Old Smokey 📍

Old Smokey is the nickname I have for my 2026 Ford F-350 SuperDuty which I purchased at the end of March 2026 to replace my former truck, Big Red, a 2011 Chevy Silverado. Why the name Old Smokey? One is it the color is smokey but also it’s the truck that Smokey the Bear drives, at least the latest generation of DEC Forest Ranger trucks tend to be this color gray and built to a similar configuration. Why old? It is a work truck, and while it has some technology, most of the design is tried and true – 6.8L MiniZilla pushrod engine, key ignition, needles for speedometer and all guages, manual climate controls, conventional cruise control.

The Old Smokey truck is a “one-ton” class axle commerical HD pickup truck, extended cab, short bed (6 3/4 foot bed). While the short bed seems small by SuperDuty propotions, it actually is a very good fit for my uses, as it’s long enough to sleep on and camp once I get a camper shell (aka topper or cap) on the truck. It also is reasonably short at 19 1/2 feet, that with the backup camera makes it possible to get into relatively small campsites.

The truck has the FX4 and XL Off Road HD Utility Package, which provides 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires, skid plates, specifically tuned off-road shocks, Hill Descent Control, an electronic locking rear differential, a raised air dam for better ground clearance and water-fording vent tubes on the rear axle. It also has dual alternators and batteries, able to supply up to 410 amps of power for camping, and has the upfitter harnasses for additional power and configuraton.

The next step will be ordering the camper shell, moving the solar panel, lead acid batteries, interverter and CB radio to the new truck, and acquiring and installing additional solar panel(s), cellphone booster, and probably a supplemental LiPo battery. By next winter, I also want to add a diesel heater for comfortable winter camping. Stay tuned, as they say. It’s going to be a great rig.

🖼️ Photos
Thematic Map: Devils Path 3 Rendering
Thematic Map: Agriculture in New York
Map: Severence Hill Trail

One of the great disappointments…

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Is when I hit the key fob to unlock the doors on the SuperDuty after it's been parked for a few days the height and mirror lights don't come on to save battery power. This disappoints me as a big kid I like looking at the roof lights in the dark. 

Saturday May 2, 2026 — Old Smokey
Map: Jockeybush Lake

On the Old Smokey Rig

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My 2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL is more than just a pickup; it is my ticket to the kind of wilderness only found at the end of a long, winding dirt road. While others might see a heavy-duty work truck, I see a purpose-built overland rig designed to handle the grit and grime of the backcountry. With its Carbonized Gray paint and a SuperCab layout that provides extra gear storage without the bulk of a full crew cab, my truck is perfectly sized for navigating tight forest trails and rocky outcrops.

The soul of my truck lies in its mechanical readiness for the unknown. Because I have the FX4 and XL Off-Road packages, I have the peace of mind that comes with heavy-duty skid plates protecting my underbelly from trail surprises. When the path gets steep and the dirt turns to deep silt, my 33-inch off-road tires and 3.73 electronic-locking rear axle ensure I am not just spinning my wheels. I have the tactile, old-school reliability of manual locking hubs combined with a 6.8L V8 engine that provides the raw torque needed to haul my entire basecamp up a mountain.

Speaking of basecamp, my truck is essentially a mobile power station for my outdoor life. The dual battery system and high-output 410 Amp alternator mean I can run a 12V fridge, charge my gear, or power auxiliary camp lights without worrying if the truck will start in the morning. When I finally reach that perfect, secluded spot, the LED box lighting makes setting up my camp and unloading my kitchen gear easy, even if I arrive long after sunset. The power sliding rear window lets the mountain air circulate through the cab, and that tailgate step makes it easy to hop in and out of the bed while I am getting organized.

Ultimately, my F-350 is the bridge between the modern world and the wilderness. Inside, I have the comfort of the Medium Dark Slate cloth seats and the convenience of SYNC 4 technology to help me navigate, but the heart of the vehicle is all about durability. Whether I am hauling a heavy load in the camper shell or towing a trailer full of supplies, my truck is built to get me to the places where cell service fades and the adventure actually begins. It is a rugged, reliable tool that ensures that no matter how rough the road gets, I am always the one in control of the journey.

Below are the major features and specifications listed on the window sticker of my truck:

Core Specifications

  • Engine: 6.8L DEVCT NA PFI V8 (MiniZilla or De-Stroked Godzilla Engine)
  • Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic TorqShift-G
  • Exterior Color: Carbonized Gray
  • Interior: Medium Dark Slate Cloth (40/20/40 Split Bench)
  • GVWR: 10,500 lb Payload Package

Notable Packages & Performance

  • FX4 Off-Road Package: Includes skid plates and specialized suspension.
  • XL Off-Road Package: Adds 33″ off-road tires (LT285/70R17) and an electronic-locking rear axle.
  • Snow Plow Prep Package: Prepared for winter utility attachments.
  • Towing Features: Includes a Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control, and Trailer Tow Mirrors.

Interior & Technology

  • Display: 8″ Screen with SYNC 4 and a 4.2″ cluster display.
  • Connectivity: 5G Modem with FordPass Connect (Remote Start, diagnostics).
  • Comfort: Power-sliding rear window, privacy glass, and manual lumbar support for the driver.
  • Upfitter Switches: Six overhead switches for controlling aftermarket accessories.

Functional & Safety

  • Electrical: 410 Amp Dual Alternators and a Dual Battery system.
  • Safety: AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), Safety Canopy airbags, and a Rear View Camera.
  • Exterior Utility: Tailgate step, LED box lighting, platform running boards, and roof clearance lights.
Map: Charles Baker State Forest Auto Tour Route
Map: Charles Baker State Forest Horse and Truck Trails