Many overlanders initiated their traveling passion as motorcycle and bicycle riders and, therefore, are constantly looking for a convenient way to keep bringing their adventure toys, even when using a four-legged vehicle. While a trailer may do the job, it’s not always practical to tow (think 55 mph speed limit in CA), and you also need a place to park it when not in use. Many people these days are using a Transit or Sprinter van, but what if we had found something perhaps even better, for less than half the price of a plain cargo AWD van?
With so many complex and expensive expedition camper options these days, it’s also a breath of fresh air to see a more simplistic approach taken with this F-250 build. This south-of-the-border-inspired overlander was aptly named Ginger for its pale, square-bodied camper and fiery red cab. Ginger has everything you need to get you and your gear outdoors for as long as you want. Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for someone out there, the current owner is expanding his family, and the single cab just won’t cut it anymore, so he needs to sell Ginger.
So without further ado, let’s walk through it.
First, the platform. What we have here is your typical run-of-the-mill 2004 Ford F-250 4×4 with the well-proven 6.8 V10 engine. What’s fantastic about this is that you can find parts and mechanics pretty much anywhere in North America, usually at a very reasonable rate. Need a starter in Dawson Creek? There is probably one at the local grocery store. Need a mechanic in Elko? They swap transmissions before lunchtime. Just look at this guy, swapping it on the floor with no lift, only his own hands.
However, this generation of engine has one potential flaw—it tends to send the rear spark plugs shooting up toward the sky. But luckily, the fix is very well documented by now, and this specific vehicle has not developed the problem. The spark plugs were replaced again about 25,000 miles ago, and it’s likely that if it hasn’t caused any issue by now, it probably won’t ever.
This example is the single-cab version which is convenient for two adults who can be a bit creative with creature comforts (not too many cup holders or heated seats). But the upside is that you have a small footprint, which is very useful both while off-roading narrow trails and parking downtown. The seller has kept it mostly stock, so a future buyer may want to look into a few upgrades; we would take a look at the suspension first.
Second, and this is where things become interesting, is the camper that Ginger is carrying. Or the “Swiss Army” knife box, should we say. A typical problem with having a camper is that you have a camper, but not much else. So if you are using your camper a few weeks per year, you can’t really benefit from having a truck to carry your prized possession(s) when you want to or do a run to the hardware store. This one solves this equation.
And what also caught our attention is the unique approach to an open concept, with a rear hatch that doubles as both a sunbathing deck and a ramp to load up your toys. Ginger has everything you need for fun in the great outdoors. A 2,000-pound winch powers the rear hatch for simple raising and lowering at the press of a button. At half-mast, you have a spacious 6.5- x 6.5-foot deck for enjoying après a day on the hill, sipping cervezas, enjoying the Baja sunset, or getting a better view of the holeshot at the local race. Drop the tailgate to the ground, and you can easily load up two dirtbikes or a quad for secure travel to the trail or track.
Ginger isn’t all moto-focused, though. It still has your standard camper items like a sliding fridge, 12-volt lighting, a diesel heater, microwave, portable toilet, stove, and a cozy twin bed for cat naps and long hauls. A folding sink allows for more floor or counter space when you need it. Using Rotopax mounts and water jerry cans, you can keep your water handy with a simple gravity-fed system while avoiding winterizing with simple removal. Best of all, there’s storage—lots of storage. From the tool drawers and cabinets inside to the four exterior locking boxes, you will have space for everything you need or want to bring with you.
Three hundred watts of solar combined with a 100ah RV battery will keep you out in the wild without the need for shore power. That being said, there is a shore power hookup and charger to keep your batteries topped off from 120v outlets or a generator if you’re running lots of accessories.
Here is the complete list of features:
TRUCK
2004 Ford F-250 6.8L v10 4×4 w/214,000 miles
POWER
300-watt solar and 100ah battery with shore power and charger, 750-watt inverter, shore power w/110v to 12v charger
HEAT
Fuel-efficient diesel heater for multiple nights out hunting or skiing, 5-gallon diesel capacity
WATER
Gravity-fed two-gallon fresh and grey water tanks can be removed instead of winterized; expandable Rotopax mounts allow for more water if you need it
ENTERTAINMENT
The in-camper Bluetooth head unit directly powers 2- x 6-inch speakers just inside the rear hatch—perfect for deck parties or podcasts while you wrench on bikes
LIGHTING
3x interior LED dome lights, 1x passenger-side exterior LED lights, 2x rear LED lights
STORAGE
5-drawer toolbox/kitchen storage, 5-shelf cabinet, 4 exterior storage boxes
The current owner is asking $30k for this unique build that is ready to take you anywhere. It is currently located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and used for trips around the area. The vehicle and camper are sold as-is with no warranty. He also mentioned being open to a trade for the right crew cab F-350, 450, or 550 for his next build.
See the full listing at:
https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/f250-overlanding-toy-hauler-camper-30k-obo-fort-collins-co.222625/
