Sledge: A 2017 Ram 2500 Tow Rig Built to Wheel [Video]
Taking a Crew Cab, Cummins-powered Ram on trails carved out originally by Flat Fender Jeeps might sound a little crazy. Well, for Cooper Rasmussen, it's just another adventure behind the wheel of the 2017 Ram 2500 he calls Sledge. While many tow rigs see the occasional dirt road to get what they are hauling to the trail, Sledge pushes the envelope of what a tow rig can (and should) do. Yes, it’s fit with the legendary 6.7L Cummins diesel engine. However, this particular engine has been thoroughly gone through by Dynomite Diesel Products, and there’s now two turbos under the hood instead of one.
Overkill? Well, it depends on what your performance expectations are. Given this truck runs a 40-inch-tall Nitto Trail Grappler, you’d expect some power loss at the rear wheels. Sledge is putting down over 600hp to the ground! With the help of 4.88 Nitro Gears in the differentials, along with a fully built BD Diesel 68RFE transmission, this truck turns the 40-inch cleats effortlessly.
We caught up with Cooper and Sledge at the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. There, we got a chance to ride along in the truck and catch it in action on the Moab Rim trial. While we’ve put together a few shots and details in the article below, to get the full picture of the build from the man who built it, just check out the video above.
Wheels and Tires
Thanks to American Expedition Vehicles fender flares, Cooper was able to run a 40x15.50R20 Nitto Trail Grappler with only a few inches of lift. This low center of gravity helps preserve the handling and stability needed on and off the trail. Opting for the 20x10 KMC Holeshot and 40x15.50 Nitto gave him the load rating the truck needed and sidewall stability a heavy truck like this benefits from.
Roof Top Tent and More
Out back, a Nemesis Industries rack secures the James Baroud Discover XXL roof-top tent in place. For when the AEV 2-inch lift springs need a little help, Hellwig Big Wig air bags are there to lend a hand.
Bumper, Winch and What's Next
Adding a little front end protection and a home for the 16.5ti Warn winch is an AEV front bumper. To prevent the winch from making regular appearances off-road, a set of ARB Air Lockers were placed in each axle. In addition to the traction aids, RCV Performance axleshafts were install up front along with a Dynatrac Free-Spin kit. The combination of the lockers and incredible grip from the Trail Grapplers has Cooper already planning for the trucks next upgrade—a hydraulic-assist steering system from PSC Motorsports.
