PNW56
New Member
- Joined
- November 1, 2022
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 2
- City, State
- Richland WA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2004 Sports Trac XLT
I am now re-registered after a couple year hiatus from this forum. (Yeah!).
Currently I am 2nd owner of a 2004 Explorer Sport Trac w/XLT trim, silver birch in color.
It had fairly low mileage when I bought it (105k), but needed some front end suspension replacement parts. I also added a “Roadmaster Active Assist” rear suspension beef-up, which really improved handling.
I camp/travel a lot, so I explored different ways to do so on a “shoe string” budget, starting with removing the bed extender & fittings and tonneau cover & fittings. I replaced those with a welded custom designed 1” x 2” aluminum frame, along with an “iKamper mini” clamshell rooftop tent. I ended up not liking that “iKamper Mini” tent because of my physical limitations (didn’t want to risk a fall off the ladder). So, after selling that clamshell (which IS a really awesome clamshell), I “skinned” the aluminum framework with aluminum diamond plate, and ending up with a locking canopy bed cover complete with 2 handle locking rear spring assist “hatch”. I also added in full length rooftop side rails w/tiedowns. This enables me to quickly attach a “‘Rhino’ Dome Awning” to either side of my canopy for shade/shelter while camping. Inside the canopy I fabricated a propane bottle holder to secure my propane bottle and allow for ease of use w/o removing; also fabricated “storage rack” hangars for overhead storage of folding table/camp chair/axe/ shovel to keep them out of way & utilize inside canopy storage space.
Overall I am satisfied with the projects I have completed to customize my Sport Trac to my needs. (I now use a “1 pole” teepee tent w/cot when I go camping. I also have an umbrella I use for moveable shade.)
Since I no longer have use for the original tonneau cover & fittings, nor the bad extender, I am considering putting them up for sale to any fellow Sport Trac owners who could use them. Both are in excellent shape. Please PM me if interested.
Currently I am 2nd owner of a 2004 Explorer Sport Trac w/XLT trim, silver birch in color.
It had fairly low mileage when I bought it (105k), but needed some front end suspension replacement parts. I also added a “Roadmaster Active Assist” rear suspension beef-up, which really improved handling.
I camp/travel a lot, so I explored different ways to do so on a “shoe string” budget, starting with removing the bed extender & fittings and tonneau cover & fittings. I replaced those with a welded custom designed 1” x 2” aluminum frame, along with an “iKamper mini” clamshell rooftop tent. I ended up not liking that “iKamper Mini” tent because of my physical limitations (didn’t want to risk a fall off the ladder). So, after selling that clamshell (which IS a really awesome clamshell), I “skinned” the aluminum framework with aluminum diamond plate, and ending up with a locking canopy bed cover complete with 2 handle locking rear spring assist “hatch”. I also added in full length rooftop side rails w/tiedowns. This enables me to quickly attach a “‘Rhino’ Dome Awning” to either side of my canopy for shade/shelter while camping. Inside the canopy I fabricated a propane bottle holder to secure my propane bottle and allow for ease of use w/o removing; also fabricated “storage rack” hangars for overhead storage of folding table/camp chair/axe/ shovel to keep them out of way & utilize inside canopy storage space.
Overall I am satisfied with the projects I have completed to customize my Sport Trac to my needs. (I now use a “1 pole” teepee tent w/cot when I go camping. I also have an umbrella I use for moveable shade.)
Since I no longer have use for the original tonneau cover & fittings, nor the bad extender, I am considering putting them up for sale to any fellow Sport Trac owners who could use them. Both are in excellent shape. Please PM me if interested.
