calyptura.com

Our current vehicle is a 2010 Ford F150 XL truck with extended ("super") cab, fitted with a 2010 FWC Hawk model pop-up camper. It is for sale from March 2014 in southern California as a combined package only. The vehicle has California licence plates, and registration paid through March 2014.

This rig has proven to be a superb vehicle for hardcore travel in all countries of Central and South America, and is available for only US$ 27,500. (The current kbb.com value for the truck alone is US$ 17,000, and the camper with our spec costs over US$ 20,000 new.)

It is in very good condition, only three years old, and with 75,500 miles (121,000 km). Plus it comes already kitted out with many overland extras.

See below for photos and detailed specs. Contact Jon for more information (email: vehicle AT calyptura.com).

The photo below taken in August 2012, shows how the vehicle and camper were still in very good condition near the end of three year journey.

2010 Ford F150 XL 4.6L V8 petrol engine

Detailed spec of the truck is available here: http://www.decodethis.com/VIN-Decoded/vin/1FTEX1E82AKC18615

Very strong and reliable, we have had zero mechanical problems with the vehicle in three years of travel. It has been easy to get parts and servicing throughout Central and South America, unlike the stories we have heard about some other makes of vehicle.

All major services have been conducted by Ford dealers/authorised service. We have the service book and all original paperwork for all services done on the vehicle. We have been the sole owner of the vehicle.

Superb automatic transmission and cruise control.

Fuel economy has averaged 15-17 mpg (13-14 L per 100km, or about 7km per litre).

The extended cab means loads of storage space even for a trip of several years, or extra seating for up to three more people. Rear doors are front opening (called “suicide doors" in the US) which provide much better access and better security. We went with a simple cab configuration (vinyl seats, plastic floors) so that it easy to keep everything clean.

Excellent stereo with single CD and mp3 connection.

Upgraded rear suspension (additional leaf springs added) helps support the weight of the camper and improves stability.

Extended range fuel tank is 137 litre (36 gal) instead of standard 99 litre (26 gal).

Vehicle weight is 3175kg (7000lb) and the camper weight is 336kg (740lb)(the latter includes full water tank and full propane tanks, but not personal items).

Includes many safety items that we have added which have been compulsory in some Latin American countries (and sometimes you are asked to prove you have them at police checkpoints): heavy duty jumper cables, two warning triangles, fire extinguisher, high visibility vests, and reflective strips. We added a bottle jack rated to 6 tons (much faster and easier than the terrible Ford jack).

For added security, the truck has lockable wheel nuts for the wheels and lockable bolts for the licence plates.

Four Wheel Pop-up Camper 2010 Hawk model

All aluminum “Flex-Frame” with a finished wood Interior and formica kitchen counter top.

Auxiliary battery system - two deep cycle 12V batteries provide more than enough power for everything in the camper, and fully charged provide us with up to one week of power without driving (this may vary depending on your useage). System includes an integrated four-point charge level indicator.

110V system with built-in 12V power converter. Th system is fully pre-wired for a solar panel on the roof should you choose to add one (we haven't needed one).

84 litre (22 gal) fresh water tank with lockable external filler. Includes an integrated water level indicator. Exterior fresh water tap near back door, allows you to get potable water from outside, and drain the water tank if needed

Insulated side walls and roof

Aluminum exterior sides and roof very durable and easy to clean

Superb Fiamma 2.5m (8 ft) side awning

Rear flood light

Aluminum roof rack

Queen cabover bed 1.63m (64”) wide x 1.96m (77”) long, remarkably comfortable

Couch seating provides lots of room and makes camper very spacious, plus very comfy fabric cushions. Excellent storage capacity under couch, and plenty of cabinets and drawers. The back of the couch flips over to make another bed.

Extra tall pop-up introduced in 2010 means the interior height is a very spacious 1.96m (6ft 5in) inside.

Front window gives excellent view into truck cab for improved security

Louvered passenger side window, and large emergency exit side window.

Privacy curtains.

Stainless steel kitchen sink with electric water pump.

Two-burner stove with cover.

Engel 45 litre 12V refrigerator/freezer. Famous as being the most efficient off-road fridge in the World, because of our overland experience in Australia we had this Engel custom-fitted for us, runs only off electricity, unlike many camper fridges, saving propane. The fridge is top loading, much more efficient with space than bar-style fridge, and nothing shifts around on rough roads; it can be easily accessed when camper is popped down.

Rugged vinyl side liner very tough and easy to clean. Includes four large windows providing great ventilation, fully screened for insects, each with both a clear window and a vinyl window. Strong velcro system allows each window to be partly closed as much or as little as needed (see photos below showing windows in different positions, although the options are almost endless).

Dual 12V DC outlets (cigarette lighter style), plus two 110V AC outlets (US style socket), the latter useable when plugged in to external AC electricity

Gas detector/alarm for smoke, propane and carbon monoxide is built-in and permanently on for safety.

Propane forced air furnace - very easy to use, with electrical start and excellent thermostat; extremely efficient, this heater proved to be very  valuable in the mountains of Mexico and the Andes, not to mention Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

Two overhead interior lights - dual lamp 12V fluorescent type (with two spare bulbs)

12V interior floor lighting

Screen door - great ventilation while keeping the insects out

Power Roof Vent Fan is bidirectional (in and out) with three speed settings, great during cooking and for ventilation

Two 4.5 kg  (10 lb) propane tanks. Many overland vehicles have only a single propane tank, so when they  run out they have to fill up as soon as possible. With two tanks, it is never an emergency to fill up, you can always have one full, and can fill up in your own time (and at the easiest, cheapest places). We have found that even with daily use one tank last about two months. (In Argentina we added a propane bottle adapter, essential for filling up in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and French Guiana.)

Rear wall steps (4) provide better access to roof rack but also very useful for hanging things, cleaning the roof, etc.

Hot water system a real luxury, heats using propane. The exterior panel containing the hot water ignition system is shown below.

During our travels we have added many extras that are invaluable for traveling in Latin America and elsewhere, that we will sell with the vehicle, including:

110/240 V voltage converter, rated to 750W, essential for Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, French Guiana, and parts of Paraguay and Brazil.

Two electrical extension cords, one 30m (100') and another 7m (25').

10m hose for filling water tank etc.

The following underside photos were taken in August 2012. Apart from some staining from dirt roads, the underside is in great condition, with no rust or damage at all.