April 2017 – RoadTraveler.net

April 17, 2017March 22, 2017

AEV EcoDiesel 1500

America Expedition Vehicles’ EcoDiesel 1500

The enthusiasts at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) have been focused on the heavy-duty Ram Cummins platforms in recent years, but they have now waved their magic wand over a 2017 1500 EcoDiesel. The results are easy on the eyes.

AEV’s modular Premium Front Bumper rides on a prototype AEV 4” DualSport suspension, with 325/60R20 BFG KO2 all-terrains on repainted 20” factory wheels. This is a tall wheel for AEV, who are fans of more tire and less wheel for off-highway performance, but the 35” height is moderate. I expect they will introduce a smaller wheel when the 1500 parts start flowing. A 2500 grille and AEV headlight filler panels were installed to facilitate fitting their Heat Reduction Hood, which is complemented by their Raised Air Intake. AEV’s Bed Rack and a James Baroud tent dress-up the rear.

The EcoDiesel 1500 was merely a prototype, though surely AEV was gauging interest in the 1500 platform for future offerings. For a 4WD that actually sees rugged off-highway use, the heavy-duty trucks are relatively tall, but the 1500s are low-riders. AEV’s treatment transforms the chassis…wonder how my Hallmark camper would look and work in the bed of an AEV-modded EcoDiesel? aev-conversions.com

American Expedition Vehicles: AEV-Conversions

April 11, 2017September 1, 2017

Toyo Introduces Load Range F Light Truck Tires

Link: Toyo LR ~F~ 1,700 Mile Evaluation

New load range F flotation sizes in the Toyo Open County M/T, R/T, and A/T II tire lines!

Toyo Open Country M/T, load range F, 12-py rating, 35×12.50R18

This is big news! Torque and power ratings continue climbing in new heavy-duty pickups, which are capable of hauling and pulling massive loads.

RoadTraveler.net will be reviewing a set as soon as possible.

TOYO LR F embargoed

April 3, 2017March 22, 2017

Warn Winches, Epic Recovery Kit, 2016 SEMA Show

Warn

Truck owners have been waiting for Warn to offer the safer and lighter synthetic winch rope on their Heavy Weight Series winches; that day has come. Warn’s Spydura or Spydura Pro rope now comes on their M12-S, M15-S, and 16.5ti-s winches, which also have Warn’s Epic Hook and a polished Hawse fairlead.

A few years ago Warn introduced their VR Series, as a competitively priced line of winches that are still designed and tested by Warn engineers. Updated, they now feature a waterproof Albright® contactor instead of solenoids, located in a convertible control pack that can remain atop the winch or be remotely mounted. Synthetic rope is now available on the 12,000-pound VR 12-S, as well as the 8,000- and 10,000-pound versions. The clutch handle has a new, more ergonomic design.

As of November 1, 2016, all Warn truck winches sold in North America, including the VR Series, feature a limited lifetime mechanical warranty (unchanged), with a newly updated seven year electrical warranty, which was previously only one year.

Warn has assembled all of their Epic winching accessories into one Epic Recovery Kit. An Epic snatch block, two shackles, a tree trunk protector, premium recovery strap, and gloves are packaged in a backpack. Employing a purpose-built backpack for a recovery kit is a simple yet overdue idea, as having your hands free while toting heavy gear over slippery and/or uneven terrain can be invaluable. The backpack is made from durable ballistic material, has adjustable/modular compartments, and also functions as a winch line damper. It comes in a medium-duty version for winches up to 12,000 pounds or a heavy-duty kit for winches up to 18,000 pounds.

Resource:

Warn Industries: warn.com