40 Inches of Snow...the journey to a bigger truck.
Over the Christmas holiday, Spencer, with the help of the AEV team and Jeremy at A and E Tire, managed to put the pieces together (during a pandemic parts shortage) for a massive upgrade on his 2017 Ram 2500. To go along with the install video, (check that out here, if you haven’t already), he sat down to give us all some details on how big this project really was (and we’re not just talking tire size).
Hit us up if you have any other questions, we’d love to hear your feedback!
1: Tell us about the scope of the project:
With any of my vehicle builds, they have to meet at least 3 requirements.
First and foremost, reliability. I need a rig that will get me out to the furthest edges of remote land and bring me back home.
Second, range. As you build your rig for Overland use, your mileage will be affected.
Third, comfort and capability. I put these two together because they go hand in hand. I need a rig that will be capable enough to get me to where I want to go safely and be comfortable while doing it. If your rig isn’t comfortable, your mental and physical range will be limited!
2: Why you decided to do it:
I could write a book about this one sentence, maybe I will someday. My ultimate passion is exploring via Overland travel. Even before “Overlanding” became a thing, I was out in a Jeep exploring where no one else would go. The experiences you can have in this lifestyle are limitless and I think that’s what attracts me the most, there’s so much to explore. Building a vehicle to be more capable, to get me further and take my family along was most important.
3: What resource did you use to learn about the ins and outs of the project…did you follow a tutorial?
I started by studying AEV’s manual weeks before I even got the parts. By the time I received the pallet, I had a pretty good idea of how to do the job…but with this kind of install, you have to be flexible, to do it your way during the install.
This truck is not only special to us as our Overland rig but is also very expensive. Doing this type of install, there’s no going back and I had to swallow that large pill at the first cut. I felt more comfortable after I had made the first fender cut and it was history from there.
The entire install took me about 25-30 hours. I definitely took my time and went the extra mile to modify the components to my standard, even if they wouldn’t be seen. I also took time to adjust and tweak other areas of the build while I was in there.
4: Parts and companies you used (pre and post upgrade):
AEV Heat Reduction Hood
Bed Rack- Custom built by myself
Rhino Rack Compact Batwing awning
Deep Cycle engine batteries
Adventure Tool Company almost everything
Just to name a few...
5: How long did it take?
I have been building this Ram for about 4 years now. It has definitely gone through many stages of the build to what you see now.
6: Unforseen problems, struggles that arose?
My biggest weakness is my OCD to be perfect. The installation takes a lot of custom tweaking to get it just right, hence the amount of hours that I have just in the fender flare install.
I’m still not 100% happy with all of it but I’m content. If you know me, my standards are too high to reach sometimes, even for myself. Ha!
7: What are your plans with the new setup?
This new setup ensures this truck to be almost the most capable it can be, short of locking differentials. I plan on taking this truck further on Overland trips and it will be the lead rig for Adventure Alliance tours! Our dream trip is going to the Yukon and Alaska. This is the main goal for this build.
8: Anything else you foresee adding to Snow?
The following are in the plans, mostly in order…
- 4.30 Gears
- Rear cab storage platform
- Rear truck bed drawer system
- Warn 16.5 Winch with synthetic rope
- Factor 55 Pro-link
- On board air
- Spare tire swing out
- Rock Sliders
- More Baja Designs lights
- High Clearance rear bumper
- Rhino Rack Roof Rack
- Front and Rear locking differentials
- Rear Warn 12 Winch
- Heated camp setup!
- More Baja Designs lights…. :)
Well, that’s all for now folks,
From AA Headquarters…may the alliance be with you.
