SpaceMan’s Slow Build

[SpacemanOverland]

This isn’t gonna be a quick bolt-on and done. It’s a slow burn kind of build, but we’re doing it our way.

Quick rundown: by day I wear a tie and run a hospital. By night my wife and I sling blades through our knife company and roll deep with the BBQ crowd. That gig has us chasing smoke, hitting the road, and cooking with some of the best out there.

So the mission here is simple. Build something that can haul meat, gear, and memories. Max comfort, max storage, plenty of tow power, and it better look mean doing it.

We’re starting with a 2022 F-150 Lariat, Onyx Black, long bed, pano roof. Basically a blank canvas begging to get rowdy.

the day we got her home.

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[SpacemanOverland]

Before we could even lay hands on the fun stuff, the truck threw its first punch. We rolled it through a car wash and boom, the passenger headlight bucket went dark. That’s the gamble with buying used. You never know what kind of ghosts are hiding in it.

Best guess is the previous owner had a blowout that sent a chunk of rubber into the wheel well liner, cracking the bucket and letting water get into the electronics.

Credit where it’s due, the dealership (Rochester Ford) we bought it from owned up and covered the fix. We got it handled at a local shop and she’s back in the fight. First blood in the build, but not the last.

 

[SpacemanOverland]

Then I was cruising through this forum, checking out all the insane builds, when I spotted a giveaway post from @Maxzina for these dust covers. Lucky break landed in my lap and I actually won. These became the very first upgrade on the new rocket ship.

 

[SpacemanOverland]

One thing that bugged me more than I expected was the antenna. Sitting right in my peripheral vision and wiggling at freeway speeds, it was a constant distraction. Time for an upgrade. I grabbed the 12 inch stubby from Ronin. Installation was stupid easy. Unscrew the factory antenna, pick the right bolt, screw it into place, and then screw the new antenna onto the truck. Done.

quick install video

 

[SpacemanOverland]

Alright, that’s where we’re at for now. The future looks like this: a lift and level, slightly bigger tires, probably some kind of topper, maybe an awning, and possibly a rooftop tent for our travels. Storage solutions and more are on the list too.

If you’ve got recommendations or tricks that made your truck better for the kind of life I described in the first post, I want to hear them. Bring it on.

 

[dadrew]

Underseat storage for the rear! Also I bought an inflatable mattress to go on top of the back bench and I’ve used that more than I’ve expected

Rear Sway bar, cold air intake

also whatever you think! Your truck your build 🫡

 

[SpacemanOverland]

Mine came with a fold away underseat storage. I’ll have to look into the mattress.
What’s your recommendation for a CAI

 

[dadrew]

AFE

https://www.americantrucks.com/afe-...take-pro-5r-oiled-filter-black-50-70099r.html

Mine came with a fold away underseat storage. I’ll have to look into the mattress.
What’s your recommendation for a CAI

 

[Pelican]

One thing that bugged me more than I expected was the antenna. Sitting right in my peripheral vision and wiggling at freeway speeds, it was a constant distraction. Time for an upgrade. I grabbed the 12 inch stubby from Ronin. Installation was stupid easy. Unscrew the factory antenna, pick the right bolt, screw it into place, and then screw the new antenna onto the truck. Done.

quick install video

Welcome to the forum.

One of my favorite upgrades by far. Relatively inexpensive and an easy install.

Looking forward to seeing your build progress.

 

[SpacemanOverland]

It’s much less intrusive and no noticeable impact on reception

 

[moritzes]

If you are hauling a bunch of stuff in the bed, look into the OEM bed mat. Heavy duty and keeps things from moving around back there.

 

[moritzes]

I'm no help for lift, level, and tires, but If you're interested in some small things to add like the antenna and vent cover, there is a good list of sub-$50 add-ons here.

 

[SpacemanOverland]

Good plan. The bed is lined and I was surprised how much stuff still slides. (My last truck didn’t have that problem, must be a different liner)

If you are hauling a bunch of stuff in the bed, look into the OEM bed mat. Heavy duty and keeps things from moving around back there.

 

[SpacemanOverland]

I’ll check it out. I’m a sucker for cheap additions that add some sort of functionality.

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