While most think of the F-150 Raptor as a high-speed desert runner, the off-road-focused pickup is good at a lot of things. That includes daily driving, as the same suspension that makes the Raptor good at off-roading also makes it quite comfortable on the pavement. But as it turns out, the right mods can also transform the pickup into a great overlanding machine, as Rob Reed of Forbes has proven with his build.
Underrated?
Most overlanders tend to go for smaller pickups or SUVs these days, mainly because they’re easier to navigate through dense forests when compared to the ultra-wide F-150 Raptor. However, Reed believes that the second-gen model makes an excellent alternative. “It offers both rock-crawling and flat-out-desert-racing capabilities while having tremendous cargo capacity and so many different ways to configure it for overland adventures,” he said.
Baja Style
Reed likes the Baja style of overlanding, however, which is more suitable for a truck like the F-150 Raptor. In that vein, he’s upgraded the truck’s performance in several ways by adding a COBB tuning package and Alcon brakes, along with an SVC Off-Road lift kit and Titan 7 T-AK1 wheels wrapped with BF Goodrich KM3 tires.
Other Upgrades
The parts list from there is rather extensive and includes a Retrax Pro XR Tonneau cover with a Trax Rail System, which holds Yakima Overhaul HD Tonneau tower bars, Action Trax AT2R recovery boards, and RotopaX fuel and water containers. Up top, a KC Pro6 M-RACK roof rack both looks cool and carries a 23,000-lumen light bar.
Soft vs Hard Tent
Reed has tried out both a soft and hard top tend to see which one he liked best, including the Yakima SkyRise HD Small soft top and iKamper Skycamp 2.0. The soft tent is lighter and smaller but takes longer to set up and put away. The much larger hard unit is a bit more of a commitment, but has much more room and is more stable in severe weather to boot.
Other Amenities
Meanwhile, a pair of Yakima HighSpeed fork-style racks make room for mountain bikes, but there are many other amenities present here including a full-size Camp Chef Pro60X stove, a full array of utensils and a dining set, a fridge, a HOTTAP V2 Portable Hot Water Kit that doubles as a shower and sink, a water tank, chairs, a fire pit, sleeping bags, and a mattress.
Ultimate Overlanding Rig?
Thus far, Reed’s build has proven to be an amazing overlander that’s both capable and comfortable. “If you want the ultimate overlanding rig that’s still within a reasonable budget, I’d argue the second-generation Ford Raptor is in a class of its own,” he concludes.
Photos: Rob Reed for Forbes
Source: Ford Truck Enthusiasts
