2021 5.0 Lariat Camping Build

[DrockinWV]

Mainly looking for a place to post pictures of adventures and a progress of my trucks progression. Truck is basically stock with the exception of some Icon rear shocks and BFG Trail tires. Other addons are more so creature comforts (BedRug, BuiltRight dash mount, WeatherTech floor mats) The biggest upgrade is the Topo Toppers Mesa camper. This was ordered in March of 24 and received mid July 24. Used to do a ton of camping growing up out in Arizona, and trying to get back into that lifestyle. The topper definitely beats setting up a ground tent and sleeping on the ground.

So far have slept in the topper a total of five nights, but still trying to get everything dialed in. Still working on the organization of all the gear, and need to insulate the interior of the camper.

The day I picked her up back in February 2023 with 14,500 miles

The day we finally received our topper and installed it! It was a long four months, but totally worth the wait once we had it all bolted up!

This is our first night in the camper. Really no organization at this point, only the front and side molle panels.

Built this drawer with a pair of 500lb slides to house a good bit of gear. It also stores our 22" Blackstone that we take out with us! This is probably the most extensive thing I have ever built. It isn't pretty, but it has held together so far with riding daily in the back of the truck and over some rough trails. Really the only downside is the weight of the drawer. I do not know the actual weight, but it is a few sheets of 3/4" Birch plywood, plus rails, and hardware.

Just some random trip photos from a few of the trips thus far!

Here are some of the latest addons. Purchased some hardware to get the propane tank out of the truck and a diesel tank for the new heater. Used the heater just this past weekend on a trip, and was surprised at how well it did, with as little fuel as it used.

Next upgrade will definitely be some insulation for the sides and ceiling . Beyond that, I definitely need some sliders and skids. But of course also want to add a level with some meatier tires to help grip and give me more clearance.

Thanks for checking out the thread, hopefully more to come soon!!

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[Ford Motor Company]

Mainly looking for a place to post pictures of adventures and a progress of my trucks progression. Truck is basically stock with the exception of some Icon rear shocks and BFG Trail tires. Other addons are more so creature comforts (BedRug, BuiltRight dash mount, WeatherTech floor mats) The biggest upgrade is the Topo Topper Mesa camper. This was ordered in March of 24 and received mid July 24. Used to do a ton of camping growing up out in Arizona, and trying to get back into that lifestyle. The topper definitely beats setting up a ground tent and sleeping on the ground.

So far have slept in the topper a total of five nights, but still trying to get everything dialed in. Still working on the organization of all the gear, and need to insulate the interior of the camper.

The day I picked her up back in February 2023 with 14,500 miles

The day we finally received our topper and installed it! It was a long four months, but totally worth the wait once we had it all bolted up!

This is our first night in the camper. Really no organization at this point, only the front and side molle panels.

Built this drawer with a pair of 500lb slides to house a good bit of gear. It also stores our 22" Blackstone that we take out with us! This is probably the most extensive thing I have ever built. It isn't pretty, but it has held together so far with riding daily in the back of the truck and over some rough trails. Really the only downside is the weight of the drawer. I do not know the actual weight, but it is a few sheets of 3/4" Birch plywood, plus rails, and hardware.

Just some random trip photos from a few of the trips thus far!

Here are some of the latest addons. Purchased some hardware to get the propane tank out of the truck and a diesel tank for the new heater. Used the heater just this past weekend on a trip, and was surprised at how well it did, with as little fuel as it used.

Next upgrade will definitely be some insulation for the sides and ceiling . Beyond that, I definitely need some sliders and skids. But of course also want to add a level with some meatier tires to help grip and give me more clearance.

Thanks for checking out the thread, hopefully more to come soon!!

That's an awesome setup, Derek! We appreciate you being a part of the community.

 

[Zyvin]

Nice. I wish I lived somewhere that I’d need a heater at the end of October.

 

[DrockinWV]

Nice. I wish I lived somewhere that I’d need a heater at the end of October.

It is definitely a must if I want the wife to come along. But looking forward to some snow and winter camping!

 

[Zappy]

Maybe check with a metal fab shop and see what it would cost for them to replicate your storage unit out of aluminum. Might cut the weight in half ??‍.

Awesome setup!

 

[Aonarch]

Very nice!

 

[WD8CXB]

Looks awesome. Gives me some ideas for my own build. Curious about the propane tank holder. Do you have any additional information on it?

 

[WD8CXB]

Looks awesome. Gives me some ideas for my own build. Curious about the propane tank holder. Do you have any additional information on it?

I actually answered my own question after I posted. I never thought about mounting my tank like that after I got to the camp ground. I didn't like it sitting on the ground. did a little google search and found lots of mounts that I can adapt.

 

[DrockinWV]

Maybe check with a metal fab shop and see what it would cost for them to replicate your storage unit out of aluminum. Might cut the weight in half ??‍.

Awesome setup!

Definitely a good idea! But I feel I've kind of made my bed at this point lol. If it fails on me I think you may just be onto something

I actually answered my own question after I posted. I never thought about mounting my tank like that after I got to the camp ground. I didn't like it sitting on the ground. did a little google search and found lots of mounts that I can adapt.

Just a random purchase off of Amazon. Same goes for the hardware on the L-Tracks! So far it has all worked out well!

 

[powerboatr]

Great setup
That's a great awning foot print as well
Thank you for sharing

 

[DrockinWV]

Great setup
That's a great awning foot print as well
Thank you for sharing

Thanks! The awning has been great so far. I was caught in a rain storm for one trip and it really made the trip more enjoyable!

 

[powerboatr]

Maybe dumb question
Or I am blind. Which is most likely
How do you get into the pop up part to sleep?
Is there a pass through hatch inside topper or a drop down ladder to outside
Thanks

You put a good deal of effort in.
Looks really good for those adventures

 

[DrockinWV]

Maybe dumb question
Or I am blind. Which is most likely
How do you get into the pop up part to sleep?
Is there a pass through hatch inside topper or a drop down ladder to outside
Thanks

You put a good deal of effort in.
Looks really good for those adventures

Not at all! Here are some photos from the day we did the install. But now we step up on the drawer to climb to the bunk up top.

But yeah, a lot of work. But definitely a work in progress type of situation. Still a lot that needs to be done, but I'm not really in any hurry....minus the insulation lol....it is starting to get cold here!

 

[powerboatr]

Thank you
That is better than a ladder hanging off the side.. covered in dew or ice
Pretty neat setup
Who makes the topper
I like how it reaches out over the cab to give you feet room
My dogs would figure a way to get up there

 

[DrockinWV]

Thank you
That is better than a ladder hanging off the side.. covered in dew or ice
Pretty neat setup
Who makes the topper
I like how it reaches out over the cab to give you feet room
My dogs would figure a way to get up there

You're welcome and thanks! Definitely way better than using a ladder, super easy to hop up and down!

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