Rossmonster Truck Build – 2024 F350 (long wheelbase)

Installed the ConsoleVault center console safe today. Easy install. I had ordered it with the key lock option as I feel the number locks are to easy to pry off and get in. Well, the number locks have the advantage that one can close the lid, but not lock it = easy access while driving. With the key lock, that does not work. You cannot remove the key unless the thing is fully locked. That is kinda stupid. On long road trips I want quick access to the stuff that is in there.

Another thing that is different compared to the one in the 2022 - the current safe is pretty much just the top portion. The one I had in the 2022 had metal side-walls, too.

So, I am going to order one of their number locks and ditch the key lock. Apparently, you can't have your cake and eat it, too with ConsoleVault.

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Chris-DTA said:
Installed the ConsoleVault center console safe today. Easy install. I had ordered it with the key lock option as I feel the number locks are to easy to pry off and get in. Well, the number locks have the advantage that one can close the lid, but not lock it = easy access while driving. With the key lock, that does not work. You cannot remove the key unless the thing is fully locked. That is kinda stupid. On long road trips I want quick access to the stuff that is in there.

Another thing that is different compared to the one in the 2022 - the current safe is pretty much just the top portion. The one I had in the 2022 had metal side-walls, too.

So, I am going to order one of their number locks and ditch the key lock. Apparently, you can't have your cake and eat it, too with ConsoleVault.

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I have the number lock with the full Console Vault. I like it.
 
Supercup said:
Looks like a great build! On the LP9's on the bumper - I think where you would find those advantageous is if you are in dusty conditions and you had amber lenses - the light down low will be much better than the light up top in giving you sight lines down the road.

You likely know this, but just in case I would opt for the 50" "dual control" so you have 1 switch for the amber outside lights and one switch for the three center clear lights! That way when dusty/snow/fog you can turn on the amber down low (LP9's) and the amber up top and leave the clear light off. When just out in wide open with clear conditions then the clear will provide great lighting down the road. Nice thing is you can get any lenses from BD - so you can have a the middle clear be a spot as well.

Can't wait to see this progress - awesome truck.
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I very much concur. The roof bar is great to punch light way down the trail for high speed off road chases in the desert. I use the LP-9's on the bumper far more often on the trails and in the conditions I travel on the most. Getting the actual lenses in clear and using amber covers has been great for keeping bugs and road grime off the actual lenses and gives you options. Look forward to watching the build!
 
Chris-DTA said:
I've been "busy" spending money and the pile of parts and accessories is growing. The newest addition is a pair of Baja Designs LP4s Amber that arrived today. These will be my new ditch lights/A-pillar lights. I definitely recommend contacting @gmoon for good deals. He hooked me up with the LP4s. Still waiting for the reflector kit to come in (back ordered) as well as the SDHQ hood mounting brackets, but I am always happy to support a) a member of this forum and b) a small(er) business with my orders.

Now the bigger or more challenging question for me - do I use the OEM upfitter switches, do I install a relay and an "on|off|on" switch or do I install something like an Auxbeam 8-gang switch panel (cheap, but seems reliable and not as expensive as a Switch-Pros 9100)?! The LP4s have the high beam and the backlight option = 2 switch settings needed. When I drop off the truck at Rossmonster, they will need at least 4 upfitter switches (2 for the lightbar, 1 for the compressor, 1 for the rear bumper pod lights). I am considering adding 2 LP9s and an air horn down the road. I could try to use the switch for the rear slider window for the airhorn, but that is TBD as I do not know if that will be possible.

Will have to do a more thorough search to see who has installed an aftermarket switch panel to a 2023/2024 and what issues they encountered. Right now I am leaning towards aftermarket switch panel and on an "on|off|on" switch.

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I realize I am late to the punch and may not be helpful here but here goes. I opted to go with the the Garmin PowerSwitch to control my lights. They give you the option to control two circuits with pysical switches, up fitters in my case, from each unit - I have two. These Garmin units have been bullet proof. The bluetooth connection has never failed to work quickly from eaith a phone or my main garmin device and I cann give anyone acces to control lighting at camp or inside the camper. It is a simple matter to change which circuits are conneted to the physical switch terminals and then program how you want the switches to work overall. I have an s-pod in my Fj and it is great as a switch pannel. The blue tooth is nowhere near the Gramin's. I use a Garmin Tread as well and the combo opens up options like addional cameras (can be viewed on the Tread inside the rig) and integated radios. Hope this was useful.
 

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FuelMonger said:
I realize I am late to the punch and may not be helpful here but here goes. I opted to go with the the Garmin PowerSwitch to control my lights. They give you the option to control two circuits with pysical switches, up fitters in my case, from each unit - I have two. These Garmin units have been bullet proof. The bluetooth connection has never failed to work quickly from eaith a phone or my main garmin device and I cann give anyone acces to control lighting at camp or inside the camper. It is a simple matter to change which circuits are conneted to the physical switch terminals and then program how you want the switches to work overall. I have an s-pod in my Fj and it is great as a switch pannel. The blue tooth is nowhere near the Gramin's. I use a Garmin Tread as well and the combo opens up options like addional cameras (can be viewed on the Tread inside the rig) and integated radios. Hope this was useful.
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This is very helpful to know. I have been thinking about the Garmin PowerSwitch a few times now as I have a few more things I am planning to add, and I will be out of upfitter switches pretty much the moment the Rossmonster is installed. The Rossmonster Baja comes with an app that will let me control almost everything from my phone as well. The Garmin would be more truck specific in my case.

This is what is currently lined up for the internal upfitter switches.

1 x Ditch lights (A-pillar)
2 x 50" light bar in the front (of the Rossmonster roof)
1 x Rear bumper lights
1 x ARB Dual Air Compressor

I have plans for or I am considering the following (these are nice to have's):

1 x Air Horn
1 x LP9s on Front Bumper
1 x Chase lights (I could bundle those with the Rear bumper light though and just splice them into the same wire)
2 x left/right scene lights (not sure yet - thinking of BD S2, but TBD)
1 x Rock lights
1 x Winch (not sure yet, but I am thinking of a disconnect switch for the winch)
 
Chris-DTA said:
This is very helpful to know. I have been thinking about the Garmin PowerSwitch a few times now as I have a few more things I am planning to add, and I will be out of upfitter switches pretty much the moment the Rossmonster is installed. The Rossmonster Baja comes with an app that will let me control almost everything from my phone as well. The Garmin would be more truck specific in my case.

This is what is currently lined up for the internal upfitter switches.

1 x Ditch lights (A-pillar)
2 x 50" light bar in the front (of the Rossmonster roof)
1 x Rear bumper lights
1 x ARB Dual Air Compressor

I have plans for or I am considering the following (these are nice to have's):

1 x Air Horn
1 x LP9s on Front Bumper
1 x Chase lights (I could bundle those with the Rear bumper light though and just splice them into the same wire)
2 x left/right scene lights (not sure yet - thinking of BD S2, but TBD)
1 x Rock lights
1 x Winch (not sure yet, but I am thinking of a disconnect switch for the winch)
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In my set up, the camper is completely seperate from the truck's electrical system. The Garmins give me, my wife, the ability to switch on rock lights or the roof rack (scene lights), etc. from inside the camper but stay with the truck if the camper is removed. BTW Mitchell at Blaze Off-Road did the work. Can't recommend him enough. He has even overcame my DIY stuff and made future additions easy.
 
IGLA Anti-theft system Installation

This is almost a never-ending story that started in 2023. I wanted to add anti-theft protection to my then 2022 F250 Tremor. With some research I found an anti-theft system called IGLA. I am not going to provide all the details – feel free to look it up. It is pretty cool.

Liked it and made an appointment to get it installed. Bummer – did not work on the 2022s back then and I was told to wait 3-5 months which did not work for me and I went with the Ravelco system instead. Fast forward to 2024 and my new 2024 F350.

Now, with my 2024, I was hopeful that IGLA would work, and after checking with my previous installer, Francisco, I made an appointment to get it installed.

This turned into a never-ending story. The IGLA system did not like the new 2024 computer system and electronics on my truck. Francisco talked to IGLA and they pulled down the software from my truck for the developers to work on.

Francisco came out again a few weeks after the initial visit, but again, the system did not work even though changes had been made. We repeated this procedure a few times – Francisco came back with an updated version of IGLA, but with no luck. For the next visit we had the developers make software changes to IGLA on the fly via ZOOM. Still no luck.

Then Francisco told me that the developers would fly to the US to tackle several difficult cars and trucks during the visit – including mine. That is, they would bring the developer to my truck and figure it out. Apparently certain vehicle types and models resisted the IGLA system to work and having the developers come out, would fix the problems and allow for more sales of course. I did not mind to wait.

That day was today. The developers had arrived on Sunday and since then they visited customers like myself every day. They showed up with 5 people at around 10 AM this morning and started working on my truck. It took until 5.30/6.00 PM for that work to be completed, but now my truck is IGLA protected.

My truck now requires either a 3-button code to be pressed before it starts. Alternatively, I can use an app that connects to the system via Bluetooth and I can seamlessly enter the truck and start the engine. There is also a fob that can be used, but apparently the battery of that fob drains fairly quickly and so that does not seem to be the best option. The anti-carjacking feature does not work, but I would have asked them to deactivate it anyway as it would be a pain in the butt when I go off-roading and get in and out of the truck many many times for filming and other things.

The system also has a service mode or valet mode that I can enable when bringing the vehicle in for service like an oil change so that I do not have to share the actual code.
 
Better keep this build thread up to date as well. The IGLA system has been disabled in my truck as I am able to "break it". Meaning, the firmware is still having problems controlling the truck.

On Saturday I will be leaving for Colorado to drop off my truck at Rossmonster next week. So, the system is disabled so that it will not interfere with anything or show random error messages on the screen.

Disappointing to say at least, but they do have two other 2024 Super Dutys lined up that want the system and are having the same challenges. Hopefully, when my truck is back here in SoCal in October that this issue has been resolved.
 
Chris-DTA said:
Better keep this build thread up to date as well. The IGLA system has been disabled in my truck as I am able to "break it". Meaning, the firmware is still having problems controlling the truck.

On Saturday I will be leaving for Colorado to drop off my truck at Rossmonster next week. So, the system is disabled so that it will not interfere with anything or show random error messages on the screen.

Disappointing to say at least, but they do have two other 2024 Super Dutys lined up that want the system and are having the same challenges. Hopefully, when my truck is back here in SoCal in October that this issue has been resolved.
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Hoping Rossmonster sends you the occasional picture update on your build so we can all follow along. I’m super excited to see this!!!
 
TRAMPER said:
Hoping Rossmonster sends you the occasional picture update on your build so we can all follow along. I’m super excited to see this!!!
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Yes, they already talked about it. If all goes well, I may even get a tour of their shop and can film it for the 'tube. But - it's finally starting to feel real :cool:
 
FuelMonger said:
I realize I am late to the punch and may not be helpful here but here goes. I opted to go with the the Garmin PowerSwitch to control my lights. They give you the option to control two circuits with pysical switches, up fitters in my case, from each unit - I have two. These Garmin units have been bullet proof. The bluetooth connection has never failed to work quickly from eaith a phone or my main garmin device and I cann give anyone acces to control lighting at camp or inside the camper. It is a simple matter to change which circuits are conneted to the physical switch terminals and then program how you want the switches to work overall. I have an s-pod in my Fj and it is great as a switch pannel. The blue tooth is nowhere near the Gramin's. I use a Garmin Tread as well and the combo opens up options like addional cameras (can be viewed on the Tread inside the rig) and integated radios. Hope this was useful.
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What in the beauty sakes is this beautiful wiring scheme?
 
First oil change. 2552 miles. Had the mobile service come out. Went full synthetic. Easy peasy. I guess they use the small oil containers when doing mobile services as it is easier to keep track of the exact amount. I will drive around later on and double-check on the oil levels.

Saturday, I will drive up to Colorado and will drop off the truck at Rossmonster on Monday. I am planning an extended road trip for when I pick it up again and then will do the next oil change right after I am back in SoCal. The road trip + the drive to Colorado will probably add 3,000-3,500 miles.

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Chris-DTA said:
On Friday I took delivery of my new F350 Lariat. It’s a long wheelbase truck. Unfortunately, those do not come as Tremors, but this build will make up for it. Drove it home to San Diego from Granger in Iowa and it rides quite different compared to my previous F250 Tremor. Now to this build …

The Truck
  • 2024 Ford F350 Lariat
  • Lariat Ultimate Package
  • FX4 Offroad package
  • Color: Oxford White
  • 176” wheelbase
  • 7.3 Liter gas "Godzilla"
The Destination

This truck will be the foundation for a Rossmonster Baja camper that I have on order. The Baja is a special truck camper that gets mounted to the truck frame and will also have a pass-through into the cab. This will be my new overland vehicle. All the learnings and upgrades from my previous Tremor/Supertramp camper build will be integrated and addressed from day #1 once the conversion is done.

The truck will be made off-road capable as much as possible as part of the Rossmonster conversion. Most of the work is going to be done by Rossmonster once I drop of the truck in Colorado later in August. Delivery will hopefully be late September. So, the truck will look “boring” for a while …lol

Here is a list of what I have planned:
  • Carli Pintop 3.5” lift and suspension upgrade
  • Carli XXHD Progressive leaf springs
  • Buckstop Outback Aluminum front bumper (with sensors)
  • PIAA 530 LED Fog Lights
  • Method 305 HD 18” wheels – Matte Black
  • Toyo Open Country RT Trail 37x12.50
  • Airlift Loadlifter 5000 Airbags
  • Airlift Cradle
  • ARB Twin Compressor with 2 air chucks (front/rear)
  • Baja Design LP4 A-Pillar lights
  • IGLA Anti-Theft system
  • Weathertech floor mats front and back
  • BuiltRight Industries center console mount for phone and camera
  • Ceramic window tint front (70%) and sides (35%) – not needed in the rear due to the conversion
Here is a list of items I am not sure about:
  • Console Vault Safe. I had the full version in my F250 Tremor. I may be looking at a partial one, but I am also thinking about what is the best option to safely store a handgun.
  • Baja Design LP9 (2x). Once I have the bumper on I am considering mounting these on the middle bar. The Rossmonster camper comes with a 50” BD light bar and I want to test this out first before dropping money into looks, if the functionality is not needed
  • Talons Garage Skid plates. Need to check if anything actually works/fits.
  • More to come ….
Below are some pictures I am borrowing from Rossmonster's website. PS: The team at Rossmonster has been top-notch so far. I am very impressed with their attention to detail and what they are able to do to meet my specific needs. I took everything I had to change and upgrade on my previous build and they have been fantastic to implement it into this (planned) build.

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I have just 2 words: BAHHHHHHHHH DASSSSSSSSSSS! I've never wanted a camper so bad in my life!!!! If only I could overland in Ohio.
 
WakeZilla said:
I have just 2 words: BAHHHHHHHHH DASSSSSSSSSSS! I've never wanted a camper so bad in my life!!!! If only I could overland in Ohio.
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The point of overland is to go somewhere! Ohio is a great place to start. Just point your truck West.
 
Sorry to hear about the IGLA headaches, though I am not fully suprised. I have strong opinions on the Russian owned/operated entity especially after their theatrics that put legacy Ravelco owners at risk but Ill bit my tongue. My fingers are crossed for you that it doesnt bite you when you are somewhere remote.

I love your future mod list. Let us know how we can help. We have shipments from Baja Designs arriving 2-3 times a week right now, and can easily source other items for you like winches, recovery equipment etc. We are stoked to finally be rocking a Warn 16.5TI-S. We often travel solo and these Super Duty trucks (when fully loaded) are far too heavy for a 12.5k winch (or especially a good samaritan's 8k on their jeep, Toyota, etc.)

Exciting stuff is ahead for you!
 
gmoon said:
Sorry to hear about the IGLA headaches, though I am not fully suprised. I have strong opinions on the Russian owned/operated entity especially after their theatrics that put legacy Ravelco owners at risk but Ill bit my tongue. My fingers are crossed for you that it doesnt bite you when you are somewhere remote.

I love your future mod list. Let us know how we can help. We have shipments from Baja Designs arriving 2-3 times a week right now, and can easily source other items for you like winches, recovery equipment etc. We are stoked to finally be rocking a Warn 16.5TI-S. We often travel solo and these Super Duty trucks (when fully loaded) are far too heavy for a 12.5k winch (or especially a good samaritan's 8k on their jeep, Toyota, etc.)

Exciting stuff is ahead for you!
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It's the same winch here. I mostly travel solo, so self-recovery is a priority. I am still debating whether to upgrade to four Maxtracks instead of the two that I ordered with the table mount.

Once I have my rig back I may hit you up on some more Baja Design lights. But before I go overboard, I want to test things out first :cool:
 
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