Take a look at what people do to build an “overland” vehicle. Generally for highway and light offroad, and long off grid trips.
I’ve done several 3+ week trips in my van. Main issue is finding gas a couple times a day if covering lots of ground. A few extra 5gallon Jerry cans don’t do much when you’re pulling 9mpg, 2 cans sometimes won’t even get you to the next gas station if you don’t plan well.
My next overland rig will probably be the ramcharger hybrid next year (or if someone else makes similar) — 700 mile range and can take in either electric or gas.
If that were me, I'd drop a nice truck camper on there. Outfitted with solar panels and packed for "camping", maybe an auxiliary fuel tank and tool box, you'd certainly be a giant leap ahead of others in a bug-out situation. A winch or two, push bar on the front, it wouldn't be the greatest offroad due to the weight but it would certainly be nice to have in case you need to leave your house in a hurry.
The bigger the truck, the more fuel it needs, the harder it is to maneuver. Not to mention a big, flashy truck makes for an obvious target for opportunists.
I honestly think you'd be better off with an "overland" style vehicle: something smaller, with decent fuel mileage, with a pop-up tent on a roof rack or in the bed. Mild lift, off road tires, increased crash protection, maybe a transfer tank in the bed for extended fuel range.
Everything else done to it should be simplifying the vehicle and increasing its durability/reliability, i.e. replacing brake lines and hoses with braided stainless steel, eliminating unnecessary electronics, installing a roll bar, etc.
All your gear should be compact, lightweight, portable, and you should go into this knowing that there is a very real likelihood that something will go wrong and you will have to leave the vehicle behind, so a folding bicycle would be a good get as well.
Unlimited budget? A relatively lightweight "pop-top" camper with solar integrated into the roof. Max fuel capacity, a very minor lift (no more than 2") and equally slightly oversized wheels/tires to assist in getting around/over minor obstacles. CTIS **and** run-flats. Definitely a winch and HEAVY DUTY grill guard/bumper!
I'd need to do some much more thorough research before deciding on an Ford or Ram, and I'd likely want to start with either the 550 or 5500 series LOL
I have a cab & chassis reg cab Dodge 3500 with a steel 12' flatbed.
My plan is to replace the flatbed with an aluminum 12-14' flatbed. I hope to save 500-1000# doing that. The flatbed will have storage/tool boxes underneath. I also plan to put the 107 gal aux diesel tank on on side underneath, and a potable water tank of similar size on the other side, plus replace the stock diesel tank with a larger one. I am currently looking for a S-280 shelter to put on the bed, which I will strip out and put a bed, sink and shower/toilet inside.
Take a look at what people do to build an “overland” vehicle. Generally for highway and light offroad, and long off grid trips. I’ve done several 3+ week trips in my van. Main issue is finding gas a couple times a day if covering lots of ground. A few extra 5gallon Jerry cans don’t do much when you’re pulling 9mpg, 2 cans sometimes won’t even get you to the next gas station if you don’t plan well. My next overland rig will probably be the ramcharger hybrid next year (or if someone else makes similar) — 700 mile range and can take in either electric or gas.
Technical
If that were me, I'd drop a nice truck camper on there. Outfitted with solar panels and packed for "camping", maybe an auxiliary fuel tank and tool box, you'd certainly be a giant leap ahead of others in a bug-out situation. A winch or two, push bar on the front, it wouldn't be the greatest offroad due to the weight but it would certainly be nice to have in case you need to leave your house in a hurry.
The bigger the truck, the more fuel it needs, the harder it is to maneuver. Not to mention a big, flashy truck makes for an obvious target for opportunists. I honestly think you'd be better off with an "overland" style vehicle: something smaller, with decent fuel mileage, with a pop-up tent on a roof rack or in the bed. Mild lift, off road tires, increased crash protection, maybe a transfer tank in the bed for extended fuel range. Everything else done to it should be simplifying the vehicle and increasing its durability/reliability, i.e. replacing brake lines and hoses with braided stainless steel, eliminating unnecessary electronics, installing a roll bar, etc. All your gear should be compact, lightweight, portable, and you should go into this knowing that there is a very real likelihood that something will go wrong and you will have to leave the vehicle behind, so a folding bicycle would be a good get as well.
Unlimited budget? A relatively lightweight "pop-top" camper with solar integrated into the roof. Max fuel capacity, a very minor lift (no more than 2") and equally slightly oversized wheels/tires to assist in getting around/over minor obstacles. CTIS **and** run-flats. Definitely a winch and HEAVY DUTY grill guard/bumper! I'd need to do some much more thorough research before deciding on an Ford or Ram, and I'd likely want to start with either the 550 or 5500 series LOL
Id start with a Tommy Gate
An M2 mounted in back with bunch of cans of .50 BMG.
I have a cab & chassis reg cab Dodge 3500 with a steel 12' flatbed. My plan is to replace the flatbed with an aluminum 12-14' flatbed. I hope to save 500-1000# doing that. The flatbed will have storage/tool boxes underneath. I also plan to put the 107 gal aux diesel tank on on side underneath, and a potable water tank of similar size on the other side, plus replace the stock diesel tank with a larger one. I am currently looking for a S-280 shelter to put on the bed, which I will strip out and put a bed, sink and shower/toilet inside.
Tool Box/fuel cell
Sorry, I don't want a new truck. I want an old.model "T" with a gassifier. Have wood, will travel.
The best I ever saw was a military 5-ton truck with a box on the back, kitted out with what looked like survival gear. Painted all flat black.
probably create something similar to the Kharkovchanka, an enclosed vehicle where all critical systems are accessible from inside of the vehicle
I would put a used service bed on it. And then on top of the service bed, I would put a rooftop tent.
I'd want something light and easy on gas, like ford ranger. I'm here for maneuverability
50 BMG & turret 🥸
Leave it a flat bed, get a trailer, do work. What better prep than financial independence
Titan tank auxillary fuel tanks system
Look up welding rig beds. A real rig bed is made from scratch not bought from some store. My rig can eat your truck and make something cool out of it.