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Old 03-18-2018, 11:11 AM   #1
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DIY Ford F-150 Bug Screen etc

Here are a few DIY items I built for my 2018 Ford F-150. They worked well for us on our coast to coast trip across Canada last year.
I am a strong believer in the statement a picture is worth a thousand words so I will keep it short.
Usually I just slide some aluminum bug screen down in front of the rad and I am done. This is now a real challenge as the area is sealed up which makes for difficult cleaning. On the 2018 there are also louvers in front of the rad that opens and closes. I made the decision to go old school and place the screen on the outside which also protects the front from rocks.
It is made of 3/4 pvc, sprayed black, covered with aluminum screen that is screwed on from behind. I filled mine with old broom sticks but that is not required. At the bottom it jams in between the tow loops and plastic. On the top I replaced two plastic grill rivets under the hood with bolts sticking up that the aluminum brace fits over. The whole thing removes in about a minute, however I like it so much I leave it on all the time.
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Old 03-18-2018, 11:33 AM   #2
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Sliding Tray

I wanted my generator to be secure in the back of the bed but quickly slide out to be used so we can cool down the trailer when we stop for lunch. It also allows what ever I have stored under the aluminum cross bed tool box to become accessible. Removes easy and you can roll it on two wheels over to the garage wall and strap it vertical. The generator is also cable locked to the tray.
Note: the generator runs cooler in the direct sunlight with the red cover on. Without the cover the sun heats the case of the generator so you can hardly touch it. With the cover on you can stick your hand between the cover and case and it is much cooler. This is a fan style inverter generator that sucks air in one end...and out the other.
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Old 03-18-2018, 11:58 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eggscape View Post
I am a strong believer in the statement a picture is worth a thousand words so I will keep it short.
.
Me too, sometimes even if I'm interested in the topic, at some point I just stop reading

Nice solution for a common nuisance.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Eggscape View Post
I wanted my generator to be secure in the back of the bed but quickly slide out to be used so we can cool down the trailer
Good job. If something's not easy to access it doesn't get used.

Ron
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Old 03-18-2018, 12:01 PM   #4
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Bed Cover

I purchased a used old style cross bed aluminum tool box that stuck up above the bed by many inches. I modified it to sit low which allowed an aluminum angle on the front of the tonneau edge to sit under the tool box lid and act as a hinge. This makes the tonneau easily removable. The aluminum tracks on top is an aircraft quality hold down system that has loops that clip in.(not shown) Because of the tool box the distance to the tailgate is only 4 feet so a standard sheet of plywood can be used. It is covered in marine grade vinyl. Tool box and tonneau project for me cost just over $100 as I had all the aluminum bits.
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Old 03-18-2018, 12:07 PM   #5
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Lower bug screen details.
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Old 03-18-2018, 01:25 PM   #6
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You've certainly given yourself a diversity of useful storage.

Are those CB antennas? If so, do you still use your CB? I've pretty much given up on mine.

Ron
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Old 03-18-2018, 01:40 PM   #7
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Nifty! Thanks for sharing the info. *takes notes and bookmarks thread*
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Old 03-18-2018, 02:23 PM   #8
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You've certainly given yourself a diversity of useful storage.

Are those CB antennas? If so, do you still use your CB? I've pretty much given up on mine.

Ron
I am an Amateur Radio operator (Ham) and provide VHF, UHF and HF emergency radio communications should there be a need. I have also provided communications for Search and Rescue as much of our area does not have cell phone coverage.
I carry a CB that I can hook up if we are looking for an off roader...but space is limited so generally it is locked in the cross bed box with my grab and go kit.
When we traveled across country last year with my brother in law and his truck, we used CB. It worked well as there is no one using it anymore. In 1975 I contacted my brother in law on the CB and ended up with a wife!
I am big into NON destructive installations. The F150 has a removable panel on top of the dash that I safely store away and replace with plywood. From there I can screw anything I want to it. These 3 radio are mounted on a thick aluminum sheet that I screw into each new vehicle. There is a jet black felt cover I made over the dash to cut out glare
The two top radios are licensed VHF commercial radios and the one below is dualband VHF & UHF Amateur Radio. There are more radios you can’t see like the one that sends out a tracking beacon and the HF radio. Probably more than you wanted to know...but it is another F150 DIY project.
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Old 03-18-2018, 02:35 PM   #9
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Where did you hide all of the antennas needed to operate your radio station
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Old 03-18-2018, 02:42 PM   #10
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Where did you hide all of the antennas needed to operate your radio station
One on each front fender (mount uses stock fender bolt) and 3 across the top of the rear aluminum bed box. Unfortunately with the body of the 2018 F150 being aluminum you can not use magnetic mount antennas or lights on the roof or magnetic signs on the doors.
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