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Camping with Your Ford: The Best Overlanding Setups

Camping with Your Ford: The Best Overlanding Setups

When it comes to camping and overlanding in Arizona’s rugged landscapes, there’s no better companion than a Ford vehicle. Whether you’re exploring the vast Tonto National Forest, venturing into the Copper Corridor, or setting up camp near Roosevelt Lake, Ford’s lineup of trucks and SUVs can be customized for an epic outdoor experience. From rooftop tents to truck bed camping and Bronco overlanding builds, here are the best ways to camp with your Ford vehicle.

Overlanding with the Ford Bronco: The Ultimate Adventure SUV

For outdoor enthusiasts who want a blend of rugged off-road capability and comfortable camping options, the Ford Bronco is an ideal vehicle for overlanding. Known for its legendary off-road prowess, the Bronco also makes a fantastic overlanding vehicle with the right setup.

• Rooftop Tents: One of the most popular overlanding setups for the Bronco is the addition of a rooftop tent. These tents are perfect for camping in places like the Superstition Mountains or Pinal Mountains, where finding level ground to pitch a tent can be challenging. A rooftop tent allows you to sleep comfortably off the ground, away from wildlife and uneven terrain.

• Built-in Power: The Bronco offers the option for Pro Power Onboard, providing power for camping equipment, lights, or even a portable fridge. This is perfect for off-grid camping in remote spots like Tonto National Forest or Queen Creek Canyon.

• Trail-Ready Features: The G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) Modes and available Sasquatch Package give you unparalleled off-road capability. Whether you’re tackling rough roads or rocky trails to get to your campsite, the Bronco’s off-road technology ensures you’ll make it with ease.

Truck Bed Camping: Maximizing Your Ford Truck for Overnight Adventures

Ford trucks like the F-150, Ranger, and Super Duty make fantastic camping vehicles, especially when you convert the truck bed into a functional sleeping space.

• Truck Bed Tents: A truck bed tent is a quick and easy way to turn your truck into a cozy mobile campsite. These tents fit over your truck bed, providing shelter while keeping you off the ground. They’re perfect for camping in areas like Roosevelt Lake or along the Salt River, where you can park your truck right at the water’s edge.

• Truck Bed Storage: The bed of your Ford truck offers plenty of room for storing gear, firewood, and camping essentials. Adding a bed organizer, toolbox, or sliding drawer system makes it easier to keep everything secure and accessible. You can also add a truck bed canopy for added protection from the elements.

• Sleeping Pads or Air Mattresses: For comfort, you can add a sleeping pad or an inflatable air mattress to your truck bed setup. This turns your truck into a home away from home, allowing you to enjoy camping in style and comfort.

Ford F-150: The Perfect Overlanding Build

The Ford F-150 is one of the most capable trucks for overlanding, with numerous modifications available to make it the ultimate adventure vehicle.

• Overlanding Accessories: You can customize the F-150 with a variety of accessories, including a roof rack, auxiliary lights, winches, and water storage solutions for longer trips. These additions make your truck ready for anything, from remote wilderness camping to off-grid adventures in places like Superstition Mountains or the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

• Overlanding Trailer: If you prefer to have extra space and amenities while overlanding, consider an overlanding trailer. The F-150’s towing capacity of up to 14,000 lbs means you can easily tow a well-equipped overlanding trailer loaded with gear, supplies, and even a camper or trailer-mounted tent.

• EcoBoost Engine for Efficiency: For long trips across Arizona’s diverse landscapes, the F-150’s EcoBoost V6 engine delivers excellent towing capability and fuel efficiency, meaning you can cover more ground with fewer fuel stops while camping in remote areas like the Tonto National Forest or Cave Creek.

Ford Ranger: Compact and Capable Overlanding Setup

The Ford Ranger is a fantastic option for overlanding, especially if you prefer a more compact vehicle. It’s perfect for navigating tight trails and off-road paths, making it a great choice for overlanding through Arizona’s mountainous terrain.

• Rooftop Tent on a Ranger: Adding a rooftop tent to your Ranger is a great way to sleep comfortably while keeping your gear secure in the bed. The Ranger’s off-road suspension and Terrain Management System make it capable of handling the rugged trails leading to remote campsites.

• Off-Road Packages: The Ranger’s FX4 Off-Road Package includes features like skid plates, off-road tires, and trail-tuned suspension that make it ready for Arizona’s toughest trails. It’s a great option for overlanding in areas like the Pinal Mountains or exploring off-road routes through Apache Leap.

Overlanding Essentials for Your Ford Setup

To make the most of your camping experience, consider adding these essential overlanding upgrades to your Ford vehicle:

•Solar Panels: Keep your devices and camping gear powered up with a solar panel system. Solar panels are great for off-grid camping, whether you’re in the middle of the Copper Corridor or camping near the Salt River.

• Camping Kitchen Setup: A portable stove, cookware, and a refrigerator are must-haves for overlanding trips. Many Ford vehicles can accommodate camping kitchen setups in the bed or inside the cabin, allowing you to cook up delicious meals wherever you roam.

• Water Filtration System: In remote areas, having access to clean water is crucial. A portable water filtration system ensures you have fresh drinking water during your camping trips in places like Tonto National Forest or the desert landscapes surrounding Apache Junction.

Final Thoughts: Overlanding with Ford Vehicles in Arizona

Ford vehicles, from the Bronco to the F-150, are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the wilderness of Arizona’s Copper Corridor, the Superstition Mountains, or the Tonto National Forest. With the right overlanding setup, your Ford can become the ultimate adventure vehicle—whether you’re setting up a rooftop tent, converting your truck bed into a camping space, or customizing a Bronco for serious off-road exploration.

Arizona’s diverse terrain offers endless opportunities for overlanding and camping, and with a Ford vehicle, you’ll be ready for every adventure that comes your way.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Jon is new to the outdoor experiences that Arizona offers. Having resided in the Copper Corridor for the last 15+ years he is finally glad to see what Arizona really has to offer.

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