Ford F150 Overland Build with Project M Pop-Up Camper

Continuing the series of articles dedicated to Ford Overland rigs, we decided to showcase another awesome build based on Ford’s full-size truck platform. Every aspect of this 2019 Ford F150 XLT FX4 has been improved to serve its owner as an ultimate truck in his off-road adventures.

Unlike off-roading, overlanding is not only about overcoming obstacles and pushing your vehicle to its limits. It’s also about the journey, enjoyable time being outdoors, and exploring new terrains further away from civilization.

The 4×4 capabilities certainly matter a lot, but the comfort behind the wheel and ability to arrange a convenient base camp out of your rig also play an important role in what we commonly understand as overlanding.

While full-size SUVs, like a Toyota Land Cruiser, are often referred to as the golden standard of an overland vehicle, the full-size truck platforms offer you even more in terms of payload capacity without dramatically compromising on 4×4 capabilities due to added weight and size.

As an off-road oriented package, the FX4 offers everything that an off-road fan may want, like the rear differential locks, Hill Descent Control, Rock Crawl mode, and upgraded shocks in its base form.

Plus a spacious bed can serve as a perfect base for installing a pop-up camper, which make a HUGE difference in the way you can organize your storage, sleeping and kitchen spaces. That’s why Erwin decided to choose it as a base for his Overland project.

Owner’s Insight

How did you become interested in overlanding

I’ve always loved outdoor activities. I’m an avid mountain biker and love most mountain activities. I had a 4×4 Nissan Xterra before but had to get rid of it. I went a while without an off-road vehicle and started to yearn for camping again. I started to see rooftop tents and really wanted to be off the ground, so that planted the seed again.

Why did you choose an f150 for your overland project? Is there any interesting story behind it?

I’m a Toyota guy at heart but have always loved how menacing a Raptor looked. The pricing was just out of my league. When I chose my F150, the new Tundra wasn’t out yet, and I knew with the older gen V8, I’d be spending a ton of money on gas. So I chose the 3.5 EcoBoost as my engine of choice. It has served me well, and I can still squeeze 16 mpg fully loaded, and that’s even slightly over GVWR.

What was the most difficult part of the build?

The hardest part was deciding if I wanted to build a long-travel Baja-inspired truck or a dedicated overland build. Either way, it’s pricey, but this was more practical with what my wife and I love to do.

See Also

Ford E250 Overland Van Build with 4×4 Conversion & Lockers

What do you love the most about your project?

Definitely the Four Wheel Campers Project M camper. I’ve done most of the mods to the truck myself minus the leaf spring install and the camper install. But building out my own camper interior was just a joy, knowing “I built that.” Everything inside, from the cabinet build to the hot water system to the insulated floor, was all DIY. Blood, sweat, and tears make you enjoy your fruits of labor even more.

List of Mods & Upgrades

2019 Ford F150 XLT FX4 3.5L EcoBoost

Conclusion

Ervin’s overland camper build is a perfect example of a well thought out adventure project, which proritizes the convenience for enjoyable timebeing outdoors, and his pop-up truck topper with costomized interior perfectly ilustate this.