My Raptor Build

[swedensky]

Hey there, been on the forum for about 6 months now. Mostly lurking, posting a few times here and there, or buying parts. A little background on myself: I've had multiple F-150s in the past (along with a lot of Mustangs, Shelby's etc) but when i finally got my 2019 Raptor...things just felt different. I had never really been off road or had much of a desire to go but as soon as I got the Raptor I wanted to do all of the things I couldn't in my Lariats of the past.

That brings me to this thread. I don't just want to post my build thread here, I want opinions and help from those of you that are for more experienced with the truck and the goals/objectives I have for the truck.

My goal is to have a daily driven truck (don't really drive my GT-R much and hoping to sell it soon) that looks killer, can take me on easy/moderate trails (no need for full Rubicon or Baja directions) that I can also comfortably overland/camp with. Next year I'd like to take 3-4 weeks and drive across the US seeing places I've wanted to see and exploring some places I've never heard of with help from this community.

But before I get to planning my travel route, lets get this truck built! I'm sure there are a lot of things I've forgotten to mention I have, things I've forgotten to list that I need, and when the truck is figured out We'll start talking about where I should plan to visit!


Here's what I've got now:

2019 Oxford White Supercrew 802A
Spray-In Bedliner and Sprayed Rear Wheel Wells
5% Rear Tint & 50% front/windshield/moonroof tint
Xpel Stealth B Pillars
Retrax Pro XR
BuiltRight Bedside Racks
Cobb Airintake
Cobb Tuner w/ Goosetune Stage 2
BedRug
Pair of MaxTrax
Warn Zeon 12S Platinum Winch
Swarfworks Winch Mount
Factor55 Hawse Fairlead
Factor55 Ultrahook
Full Race V2 Intercooler with Turbosmart BOV
Crazy Beaver Shovel
Baja Designs Squadron Pro Flush Mount Amber Driving/Combo
Baja Designs Sportsmen Fog Kit (4 Squadron Sports/2 S2 Sport
Baja Designs S2 Reverse Lights
Method MR312 17x8.5 Wheels
Nitto Ridge Grapplers 37x12.50R17
Readylift 2.5" Kit
ForSCAN Mods (Disable Auto Start/stop, Ambers on as DRL, powerfold mirrors, global windows, disable double honk, disable seatbelt chime, disable door ajar chime, visible engine/trans temp, visible heated/cooled seats on home screen
Diode License Plate LEDs
Tailgate Release Kit
BuiltRight Rear Seat Release





Now comes the time to decide where I go next on the build and what parts to pick up and who to buy them from (that's where you come in!).

Overland/Camping:
- Food/Etc
- ARB vs Dometic
Is a refrigerator/freezer necessary? I expect to be camping no more than one night in each place, two max. I could always just pick up MRE's or food on the road and bring it in with me, but that may not be as cost effective in the long run.
- Is this lame? A full set up for "tailgating" or camping that provides surfaces/areas for prepping, cooking, sink for cleaning, storage etc
https://tailgatengo.com/products/tailgate-n-go-1


Campground Set Up:
- Awning
Brand, size, necessary?
- Bed Rack
- RCI: not a fan of the design
- Front Runner Slim: Love the design, overall look and versatility of accessories
- Yakima Overhaul HD: when I'm not on the major US trip, I can raise the height to roof level and use it for kayak or similar
- Roof Top Tents
- ROAM Adventures Overland
- Tepui
- CVT
- 23Zero
- Annex: I like the idea, not sure if its necessary though. Pros/Cons? Experiences?


Recovery Gear/Tools:
- Snatch Straps/Tree Savers?
- All In Recovery Kits? Shackles?
- Tire Repair Kit?
- Jacks
- Hi Lift Jack
- ARB Exhaust Jack
- Hydraulic Jack
- Pro Eagle Jack
- Spare Tire Solutions:
- N Fab Strap for in the bed (37" tire will take up a LOT of packing space...)
- Wilco Offroad Hitchgate
- Fire Extinguisher: what's needed? Don't need to over do it
- Tools:
- I have a very good machete, small Fiskars hatchet, Krazy Beaver shovel...what else should I carry?
- What garage/repair tools should I bring? Full set of sockets/ratchets, screwdrivers, etc?
- Rotopax: how many, what size, have to remember to buy a rack that accommodates them..
- Ratchet straps, bungee cords etc?
- Maxtrax: I have a pair, I see a lot of guys carrying two pair..


Interior:
- Center Console Safe/Gun Safe
- Also what do you carry when out on the road alone? I know I'll need CCW that I can carry state to state for in the truck as well.
- BuiltRight Dash Mount (with RAM mount etc)
I'm thinking I may need this simply to hold my phone and maybe a form of map/communication for not having service in some parts of the traveling?
- Dash Cams: I'm unfamiliar with all of them. Most of my friends use BlackVue(?) I think. I just feel with the amount of drive time/mileage it may be smart and maybe capture some cool footage?
- Radar Detector: Also unfamiliar territory. I really don't want to clog up my entire windshield with a million gadgets but I'd prefer that over speeding tickets from each state


Performance/Durability:
- Oil Catch Can(s)
- Turbo Adapters


Off Roading/Suspension:
- Tire Air Compressor
Do I go full air tank, compressor, add some train horns etc or do i get a single/double tank with refills available for future trips?
- Tire Deflator
- Icon Leaf Springs: to help with the amount of weight that will be added to the rear
- Removing the Readylift kit: I'm 100% open to removing the Readylift. I didn't know the cons when I originally went with this kit. However with the 37s and the winch in the front I don't think springs alone will be enough to raise the front to prevent rubbing...

 

[Badgertits]

Jesus lots of info & questions all at once. Briefly read what you did and what you wanna do.

Def get that POS ready lift crap off, do get Deaver springs, spray down w/ Amsoil HDMP so they won’t rust, go w/ +3 to guarantee no sag & keep some rake, get geyser or eibach springs in front to keep the front end raised the right way.

Sounds like you’re looking to venture off grid for extended periods of time- if it were me I’d consider going back to 35”s so you have at least 1 good spare. Yes I would carry a tire inflator & a heavy duty eagle jack.

“Lockerdown” for the gun safe. If you’re carrying on the body walking around just as much as driving strapped I’d go w/ something like a Sig P938 because it’s small enough to conceal well, its big enough caliber @ 9mm, & it feels a lot like a mini 1911 which is my preferred sidearm of choice - but @ 5’8 155 not really a reasonable CCW choice for me (can be done tho)

I also like S&Ws M&P .40c after a trigger jobs been done.

 

[Angelo1]

I love my Walther PPS .40. Light and narrow build with great accuracy. I’ve tested many conceal guns and this was the easiest to daily wear with combination of great knockdown power.

I had a warn onboard twin air compressor in my last 200 series. Easy to use and sits neatly concealed in the engine compartment

 

[Doc Watson]

Maybe not the most crucial component of your build, but a refrigerator and, ideally, extra battery (which can be done in many ways) is a game changer. I got a fridge for camping, now use it daily for all kinds of errands, picnics, even picking up kids from school with milk or juice.

Fun Fact - the Dometic CFX 28 will fit behind the front passenger seat. I have it hooked up to the Dometic PLB40 battery and basically leave it in my truck all the time without risk of draining my starter battery. Was the first “mod” I did when I got my 2019 802A. And no, I don’t work for Dometic.

Other thing to consider is communication - ham radio is overall best option if you want to be in the middle of no where, especially if you’re on your own. Don’t want to hi-jack this thread, but there are other threads on here for communications that discuss options. I have been a ham a few years, call sign WJ1MD.

 

[crowmobe540]

Never thought a winch would fit right there.

 

[swedensky]

Def get that POS ready lift crap off, do get Deaver springs.....go w/ +3 to guarantee no sag & keep some rake, get geyser or eibach springs in front to keep the front end raised the right way.

I’d consider going back to 35”s so you have at least 1 good spare. Yes I would carry a tire inflator & a heavy duty eagle jack.

“Lockerdown” for the gun safe. If you’re carrying on the body walking around just as much as driving strapped I’d go w/ something like a Sig P938

I also like S&Ws M&P .40c after a trigger jobs been done.

Deavers/Icons are on the list for sure. My task here will be finding a balance from when the bed is loaded + rack + tent vs unloaded when I’m driving to and from work the rest of the time.

do you think Eibachs or Geysers in the front are going to be enough to prevent rubbing? The winch really weighs down the front significantly. Is there some combo of springs and collar that give any more height?

I thought about going to 35s for the trip but really love the look and feel of my 37s. That’s why I considered the Wilco hitch, to carry a full 37 on the back of the tailgate. Only something I would use for long trips like this though, making it an expensive item for seldom use.
The other option was strap down a 37 in the bed with a Y strap but it will really limit space in the bed for a long planned trip like this.

I’ll look into the “lockerdown” thanks. I don’t think I’ll need to carry on my body much. Really just want it in the truck and near me when camping. Think something bigger than a 9mm just for the unplanned unlikely wildlife encounter in the back woods, lol.

I had a warn onboard twin air compressor in my last 200 series. Easy to use and sits neatly concealed in the engine compartment

I don’t know how much space I have engine compartment but I’ll look at this compressor. I’ve always had Viair compressors but they were for Air Suspension setups. Thank you!

Maybe not the most crucial component of your build, but a refrigerator and, ideally, extra battery (which can be done in many ways) is a game changer. I got a fridge for camping, now use it daily for all kinds of errands, picnics, even picking up kids from school with milk or juice.

Fun Fact - the Dometic CFX 28 will fit behind the front passenger seat. I have it hooked up to the Dometic PLB40 battery and basically leave it in my truck all the time without risk of draining my starter battery. Was the first “mod” I did when I got my 2019 802A. And no, I don’t work for Dometic.

Other thing to consider is communication - ham radio is overall best option if you want to be in the middle of no where, especially if you’re on your own. Don’t want to hi-jack this thread, but there are other threads on here for communications that discuss options. I have been a ham a few years, call sign WJ1MD.

Thank you! This is what I made this thread for. I’m daily keeping up in other forum chapters and searching but I need the “not the most crucial” comment to ensure nothing is missed and everything is accounted for.

I was planning the fridge right behind the passenger seat so this is perfect. I’ll look at this one and plan for a spare battery as well. I hadn’t thought of that.

I don’t plan on going “too” far off the grid but I assume there will be plenty of times that I will lose service. I’m not sure if a full radio is something I’ll need but as I get closer to determine where I’m going that might help in making that decision...

Never thought a winch would fit right there.

yup! Requires relocating the intercooler but I love the OEM look and wasn’t a fan of any aftermarket front bumpers that accommodated the winch.

 

[swedensky]

So I've narrowed down to wanting a Front Runner Slim Line rack. Now I've narrowed it down to three different RTT's each a different brand. Does anyone have feedback on any of these three?

https://www.roamadventureco.com/collections/tents/products/the-vagabond-xl


https://23zero.com/product/breezeway-72-california-king-bed/


https://tepui.com/products/2018-explorer-series-autana-4

 

[Doc Watson]

I’ve had the 23Zero Byron and loved it. I think based on your previous posts, we have been doing similar types of camping, and it’s worked very well for us and has been a good value compared to the rest of the crowded market of RTTs.

My only suggestion (that you probably have already considered anyway) - it does take 15 minutes or so to set up, probably 20ish to break down. Not a big deal, unless it’s raining, and it does get old spending that much time. It also means you don’t put it up until you’re parked for the night, and if you want to go exploring somewhere the next day, you have to put it down, even if you’re coming back to the same camp.

I think the hard shell RTTs are much faster set up/break down, which might make life easier, though they are more expensive.

 

[amREADY]

I'm really happy with my ARB fridge. Bulletproof so far. Sips energy.
Although I'm using an AGM battery in a trolling battery box for fused connections, kayak trolling motor battery and charge it with 120 w compact folding solar, I'm looking at the Dometic PLB40. Much lighter, but no good at or below freezing temps (just good to know, not a big deal for me).

I'd run 35's personally, but get why people love the 37's.

The 23 zero's sound great. I did a ton of research. Might go with OVS Nomadic 3 and Nomadic 270 awning. I'd use the annex sometimes, but not all the time. Best to buy it when you get it, in case they discontinue. The 270 awning seems like it would be great for rain or sun. Can add a wall or 2 or 3 for added weather protection and privacy. But then your footprint is getting pretty big for most campsites. I like that you don't need to use the poles unless it is windy or snowing. Saves a step and at the very least, saves the step while you are setting everything else up.

Also looking at hardshells for max fast setup /takedown. I do like the idea of a Queen size bed vs the double. Just more room to change, to move around etc.

For recovery, I didn't go the winch route. Often the worst times stuck, you are nose down and no spots to run a cable to. Nothing against a winch, lots of times they are perfect. I went with a
Maasdam 4-Ton Cable Puller. These things are beasts.
You want your winch or puller to be the weakest link in the chain. The shackles, soft shackles, cable, straps, chain, pulleys should all be rated higher than the winch/hilift/come along. That way, when your winch starts to bog down, you aren't popping your other gear first.

Get a hilift liftmate and jackmate. And some 3/8" grade 70 or better chain.

Maxtrax are the standard, but action trax look like a better product from what I've seen. Both are much better than the knock offs.

I went with Yakima Overhaul HD bars (adjustable) and Retrax XR Tonneau cover. I'm happy with the combo. Need to get my tent and awning.

 

[swedensky]

I’ve had the 23Zero Byron and loved it. I think based on your previous posts, we have been doing similar types of camping....
I think the hard shell RTTs are much faster set up/break down....

Thanks for the input, it's so hard to decide on a tent since there are no stores to walk in and test them out. I ended up going with a ROAM tent but went with the smaller V$ rather than the larger Vagabond. Hopefully it fulfills what I'm looking for. I didn't want a pop up hard shell. They seem a little smaller overall and as stupid as it sounds I don't like the look of them

I'm really happy with my ARB fridge. Bulletproof so far. Sips energy. Although I'm using an AGM battery in a trolling battery box for fused connections, kayak trolling motor battery and charge it with 120 w compact folding solar.....

I'd run 35's personally, but get why people love the 37's....

For recovery, I didn't go the winch route. Often the worst times stuck, you are nose down and no spots to run a cable to. Nothing against a winch, lots of times they are perfect. I went with a
Maasdam 4-Ton Cable Puller. These things are beasts.

You want your winch or puller to be the weakest link in the chain. The shackles, soft shackles, cable, straps, chain, pulleys should all be rated higher than the winch/hilift/come along....

Get a hilift liftmate and jackmate. And some 3/8" grade 70 or better chain...

Maxtrax are the standard, but action trax look like a better product from what I've seen. Both are much better than the knock offs.

I'm really glad to hear input on the fridge's because I didn't think about a backup battery at all. Dometic has a 15% off sale this weekend for Black Friday so I might jump on that train...

I love my 37s, and now that I've invested in that setup I'll be keeping it around for a while

I already have my winch at this point, but that Cable Puller is pretty rad. I'm waiting on delivery for some Bubba Rope mini synthetic shackles, 10 ft tree hugger, and 20ft 7/8" rope. I'll get some type of anchor as well. I was told to look at the Deadman Earth Anchor but I'm not sure I'll need anything that serious!

So I was trying to decide on the jack. Everyone seems to love the Pro Eagle but I just feel like a Hi lift jack will be good enough for emergency use only? And then I'm not losing a lot of bed space either..

I've got one set of the Maxtrax, I'll look at the Action Trax too cause I think I want to carry 4 total ..hmm...