1996 Ford F-350 7.3L With a Custom Cabin In The Bed

Forddaily

Well-known member
Staff member
administrator
Registered
Local time
Today, 14:15
Joined
Aug 15, 2019
Reaction score
409
Location
US
Feedback score
0
Vehicle(s)
Ford F150 Ford F250 Mustang
1996 Ford F350 7.3L Powerstroke With a Custom Cabin In The Bed 2.jpg


I spent about a month planning and sketching out the design. I basically took the exact measurements of my truck bed and designed the frame to fit perfectly (within 1/2 an inch) within the bed. I knew I did not want an overhead cab. My experience with overhead cab versus non-overhead cab campers has been that:

1) They get horrible gas mileage.
2) The wind blows you around much worse.
3) Frost heaves/dips in the road cause the truck/camper to bounce hard.
4) They weight a lot more.

Says: Tim Johnson (Owner)

Built into the truck bed of a classic 1996 Ford F350 7.3 powerstroke diesel. I figured the only thing I'll miss is just being able to "jump" into bed/not set a bed up. Other than that, I was sold on the non-cab over for aerodynamics, lighter weight, better gas mileage, more maneuverability and better handling.

Here's a couple of pics of the final project after I finished, SUPER STOKED how it turned out and fits in the truck with 1/4 inch to spare on both sides, perfect:^) The truck carries the weight easy and handles completely fine, I still have to weight the truck with and without the camper on, but I'm guessing it's around 1,800 to 2,000 pounds. Even gas mileage is almost the same as before! You can stand up inside (6'3 in the kitchen where you actually need to stand and 5' at the front of the house (where you're sitting anyways).


1) 2 full-sized couches for a super comfy place to hang out in for up to 6 people, that fold into a place to sleep 3 people comfortably.

1996 Ford F350 7.3L Powerstroke With a Custom Cabin In The Bed 3.jpg

2) A wood stove for the primary source of heat and a propane furnace for quick/backup heat.
3) A toilet (sometimes you gotta go when there's no bathroom around in the middle of the city).


1996 Ford F350 7.3L Powerstroke With a Custom Cabin In The Bed 3 4.jpg

4) An range with an oven for warming up food/baking lazy frozen pre-packaged lasanga style meals after a long day skiing:^)
5) A simple hand-pump and removable water jug setup for "running water", even in the winter.


1996 Ford F350 7.3L Powerstroke With a Custom Cabin In The Bed 5.jpg


6) A TV/DVD player to veg out on rainy/down days and USB charging stations/phone holder.
1996 Ford F350 7.3L Powerstroke With a Custom Cabin In The Bed 6.jpg


7) A 12 volt super efficient refrigerator/freezer to store food and cold beer.
1996 Ford F350 7.3L Powerstroke With a Custom Cabin In The Bed 7.jpg


8) A solar panel to keep the house battery charged.
1996 Ford F350 7.3L Powerstroke With a Custom Cabin In The Bed 8.jpg


9) A roofed front porch with a couple of storage seats" to store firewood, dry out wet kayaking gear, and pick a banjo outside under pouring rain.
1996 Ford F350 7.3L Powerstroke With a Custom Cabin In The Bed 9.jpg


10) A strong and stout camper that can hold up to Alaska's rough roads (even the paved roads in AK are worse than anywhere in the states, potholes, frost heaves, pavements breaks vibrate/tear campers apart up here).
1996 Ford F350 7.3L Powerstroke With a Custom Cabin In The Bed 10.jpg

Pics by: Tim Johnson
 
Last edited:
S

Shawn Aldrich

Guest
Guest
Wow,send me the plans lol I have a 99 f250 v10 with 8' box.This would be perfect for my hunting and fishing trips.Very nice and well thought out.
 
T

Tom L.

Guest
Guest
Great job!!!! I could use one!!
 
Top