Latest Dodge RAM – 2019 AEV Recruit Ram 1500 Concept Image Vehicle – 68457 Verdon NE July 2018.
2019 Ram 1500 “Recruit” by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) – probably the ultimate off road machine…
The Recruit Ram 1500 raises the bar for daily-drivable half-ton 4x4s
WIXOM, MI – Founded in 1997, American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) has created several award-winning Jeep conversions, including the Brute Wrangler pickup truck and other overlanding-inspired creations. In 2016, the company applied its expertise to Ram HD pickups, offering the Prospector on 37-inch tires and Prospector XL on 40s. These complete AEV-upfitted vehicles are sold through select Jeep/Ram dealerships: covered by a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty with available financing.
Recently, AEV set its sights on the Ram 1500. The company created the Recruit half-ton proof-of-concept image vehicle, following the same general philosophies AEV applied to the heavy-duty Rams. The underlying dual-sport goal was to improve off-road performance while simultaneously retaining factory ride and handling.
All AEV upgrades are designed, manufactured, and installed in either Montana or Michigan to meet or beat factory standards. They combine high-performance functionality with precise designs. The Recruit Ram concept vehicle began with the company’s production accessories: AEV bumpers, a Heat Reduction Hood, the 4-inch DualSport-SC suspension system, the raised-air intake, 20-inch Mesa alloy beadlock wheels, fender flares, and an AEV Grille. Preferred-vendor additions include Vision X LED lighting, BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, and AMP Research Power Boards.
The Recruit’s 4-inch DualSport-SC suspension is its marquee upgrade. AEV offered an existing 4-inch lift system for the base Ram 1500 and used the Recruit vehicle to prototype and validate a kit for the factory-option Air Ride suspension, standard on the Rebel trim-level vehicles. This kit increases off-road wheel travel by three inches upward (jounce) and 1.5 inches downward (rebound).
AEV retained the factory front Bilstein air struts and rear air bags, using raised mounts and spacer brackets. Extended-length Bilstein 5100 shocks were tuned by AEV specifically for the Ram 1500 Air Ride system. Carryover components from the existing Ram 1500 4-inch DualSport-SC kit include AEV-engineered steering knuckles, made from military-grade A206 T4 cast aluminum to substantially reduce unsprung weight. A massive AEV 4mm stamped-steel skidplate protects the front suspension without compromising ground clearance.
Exterior protection is another high priority. The Recruit’s off-the-shelf AEV Premium Front Bumper offers several features that exceed OE specifications. Foremost is stamped construction from 4mm steel. This process is more expensive than press-brake bending; stamping increases strength while reducing weight. Cast-aluminum tow loops are tested to pass all OE load specifications and also double as rock-slider wear plates. The AEV Premium Front Bumper includes standard halogen Vision X driving lights and includes mounts for a Warn Zeon 10-S winch and Vision X 30-inch LED bar.
Similarly, the AEV Premium Rear Bumper for the Recruit follows the factory profile. Also formed from 4mm steel, it is painted black and includes a skid-resistant tread pattern on the top. Other features include bed-corner protection tubes, cast-aluminum tow loops, and recessed cupholders on each end. The Recruit also adds rear-vision camera compatibility.
Appearance and functionality are improved by the Recruit’s AEV Heat Reduction Hood. Stamped from 23-gauge galvanized steel, the hood has two strategically placed vents to alleviate engine heat while channeling water away from sensitive electronics. Similarly, the AEV Raised-Air Intake improves both performance and appearance. Made from UV-stable cross-linked polyethylene, this intake is engineered to supply the cleanest, coolest air possible to the engine – from the Artic to the Amazon.
Other Recruit appearance items include the production AEV Black HD Grille and two-tone paint. Inside, the Recruit’s upholstery was upgraded to premium factory-like leather, accented by custom embroidery. An AEV Switch Pod also adds easy ergonomic control for the auxiliary lights and accessories. Further, an AEV ProCal Module was used to reprogram the Recruit’s computer and speed sensor to function correctly with the 37-inch tires. The bed rack and slide-out tray were made specifically for the Recruit image truck.
The AEV Recruit Ram 1500 has received positive reviews at various shows and from media test-drives.
July 2018 2019 AEV Recruit Ram 1500 Concept Image Vehicle Area Near 68457 Verdon NE.
Explore Latest Products Explaining Dodge Ram Gas Door and Dodge Ram Ignition Coil, Please Bookmark LoveDodge.com Community Website.