Automotive

AEV dual-sport Recruit Ram 1500 gets filthy after work

AEV dual-sport Recruit Ram 1500 gets filthy after work
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV has created the Recruit package to add some off-road chops to the 1500's everyday driving capabilities
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AEV has created the Recruit package to add some off-road chops to the 1500's everyday driving capabilities
Black grille and steel bumper standard, LED lighting optional
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Black grille and steel bumper standard, LED lighting optional
Standard Recruit updates include a DualSport suspension, front skid plate, steel front bumper and all-terrain tires
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Standard Recruit updates include a DualSport suspension, front skid plate, steel front bumper and all-terrain tires
The AEV Recruit Ram 1500 shows off some new skills
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The AEV Recruit Ram 1500 shows off some new skills
The AEV Recruit package starts at $14,950 but doesn't include all the features here. Prominent upgrades like the snorkel, bed rack and auxiliary lights are sold optional
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The AEV Recruit package starts at $14,950 but doesn't include all the features here. Prominent upgrades like the snorkel, bed rack and auxiliary lights are sold optional
The AEV Recruit 1500 kicks up a sandstorm
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The AEV Recruit 1500 kicks up a sandstorm
One of the Recruit package standards is a vented hood
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One of the Recruit package standards is a vented hood
The muscular snorkel really adds to the look, but you'll have to pay extra for it
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The muscular snorkel really adds to the look, but you'll have to pay extra for it
AEV Recruit Ram 1500 close-up
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500 close-up
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500
AEV Recruit Ram 1500 close-up
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500 close-up
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500
The Recruit sits 4 inches higher than the stock 1500
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The Recruit sits 4 inches higher than the stock 1500
The Recruit package includes standard Vision X halogen driving lights
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The Recruit package includes standard Vision X halogen driving lights
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500
A Warn winch is available optionally
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A Warn winch is available optionally
Recruit badge
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Recruit badge
Bumper close-up
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Bumper close-up
AEV Recruit close-up
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AEV Recruit close-up
AEV built cupholders into the upgraded rear bumper
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AEV built cupholders into the upgraded rear bumper
The AEV stamped steel front skid plate
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The AEV stamped steel front skid plate
Working and playing with the AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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Working and playing with the AEV Recruit Ram 1500
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500
The show truck has 37-in mud terrains, but the spec sheet lists 35-in all-terrains standard
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The show truck has 37-in mud terrains, but the spec sheet lists 35-in all-terrains standard
The heat reduction hood
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The heat reduction hood
AEV offers a variety of aftermarket parts and upgrades for Ram and Jeep vehicles and just started getting into the Chevy Colorado business
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AEV offers a variety of aftermarket parts and upgrades for Ram and Jeep vehicles and just started getting into the Chevy Colorado business
AEV Recruit Ram 1500
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AEV Recruit Ram 1500
AEV offers two optional interior leather packages
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AEV offers two optional interior leather packages
View gallery - 33 images

There are pickups that do work, errands and daily driving. Then there are pickups that you only roll out of the garage when it's time to leave civilization behind and get loud and dirty. American Expedition Vehicles has developed the new Recruit Ram 1500 to be a bit of both, slapping on a host of upgrades to give the pickup more high-riding, free-breathing off-road capability without sacrificing on-road handling or drivability.

With its latest design, AEV builds on its impressive résumé of Fiat-Chrysler off-road vehicle upgrades like the Jeep Wrangler Brute pickup and Ram Prospector. It moves down the line from Ram HD builds of the past, taking the smaller Ram 1500 to new heights – quite literally.

The Recruit package centers around a DualSport suspension that lifts the 1500 by 4 in (102 mm). It's designed to maintain the front suspension's on-road handling while improving things off pavement. The kit includes specially tuned extended-length Bilstein 5100 shocks and adjustable struts.

The AEV stamped steel front skid plate
The AEV stamped steel front skid plate

An AEV-stamped steel skid plate protects the front suspension system, and a stamped steel front bumper reinforces the front-end. Vision X halogen driving lights are added standard, and a Warn Zeon 10-S winch and auxiliary lighting are optional.

AEV has also spent some time around the 1500's engine, swapping in a vented heat reduction hood and adding a raised air intake. The grabby 37x12.50 BF Goodrich KM2 Mud-Terrain tires on 18-inch alloy beadlock-style alloy wheels add to both actual performance and rugged off-road looks, and AEV has done some computer reprogramming to compensate for the larger rubber.

The AEV Recruit 1500 kicks up a sandstorm
The AEV Recruit 1500 kicks up a sandstorm

AEV calls the Recruit a "proof-of-concept image vehicle" in its announcement, but that doesn't mean it won't build you one. It is offering the entire Recruit upgrade package for a starting price of US$14,950, which, of course, does not include the 1500 itself. Also, many items that appear on the "image vehicle" are optional add-ons, including the snorkel, auxiliary lighting and interior leather packages. You'll find all the specifics at the source link below.

Source: American Expedition Vehicles

View gallery - 33 images
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