vdrona
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The Vision
I’ve always wanted a capable overlanding rig that still fits in a standard garage. It had to be rugged, practical, and "stealthy" enough for daily use. After months of research and hesitation, I finally pulled the trigger.
1. Delivery Day – The Adventure Begins
The journey started when I picked up my brand new Ford Ranger Raptor. Fresh off the dealership floor, this beast was ready for adventure... Lets start the year long build journey in under a few pages.
2. First Drive Vibes
On the drive home, I couldn’t resist capturing this — Only 20 miles on the dash — but I was already imagining trails, gear mods, and camping spots. The red center mark on the steering wheel gave it a rally-ready vibe.
3. Straight to Dirt
No time wasted — I took a detour and hit an off-road trail. This truck wasn’t meant to be babied. That factory suspension and ground clearance? It passed the test with flying colors.
4. First Mod: Tonneau Cover
To start the modular transformation, I installed a Retrax Pro XR retractable tonneau cover. Not just for weather protection, but to act as a foundation for future upgrades like racks and tents.
The T-slot rail system on the Retrax was a must-have. It enabled me to mount gear without compromising cargo space or height profile.
With the cover installed, I still had full usability of the bed and a clean, flush look. This setup was crucial to maintain my “garage fit” requirement.
5. Bed Tent Camping – First Try
Before the rack and RTT, I experimented with a truck bed tent during a camping trip to Georgia Traverse. It worked, but I knew I could optimize further. This was my test for practicality, comfort, and layout before going full overland.
While this setup worked, it was too much cumbersome to unload all the boxes from the bed to setup the truck bed tent, and undo all of it in the morning. took way too much time for the setup, and didn't want to do this on a multi day trips.
6. Kuat IBEX Bed Rack Arrives
The Kuat IBEX bed rack with MOLLE panels arrived and I laid out all the components before install. High-strength and garage-friendly.
7. Rack Installed — A Perfect Fit
Unboxed, laid out, and ready. This rack system was heavier than expected, but it came with high-quality finish and detail.
Assembly took patience, but the result was solid. The MOLLE side panels are not just aesthetic — they’re perfect for future mounts, fuel, water, and recovery tools.
After Install, the Kuat IBEX rack looked sharp and functional. The low profile left room for the RTT to come.
8. Traction Boards Mounted
Every overlander needs to be prepared for the unexpected. I mounted MAXTRAX recovery boards directly onto the MOLLE panel — quick access, low profile, and functional.
9. OVS 270º Awning Setup
Next up, I installed the Overland Vehicle Systems 270º awning. It provides a wide shade footprint and wraps around the side and rear of the truck.
I also added a fire extinguisher mount on the rack with a quick release mount from Amazon — essential safety gear that’s also easily reachable.
This was one of the most satisfying installs — the shade it provides while wrenching or cooking from the tailgate is a game-changer.
10. Rooftop Tent — The Game Changer
First I tried avoiding roof top tent and see if I can use the truck bed with a swag tent. While the swag tent was super easy, and great comfort, it doesn't fit right in the truck bed. It extends far too out due to the retrax tonnoe cover rollback box, so I ended up going for a RTT.
Finding a rooftop tent that fit the garage was a challenge. The San Hima RTT is just 5.5" tall closed and fits with 2" clearance. Perfect! Placed the order, and a week later, its here. Bought a pack of beer and texted a bunch of great friends in the neighborhood, and its on the truck in less than an hour.
The factory tent mounts are thin and flimsy, and didn't give a comfort feeling especially being so heavy up top, so I ordered custom mounts that fit the Kuat Crossbars like a glove from wheeleveryweekend and they are amazing.
11. Utility Upgrades: Rotopax and Dometic
Added fuel and water Rotopax containers, plus a Dometic jug for fresh ice cold drinking water — essential for multi-day trips.
The water dispenser is so easy, quick fit install, and instantly you have a drinking/cooking water setup. I used this to fill my water bottles on the side of the road (rest areas) when we are on a long haul.
The spacing between the fuel and the front vertical of the rack gives perfect clearance to load/unload the dometic jug in and out with ease. The space in between the rotopax also allows me to reach into my 12v refrigerator from the side.
A quick shakedown test after all these installations and everything is so integrated together, noticed no movement or rattles at all.
This is my offcamber limit before my stomach starts to feel butterflies
12. Frontrunner Roof Rack Install
After the tent was secured, I installed a Frontrunner roof rack system for additional storage. It mounts snugly over the cab and is rock-solid — but it came within millimeters of the RTT base.
Clearance? Extremely tight. But no rubbing.
Every bolt and bracket had to be carefully aligned.
This is probably as close as you can get to the edge without interference — any higher and it wouldn’t have cleared the garage.
Note: With the factory antenna being in the place of the last two cross bars, We didn't install those, and the integrity and rigidity of the roof rack is still great. It passed the "Its not going anywhere" test
13. GoRhino Case on Roof
Earlier it didn’t work on the bed rack, but I found the perfect home for it — mounted east-west on the roof rack.
Moved the previously truckbed floating 44" GoRhino case to the roof rack. Secure, quiet, and accessible for all the recovery gear.
Still clears the garage and a couple inches to spare
14. Solar Ready with San Hima Rails
Installed San Hima roof rails as a future mount for solar panels. Still fits in the garage with a slight brush on the seal. Not bad, if I can get a undermount flush solar panels and install it. Contemplating on having solar at all since I have a Ecoflow 800W alternator charger which tops up my battery and 1.5 hrs of driving which I will do no matter where I go outdoors.
15. Future Plans – Drawer System Design
Currently, Designing a lightweight aluminum extrusion drawer system to finish out bed storage with efficiency and strength. Expecting this project to finish in about a week or 2, and hopefully I can update the post. Here is a sneakpeak of the extrusion framing.
Conclusion – From Stock to Stealth Overlander
What started as a stock Ranger Raptor rolled off the dealership floor into a full-blown overlanding machine — all while fitting in a standard residential garage. This project tested every inch of clearance and every ounce of creativity.
From RTT and awning to fuel, water, and solar prep, this build proves you can have it all — capability, comfort, and practicality.
I am extremely happy with the truck platform especially the size and its capabilities offroad.
I’ve always wanted a capable overlanding rig that still fits in a standard garage. It had to be rugged, practical, and "stealthy" enough for daily use. After months of research and hesitation, I finally pulled the trigger.
1. Delivery Day – The Adventure Begins
The journey started when I picked up my brand new Ford Ranger Raptor. Fresh off the dealership floor, this beast was ready for adventure... Lets start the year long build journey in under a few pages.
2. First Drive Vibes
On the drive home, I couldn’t resist capturing this — Only 20 miles on the dash — but I was already imagining trails, gear mods, and camping spots. The red center mark on the steering wheel gave it a rally-ready vibe.
3. Straight to Dirt
No time wasted — I took a detour and hit an off-road trail. This truck wasn’t meant to be babied. That factory suspension and ground clearance? It passed the test with flying colors.
4. First Mod: Tonneau Cover
To start the modular transformation, I installed a Retrax Pro XR retractable tonneau cover. Not just for weather protection, but to act as a foundation for future upgrades like racks and tents.
The T-slot rail system on the Retrax was a must-have. It enabled me to mount gear without compromising cargo space or height profile.
With the cover installed, I still had full usability of the bed and a clean, flush look. This setup was crucial to maintain my “garage fit” requirement.
5. Bed Tent Camping – First Try
Before the rack and RTT, I experimented with a truck bed tent during a camping trip to Georgia Traverse. It worked, but I knew I could optimize further. This was my test for practicality, comfort, and layout before going full overland.
While this setup worked, it was too much cumbersome to unload all the boxes from the bed to setup the truck bed tent, and undo all of it in the morning. took way too much time for the setup, and didn't want to do this on a multi day trips.
6. Kuat IBEX Bed Rack Arrives
The Kuat IBEX bed rack with MOLLE panels arrived and I laid out all the components before install. High-strength and garage-friendly.
7. Rack Installed — A Perfect Fit
Unboxed, laid out, and ready. This rack system was heavier than expected, but it came with high-quality finish and detail.
Assembly took patience, but the result was solid. The MOLLE side panels are not just aesthetic — they’re perfect for future mounts, fuel, water, and recovery tools.
After Install, the Kuat IBEX rack looked sharp and functional. The low profile left room for the RTT to come.
8. Traction Boards Mounted
Every overlander needs to be prepared for the unexpected. I mounted MAXTRAX recovery boards directly onto the MOLLE panel — quick access, low profile, and functional.
9. OVS 270º Awning Setup
Next up, I installed the Overland Vehicle Systems 270º awning. It provides a wide shade footprint and wraps around the side and rear of the truck.
I also added a fire extinguisher mount on the rack with a quick release mount from Amazon — essential safety gear that’s also easily reachable.
This was one of the most satisfying installs — the shade it provides while wrenching or cooking from the tailgate is a game-changer.
10. Rooftop Tent — The Game Changer
First I tried avoiding roof top tent and see if I can use the truck bed with a swag tent. While the swag tent was super easy, and great comfort, it doesn't fit right in the truck bed. It extends far too out due to the retrax tonnoe cover rollback box, so I ended up going for a RTT.
Finding a rooftop tent that fit the garage was a challenge. The San Hima RTT is just 5.5" tall closed and fits with 2" clearance. Perfect! Placed the order, and a week later, its here. Bought a pack of beer and texted a bunch of great friends in the neighborhood, and its on the truck in less than an hour.
The factory tent mounts are thin and flimsy, and didn't give a comfort feeling especially being so heavy up top, so I ordered custom mounts that fit the Kuat Crossbars like a glove from wheeleveryweekend and they are amazing.
11. Utility Upgrades: Rotopax and Dometic
Added fuel and water Rotopax containers, plus a Dometic jug for fresh ice cold drinking water — essential for multi-day trips.
The water dispenser is so easy, quick fit install, and instantly you have a drinking/cooking water setup. I used this to fill my water bottles on the side of the road (rest areas) when we are on a long haul.
The spacing between the fuel and the front vertical of the rack gives perfect clearance to load/unload the dometic jug in and out with ease. The space in between the rotopax also allows me to reach into my 12v refrigerator from the side.
A quick shakedown test after all these installations and everything is so integrated together, noticed no movement or rattles at all.
This is my offcamber limit before my stomach starts to feel butterflies
12. Frontrunner Roof Rack Install
After the tent was secured, I installed a Frontrunner roof rack system for additional storage. It mounts snugly over the cab and is rock-solid — but it came within millimeters of the RTT base.
Clearance? Extremely tight. But no rubbing.
Every bolt and bracket had to be carefully aligned.
This is probably as close as you can get to the edge without interference — any higher and it wouldn’t have cleared the garage.
Note: With the factory antenna being in the place of the last two cross bars, We didn't install those, and the integrity and rigidity of the roof rack is still great. It passed the "Its not going anywhere" test
13. GoRhino Case on Roof
Earlier it didn’t work on the bed rack, but I found the perfect home for it — mounted east-west on the roof rack.
Moved the previously truckbed floating 44" GoRhino case to the roof rack. Secure, quiet, and accessible for all the recovery gear.
Still clears the garage and a couple inches to spare
14. Solar Ready with San Hima Rails
Installed San Hima roof rails as a future mount for solar panels. Still fits in the garage with a slight brush on the seal. Not bad, if I can get a undermount flush solar panels and install it. Contemplating on having solar at all since I have a Ecoflow 800W alternator charger which tops up my battery and 1.5 hrs of driving which I will do no matter where I go outdoors.
15. Future Plans – Drawer System Design
Currently, Designing a lightweight aluminum extrusion drawer system to finish out bed storage with efficiency and strength. Expecting this project to finish in about a week or 2, and hopefully I can update the post. Here is a sneakpeak of the extrusion framing.
Conclusion – From Stock to Stealth Overlander
What started as a stock Ranger Raptor rolled off the dealership floor into a full-blown overlanding machine — all while fitting in a standard residential garage. This project tested every inch of clearance and every ounce of creativity.
From RTT and awning to fuel, water, and solar prep, this build proves you can have it all — capability, comfort, and practicality.
I am extremely happy with the truck platform especially the size and its capabilities offroad.
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