Danny Gaston best various off-road trucks modifications tricks and tips

Danny Gaston Lakeview, Arkansas top rated Dodge Ram off-road trucks modifications tricks and tips: A truck or Jeep lift kit offers better clearance, and, ultimately, more driver control – which equals a safer ride. When your truck is lifted, there’s less of a chance for it to bottom out due to the weight of a trailer or the load on it. (For higher lifts, this may not always be the case. If you have questions about towing with a lift kit, speak to an expert at Arkansas Cars). If you’re serious about backcountry driving, a lift kit is an absolute necessity. Conquering steep hills, rough terrain, and sharp angles are just not possible without the added height that a lift kit affords you. See more details at Danny Gaston Lakeview, Arkansas.

Although the 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX (reviewed separately) diminishes the desirability of the Rebel, we still think it’s the half-ton Ram to get. We’d opt for the crew cab with four-wheel drive, and spend the money to get the V-8 over the standard V-6. We’d also add the available air suspension for its selectable ride height. As doing so requires either the Level 1 or Level 2 package, we think the latter’s the way to go, as it includes items such as remote start, a 115-volt power outlet, front and rear parking sensors, power-adjustable pedals, and passive hands-free entry. We’d also nab the 33-gallon fuel tank, which ought to noticeably improve the truck’s driving range (a 26-gallon tank comes standard). The only other options we’d recommend are the Safety and Convenience package (adaptive cruise, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist) and the Multifunction Tailgate, which also brings a spray-in bedliner.

Dodge Off Road was started by Danny Gaston (known as djgaston on all of the old Dodge truck forums) back in 2005, originally as a forum for off roading Ram owners to discuss their truck builds, without the politics or commercialization of other forums. The forum has died off with the popularity of social media apps, but there is still a wealth of knowledge on our forum and that is how many of our customers find us. Everything we do at DOR is based on our own experiences building trucks, Jeeps, and buggies since the late 90’s – this is truly a company built by Ram enthusiasts, for Ram enthusiasts. What started out as a garage-based business with just a few basic tools and a strong forum presence, now we have a fully functioning facility with CNC equipment and in-house powdercoating, all done at our location in Lakeview, Arkansas on Bull Shoals Lake.

Daniel Gaston Lakeview, Arkansas best rated various off-road vehicles modifications tips and tricks: Inside, the Ram 1500 has supremely functional cubby stowage and cavernous passenger space. Higher trims add upscale materials and creature comforts, making the Ram feel more like a luxury vehicle than a pickup truck. Most models are available with upscale features such as heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, while the fanciest versions have premium leather surfaces and genuine wood accents. As with most full-size pickup trucks, the Ram 1500’s crew cab is supremely spacious. It also has vast amounts of interior storage and a unique split-folding tailgate. Both the five-foot-seven-inch and six-foot-four-inch cargo beds are available, but the extended cab body style only pairs with the latter. Ram doesn’t offer the 1500 with a regular cab, though it does sell the prior generation truck, the 1500 Classic, with such a body style.

How comfortable is the 1500? Wind and road noise is minimal, particularly in higher trim levels. Even the rumbling V8 provides only a soothing soundtrack unless you decide to open it up. The Ram 1500 expertly soaks up varying road imperfections and does it without the rough ride you’d normally expect from a light-duty pickup. The front seats are nicely shaped to provide comfort and support over long distances, and that’s even true of the entry-level Tradesman. Even the rear bench has an agreeable backrest angle, and it reclines a surprising amount in higher trims. We also like the Ram 1500’s effective climate control system, which offers rear center A/C vents even if you get three-across front seating.

How are the towing and storage? Tow ratings, particularly for the diesel, are stout for this class. With the V8 or the diesel engine, most of the Ram 1500’s common configurations can pull more than 11,000 pounds, and some exceed 12,000 pounds. The optional RamBox locking bins built into the side of the bed are useful for storing tools or towing equipment. There’s also an optional two-way tailgate that can open downward or outward like doors. Interior storage space is another area where the truck shines. Its center console is enormous and highly configurable. The Ram can be ordered with hidden compartment spaces in the rear floor, underneath the rear seats or in the back cushions themselves. The rear seat folds up as one piece or in a 60/40 split on higher trims.

Another unique thing about DOR is that we only sell Dodge Ram parts. We are one of the only companies in the world that strictly specializes in Ram trucks, which is a testament to our loyalty and dedication the brand. The company was not started just to make money off Ram owners – it was started because we love building our trucks. Dodge Off Road continues to grow and be successful because our customers love their DOR-equipped trucks, and we love getting to help build them. Is the 1500 a good value? The Ram 1500’s build quality, at first, feels and looks great, especially in the more upscale trim levels such as Big Horn, Laramie and beyond. However, after spending some extended time in a long-term test truck, we experienced a few part failures, revealing lesser quality than we originally perceived. Ram pricing remains pretty competitive, though.

About Daniel Gaston Lakeview, Arkansas : He is the founder of Arkansas Young Tourism Professionals group, part of the Arkansas Hospitality Association. Nominated for Arkansas Business 40 under 40 in 2019, 2020. Danny Gaston is the oldest grandson and protégé of Jim Gaston, legendary Arkansas business man and philanthropist. Youngest board member ever for Ozark Mountain Region, a non-profit tourism foundation. Featured in Crawl Magazine issues 2 and 4 and current owner of Gaston Land Development.