as the 5th came off the hitch.
Ride height was somewhat adjustable, and the ride comfort was great. You might want to look into that for the future. Iirc, it was a Link brand suspension.

Thanks for the info.

I am looking to do a very small lift and possibly go to a 35 tire, to bring the hwy rpm into the right range.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

After a 9 day, 8 State, 6 camp night, 3500 mile shake-down run, the truck and camper combo worked comfortably and flawlessly.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Had some time to breathe and investigate functions more, after the August trip. Learned that the 2 VisionX driving lights, under the front bumper, actually do work. They are wired to the factory fog light pull switch, located in the headlights switch. I was not aware the truck was equipped with that option. Hahaha, those would have come in handy during a 3500 mile roadtrip. Oh well, live and learn.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Upgrade goodies:

High priority upgrade



Needed to extend the exhaust farther out towards the service body edge, so why not add a 12" long, 3" inlet to 5" outlet stainless Gibson tip? The added tone is nice.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

CB swap:

Out with the Cobra 19 DX


In with the Cobra 29 LX

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Factor 55 Prolink XXL replaced standard, dangerous hook.

 

[Got Beer]

Very nice rig. Impressed with how it was set up, well thought out and smart additions. Well done for you to recognize the value of the truck and to pull the trigger on the purchase.

Regarding your awning/canopy, consider some of the Kelty awnings or tarps. They could be mounted to the side or rear and also use trees as part of your anchors/structure. I am using a Kelty tarp with poles and it is working well. I have considered the Kelty Carport for some time, but keep missing out on purchasing a used one. Little more work than a pop up canopy (such as Easy Up style), but much easier to pack, lighter weight, and can be fashioned more effectively to keep sun or rain off of you.