The Ford F150 is not only meant for hard labor but also meant for taking you to places you’ve never been before.
In this article, this side of almost everyone’s favorite pick-up truck is again emphasized, as its daring owners push the limits to exploration, with their very own modifications. If you’re interested in Jeep mods instead, take a look at our Top 4 Wrangler Overland Builds.
CODY STREETER (@SIMPLE_INSTINCT)
Scouring both amazing and overwhelming landscapes is possible if you heed Cody’s Ford F150 mods in his 2019 STX Crew Cab 4WD.
His rig is a weapon and armor on its own with its Bilstein 6112 and 5160 Shocks. These give him the advantage to withstand rough terrains as well as the needed ground clearance to go over obstacles easily. Honestly, such shocks are good for 5th-gen 4Runner users, too!
However, installing the headlights proved to be very challenging because removing parts under the hood, grille, and around the bumper area is a must. Cody admits struggling to this at first but eventually overcame it. This is because he found a way around it during the trial and final testing process.
“While I really have enjoyed the current configuration of the bed with the tonneau cover and tent, I am looking to change this setup for something like a Toppo Toppers, or Go Fast Campers Pop-up Camper. I need more space for 2 people and a dog.” –Cody
Tips from an Overlander at Heart
F150 Modifications Summary
Suspension, Wheels, Tires & Brakes
- Rear: Bilstein 5160 Remote Reservoir Shocks
- Stage3Motorsports (Auto Spring) w/ Additional Leaf
- Rough Country U-Bolts
- Front: Bilstein 6112 Leveled Struts (Set at max height)
- Tires: 315/70r17 BFGoodrich Ko2 load range E
- Wheels: 17-inch Ford Raptor Wheels (Off of a 2017)
Armor, Recovery & Mounting Solutions
- RCI Full Skid Plate Package
- Re-badged Fenders to Remove Chrome
- Built Right Industries Panel
- EVERBILT Machine Screws
- Freedom Chariot Rock Defenders (Shock Mount)
- Smitybilt Hi-lift Jack
Camping & Overland Equipment: Lighting & Electrical
- Diamondback Cover SE Tonneau Cover
- KB Voodoo High-rise Crossbars
- Tepui Kukenam Sky 3 Tent
Miscellaneous
- ProClip USA Cellphone and GoPro Mount
- Rough Country Seat Covers
- Blue Ridge Overland Gear Visor Organizers
- Custom Dog Platform
Social Media Handles & Contact
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVRRpBInMHthTkyx-l3RdxQ/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_instinct/
Blogsite: https://advntrtrac.home.blog/
BIT OF A WANDER (@BITOFAWANDER)
The long periods of setting up a place to stay, when you should already be resting is a capital no. But don’t fret because you may take direct inspiration from one of Bit of a Wander’s F150 mods found on his 2018 XLT.
His vehicle is equipped specifically with Roofnest Sparrow’s Rooftop Tent. The good thing about it is it lets you get proper sleep, while it’s both easy to set up and take down, which won’t test your patience.
The catch though was attaching the rooftop tent to the roof rack. In fact, its owner had to work with the tent manufacturer, to get the necessary parts and endure several hours taking turns on fitment and installation.
“I don’t like my wheels – but I also don’t want to spend the money to change them. Maybe one day I will but for now I prefer to be practical.” –Bit of a Wander
Tips from an Overlander at Heart
F150 Modifications Summary
Suspension, Wheels, Tires & Brakes
- Rough Country 6” Lift from 4WheelParts
- Yokohama Geolanders Tires
Armor, Recovery & Mounting Solutions
- RSI SmartCap (One of the first who ordered during the release)
- RSI SmartCap Safari Rack (Figured out a way w/ extra pieces to mount the tent directly to the RSI Platform Rack)
Camping & Overland Equipment: Lighting & Electrical
- Roofnest Sparrow Rooftop Tent
- Swing Cases (For easy access to frequently used camping gear)
- Under Seat Velcro Panels for Private Storage
Social Media Handles & Contact
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/bitofawander
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitofawander/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bitofawander/
JEFF BETTENGA (@THRIFTY OVERLANDER)
When decluttering your vehicle is close to impossible, you can easily take Jeff’s piece of advice on organization.
His 2015 Ford F150 XLT 3.5L Ecoboost has DIY rear seat drawers that make his valuables and other stuff neatly arranged in places that eliminate unnecessary rummaging.
On the other hand, mounting and securing his stuff in his truck bed was a different story. He needed to cut 3/4" of plywood about the shape of his truck bed, waterproof it, and install some screws in the process, to keep some of his things in place, temporarily.
“I will be moving from RTT setup to a Twin Dogs Pop Top Truck Bed Camper. I want to utilize the bed space better for a more comfortable camping experience. Interior seating and kitchen setup will be helpful too in windy or other bad weather times.” –Jeff
Tips from an Overlander at Heart
F150 Modifications Summary
Suspension, Wheels, Tires & Brakes
- Front: Bilstein 6112 Adjustable Shocks (with springs set to max 2” leveling lift)
- Rear: 5160 Remote Reservoir Shocks
- Rear has an Additional Single Leaf (Added to the spring pack to handle more weight)
- Wheels: 17” Vision Raptor 372
- Tires: Goodyear Duratrac 35”
Armor, Recovery & Mounting Solutions
- DIY Clear Vinyl Paint Protection
- 2 Traction Boards Mounted on Bed Rack
- Thule Xsporter Bed Rack for RTT
- DIY Raptor Liner Bed
Camping & Overland Equipment: Lighting & Electrical
- Autohome Maggiolina Extreme RTT
- OVS Nomadic 270 Awning
- 2-500Wh Portable Power Stations
- Costway 55qt 12-volt Fridge
- 30” LED Light Bar on the Front Bumper
- Diode Dynamics SSc1 Spot Pod Lights on Ditch Light Mount
- 6-button Switch Panel
- Portable Diesel Heater
Miscellaneous
- DIY Rear Seat Storage Drawers
- DIY Rear Seat Fridge Rack & Recovery Gear Storage
- DIY 6-gallon Portable Onboard Water
- YAESU FTM-7250DR Ham Radio
- BuiltRight Dash Mount with 2 Tablet Mounts
Social Media Handles & Contact
YouTube: https://Youtube.com/c/ThriftyOverlander
Email: thriftyoverlander@gmail.com
CONCLUSION
Going overlanding is a necessary step to relax after the usual grind. But make sure you use your time wisely and that your Ford f150 mods are up for the task. This way, you can easily plan where and when your next trip is, without going way over your head. Share us some of your ideas by leaving a comment below.
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