Steve Seitel
Member
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2019
- Messages
- 16
"I've been a "lurking" member of wtw for some time now, and have benefitted greatly from the accumulated wisdom and experience of this group. Thank you all for that.
I am "taking the plunge." Here's a first look at the new rig I'm putting together.
The 2019 Ranger Lariat 4x4 FX4 was special-ordered from the Ford factory in Michigan. The FWC Fleet Shell model came direct from the California factory and was installed here by the local dealer, Steven Wilkerson of FWC Bozeman.
It's a pretty basic shell, but there are a few key options: 160W solar with dual AGM batteries; side dinette configuration; and (important in Montana) the propane furnace and Arctic Pac liner. In a weak moment, I added the Fiamma awning as well, despite my intention to keep weight down in deference to the Ranger's 1508 lb payload.
The camper as delivered weighs 1156 lbs, including the options. This sagged the rear suspension nearly three inches (!), so I added AirLift 57234 air springs to return it to nominal. This takes nearly 50 psi pressure. To top up the air springs (and for "airing up" tires), there is an ARB CKMA12 high-output (3.2 cfm @29 psi) air compressor mounted in the the only available space in the Ranger's crowded engine compartment, a small "hole" directly behind the left headlight. The wizards at Mike's Off Road here in Bozeman managed to shoehorn it into place with a custom bracket.
Door threshold height is 41+ inches! I demonstrated to myself that yes, in an emergency, I can get in and out again without a ladder, but it was an ugly process. A rickety stepladder helped, but didn't feel very safe. I installed Brophy AS04 aluminum scissor steps and now, every time I go up or down, my seventy-five-year-old arthritic bones say “thank you!”
Folded, the Brophy steps ride securely in the porta-potty pocket.
The OME tires are Hankook Dynapro AT-M. I negotiated with Ford to replace them with BFG T/A KO2 in stock size (LT265/60R18) as a condition of sale and I suppose one of these days that will actually happen. I'm a big fan of 10-ply rated LT tires, having had lesser tires fail in some rather awkward places over the years.
There remains (at least) one big problem that I don't yet have an answer for. I hope the experts here can offer some suggestions. What's the best way to replace the rear-view camera functions that were lost when I removed the tailgate? FWC doesn't have a backup camera adapter harness for the new Rangers yet, and so far Ford is being cagey about sharing the tailgate harness schematic. I'd prefer something that ties back into the Ranger's monitor, if only to silence the nagging nanny that reminds me "No camera is available" every time I engage reverse,
Has anybody got a good answer for this?
I haven't tried her out yet, not even in my own back yard. I will soon, and I can hardly wait. I'm still sorting out the interior storage options, developing the stocking list, etc. I have no shame when it comes to stealing good ideas from others so if you see your work mirrored here, well...thank you!
Steve
Edited to clean up the pictures and (I hope) the fonts.
I am "taking the plunge." Here's a first look at the new rig I'm putting together.
The 2019 Ranger Lariat 4x4 FX4 was special-ordered from the Ford factory in Michigan. The FWC Fleet Shell model came direct from the California factory and was installed here by the local dealer, Steven Wilkerson of FWC Bozeman.
It's a pretty basic shell, but there are a few key options: 160W solar with dual AGM batteries; side dinette configuration; and (important in Montana) the propane furnace and Arctic Pac liner. In a weak moment, I added the Fiamma awning as well, despite my intention to keep weight down in deference to the Ranger's 1508 lb payload.
The camper as delivered weighs 1156 lbs, including the options. This sagged the rear suspension nearly three inches (!), so I added AirLift 57234 air springs to return it to nominal. This takes nearly 50 psi pressure. To top up the air springs (and for "airing up" tires), there is an ARB CKMA12 high-output (3.2 cfm @29 psi) air compressor mounted in the the only available space in the Ranger's crowded engine compartment, a small "hole" directly behind the left headlight. The wizards at Mike's Off Road here in Bozeman managed to shoehorn it into place with a custom bracket.
Door threshold height is 41+ inches! I demonstrated to myself that yes, in an emergency, I can get in and out again without a ladder, but it was an ugly process. A rickety stepladder helped, but didn't feel very safe. I installed Brophy AS04 aluminum scissor steps and now, every time I go up or down, my seventy-five-year-old arthritic bones say “thank you!”
Folded, the Brophy steps ride securely in the porta-potty pocket.
The OME tires are Hankook Dynapro AT-M. I negotiated with Ford to replace them with BFG T/A KO2 in stock size (LT265/60R18) as a condition of sale and I suppose one of these days that will actually happen. I'm a big fan of 10-ply rated LT tires, having had lesser tires fail in some rather awkward places over the years.
There remains (at least) one big problem that I don't yet have an answer for. I hope the experts here can offer some suggestions. What's the best way to replace the rear-view camera functions that were lost when I removed the tailgate? FWC doesn't have a backup camera adapter harness for the new Rangers yet, and so far Ford is being cagey about sharing the tailgate harness schematic. I'd prefer something that ties back into the Ranger's monitor, if only to silence the nagging nanny that reminds me "No camera is available" every time I engage reverse,
Has anybody got a good answer for this?
I haven't tried her out yet, not even in my own back yard. I will soon, and I can hardly wait. I'm still sorting out the interior storage options, developing the stocking list, etc. I have no shame when it comes to stealing good ideas from others so if you see your work mirrored here, well...thank you!
Steve
Edited to clean up the pictures and (I hope) the fonts.
