Travis Schanafelt is a member of The Ranger Station that posts under the name ‘MaoriExpeditions‘. He has a website, www.safaripacific.com.
Travis is probably best known on this forum for his Ranger build that involved shortening the bed and extending the cab on his 2001 Ford Ranger. Travis then added a Flip-Pac camper to the back for more camping space.
As interesting as the Ranger project was/is, it was actually the first incarnation of this Ranger and Travis’ North America expedition that truly deserves acknowledgement.
Travis started with a 2001 2WD Ford Ranger with a 2.3L 4-cylinder and 5-speed manual transmission.
From there he added a shell to the back and made a custom roof rack to go on it:
He also added a custom rear bumper that includes a spare tire and Hi-Lift jack mount:
And a custom front bumper:
Here is a break down of the gear:
| Vehicle | Equipment | Electronics |
| Model
2001 Ford Ranger Drivetrain 2.3 Liter I4 DOHC Front Suspension Fabtech 3 Inch Spindles Rear Suspension Procomp Leaf Springs Modifications 31×10.5r15 BFG All Terrains Misc Fuel Range: 700 Miles (Fully Loaded)
|
Vehicle
Four Hella 500 Lights Kitchen Scepter Water Container (5gal) Camper Ozark Trail 0 deg Mummy Bag |
Navigation Lowrance 3200 GPS Communications Uniden PRO538W CB Radio (NOAA WX) Laptop Dell Inspiron 1150 Photography Cannon Rebel XTi Radio XM Satallite Radio
|
2007 North American Adventure:
In mid 2007, Travis departed on a solo journey through North America covering over 22,000 miles in ten weeks. Travis traveled to Key West, Florida, the southernmost point in the U.S., and traveled all the way to Prudhoe Bay, AK, the northernmost point in the U.S.
I couldn’t cover every aspect of Travis’ trip on this single page. Travis kept a journal of his trip that can be found HERE. It discusses his trip, sites he seen such as a space shuttle launch, being at the ocean, traveling the mountain areas of the Smokey Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway, going to New York City, Canada, the vast western states, the Dalton Highway in Alaska, and almost having a helicopter land on him while he was camping.
You really should take some time and read his journal. It’s very inspiring.
Travis’ North American Adventure should inspire all of us to head out and discover this great continent that we live on. It shows that you don’t need an extravagant RV or expedition vehicle to take your own cross country trips. We should all feel the road calling us and break out from our self imposed geographical boundries. Even if it’s just a weekend wheeling trip. Travis lived in his Ranger for 74 days. Imagine what you could do out of your own Ranger, Bronco II or Explorer in just seven.
The Latest Version Of The Ranger:
Travis set out for South America in 2010. Unfortunately, Travis never made it out of Mexico after breaking the left front spindle and developing a knock in the motor.
After weighing all of the contents of his truck, Travis realized that he was overloading the trucks factory 1,260 payload capacity. Travis set out to lighten the load on the truck, which included removing the Flip-Pac camper, and switching to a used South African Serengeti Rooftop Tent that he found on Craigslist.
Conclusion:
Not only was this article intended to credit Travis Schanafelt for his Ranger and North American Adventure, but it was intended to inspire you to get out there and create your own adventure. I hope this article inspires you. ~ Jim Oaks
Links:
Travis’ Build Discussion Here At TRS – Click HERE.
Travis’ 2007 North American Adventure – http://www.safaripacific.com/adventures.php?x=1
Travis’ 2007 North American Adventure Journal – http://www.safaripacific.com/adventures.php?x=1&p=j
Travis’ Website – http://www.safaripacific.com/index.php
