Ideas for my hunting rig

[AZoutdoorsman]

The Plan:

My Tremor is scheduled to be built the week of August 15th (fingers crossed). It is a white 402A with Pro Power, Torsen and Tow. After scrolling through the various builds and discussions on this site, I wanted to put down what I “Plan” on doing with my new rig. I’m not really locked into a few items and I value everyone’s input and thoughts. This vehicle will be my DD but it’s primary roll with be my hunting rig. I have a small (less than 6k lbs) travel trailer I take and the wife and I travel a fair amount with it. My current truck, Toyota Tacoma is a great off road hunting vehicle but space is always at a premium and it’s tow capabilities are limited. I did look at the new Tundra and ZR2 Silverado but, based on my criteria the Tremor won out by a fairly large margin. So, onto the stuff I’ve already purchased, the stuff I will buy and finally the stuff I could and/or may purchase.



What I have:

Off Roam cell phone holder ( https://getoffroam.com/products/phone-mount-kit-2021-ford-f150 ). I have one of these now for my current truck and I love it!



Husky floor mats and wheel well liners. I’ve had both Husky and Weathertech. Seems like more folks here like Husky and since I’m ordering the husky wheel well liners, I figured what the hell, I might as well go with Husky.



Cabbag. I did not order the back seat storage as I wanted the space for my dog. However, I have a friend who has one of these who loves the bag and I’ve seen a few positive comments on this sight as well. ( https://www.cabbag.com/covert36 ).



What I will buy / want:

Tonneau cover: This is one of a couple of items I need and have gone through multiple internet rabbit holes trying to figure out what to get. I need good solid security from the weather and prying eyes and don’t want a topper. I’ve, virtually, looked at Mountain Top, Retrex, Bak (various models), and Undercover. As of right now I’m pretty much set…I think, on the Undercover Armor Flex (https://undercoverinfo.com/undercover-armorflex). It seems to check all the boxes and does not take up bed space. In theory I like the Retrex and Mountain Top but in a five and a half food bed, I don’t want to lose space and I’m not sure how much I really need rails/crossbars/bed rack (although it does look bitch’n!).



BedRug XLT (https://bedrug.com/bedrug-xlt-bed-mats ). I have never really liked bed liners, I’m old and my knees hurt, and I want to keep the sides rug free for some Built Right stuff. The only other consideration is getting a Cargoglide. Again, I like the thought of it but you do lose 3-4 inches of depth in your bed and as we all know, 3 or 4 inches is significant.



BuiltRight Industries Stuff:

Rear seat release kit ( https://builtrightind.com/products/builtright-industries-ford-f-series-rear-seat-release-kit)

Stubby antenna ( https://builtrightind.com/products/perfect-fit-stubby-antenna-ford-f-150-2021-bronco-2021)

Passenger bedside rack system. I have a Engle fridge so I’m not planning on putting the rack on both sides. ( https://builtrightind.com/products/bedside-rack-system-driver-rear-panel-ford-f-150-raptor-2015-2020)

A couple of Quick Fists to mount my hilift and shovel. ( https://builtrightind.com/products/builtright-industries-riser-mounts-pair-quick-fist-original )



Suspension: Man, talk about a rabbit hole. I think I’ve read just about every entry on the “Leveling” and “Rear Shock” topics. There has to be two or three hundred entries and I still don’t exactly know what the hell I’m going to do. I would love to have a suspension setup where I can roll down washboard roads and old two tracks like I do with my Tacoma while still feeling stable towing a 6,000 lb trailor. I’m beginning to think I’m looking for a purple striped unicorn.. My Tacoma has Icon shocks, which I like but that doesn’t really matter because we are talking about two different vehicles. I’ve always like Fox but it does not sound like they have my “unicorn.” I live near ADS shocks. So I’m have tempted to go in there once I get my truck and see if they can put something together but I’m afraid that would be crazy money. Right now I’m thinking I just get a 2 inch AS puck for the front and see if I can live with the current setup until I find my “unicorn.”



Tires: I will likely run stock for 20k or so. Then switch to a 285/75/18 E rated tire. Unless something changes I will chose between the Open Country A/T III and the Falken Wildpeak A/T3. I love my Cooper ST MAXX tires but they don’t have them in that size and I don’t really want to change out rims (another confusing rabbit hole…rim offset – or + offset, I get a headache just thinking about all that stuff!).



I may do some ditch lights down the road but I think that is pretty much it…for now. All I really need to make this happen, is my truck.



Thoughts?

 

[Cranbery]

The Plan:

My Tremor is scheduled to be built the week of August 15th (fingers crossed). It is a white 402A with Pro Power, Torsen and Tow. After scrolling through the various builds and discussions on this site, I wanted to put down what I “Plan” on doing with my new rig. I’m not really locked into a few items and I value everyone’s input and thoughts. This vehicle will be my DD but it’s primary roll with be my hunting rig. I have a small (less than 6k lbs) travel trailer I take and the wife and I travel a fair amount with it. My current truck, Toyota Tacoma is a great off road hunting vehicle but space is always at a premium and it’s tow capabilities are limited. I did look at the new Tundra and ZR2 Silverado but, based on my criteria the Tremor won out by a fairly large margin. So, onto the stuff I’ve already purchased, the stuff I will buy and finally the stuff I could and/or may purchase.



What I have:

Off Roam cell phone holder ( https://getoffroam.com/products/phone-mount-kit-2021-ford-f150 ). I have one of these now for my current truck and I love it!



Husky floor mats and wheel well liners. I’ve had both Husky and Weathertech. Seems like more folks here like Husky and since I’m ordering the husky wheel well liners, I figured what the hell, I might as well go with Husky.



Cabbag. I did not order the back seat storage as I wanted the space for my dog. However, I have a friend who has one of these who loves the bag and I’ve seen a few positive comments on this sight as well. ( https://www.cabbag.com/covert36 ).



What I will buy / want:

Tonneau cover: This is one of a couple of items I need and have gone through multiple internet rabbit holes trying to figure out what to get. I need good solid security from the weather and prying eyes and don’t want a topper. I’ve, virtually, looked at Mountain Top, Retrex, Bak (various models), and Undercover. As of right now I’m pretty much set…I think, on the Undercover Armor Flex (https://undercoverinfo.com/undercover-armorflex). It seems to check all the boxes and does not take up bed space. In theory I like the Retrex and Mountain Top but in a five and a half food bed, I don’t want to lose space and I’m not sure how much I really need rails/crossbars/bed rack (although it does look bitch’n!).



BedRug XLT (https://bedrug.com/bedrug-xlt-bed-mats ). I have never really liked bed liners, I’m old and my knees hurt, and I want to keep the sides rug free for some Built Right stuff. The only other consideration is getting a Cargoglide. Again, I like the thought of it but you do lose 3-4 inches of depth in your bed and as we all know, 3 or 4 inches is significant.



BuiltRight Industries Stuff:

Rear seat release kit ( https://builtrightind.com/products/builtright-industries-ford-f-series-rear-seat-release-kit)

Stubby antenna ( https://builtrightind.com/products/perfect-fit-stubby-antenna-ford-f-150-2021-bronco-2021)

Passenger bedside rack system. I have a Engle fridge so I’m not planning on putting the rack on both sides. ( https://builtrightind.com/products/bedside-rack-system-driver-rear-panel-ford-f-150-raptor-2015-2020)

A couple of Quick Fists to mount my hilift and shovel. ( https://builtrightind.com/products/builtright-industries-riser-mounts-pair-quick-fist-original )



Suspension: Man, talk about a rabbit hole. I think I’ve read just about every entry on the “Leveling” and “Rear Shock” topics. There has to be two or three hundred entries and I still don’t exactly know what the hell I’m going to do. I would love to have a suspension setup where I can roll down washboard roads and old two tracks like I do with my Tacoma while still feeling stable towing a 6,000 lb trailor. I’m beginning to think I’m looking for a purple striped unicorn.. My Tacoma has Icon shocks, which I like but that doesn’t really matter because we are talking about two different vehicles. I’ve always like Fox but it does not sound like they have my “unicorn.” I live near ADS shocks. So I’m have tempted to go in there once I get my truck and see if they can put something together but I’m afraid that would be crazy money. Right now I’m thinking I just get a 2 inch AS puck for the front and see if I can live with the current setup until I find my “unicorn.”



Tires: I will likely run stock for 20k or so. Then switch to a 285/75/18 E rated tire. Unless something changes I will chose between the Open Country A/T III and the Falken Wildpeak A/T3. I love my Cooper ST MAXX tires but they don’t have them in that size and I don’t really want to change out rims (another confusing rabbit hole…rim offset – or + offset, I get a headache just thinking about all that stuff!).



I may do some ditch lights down the road but I think that is pretty much it…for now. All I really need to make this happen, is my truck.



Thoughts?

Thoughts: hang around this forum, your list will get longer.

 

[Yeti]

Looking forward to see what you go with and watching this dang forum convince you of all the things you need... which is all the things

 

[Yeti]

So for the bed rug, I installed my full bed rug and buildright panels. The challenge was the bed lights. I also sealed the zipper with waterproof tape ro limit the amount of dust that comes in.

 

[AZoutdoorsman]

So for the bed rug, I installed my full bed rug and buildright panels. The challenge was the bed lights. I also sealed the zipper with waterproof tape ro limit the amount of dust that comes in.

good to hear there were no issues putting the molle panels on top of the bed rug…see you are already costing me money. As far as dust goes, I live in an area where the dust gets dusty. That is why I could never own a dark colored vehicle, it would never look clean.

 

[Yeti]

good to hear there were no issues putting the molle panels on top of the bed rug…see you are already costing me money. As far as dust goes, I live in an area where the dust gets dusty. That is why I could never own a dark colored vehicle, it would never look clean.

I get it. After 4 trips to Afghanistan and 3 to the ME, I thought I knew dust... until my trip through Wyoming, last year

 

[Stea]

For bed cover - don't forget diamondback exists. It's a hard cover, lockable, can mount racks directly on it, has accessories for storage both mounted to the underside of the cover and toolbox like trays that fit next to the cab. Here's my HD fitted to my Tremor, can load 1800lbs right on top and tie downs galore (they designed it to carry 2 atvs or even a utv right on the bed cover), the yakima rack could be replaced by lower profile rhinos if you prefer. The great thing is, you can swing the rear bed cover all the way back to lay on the front cover if you need to haul something tall, you can remover either cover simply and quickly, or just take the whole lot off in about 10-15 mins, or... just strap your load on top of the bed cover. Super weather proof.

Cover with racks.

Rear

3/4 Back view

Front open, peek cross bin 13

Cross bin 13

Both sides open, the tail gate will open and cloe when the cover is closed - had to give it some manual help to begin with, but closes on auto now the weather seals have been compressed a little plus minor adjustments.

Rear cover open with tool racks.

Had cleats installed by daimondback (free), and rack guides also ($89), worth it.

Still plenty of room under the crossbin 13 if you need to haul some lumber.

Hope this helps - I'm super pleased with it.

 

[AZoutdoorsman]

For bed cover - don't forget diamondback exists. It's a hard cover, lockable, can mount racks directly on it, has accessories for storage both mounted to the underside of the cover and toolbox like trays that fit next to the cab. Here's my HD fitted to my Tremor, can load 1800lbs right on top and tie downs galore (they designed it to carry 2 atvs or even a utv right on the bed cover), the yakima rack could be replaced by lower profile rhinos if you prefer. The great thing is, you can swing the rear bed cover all the way back to lay on the front cover if you need to haul something tall, you can remover either cover simply and quickly, or just take the whole lot off in about 10-15 mins, or... just strap your load on top of the bed cover. Super weather proof.

View attachment 5332
Cover with racks.
View attachment 5333
Rear
View attachment 5334
3/4 Back view
View attachment 5335
Front open, peek cross bin 13
View attachment 5336
Cross bin 13
View attachment 5337
Both sides open, the tail gate will open and cloe when the cover is closed - had to give it some manual help to begin with, but closes on auto now the weather seals have been compressed a little plus minor adjustments.
View attachment 5338
Rear cover open with tool racks.
View attachment 5339
Had cleats installed by daimondback (free), and rack guides also ($89), worth it.
View attachment 5340
Still plenty of room under the crossbin 13 if you need to haul some lumber.

Hope this helps - I'm super pleased with it.

Thanks, that looks awesome. I had not really even thought about diamondback but it does look like a great option!

 

[Yeti]

If you're considering a portable fridge/freezer, I've been using the Iceco VL75 Pro D for over a year now (maybe 2. damn covid) and I'm very happy with it. Both compartments can be fridge or freezer independant of each other. The only annoyance was getting it delivered without damage.

They have a "Prime Day" special running right now with 20% off with code prime.

 

[Tremhunter]

I have the bilstein 5165. For me they are not overly stiff even empty. I am by no means off road knowledgeable. Heading to Canada Friday with my 3000 lb. boat fully loaded with gear. Should be good test for my needs.

 

[AZoutdoorsman]

If you're considering a portable fridge/freezer, I've been using the Iceco VL75 Pro D for over a year now (maybe 2. damn covid) and I'm very happy with it. Both compartments can be fridge or freezer independant of each other. The only annoyance was getting it delivered without damage.

They have a "Prime Day" special running right now with 20% off with code prime.

I just looked up that fridge. Sounds nice with a fridge and a freezer. I’ve had my Engel for going on 8 years of hard use. It Just keeps running. I would be hard pressed to buy anything other than an Engel when mine eventually dies. I used to be a big yeti (excuse the pun) guy but once I bought the Engel I wondered what I ever did before I had the fridge. Now the big fancy coolers are just used to take boned out meat to and from the butcher.

 

[AZoutdoorsman]

I have the bilstein 5165. For me they are not overly stiff even empty. I am by no means off road knowledgeable. Heading to Canada Friday with my 3000 lb. boat fully loaded with gear. Should be good test for my needs.

What are you running in the front? Seems like a lot of folks are running a different brand in the front and back. Does that make a difference? I’ve been looking at the Falcon tow/haul sport shock setup. i like being able to adjust the rear shocks when I’m towing. Not a whole lot of talk about the Falcon‘s on this site tho. I have icons front and rear on my Tacoma that I love. Look forward to hearing more from Yeti on his icon setup. Also looked at king coil overs and adjustable kings in the rear. As I stated above I may just run stock or a 2 inch AS front puck until more options are reviewed.

 

[FaKtor34]

What are you running in the front? Seems like a lot of folks are running a different brand in the front and back. Does that make a difference? I’ve been looking at the Falcon tow/haul sport shock setup. i like being able to adjust the rear shocks when I’m towing. Not a whole lot of talk about the Falcon‘s on this site tho. I have icons front and rear on my Tacoma that I love. Look forward to hearing more from Yeti on his icon setup. Also looked at king coil overs and adjustable kings in the rear. As I stated above I may just run stock or a 2 inch AS front puck until more options are reviewed.

If you plan to do a considerable amount of offroading that will cause full extension and compression make sure your rear shocks are in the proper length, that's why the Bilstein 5165 is being used by a few currently and others are using the RC vertex, they both fall in with the specs of extended and compressed. If your just hitting pavement, gravel or mostly smooth surfaces with nothing extreme then you would be good to go with a majority of the f150 shocks. The Tremor shocks are around 31" extended and 17.8" compressed.