"I finally got settled with my insurance company this week about my crashed F-350," Dallas Gair wrote us. Yep, his truck was featured in the Jan. '09 issue, but shortly after the photos were taken, the truck was totaled. "I got paid," he continued, "and I get to keep my truck. I loaded it up on a trailer today and hauled it out to my buddy's shop. The suspension and drivetrain appear to be good, with only one bent shock. I bought an '05 Excursion Limited last month. I am using my Excursion for work right now, but once it is done up, I do not plan on using it for work like my last truck...rock chips suck. I plan on jacking it up, making it shiny, and keeping it clean. I am going to use it as a personal ride and possibly pick up another truck for work. I am really looking forward to this new build."
Vans Are Still Cool
Check out the new Sixth Floor lift kit for E-Series Ford vans from J-Flame Customs & Engineering. The kit was developed primarily for 3/4- and 1-ton models with Power Stroke drivetrains, and as a result is very heavy duty. Want more info? Contact Jeff Flaningam at J-Flame Customs & Engineering at 262/620-3072 or on the web at www.jflamecustoms.com.
Off The Grid With A Unimog
The favorite truck of most of the world's armies is the Mercedes-Benz Unimog. And the toughest Unimog of all is the U500 series. But you'll have to be quick if you want to buy a U500-based extreme RV in the United States.
For around $380,000, Global Expedition Vehicles can sell you a Unimog U500 that's tough enough for the most demanding military applications. But it's kitted out with a luxurious interior and self-sufficiency systems designed to take you off the grid for years to come.
Unfortunately, the two U500s that GXV has in stock will be the last "new" Unimog expedition vehicles sold in the United States because this mightiest of all trucks has been felled by new fuel regulations.
It's sad, because the GXV Unimog is a seriously competent vehicle. A couple of months ago, sister publication Truck Trend ran a GXV test report and declared it the "most incredible purpose-built off-road machine we have ever seen."
GXV is based in Ozark, Missouri, and is the only U.S. manufacturer that builds a big, all-wheel-drive, extreme RV, which makes it a serious homegrown competitor for the European Unicat and Action Mobil behemoths.
GXV's two remaining 'Mogs are powered by 6.4L turbodiesels running through 16-speed transmissions. They're built to last. GXV boss Mike Van Pelt says, "All of our electrical-from wiring to connections-is marine-grade to resist corrosion. All our appliances are marine-grade. Everything used in the vehicles is yacht quality. With proper care, a GXV will last many, many years."
In some cases, GXV fits triplicate electrical systems: 12v, 120v, and 230v, giving aircraft-style redundancy. It also installs solar panels on the roof that charge a humongous 510 Ah gel battery bank.
West Coast Dune Tour
Do you like to take your toys out to the sand dunes? Then you should help keep those dunes clean and friendly. Of course, you can do that while having fun too. PGI Media has planned a series of Dune Tours at the most popular sand dunes on the West Coast. Some have already happened, but others are still coming up. Get the schedule from www.dunetour.com and then get on out to Pismo, Glamis, Gordon's Well, and Dumont Dunes where this family friendly event includes a scavenger hunt, bonfire, drive-in movie, a show 'n' shine contest (with new classes), kid zone, karaoke party, raffle (with thousands of dollars in prizes), an ATV certification training course, dune clean-up, and more.