ARMOR PLATING
Once the suspension had been addressed, Mark and Yolanda decided that a few exterior changes were in order. Starting in the front, a Keystone Restyling Double Scoop ram-air fiberglass hood delivers plenty of fresh air to the 5.9L Cummins while Bushwhacker flares were fitted at all four corners. In case things get a little crazy out on the trail, Mark went ahead and added Off-Road Alloys front and rear bumpers, along with a 15,000-lb capacity Warn winch in the front and a 12,000-lb Warn winch in the rear. Thanks to its new altitude, Off-Road Alloy's step bars were also used on the Dodge. Wanting the truck to be completely functional, Power Vision towing mirrors give the driver ample vision while a Line-X spray-on bedliner protects the cargo floor from any hauling damage. Of all the custom work on the truck, there is one modification that definitely sets this truck apart from the rest of the crowd: the folding bedsides.
FOLDING BEDSIDES
"I was watching Trucks! on TV one day and saw the idea being advertised. So, I called up the company, Alton Manufacturing, and the rest is history. I like it because it is so different that most people don't even notice it until I have them folded down," said Mark. The only evidence of this trick modification are the handles above the wheel wells.
From there, a Leer 100XQ Fiberglass top found its way onto the bed. Mark enlisted Alton Manufacturing again to fabricate a roof rack, which also houses the spare tire. With the overall height of the vehicle presenting a challenge for Mark, a one-off ladder designed by Knipple Welding gives easy access to the trick roof rack.
Mark and Yolanda had one objective in mind before they built this truck: "To build a Dodge Ram capable of traveling to and from remote backcountry destinations safely and reliably. Extended stays, self-reliance, and extreme durability were the primary modification objectives."
This Ram has proven that it won't let any obstacle stand in the way of helping Mark and Yolanda pursue their passion, and has helped create a more fulfilling and emotional experience along the way.