27North Builds a Premium Adventure Camper Based on the Powerful 2023 Ford Super Duty F-550

Overlanding is the new holiday trend, with more and more people drawn to this style of travel by the sense of adventure and freedom that comes with venturing into unknown territory. But overlanding doesn't mean just going off the beaten path but also camping and self-catering, so before embarking on an off-road expedition, you need to make sure you rely on a capable adventure vehicle.

Any tough, adventure-ready rig starts with a powerful donor platform. That's why Missouri-based 27North, which specializes in building bespoke expedition trucks and adventure vans, has chosen the mighty 2023 F-550 Super Duty 4×4 crew cab for its latest 30A Ascender camper.

The newly-revealed off-road camper is, in fact, an updated version of the Ascender model the company presented at last year's edition of the LA Auto Show, which was based on an F-250 chassis. Now, the company has taken the already capable F-550 and decided to boost its appeal by turning it into a robust truck camper loaded with an impressive number of standard features.

The 2023 Ford Super Duty F-550, which the team at 27North describes as "the toughest, most capable and customizable Ford Chassis," is indeed a beast. It is powered by a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine capable of outputting 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels through a 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission.

With these impressive credentials, it is an excellent expedition truck base, powerful enough to haul a truck bed camper and still tow a boat, all the while conquering even the roughest of terrain.

The upgraded 30A Ascender rides on a set of 20" MIL-STD beadlock wheels wrapped in massive 41" all-terrain tires. Further boosting its off-road capability is the electronic suspension system that ensures you enjoy a smooth ride even over uneven surfaces.

27North outfitted the pickup truck with a large, geometric camper shell made of a composite material that is packed with premium creature comforts. Designed to allow you to form a deeper connection with nature, the new Ascender is a fully-fledged home on wheels that you can take with you no matter how far away you decide to venture.

After a long day of outdoor adventures, the yacht-style interior offers you the perfect setting to rest your bones. The compact yet luxurious layout comprises a leather dinette, a kitchenette, a full-size wet bath, and a king-sized loft bed. Large windows on both sides ensure the interior is well-lit and offer beautiful views of the places you visit. According to the 27North, the truck camper is "outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and innovative features that offer more comfort and convenience than you've ever experienced behind the wheel."

The primary sleeping area, located in the overhang atop the truck's cab, fits a king-size mattress and offers a couple of individuals plenty of room for a good night's sleep. Since the donor vehicle is the Crew Cab variant of the F-550 truck, which has room for up to six passengers, you might need additional sleeping space. There is, of course, a solution for extra accommodation, as the rear dinette transforms into a double bed for two adults.

The compact kitchenette is decently equipped for cooking on the road. A two-burner induction cooktop, a sink, and a fridge/freezer unit ensure its functionality, while hand-crafted walnut cabinets and Cambria quartz countertops give it a luxurious feel.

There is also a full-size wet bath with a shower and a cassette toilet, plus plenty of storage solutions for your supplies and overlanding gear.

Like the previous version of the overland truck camper, the F-550-based Ascender 30A also includes air conditioning and a hydronic heating system to ensure optimal temperatures inside regardless of the time of year and carries a 150-gallon (682-liter) freshwater tank and a 75-gallon (284-liter) gray water tank. A 1200-watt solar charging system with engine-driven backup and an iPad Pro 12.9" central command and control system are also part of the package.

27North also outfitted the camper with a 150-gallon fuel tank so that you don't have to worry about range while out there exploring.

Rugged on the outside, luxurious on the inside, and well-equipped to ensure self-sufficiency for days in remote locations, the Ford F-550-based 30A Ascender is a great overland rig for adventurous souls. Pricing is a sore topic, though. While 27North hasn't revealed the exact price tag of the updated Ascender, the F-250-based version cost from $796,000 to $1.5 million, depending on options.