Larry
Bigassgas Explorer
Each one of us could find something different to pick it apart but I see it as an AEV design exercise to keep enthusiast interest in AEV’s upcoming RAM products. Given it is taking them so long to bring their RAM products to market they probably needed to build something completely different than status quo to remind people they haven’t fallen asleep on the RAM offerngs. You must admit, this truck is an attention getter!
Ute Trays have served explorers in other parts of the world perfectly for decades. There’re some really neat accessories that can be added to a Ute Tray to make them really versatile for back country travel. But, here in North America we have these neat things called popup campers to help keep us warm and comfy with all the amenities of home. Plus, a Ute tray sits on a riser about 10” above the frame which would drive up the center of gravity if a camper was nestled on top. I personally don’t feel adding a popup to a Ute Tray mounted on risers, or any flatbed for that matter, is a good idea.
Personally, I think the truck looks great the way it is although if I could have one I would be a 3500 with rear leaf spring suspension, Aisin automatic (I am soo sick of shifting manual transmissions!) and a manual transfercase. The only part of AEV’s latest concept that I think is idiotic is the fact whoever at AEV spec’d the chassis for this concept spec’d a truly manly manual transmission then opted for the soft palm flitboy electric shift transfercase. I really never understood why Chrysler (And Ford) ever offered an electric shift transfercase mated to a manual transmission on their full-size trucks. Outside of the little S10’s and Colorado’s, GM never packaged a manual trans to an electric transfercase on full-size trucks. Their idea was that if the owner wanted to stir their own gears they would naturally want to stir up their own transfercase as well. Makes sense to me….not sure why Chrysler and Ford think differently on packaging those two contradictory components together.
Ute Trays have served explorers in other parts of the world perfectly for decades. There’re some really neat accessories that can be added to a Ute Tray to make them really versatile for back country travel. But, here in North America we have these neat things called popup campers to help keep us warm and comfy with all the amenities of home. Plus, a Ute tray sits on a riser about 10” above the frame which would drive up the center of gravity if a camper was nestled on top. I personally don’t feel adding a popup to a Ute Tray mounted on risers, or any flatbed for that matter, is a good idea.
Personally, I think the truck looks great the way it is although if I could have one I would be a 3500 with rear leaf spring suspension, Aisin automatic (I am soo sick of shifting manual transmissions!) and a manual transfercase. The only part of AEV’s latest concept that I think is idiotic is the fact whoever at AEV spec’d the chassis for this concept spec’d a truly manly manual transmission then opted for the soft palm flitboy electric shift transfercase. I really never understood why Chrysler (And Ford) ever offered an electric shift transfercase mated to a manual transmission on their full-size trucks. Outside of the little S10’s and Colorado’s, GM never packaged a manual trans to an electric transfercase on full-size trucks. Their idea was that if the owner wanted to stir their own gears they would naturally want to stir up their own transfercase as well. Makes sense to me….not sure why Chrysler and Ford think differently on packaging those two contradictory components together.
