Tactical Application Vehicles Transforms Ford F-350 Into Ultimate Six-Person Adventure Rig That Fits in a Garage

The foundation one chooses to base their adventure vehicle on is dependent on many factors, from the practical, such as what type of terrain and adventures it is to be used on and for, one’s budget and even available parking space, to the not-so-practical aspects, including aesthetics and personal likes and dislikes.

For some, a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco is perfectly fine for their needs, while others need to go bigger and choose a full-size pickup such as a Toyota Tundra on which to base their home-on-wheels. And there are still others who need something even bigger. 

The owner of this Ford F-350 Super Duty needed a large enough interior capacity to take six people on outdoor adventures and extended road trips.

Tactical Application Vehicles (TAV) took on the challenge of the client, who wanted a full-size truck, specifically this Super Duty, to get out along with his wife and four daughters. There was also one small caveat: The truck must fit into an 8-foot-high garage.

Walt Wagner and his team at TAV tailored the design to meet this requirement without sacrificing an ounce of functionality or style. This 2022 F-350 Super Duty is meticulously crafted to meet any terrain that comes its way.

The Camper Setup

To meet the stipulation of fitting the truck in the garage, they chose a Skinny Guy Campers 6.5’ model. These campers are something else.

The Kit N Kaboodle trim comes with a furnace/water heater, shower, single-burner stove, sink, solar, electric management, a queen-size bed, 36-gallon water tank, a black water tank, and they also opted for the Prima Loo flushing toilet. All of this is packed into a camper the size of your average truck topper.

To add strength and storage to the truck bed, they replaced the bed with the Bowen Customs Camper Bed. This bed replacement boasts ample space for all gear and essentials.

TAV also added quite a few things, including a foam base and lighting in the upper storage compartments, plus a Pro-Eagle Racing Jack and mount in the rear for easy access.

One of the lower forward cabinets houses an Oasis compressor and battery. This large compressor can air up all four of the 37-inch tires in under five minutes.

Inside the cab, you’ll find a transformation prioritizing family comfort and safety. The truck’s interior has been thoughtfully converted to feature a bench seat, ensuring every family member has her own dedicated spot, complete with secure seatbelts for worry-free travels. All the truck’s lighting utilizes the factory switches in the cab.

To keep the F350’s occupants in touch with the outside world, a WeBoost Drive Reach Overland was installed to help boost cell signal for extended data coverage. For vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-basecamp communications, a Rugged Radios RDM-DB mobile two-way radio was fitted into the truck’s cab as well.

Additional Capability

Let’s talk about the exterior. The Front Runner Slimline roof rack sits low enough to maintain the 8-foot garage height limit and carries a few items ready to accommodate all the adventure essentials, from Maxtrax recovery boards to a foldable mast for the aforementioned WeBoost unit.

When more light is needed in camp or on a dark road, strategically placed Baja Designs S2 lights provide ample illumination for those late-night scenarios.

Mounted to the front of this rack, seven LP4s were included for when there came a need to cast a light high and far down the road and reduce shadows on objects ahead.

An Addictive Desert Designs (ADD) Stealth Fighter bumper sits on the front of the truck, housing a powerful ComeUp 12.5 Slim winch. TAV prefers to use this winch on their builds as the size is the same as the 9.5, so it can fit in the same spot but you have 3,000 more pounds to play with.

Four LP9s are mounted on top of the bumper, two ambers and two white lights, so visibility is never an issue no matter the conditions.

Strengthened Suspension

The truck’s suspension is the key to managing the vehicle’s weight both on- and off-road. So TAV used the Carli E-Venture suspension, which offers unmatched versatility and performance. Deaver add-a-pack leaf springs and a Firestone floating rear airbag kit were installed in the rear.

This suspension system was used because it can be adjusted as the weight of the vehicle changes.

From running dry with just the client to carrying his family, their gear and 36 gallons of water, they can be sure that this truck effortlessly adapts to any load, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride whether they are traversing rocky terrain or simply cruising down the highway.

Last but not least—the wheels and tires. TAV went with one of their favorite combos: 17-inch Method 703 Bead Grip wheels paired with rugged 37-inch Toyo MT Tires.

TAV’s Wagner appreciates this combination because, when you are driving a truck all over the country, the Toyos are great for meeting the needs of varying road surfaces, from pavement to rocks and dirt.

Final Word

With the Super Duty build complete, TAV was able to deliver just what the client was looking for. The well-equipped F-Series can easily transport and sustain six people on extended trips in comfort and with ease.

It isn’t just a truck; it’s a gateway to unforgettable family adventures. From the meticulously designed camper setup to its rugged exterior features and high-performance suspension, every aspect of this vehicle has been fine-tuned to deliver the ultimate outdoor experience.

For more builds by Tactical Application Vehicles, check out their website at tavllc.com.

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This article originally appeared in OVR Issue 09. For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.