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This Ford F-150 Raptor remains stock mechanically, however, it has been equipped with a whole array of additional Overlanding equipment.

Micheal Murguia is known to share some of the most exciting and informative content related to vehicle-based exploration on his YouTube channel Overland Bound. The content uploaded on this channel includes everything from rig walkarounds to in-depth Overland related how-to's. One such video that immediately caught our attention showcases a 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor purposefully built with just one goal: to be the perfect Overland adventure vehicle.

The Ford F-150 Raptor in this video belongs to Mr. Murguia's dearest friend Mike Johnston, making this build much more special. After a bit of friendly banter between the two, where Mr. Murguia introduces his friend and the truck to the viewers, he asks an essential question: What were the reasons that led Mike Johnston to narrow down on the Ford Raptor as his choice for an Overland vehicle?

Mike Johnston explains that before owning the Ford Raptor, he used to drive a two-wheel drive pickup truck. However, after getting inspired by his friend Michael Murguia to try out overland adventures, he needed a vehicle capable enough to take him off-road.

That said, unlike most people, who choose to build their Overland rig over time, Mr. Johnston wanted something quick. His main intention was not to spend too much time building a vehicle but instead opt for one that offered off-road chops right off the factory floor. In addition to this, he had one other primary requirement. Being 6 foot 5 inches tall, he wanted a vehicle that would be comfortable for him to be in over a long-distance journey.

Though several trucks in the market offer serious off-road capability right off the factory floor, most of them fall in the mid-size category, for instance, the Toyota Tacoma. And these will not be able to offer a comfortable driving experience to Mr. Johnston, especially on cross-country road trips.

Based on these two requirements, he narrowed down on the Ford Raptor. Based on the F-150 pickup truck, the Raptor falls in the full-sized category and hence offers a decent amount of space on the inside for anyone above 6 feet tall. In addition, it is a competent machine thanks to its powerful engine and advanced suspension components.

Mike Johnston further explains that if he were to buy any other full-size pickup truck, for instance, a Toyota Tundra, and then mechanically modify it to make it off-road worthy, he would have ended up spending the same amount of money as the sticker price of a Ford Raptor. With no mechanical modifications done, the best part about this build is that most of the truck's components are covered under the factory warranty!

Related: Check Out This Badass Toyota Tacoma Overlanding Camper

Mike Johnston has left no stoned unturned when equipping his Ford Raptor with all the necessary gear required for an Overland adventure. He did most of his research with the help of the Overland Bound community, giving him the advantage of choosing parts that have proven reliable by other members.

For instance, to protect the Raptor's aluminum body, he went for a solid steel bumper made by Warn instead of opting for the more commonly used Baja bumpers as they won't be able to provide his truck with the necessary frontal protection needed in off-road situations. Furthermore, the Raptor's bumper is equipped with a 12,000 lbs capacity Warn Zeon Winch.

Also equipped on the front bumper are two heavy-duty shackles to help pull the truck out from sticky situations if needed. Additionally, this Raptor has been adorned with Baja Designs Pro Series amber lights for illuminating the path while traversing the trail at night or during extreme weather conditions.

For communications, Mr. Johnston has equipped his Raptor with a Ham Radio. This will be handy in case of any emergency if there is no cell connection in the area where he chooses to camp.

As far as this Raptor's suspension is concerned, it has primarily been left untouched in this build. The only modification is at the back, where the stock leaf springs have been replaced by heavy-duty ones. This has increased the payload capacity of this Raptor to a maximum of 3,000 lbs.

Related: Why The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Is Perfect For Overland Adventures

In this build, the truck bed of the Raptor has been used as the primary storage space for the things and equipment needed for an Overland expedition. Hanging on the tailgate is a garbage bag, while the back of the tailgate has been equipped with a cutting board to provide a flat working surface.

Inside the truck bed, under the solid steel cage, is a Decked drawer system used for storing all the equipment required for camping, for instance, foldable chairs and a gas stove, among other things. Placed on top of these drawers are Roam Adventure cases. These are also used for further storage requirements such as food supplies and other cooking essentials.

Sitting on top of this cage is a Roofnest rooftop tent. Not only does this set-up provides for a safe sleeping space away from the creepy crawlies at night, but it also acts as a fantastic lookout point. Behind the tent is placed a 180 degrees awning to provide a shaded working space around the truck bed.

When heading out for an adventure in the wilderness, carrying enough water supplies for emergencies is always essential. For this, the Raptor has been equipped with four Rotopax Jerry cans that have a capacity of 2 gallons each. In addition to this, there is also a 4-gallon portable shower on board this truck.

So has this build inspired you to take your next adventure out into the wilderness? For us, it sure has!

Ayush's love for all things automotive started with his grandfather's old Suzuki. This early initiation has transformed into a passion for cars that he now chooses to express through his words.