Despite looking badass, pickup trucks aren’t actually the best thing one can use when it comes to offroading. However, no one can dispute their ruggedness. For this reason, enthusiasts are enticed to build perfect offroading monsters on their basis. Meet what is likely the most capable OEM quality off-road-focused truck ever built; the AEV RAM Prospector XL.
AEV RAM Prospector XL
Built upon a RAM heavy-duty truck chassis, the American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) Prospector XL is ready to tackle any terrain you put in front of it. The upgrade package they have created for the truck transforms this nice heavy-duty pickup into a mighty capable off-road beast. The AEV Prospector XL package can be ordered as a kit or as a fully built vehicle through select RAM/AEV dealers. The base kit retails for $17,345, but with all the options selected can easily top $30,000. For this kind of money, one would have one of the most unique and capable RAM trucks ever. The kit is available for RAM 2500 and 3500 models.
OEM Quality Upgrades For Extreme Capability
Developed over the course of a few years, a fully specced out AEV Prospector XL kit includes improvements throughout the base truck. The front carries a massive stamped steel front bumper with ductile iron tow loops. Specially designed for off-road wear and tear, the front bumper of the AEV Prospector XL also has an integrated skid plate as well. As a heavy-duty unit, it perfectly matches new wide fenders which now accommodate 40-inch Toyo Open Country M/T tires.
AEV Prospector XL Suspension
Monster-sized tires won’t fit on the standard RAM. With that in mind, AEV engineers went all-in with the suspension calibration. They changed the whole geometry of the suspension, making it far more suitable for seriously challenging off-road endeavors.
The AEV developed DualSport suspension setup not only allows for big tires and off-road capability, but retains on-road comfort, performance, and safety. This is why they have left the RAM’s stock coil springs but integrated cast-aluminum spacers. Raising the vehicle’s height, AEV was able to install specially-tuned Bilstein 5100 dampers. This in return increased the suspension travel, but, apparently, did not affect the RAM truck’s ride comfort on the streets. This is very important as we all know some of these trucks will never leave the pavement.
Also, the suspension upgrades include the AEV drag link, AEV track bar and raised track bar tower. With some other tweaks, repositioned suspension arms, and changed steering geometry the RAM becomes a far more capable truck. All the new equipment is sure to have a positive effect on steering precision. RAM, for that matter, integrated additional hydraulic servo assistance releasing stress from stock components.
More Upgrades More Capability
Under the truck, you get heavy-duty AEV diff covers keeping the differential safe while traversing any terrain. Just how thorough were AEV engineers is best shown with the integration of a Heat Reduction Hood. This, apparently, radically reduces temperatures in the engine bay. It, also, channels water away from the wiring and other sensitive components. This hints at the AEV Prospector XL’s fording potential. After all, a snorkel ensures that the engine has enough air even when underwater, and is getting fresh clean cool air at all times. We do not doubt it can cross some serious depths!
All the outside components are sure to serve a purpose of some kind, but they, as a package certainly make the RAM look meaner than before. A Warn 16,500 lbs winch, LED light bar, AEV wheels, and big fender flares nicely round out the badass attitude of this truck.
American Expedition Vehicles also offer a comprehensive warranty program for all of the installed components, 3 years/36,000 miles. Important for such a vehicle investment for sure.
