Danny Gaston top Dodge Ram off-road vehicles modifications tips and tricks: Did you know that trucks on a moderate lift have a leg-up when it comes to lugging hefty loads? A huge trailer or boat on a gooseneck or bumper-hitch trailer can weigh down a standard truck, even causing it to bottom out on uneven surfaces. Damage sustained from bottoming-out can be minor or very serious, depending on what part of your vehicle’s undercarriage sustains the worst of the impact and scraping. You can damage your vehicle’s frame, destroy suspension components, smash your oil pan, or rip out your exhaust system, depending on your vehicle and how severe you bottom out. That’s a pricey mechanic bill you don’t ever want to pay. Read additional details at Danny Gaston Lakeview, Arkansas.
The current-generation Ram 1500 debuted in 2019. (Its predecessor, however, continues on as the Ram 1500 Classic.) Since then, the full-size pickup truck segment has seen updated entries from Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, and Toyota. And yet, only the Ram celebrates a spot on our 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2023. The Ram 1500 is the best driving and most comfortable pickup of the group. Three powertrain options fill its engine roster: a 260-hp diesel-drinking turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, a 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6, and a 395-hp 5.7-liter V-8, all of which use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The business side of DOR was officially started in 2010 and has grown steadily every single year. We started out selling steering boxes and long arms from other manufacturers, and as those products started to become harder to buy, we started making our own products. 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.
Danny Gaston top Dodge Ram off-road trucks modifications tricks and tips: The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2320 pounds. Its maximum towing capacity exceeds all but the Ford F-150, which currently tops 13,000 pounds. Rams with the crew cab body style—including the Rebel model—can’t tow as much as those with the extended cab. Nonetheless, the more passenger-friendly 1500 crew cab can still tow north of 11,500 pounds. With hybridized V-6 and V-8 engines, as well as a diesel option, the Ram 1500 lineup has varied fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the most efficient Ram, the rear-drive diesel, nabs a combined fuel economy rating of 26 mpg. The gas V-6 and V-8, meanwhile, top out at 23 and 20 mpg combined, respectively. A 1500 Rebel with the gas V-6 we tested returned 24 mpg on our 75-mph real-world fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. That’s 6 and 4 mpg better than a V-8 Rebel and a V-8 Laramie, which lacked electric-assist, we tested. For more information about the Ram 1500’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
The Ram 1500 can also get as dirty as you dare thanks to the TRX, a no-holds-barred off-road monster. Aimed squarely at the Ford Raptor (T. rex vs. Raptor — get it?) the TRX boasts a hysterical 702-horsepower supercharged V8, suspension designed for high-speed desert running and enough creature comforts to almost make you forget you’re barely getting 10 miles to the gallon. No doubt you’re familiar with the Ram’s closest rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ford F-150. All three of these trucks offer similar levels of power, capability, technology and customization. Toyota’s back with its recently redesigned Tundra, too. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to see if the Ram 1500 has what it takes to earn a spot in your garage.
How’s the tech? The optional 12-inch touchscreen is a dazzling addition to any vehicle, let alone a pickup truck. It offers a huge map and sharp graphics. The 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system is also impressive and offers navigation. Both get multiple USB and USB-C ports, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Meanwhile, the 5-inch screen in the Tradesman has the basics down pat. Ram unfortunately does not include any driver assist features as standard equipment. Only the Laramie model and above offer parking sensors, forward collision mitigation and lane departure mitigation. When it’s equipped, adaptive cruise control does a good job of bringing the truck down to a complete stop. Automated parking assistance is available, and it works admirably.
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 20 under 20 in 2001 and 2002. Daniel 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 Manufacturing.