2015 F-150 Adventure Rig

[BretEdge]

Love the setup. I’ve got a nearly identical one (grandby shell in 6.5ft crew cab f150) and have considered the AAL’s, glad to hear it was worth it for you as it helps my decision.

The AAL's were a significant improvement. Really didn't change the ride quality at all but gave me the extra lift in the rear to level it out. For such a cheap upgrade, there's almost no reason to not do it.

 

[BretEdge]

For those interested I did a fairly comprehensive write-up on my blog about the suspension, wheels and tires on my rig. I dive into what I'm running, why and how it's all working out. Click the link below to visit (with pictures!).

Part Two: Building the Ultimate Adventure and Photography Vehicle - Suspension, Wheels and Tires

 

[Deleted member 9101]

The AAL's were a significant improvement. Really didn't change the ride quality at all but gave me the extra lift in the rear to level it out. For such a cheap upgrade, there's almost no reason to not do it.

I have had them on a few trucks over the years and they worked well for what they were and you can't beat the price.

For me, air bags are going to be my choice. Since the bed of my truck is usually empty and when I need the extra capacity it's for towing I think they will work out well.

 

[BretEdge]

Last weekend we "escaped" Moab by camping and mountain biking in the area around Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands. Friday night we paid for a site at DHP, which had an electric hook-up and rode all of the Intrepid trails with outstanding views into Shafer Canyon. On Saturday we did a big loop on the Mag 7 trails, bombing down Bull Run for the finale. Bull Run is at the very top of my list of favorite trails in this area as it's fast, techy and chunky with a few fun climbs to keep things spicy. That night we found a beautiful campsite overlooking Monitor and Merrimac Buttes. A storm rolled in just before sunset and we were treated to lightning, thunder and about an hour and a half of rain. The next morning, all the potholes were filled with rainwater and they created some interesting opportunities for photography. On Sunday we paid a quick visit to some pictographs off one of the many dirt roads that lead out into the desert.

Headed back out for another couple of nights this weekend. More riding, more camping and more good times!

 

[BretEdge]

We've been out and about in Moab the last few weekends, camping, hiking and mountain biking. We discovered some awesome campsites and took the truck on some of the most challenging roads yet. It's performed flawlessly through it all. We love the Four Wheel Camper and now have somewhere around 43 nights in it. Our only issue with it is size - it's too small. We're already planning the next rig that we'll most likely get started on next year and will have significantly more storage capacity and living space while giving up very little in off-road performance, if any.

Thought y'all might enjoy a few photos from the recent adventures. Heading back out again tomorrow to do a big ride one day and spend the next day hiking into a slot canyon with a perennial waterfall.

 

[BretEdge]

We've been out and about a lot over the last few weekends. All over Moab, two trips to Thunder Mountain and a trip to the San Juans. Leaving on Wednesday for 32 days through Idaho, Washington and Oregon. The truck's running great, camper's awesome. Had to install a new battery yesterday while having some regular maintenance done but at 101,000 miles, Betty's going strong. I'm officially done with this build. I had plans for a few other modifications but have decided not to move forward as we've decided to go bigger in the near future. Next rig will be a Super Duty on 37's with a flatbed and an as yet to be determined flatbed camper - either FWC or Overland Explorer. That will be the final rig and will be heavily modified. For now, we're loving this setup and will continue to put her to good use. Will post it here when it's time to sell the whole she-bang.

 

[cozmo2312]

Duuuude... as a fellow Utahan that just picked up an F-150, I’m loving this thread. I’ve also been a long time follower of you on IG, and knew there would be epic pics inside... you didn’t disappoint! Awesome stuff Bret!

 

[jmnielsen]

Next rig will be a Super Duty on 37's with a flatbed and an as yet to be determined flatbed camper - either FWC or Overland Explorer. That will be the final rig and will be heavily modified. For now, we're loving this setup and will continue to put her to good use. Will post it here when it's time to sell the whole she-bang.

Moving to a Super Duty is a wise choice, IMO. Do you know if you'll go with the 6.7 or 7.3? We are planning on doing a similar thing in a couple of years, will be the 7.3 Tremor package with Overland Explorer, not sure if flat bed or not yet though.

Not that my input really matters, but from what I have seen FWC doesn't really hold a candle to the Overland Explorer campers in terms of materials and components used in their builds. Not that I think FWC makes bad product, just that Overland Explorer makes better product.

 

[BretEdge]

Moving to a Super Duty is a wise choice, IMO. Do you know if you'll go with the 6.7 or 7.3? We are planning on doing a similar thing in a couple of years, will be the 7.3 Tremor package with Overland Explorer, not sure if flat bed or not yet though.

Not that my input really matters, but from what I have seen FWC doesn't really hold a candle to the Overland Explorer campers in terms of materials and components used in their builds. Not that I think FWC makes bad product, just that Overland Explorer makes better product.

Originally I was going to do a gas motor but after spending countless hours doing research and talking to people whose opinions I value, I've decided to go with a diesel. The truck will be a 2017 or newer - ideally a lightly used 2020. Two main reasons for the diesel: longevity, as this will be the last truck I ever buy (it's our retirement rig) and improved fuel economy. I was tempted by the gas motor because it's simple; no turbos, no DEF, etc. but in the long run, for a vehicle I'll have for 20 years, the diesel makes more sense.

I've not seen an Overland Explorer camper in person yet but they look pretty burly. I've been in communication with them about the new flatbed model and I like that the flatbed and the camper are made for one another, as well as the R value of the camper, the mounting system and some of the features. I prefer the look of the FWC's and we love our Raven, but I'm certainly not a loyalist. Bit of a coin toss at this point but we've got some time to make decisions. I've asked them to let me know if they get to Moab w/ the flatbed prototype so I can get eyeballs on it.

 

[BretEdge]

Duuuude... as a fellow Utahan that just picked up an F-150, I’m loving this thread. I’ve also been a long time follower of you on IG, and knew there would be epic pics inside... you didn’t disappoint! Awesome stuff Bret!

Thanks, man! I really appreciate the compliment. Holler if you make it to Moab. Always down to meet cool people.

 

[BretEdge]

Been a while since I posted so thought I'd share some photos from our summer adventures. We took a 32 day road trip through the Pacific Northwest on which we mountain biked, hiked and camped in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Still trying to edit and process all the photos. The camper was flawless. The truck...well, we had one minor issue in Washington and found an absolutely stellar mechanic named Adrian at Precision Auto Works in Arlington, WA who took care of us as if we were family. I can't say enough good things about him and his shop. Any way, we spent a grand total of $45 on lodging during the trip, which accounts for 3 forest service campsites we snagged after long days in the saddle when we were just too tired to explore dirt roads looking for a site.

We've also spent a few weekends in Colorado and took a quick trip to Big Sky and Grand Targhee, plus random weekends here in Moab. We're home this weekend and will be gone for at least the next three upcoming weekends, on the hunt for fall colors and rad trails in Colorado. Headed to Arizona for 10 days over Thanksigiving and then somewhere TBD for 17 days over the holidays. We were headed to the California coast for an MTB trip but that's not looking like the best option given the devastating wildfires they're experiencing.

Currently waiting for Ford to open the order books on 2021 F250's as we'll be purchasing a Tremor for the next project.

Enjoy the photos!

 

[Todd n Natalie]

Been a while since I posted so thought I'd share some photos from our summer adventures. We took a 32 day road trip through the Pacific Northwest on which we mountain biked, hiked and camped in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Still trying to edit and process all the photos. The camper was flawless. The truck...well, we had one minor issue in Washington and found an absolutely stellar mechanic named Adrian at Precision Auto Works in Arlington, WA who took care of us as if we were family. I can't say enough good things about him and his shop. Any way, we spent a grand total of $45 on lodging during the trip, which accounts for 3 forest service campsites we snagged after long days in the saddle when we were just too tired to explore dirt roads looking for a site.

We've also spent a few weekends in Colorado and took a quick trip to Big Sky and Grand Targhee, plus random weekends here in Moab. We're home this weekend and will be gone for at least the next three upcoming weekends, on the hunt for fall colors and rad trails in Colorado. Headed to Arizona for 10 days over Thanksigiving and then somewhere TBD for 17 days over the holidays. We were headed to the California coast for an MTB trip but that's not looking like the best option given the devastating wildfires they're experiencing.

Currently waiting for Ford to open the order books on 2021 F250's as we'll be purchasing a Tremor for the next project.

Enjoy the photos!

Great pics! Yeah, I'd love a Tremor. Curious why are you waiting for the '21's? I'm sure there are deals to be had on the '20's now. Around here it's employee pricing on everything.

 

[BretEdge]

Great pics! Yeah, I'd love a Tremor. Curious why are you waiting for the '21's? I'm sure there are deals to be had on the '20's now. Around here it's employee pricing on everything.

I want a very specific build and am not willing to compromise on any aspect of it. Can't find one anywhere and I've had two dealers search for me. Prices on the 20's aren't all that great around here, either.

 

[Todd n Natalie]

I want a very specific build and am not willing to compromise on any aspect of it. Can't find one anywhere and I've had two dealers search for me. Prices on the 20's aren't all that great around here, either.

Ah okay. I thought maybe something was changing about the 21's.

 

[BretEdge]

Ah okay. I thought maybe something was changing about the 21's.

I doubt it since they made a few updates in 20. I would like to see them integrate Sync 4 but aside from that, I'll be perfectly happy with a 21 that's essentially the same thing as a 20.