F150 Lightning on order, trying to get things sorted for a build

[Spencer480]

Just like the title says, I've got an F150 Lightning coming my way. I know it isn't the ideal rig for overlanding but what is? It is the one I will have for now.

The family loves camping and with 3 under the age of 10 and school/sports/jobs we aren't going to be heading into the deep woods for months at a time. This is the long weekend, week trip setup we have. Its extended range so we get a little more fun...

I'm looking to keep it able to turn back to stock if we decide it isn't the right setup for the family so looking to do changes that aren't going to piercing sheet metal, no huge lift. I'm handy on cars so swapping out bumpers (when some get designed for that car) should be easy.

My main questions are:

- lowish and easy to remove rack system
- roof top tent for 3 (kids can sleep on the ground or in the cab)
- assuming a front bumper for a regular F150 will line up, what do you all recommend
- Rear bumper with swing outs?

Theoretically we don't need it if we aren't doing long trips but... recommendations on a house battery setup?

Unfortunately I do not have a build date yet but as soon as that and delivery comes, I can start making some more concrete design decisions.

All thoughts are welcome

 

[Valcik Overland]

Just like the title says, I've got an F150 Lightning coming my way. I know it isn't the ideal rig for overlanding but what is? It is the one I will have for now.

The family loves camping and with 3 under the age of 10 and school/sports/jobs we aren't going to be heading into the deep woods for months at a time. This is the long weekend, week trip setup we have. Its extended range so we get a little more fun...

I'm looking to keep it able to turn back to stock if we decide it isn't the right setup for the family so looking to do changes that aren't going to piercing sheet metal, no huge lift. I'm handy on cars so swapping out bumpers (when some get designed for that car) should be easy.

My main questions are:

- lowish and easy to remove rack system
- roof top tent for 3 (kids can sleep on the ground or in the cab)
- assuming a front bumper for a regular F150 will line up, what do you all recommend
- Rear bumper with swing outs?

Theoretically we don't need it if we aren't doing long trips but... recommendations on a house battery setup?

Unfortunately I do not have a build date yet but as soon as that and delivery comes, I can start making some more concrete design decisions.

All thoughts are welcome

Hey Spencer480 I wanted to take a second to say hi. I’m new to OB but have been following and researching rigs for years. One of things that struck me about OB was that reoccurring message that you don’t need the ideal rig or have to have everything day one. Just get out there and build as you go. That’s part of the fun Right?!?
With that being said… all the threads I have read recommend the first step should be getting a clean bill of health from your mechanic before doing anything.
Then it seems to be tires/recovery/tools/first aid. (Which is the route I’m taking with my Rig.)

From this point it really depends on your intended use. Protection, lift, lights, etc. list goes on. I’m sorry I don’t have more vehicle specific recommendations for you but I hope it helps. Good luck on your journey can’t wait to see what you build.

 

[Drunk_Dog]

Howdy!!

For the low profile rack system I would recommend looking at the Yakima Outpost. I have a 2018 F150 with a softshell tent and it barely stick up over the cab. If you go with a hard shell tent, you will be more streamline is to shouldn't effect fuel economy... or battery economy?? Not sure what to call it. Range I suppose.

House battery set up is tricky... I personally opted for the plug and play method and use a Jackery to run the fridge. I have the crazy massive center console (not sure what the lightening consoles look like) and a Jackery 500 fits perfect. There is a company, I think called VSS Solar Vehicle Specific Solar Systems and they make solar panels for the hoods of vehicles, I plan on buying one of these to charge the Jackery when on location and the truck isn't running.

 

[Spencer480]

Howdy!!

For the low profile rack system I would recommend looking at the Yakima Outpost. I have a 2018 F150 with a softshell tent and it barely stick up over the cab. If you go with a hard shell tent, you will be more streamline is to shouldn't effect fuel economy... or battery economy?? Not sure what to call it. Range I suppose.

House battery set up is tricky... I personally opted for the plug and play method and use a Jackery to run the fridge. I have the crazy massive center console (not sure what the lightening consoles look like) and a Jackery 500 fits perfect. There is a company, I think called VSS Solar Vehicle Specific Solar Systems and they make solar panels for the hoods of vehicles, I plan on buying one of these to charge the Jackery when on location and the truck isn't running.

I'll take a look at those. Just got the official build date (way sooner than planned) so I may be doing some light overlanding later this summer.

Interior is basically the same besides the 12 inch screen.

 

[Drunk_Dog]

I'll take a look at those. Just got the official build date (way sooner than planned) so I may be doing some light overlanding later this summer.

Interior is basically the same besides the 12 inch screen.

Also, a company named Sporthfish makes a rear seat release for the drivers side seat since only the passengers seat fold down. This could be because I have an XLT trim level, my pops has an F250 king ranch and both of his rear seats fold down.
But I keep the walls for my 270 awning behind the seat and it really help create extra room and keeps things organized. I'm a weekend warrior, but I go almost every weekend so my truck stays packed during the Texas camping season.

 

[RedDogMaster]

As much as I agree with the statement; "The Best Overland Vehicle Is The One You Have", I'll say that an EV is probably NOT an ideal Vehicle.

I'm intrigued by the EV Technology and will probably have an EV one day, and the Ford F150 Lighting certainly seems like a solid choice. But for Off-Road Overlanding I wouldn't risk being in the boondocks and having a battery depletion unless I had a backup vehicle which is always a good idea. Check the specs on payload and battery performance. Its my understanding that increases payload weight cuts battery performance.

Having said that...One of the really neat things about the F150 EV is the battery generator system. Having a built in generator is a pretty good thing. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Spencer480]

As much as I agree with the statement; "The Best Overland Vehicle Is The One You Have", I'll say that an EV is probably NOT an ideal Vehicle.

I'm intrigued by the EV Technology and will probably have an EV one day, and the Ford F150 Lighting certainly seems like a solid choice. But for Off-Road Overlanding I wouldn't risk being in the boondocks and having a battery depletion unless I had a backup vehicle which is always a good idea. Check the specs on payload and battery performance. Its my understanding that increases payload weight cuts battery performance.

Having said that...One of the really neat things about the F150 EV is the battery generator system. Having a built in generator is a pretty good thing. Good luck and keep us posted!

This definitely isn't going to be a long distance overlanding rig. For truly boondocking we would likely need to charge before heading out on a remote trail. One thing to keep in mind though, there is no idling which does help with using up fuel. As far as battery performance and weight, the 320 mile range ford gives is with 1000lbs of payload.

It is all a big experiment on our end and I'll be posting as we figure it all out.

Speaking of..... It is supposed to be getting built the week of June 6th and no updates as of today, the 6th of the week....