Ford F250 Black Ops: 2017 Custom 4x4OTY contender

YEP, it’s big, but if your plans include extended touring, plus the ability to tow a large caravan comfortably, you want a sizeable, self-contained rig – and this monster limited edition Black Ops F250 (built by US-based Tuscany Motor Co) fits that bill.

Vote for the Ford F250 Black Ops to win 2017 Custom 4x4 of the Year

When Simon, the owner, took delivery of the Black Ops F250 it was already well kitted-out as ‘standard’. A six-inch lift, twin steering dampers, Road Armor bullbar, 20-inch rims running 37-inch rubber, and an imposing black-on-black colour scheme mean this immense rig (it measures more than six metres in length) is fairly noticeable.

Simon wanted to tweak a few things for touring, so he approached Luke and Rebecca at Outback Customs. The duo didn’t hold back – Luke and Rebecca reckon the huge tray setup is the biggest they’ve ever built.

The process included fitment of a heavy-duty steel tray with improved departure angle and oodles of interior storage; the F250’s size allowed fitment of additional storage areas forward of the rear axle and there’s an additional three-quarter length trundle tray underneath as well.

Simon got clever with the two Jackoff canopies on the rear tray; being independent of each other, he can remove one (or both) when he needs flat cargo space. The front canopy is split into two sections, with an MSA drop-down fridge slide and 12V power on the passenger side.

Also in there are twin lithium batteries and a Redarc management system, plus a 1500W inverter and isolator. And yes, there’s more – a gas hot-water system (with 12V pump) has been squeezed in, with a hose connecting to the under-tray 60-litre water tank. The driver’s side canopy is full of drawers and a barbecue.

The rear cargo box is used for two full-size spares or lugging dogs, wet gear, etc. Up top Simon can switch between a boat-loader and a James Baroud roof-top tent.

With a rig of this size and weight, a top-notch suspension system is a given; adjustable Ride-Rite air suspension (courtesy of Outback Customs) combines with King shocks (featuring a reserve reservoir) at the rear, while the front received King coil-overs with a remote reservoir.

The 20-inch wheelset originally fitted was ditched in favour of 18-inch wheels and 37-inch rubber for a more compliant ride over rough tracks.

Add in the stealth black-out paint job (the F250 was also wrapped in-house with a vinyl wrap to match the powdercoated rear tray), a Baja Designs slim-line LED light bar and Outback Custom rock-sliders to keep the behemoth’s belly out of harm’s way, and you have a seriously awesome mobile outback home.