Ford F-150 Raptor: Overland Rig Walk

[@OptimalLM]

I just picked up an F-150 after previously building out a 4Runner TRD Off Road. Super excited to build out a full size pick up and love the Raptor! Keep it going!

[@Tarecgos]

Vid was so well done, informative, and enlightening as someone looking into overlanding. Definitely subscribing!

[@TheWhalen]

Thank you!

[@citizenpark2782]

@thewhalen my gen1 comes in next week!

[@papapeter5622]

HI... thanks for all the information... Maybe, If you have time, I have a question: "The batery backup is charged previously or is connected to the vehicule as a second batery for the accesories?"

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Nice set up. How do you think it would work, mounting the pop up tent above the cab instead of the bed?

[@TheWhalen]

Too top heavy lower center of gravity is better. Would also be a pain to close.

[@rolandogonzalez2627]

Please leave notes on the equipment you install so we can research it. Thanks

[@mellob2342]

Love your video. Hope you keep putting out your adventures. I will be purchasing a New 2020 Raptor in January. I can't wait to start overlanding.

[@billfreeman7841]

This is awesome, have a 2019 802A working on many of the same mods,and just wish I would have found you weeks ago. Thanks for the good stuff and ideas.

[@cricry]

Only watched three seconds and im already subscribing

[@TheWhalen]

Woo hoo! Thanks 😂

[@PhR34kNeZ]

Hi. I converted my Raptor 2018 to a an overland truck. I’m a little worried about the suspension as it seem to get to much weight on the rare now with all the equipment. People keep flashing the high beams on me on the highway. What would you recommend me to do with the suspension? The Ford F150 isn’t sold in Sweden we’re I live so my Raptor is imported from the US and there isn’t much knowledge about this stuff here in Sweden. Thanks in advance.

[@TheWhalen]

You can do some rear leaf spring upgrades. Deavers or Icons will do the trick if your bed sis squatting with added weight. It's a pretty basic mod so most shops should be able to do it. You can reach out to the vendor Hammer Built and ask for Tyson. They are based in the South West USA, but ship international and Tyson will get on the phone with you talk through the options, he is very wise.

[@GR018]

Has the Retrax Tonneau cover held up to your liking over time? I'm looking for a rack w tonneau cover set up similar to what you've done for a tent.

[@jeffwhite548]

How’s the wind noise with that roof rack set up?

[@TheWhalen]

You be get used to it.

[@aqua.scape69]

Can you give me the brand of your bed rack? I didn’t catch it in the video. I’ve been looking at the Leitner designs active cargo system. The only drawback to that system is that you cannot add a Tonneau cover. I’m installing the decked truck bed storage system but, I also want to be able to cover the entire bed for added security. Thanks for sharing.

[@aqua.scape69]

In Voodoo rack. I figured it out. You were saying it so fast I couldn’t understand. Thanks, great product. Would be interested in learning more about the products you guys fabricated to make the rack system sturdier.

[@TheWhalen]

We went to ACE and found the most burly spring they had and mounted it between rubber gaskets with a polymer to keep the spring in place and sandwiched between the adjoining brackets. It was meant to be a prototype experiment low tech, but ended up working great! The plates we added under to distribute load I had custom measured and fabricated via a friend/fabricator. We drilled and tapped the plates through the bed rail so they bolt directly without clamping.

[@aqua.scape69]

@@TheWhalen awesome, thanks a ton for your reply. Love your channel. Take care

[@ChelucaJavier]

You’re videos are great! Please don’t stop making these! Also, if I may add a small suggestion.. no need to point the camera at yourself when talking about the specifics of your truck.. just do exactly what you did when you were going over the interior of your truck. It helped to see things more clearly :) Thank you for the great content!

[@TheWhalen]

Javier Cheluca ha ha... more truck less of my ugly mug. I get it! 😂

[@ChelucaJavier]

TheWhalen hahahah no no absolutely not. I did find myself saying “move the camera over so I can see damnit!” Lol

[@TheWhalen]

Javier Cheluca i did this at dusk near dark (my bad). Tried to get good b roll coverage, will add more the next time I do a rig walk after upgrades.

[@plus790]

Who makes those rifle cases? Might want to set yourself up as an Amazon affiliate for your gear.

[@sparda1123]

He said Plano in the vid.

[@TheWhalen]

Ugh, I totally need to do the affiliate thing. I’ve not gotten around to it yet. It’s on the list! Can someone add more hours to the day? lol

[@dan4500]

Subscribed! Great video man, thanks for taking us on a tour of that beast. I just bought a 2019 Raptor and would love to get a camping setup like yours.

[@sixshooter4570]

I'm debating between Geisers and Eibachs springs up front. I know the Geisers, 2 1/2" lift, are progressive like the stock springs and the Eibachs are linear, 1 3/4" lift. Some folks say the Geisers are too stiff while others like them. I couldn't help but notice how your UCA is lowered dramatically due to your Geiser springs install. Have you thought about new UCA because I would think you would loose some articulation up front with the Geiser springs and the OEM UCA. I believe with the stock setup the UCA is canted down from horizontal just a little bit.

[@TheWhalen]

If you off-Road a lot go Geisers.

[@wenmoon7269]

I’m running the same rack system on my gen 1. How would I go about getting that reinforcement springs that you placed on the s bracket!? I like driving my raptor hard but I’m pretty worried with that bracket breaking

[@TheWhalen]

Michael Lopez those were custom built. Reach out to my mechanic and fabricator @techwithamouth on Instagram and ask him, he may be able to work something out.

[@decathlonbo]

The brackets support 700lbs/350lbs of static/dynamic weight, and per KB, no one has broken a Bracket yet by hard driving. They are far more stout than they look. I'd worry less about your brackets breaking and more about your bed rails flexing because of the weight. I would recommend just getting bed stabilizers and going on your way.

[@seanfitzgibbon6323]

How much do the trax and pax obstuct you blind spots?

[@TheWhalen]

Zero!

[@markgarcia3239]

I have the same rack with no drill clips and I have a BakFlip cover and I haven't been able to run the cover with the clips as they are intended to because the clips causes the rails to buldge inward not allowing enough width for the cover to snap into. How were you able to get them to avoid this problem with your cover as I am assuming it has rails that run along the inside of the bed for it to go back and forth correct?

[@TheWhalen]

Yep, when I reached out to KBvoodoo, they told me the Retrax was the only cover on the market at the time that can still open with the rack on. It rolls into a canister. No folding.

[@markgarcia3239]

@@TheWhalen thanks and when I asked they said just "tonneau" cover so figured it would work with all. I'm running same rack on my 19 Rap so looks like I have to go with a Retrax for my overlanding set up Thanks again and keep the vids coming!

[@mikeellison9672]

How were you able to get the tonneau cover on with that rack? Did it fit under the rails?

[@TheWhalen]

Check out the link to my gear and you'll be taken to my Kit where you'll see the rack I use from KB voodoo. They have tonneau cover bracket adapters for their racks.

[@usawaterquality2824]

When you changed your tires did you stay with the 35s or did you go to 37 inch tires?

[@TheWhalen]

35s...37s require too much trimming.

[@taclenney]

Loved your solution for the KB VooDoo post support. Question tho... how did you secure the Tepui tent base to the top of the bed rack. It seems to me that the tent rails run the same direction as the KB VooDoo and the bolting to it might require drilling holes???

[@TheWhalen]

You can mount the rails appropriately to bolt to the rack.Thanks for watching.

[@tbird792]

Thinking of getting a truck for overloading, is a Raptor a good bet? Also, whats a realistic cost for this, I know with all the markups on new models its roughly $110k, is that standard for most overloading vehicles?

[@TheWhalen]

tbird792 the Raptor is great, admittedly it’s maybe one of the more boujee choices for Overlanding. Most people who buy them probably don’t even take them off-road, those who do tend to spec it as a pre-runner. I really enjoy it for Overlanding, never had an issue with the full size and love the off-road capability, speed, handling, comfort and of course power! Other popular Overlanding rigs to look at would be Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator, Range Rover Defender, and Toyota Land Cruiser. If you also like to go fast, want great off-road capability and an A+ interior (and not concerned by the size) then Raptor! As for my Raptor I paid sticker at about $73k for it with full 802 package and was able to avoid the $10k mark up the dealer tried to hit me with. Negotiate hard, have a large down payment and be ready to walk, let them break. Gearing it out as I have is prob another $15k. I spread that out over a year of mods.

[@02JP69]

110 is way too high bud! (Unless you’re talking mods too) shop around if you haven’t bought already. I know people getting them under sticker with factory lifetime power train warranty

[@jeffc1828]

What hardware did you use to mount the gun cases on top?

[@TheWhalen]

Check out my lasted vlog on M-Rack I cover that. 🤪

[@jrw7438]

Great video! Where on the 2017+ Raptor do you find suitable to locate and lift with your hi-lift jack or, have you added specific jacking points?

[@TheWhalen]

You can use bumpers or rock slider in a pinch... that said I've never had to use it on my Raptor, but have used it to help others many times.

[@andrewmunoz3562]

Appreciate the videos, man! I just put a voodoo rack and cvt tent on my 18 raptor. How do you like voodoos side bike rack?

[@TheWhalen]

It works well enough, if you plan to go down tight trails it can be a pain, caught a lot of branches on my bike.

[@ajlowell007]

definitely appreciate this vid for a better idea of how to set up my truck. I know you wouldn't be able to do it because of the built right racks in the truck bed as well as the aux battery you installed, but I was wondering your thoughts on the use of a decked drawer system in combo with your retrax cover? I probably won't have a tent or rack on it for awhile like yours so im looking at decked or truckvault for storage/organization back there and either retractable or foldable bed cover to keep out snow/elements/and prying eyes. Would definitely like to hear your thoughts on that.

[@sparda1123]

Hope you get a chance to post more. I started following cause I am interested in getting a Raptor myself and you did a lot of mods that I had in mind also that you don't see much content on. Thanks for the content.

[@TheWhalen]

sparda1123 overland Raptor for the win! Keeping up with the pre-runners but having the best camp. Win win.

[@TheYetiAdventures]

sparda1123 same here. Planning on getting one as soon as the 19/20 models coming down. Definitely not getting 17 raptor cause of the issues. @thewhalen good work with the content. Not too long and all information. Thanks !

[@John_Conner222]

same. Also there supposedly are new powerplant options coming out in 2020. 7L V8 and propane electric.

[@poppad3585]

My only question is when's the next video?..

[@TheWhalen]

Papa D sorry, my “day job” has been so busy lately keeping me from KZbin. I’ve had to fly to Asia for multiple long works trips three times now since November... I’m replying to this from the airport in Singapore... MORE VIDEOS SOON!

[@ChrisB-rw6jy]

Hey would you mind doing a review on the new tires? Thanks

[@TheWhalen]

Good call I'll work on that one. KM3s have been great.

[@YellowHorizonFilms]

Great review! How do you like the M-rack? Looking to get it for my F150

[@TheWhalen]

Great and useful. Made a pros and cons video

[@navydoc]

Great video! I bought a Raptor 802A about a month ago and have been looking for ideas for mods. I have a Retrax Pro XR like you do and was planning on using Yakima HD crossbars for a Roofnest Falcon tent, until I saw the video where you mentioned your Trax rail bent from weight. Do you think the rails are good as is for the weight of the crossbars and tent or should I look for something beefier like you did?

[@conradmangao1970]

I appreciate the quality of the video. What camera are you using?

[@conradmangao1970]

Ow, it's mentioned in the video. Nevermind. Lol

[@TheWhalen]

Sony A7 iii

[@TheUnlistedOne]

Where do people poop while they overland. Just curious?

[@TheWhalen]

Note the shovel I have mounted in the truck is not there for looks. 😅

[@02JP69]

Poop with the bears in the woods

[@AmanSandhu7891]

can u still open and slide back your sunroof with that KC Rack?

[@TheWhalen]

Yes

[@aqua.scape69]

So how do you like the BFG KM3 tires? Are they working out for your overlanding trips?

[@TheWhalen]

BFG KM3's are amazing I love them. About 5,000 miles on them now and they are still like new!

[@Ace-vn2ch]

keep up the good work brother!

[@OverlandTrax]

Good video, keep them coming 👍

[@Drohead20]

Hey dude. Any issues with the tent over your bed warping or running the alumni bed?

[@TheWhalen]

There was mild indentations where the rack supports sat on the bed rail, we were able to tap them back in shape and added a custom 1/4 plate under brackets on all 4 sides to distribute load, works like a charm. I show it at the 5:30 mark in video.

[@thebaldfox]

Great video. I really appreciate the time you've taken to walk around and show us the goodies! I'm a totally gear head so this was right up my street. Are you still totally happy with the choice of raptor? Would you consider an alternative? Am asking as I am in the market for one, and keen to get your impressions after 30k on the clock.

[@TheWhalen]

baldfox silk love it, it's a performance machine and I'm amazed i can toss it around off-road at high speed and then drive 1000 miles home without issue.

[@thebaldfox]

@@TheWhalen cool. I really like the bed rack at the back. Are you aware of any slightly lower ones? I'd love to move the tent just below the roof line for aesthetics.

[@TheWhalen]

baldfox frotrunner may have something that works with the upgraded retrax cover to allow mounting. Would have to investigate further on how much abuse it could take.

[@Southpaw11]

Curious how your truck is holding up? I have a 19 802A with about 10k on it and have been having malfunction messages on the dash that go away after restart. Also start up has been puttering and rough idling once in a while.

[@TheWhalen]

No big issues here. If you hear a rattle at cold start might be a cam phaser issue, not fatal, just annoying and under warranty.

[@02JP69]

Those are most likely your cam phasers. Join the Ford Raptor owners group or raptor junkies on FB those guys are a lot of help when it comes to truck problems.

[@philo2197]

Did the KM3’s negatively impact your MPG’s or drive ability of the truck that you’ve noticed?

[@TheWhalen]

Nope all about the same on road, way better off road.

[@philo2197]

TheWhalen really? Those tires are about 11 lbs more per tire, right?

[@TheWhalen]

It's hard to tell gas consumption change in tires because my truck is kitted out with gear so there are multiple factors that would lower my gas mileage. When I bought it bone stock, I could get 18 miles per gallon on Hwy about 14 city. Loaded I'm at 16 hwy and 12 city that has remained the same switching tires, granted I traded in worn out KO2s for new KM3s. As for drivability the KM3s are great I like them the same as KO2s for on road but they better off-road.

[@TheWhalen]

... also note when I did a 200 mile off-road adventure on the Mojave trail my mpg was like 8 😂

[@philo2197]

TheWhalen lol damn, 8!! Really like those tires. I actually bought a ‘19 tacoma last year and put KM3’s on it but also upgraded the shocks and leveled the front end. It decreased my MPG’s on that thing by about 1-2 MPG’s but I also went up in size. So I’m just curious how much my MPG’s May decrease if I put on Km3’s

[@stevoeight]

Love the videos. Just finished watching them all. Hope your able to continue putting out content cause I can definitely see your channel gaining a significant amount of followers once you have more to watch. One constructive piece I would like to throw out is your volume levels seems to vary pretty drastically at times, should be an easy fix in post. Not as much of an issue watching on a mobile device or headphones but on my tv I have to manipulate the volume a lot and rewind to catch what your saying at times.

[@TheWhalen]

Steve L noted will try and tweak that.

[@krasnaludek298]

This guy looks like he’d drive a Prius - shocked.

[@TheWhalen]

That's hysterical and you're welcome!

[@jezzie1965]

It’s purdy

[@TheWhalen]

Thanks I have so many upgrades and changes now I need to do another one of these videos!

[@dannyrocks777]

Pro tip: people avoid grown men in scarves.

[@TheWhalen]

Booo! Haters gonna hate! Thanks for watching!

[@dannyrocks777]

TheWhalen Not trying to be hateful. The content is great, I just can’t do the scarves. The Mav’s content isn’t nearly as well done as yours, and he hit 100k subs in 9 months. I literally think it’s the scarf. There’s a difference between hate and constructive criticism, I tend to stick to the latter.

[@TheWhalen]

Great then I'll keep up with trying to make awesome content just ignore the vast array of shemaghs 😆

[@VJStroud]

scarf

[@TheWhalen]

They are very comfortable and useful.

[@kaliszandrew]

Too much you i this film!!!😠😡😤

[@TheWhalen]

Thanks for watching sport 😂