In the Spotlight: John Garrett’s 2024 Ford F-250

Six months into ownership, the truck didn’t stay stock for long. John added a range of Rough Country upgrades that support how he uses the vehicle every day. The setup includes a 3-inch lift kit, radius arm upgrade, wheels, power running boards, rear wheel well liners, a bed step, Bluetooth airbags, and added storage like a bed mat, floor mats, and under-seat storage. He also keeps a portable air compressor on hand.

Taken together, this is a well-rounded Ford F-250 build. It covers suspension, access, storage, and load support in a way that feels intentional. Nothing feels added without a reason behind it.

Ask why someone adds a lift, and you’ll usually hear one of two answers. Looks or function. In John’s case, it’s both.

He likes the more aggressive stance, but the real value shows up off the pavement. He spends a lot of time driving around lakes to get a better view before fishing, and he often launches his boat in places that don’t look anything like a standard ramp. That extra clearance helps him get in and out without second guessing the terrain.

That’s the difference between a lift that looks good and one that earns its place. When your truck has to perform in changing conditions, clearance becomes part of the job.

John’s truck doesn’t sit still for long. He travels for the Bassmaster Elite Series, which means long drives, heavy gear, and constant use. When he’s not on the road, he’s still putting the truck to work during duck season and around home.

That kind of use puts pressure on every part of a build. Suspension, access, storage, and load support all have to hold up. There’s no room for parts that don’t pull their weight.

You might expect the lift or wheels to be his favorite part of the build. Instead, the upgrades he appreciates most are the ones that make everyday tasks easier.

The power running boards stand out right away. Compared to the factory steps, they feel faster and stronger, and they make getting in and out of the truck easier in any condition. The bed step is another favorite. It’s a simple addition, but it keeps his feet dry when loading and unloading the boat, which matters more than you think when you’re doing it often.

These are the kinds of upgrades you don’t always think about at first, but once you have them, you don’t want to go without them.

John chose to have his truck built at Rough Country headquarters in Dyersburg, Tennessee, where the team handled the installation from start to finish. That decision gave him confidence that everything was set up correctly and ready for real use. With the right experience behind the build, every component works the way it should when it matters most.

Even with a solid setup, there’s always something else to add. John’s next move is a roof rack to carry fishing rods up top and open up space in the bed. When you travel with gear, storage matters just as much as performance.

John Garrett’s F-250 shows what happens when a build matches how a truck is used. Every upgrade supports towing, travel, off-road access, and long days on the water. It’s a setup built with purpose and backed by real use.

You can follow along with John’s fishing and travel on Instagram at @johngarrettfishing and on Facebook at John Garrett Outdoors.

If you’re planning your own setup, take a look at how you use your truck. Are your upgrades solving problems or adding more of them?