GARidgeRunner's Build

[GARidgeRunner]

Meant to do a build thread for my previous vehicles and always ended up forgetting once the process was started. So, doing things a little different this time and making a thread at the very beginning of this journey.

Intended goal for this is a reliable and comfortable long distance camping vehicle. We live in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains and have visited the vast majority of the state and national forest in GA. In fact, traveling down every FSR in GA was the primary purpose of our first build, a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. Now it's time to go greater distances and be even more self sufficient for longer lengths of time away from home.

Found the ideal truck for my intended use on 2/29/24:

Found a great deal on a RSI Smartcap 2 days later:

Took some measurements of ride height (center of wheel to bottom of fender) before and after installing the cap:
Factory- FD=22.75" RD=26.25" FP=22.75" RP=26.75"
Rake= 3.5"
w/Smartcap- FD=22.75" RD=25.5" FP=22.75" RP=25.5"
Rake=2.75"

Currently waiting on a new installation kit from RSI since the previous owner's truck refused to let some of the weatherstripping go and some rails to mount a RTT.

 

[GARidgeRunner]

Received the install kit from RSI and installed over the weekend. Unfortunately they sent the wrong wiring harness so will have to wait for the third brake light to be functional.

Got to test fit the tent and awning on the new load bars. Going to really have to watch ride height with this build as it only clears the garage lip by millimeters with myself on the tailgate and a a hundred or so pounds in the bed. Overall very pleased with proportions.

Adding the tent and awning changed the rear ride height to 25” resulting in a 2.25” rake.

 

[JSchmidt]

Is that full loaded? Or is that just the topper and tent? If not, do you plan on doing anything with the rear suspension to bring it back to level or back to stock rake? IE: air lift or RAS?

 

[GARidgeRunner]

Is that full loaded? Or is that just the topper and tent? If not, do you plan on doing anything with the rear suspension to bring it back to level or back to stock rake? IE: air lift or RAS?

So far, it's just the topper and tent. I've been documenting the change in rake as I continue to add. The plan is to fully build it out then take it to a CAT scale to see where we are at weight wise and have a progressive leaf pack built. Clearance into the garage is a huge concern so trying to be as systematic as possible in regards to what is done with the rear end of the truck.

 

[GARidgeRunner]

Finally got to get out and camp recently. The increase in size was appreciated when it came to cargo space however, it was definitely more noticeable while navigating down the trails. Definitely going to need some more seat time to really get an idea of its footprint while off road.

Came back home and purchased a Decked system to help keep things organized. Was very pleased with the upgraded design features compared to the legacy version. Will need to trim the factory bed mat to fit around the cubbies and tie downs next.

Also decided to tackle lowering the load bar feet to decrease the tent height. Mounting the bar directly to the SmartCap rail was a breeze with the AluCab low profile bar mount however, the gull wing windows ended up hitting the ends of the bars. After several attempts at replacing the gas shocks for shorter travel and not finding anything that really met my criteria, I ended up making some limiting straps and anchor points.

 

[GARidgeRunner]

After performing an oil change and seeing the lack of protection on the underside, I went ahead and installed the RCI back half engine skid plate and transmission skid plate. Install was a breeze and feel much better about taking it off road.

Also cut the Weathertech bed mat down to size to allow access to the side bins in the Decked.

Up next will likely be sliders. Seems like our options are pretty limited based on initial searches between RCI, WKO, Rocky-Road. After having both RCI and WKO on previous vehicles, WKO seems to be the best option at the moment.

 

[Cblaxx19]

white knuckle offroad also has sliders for us.

Ford F-150 and Raptor 2015-Newer Rock Sliders - White Knuckle Off Road Products

Includes the following features: 101" overall length maximizes coverage of the rocker from flare to flare while allowing for oversize tires 1/4" thick x 2" x 3" rectangular tube main rub rail for greater foundational strength 1/4" thick x 1-1/2" square tube legs to limit flexing while...

white-knuckleoffroad.com

 

[GARidgeRunner]

Been awhile since I have updated this thread. Had to get two electrical gremlins sorted out with Ford. When towing I would get alerts stating a front camera fault and several driving aids were disabled. Turned out it had a technical service bulletin that matched these issues.
TSB 23-2146

Shortly after realized my bed camera would intermittently go to a blue screen. This resulted in code IPMA B152E:08. Dealer installed a new camera and the issue is gone.

 

[GARidgeRunner]

Also did a few mods in the bed of the truck. Made a storage box for the table, solar panel and a few other lightweight items. Still have plenty of clearance for everyday items and only 6 fasteners to undo in order to regain maximum interior height.

Added some motion sensing red lights to light up the inside of the camper at night. Very pleased with their output and the magnets seem to be holding very well.

Finally decided on a compressor as well. Ended up with an OVS EGOI twin and shoe horned it in the deck cubby. Will more than likely end up routing an air hose extension to an Apex CRS. Just need to do some measuring to see where it will end up.

 

[GARidgeRunner]

Added some Icon leaf springs to the rear to help combat the additional weight I added. Set it at option 2 which was advertised to lift the rear 1" with 400lbs in the bed. I am estimating between the Smart Cap, Decked System, and a few items that live in the truck I've added 460lbs to the bed.

After driving around for a week I decided I would need to opt for option 3 which is advertised to lift .5" over stock with 850lbs. In this configuration I am just under stock rear height at 26-1/4" from center of hub to bottom of fender. Have not had a chance to do a full load out to see how the ride height changes but based off my experience thus far, I am thinking these springs are a little weaker than advertised.

Flexes good though. Still trying to figure out the remainder of the suspension.

 

[TwistedLIE]

I love these kinds of threads! Also… super jealous of that lift and high ceiling garage.