Huge shoutout to the following companies for helping sponsor!
- ARE (Truck caps and tonneau covers)
- Iron Cross Automotive
- Cognito Motorsports
Current Mods
- ARE Truck Cap, Z-Series with interior lighting (Page 5)
- N-Fab side steps (Page 5)
Edit: This picture right here sums up my worries.
The truck is a 2011 CCLB DRW, LML. My goal for this vehicle is to be able to withstand winds in the outer circulation of a tornado. This includes the ability to withstand a beating from smaller debris and up to softball sized hail, along with the ability to get into position, and escape quickly if needed.
As for Durability, I want the ability to withstand softball sized hail, and other small debris such as 2x4’s and smaller tree branches. I also want to increase the suspension and transmissions durability to the point where I can drive 30-45 mph down a pot hole filled dirt road. I’d also like to protect the body of the vehicle from damage like in the following video (Skip to 1:40 to see damage).
I’m also working on increasing the ability and quickness to get to the storms, and to escape if need be. Often times the only or best way to get to a storm will be a dirt or muddy road. Without a vehicle that can confidently pass these roads, this can be a potentially chase-busting disaster. I also need ground clearance for protection from larger potholes, driving/potentially getting blown into ditches, and traversing through higher standing water.
The installs I’m interested in this area are;
1. Pitman and Idler Arm
2. Tie Rod Upgrade
3. Traction Bar
4. Sway Bar
5. Custom Front and Rear Bumpers
6. Custom Front Skid Plate
7. Differential Cover
8. Full Body Rhino Liner
9. Roll Cage
10. 4-6" Suspension Lift
11. 35" AT Tires
12. Rear Leaf Spring Lift instead of Block
13. Suncoast Stage 3 Tranny Upgrade
14. 4.56 Gear Swap
15. Lexan Glass Framed in Steel Tubing
16. Bullet Proof front windshield
Secondly, I’ll need more horsepower and torque. This past year, three highly respected, well-known storm chasers were killed in a tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma. They were unable to escape the outer circulation of the tornado, and were eventually engulfed. Another storm chaser was 100 yards in front of him in a similar vehicle (Chevy Cobalt), and recalls the winds were so strong, that even with the pedal to the floor, but not being able to pass 40mph. Not only would extra power help with situations like this, but the vehicle will end up weighing 2000-3000 pounds more than stock.
Installs;
1 . Efi Live Tuner
2. Methanol Injection (For fuel economy as well)
3. Exhaust Kit
4. K&S Air Intake
5. Air Dog Fuel Filter
Along with all this, I’m looking for a few other accessories to make chasing easier. This is one of the main areas I’m looking for help with. I’ll be in my truck for 10+ hours a day while chasing for some days, for weeks on end, so the ride needs to be comfortable and easy.
So far, I’ve come up with;
3. 50” Rigid Light Bar
4. 4 Rigid Dually Spot Lights for the front bumper slots
5. ARE Z-Series Camper Shell
I’ll also have other gear, such as radios, antennae, laptop mounts, etc., to be installed inside of the vehicle, but I can wait until spring to look more into that. If you see something big that I’ve missed, have any questions, or simple suggestions, don’t be afraid to comment! All input is greatly appreciated!
Also, any reps from any of the companies I’ve listed, or companies selling the same quality parts, Let me know if you’re interested in sponsoring the vehicle! I’d be more than happy to work out some kind of deal. I'll be putting easily 25K+ Miles on the truck a year, chasing and using as a daily driver. I'll also be getting the loads of attention while storm chasing and even just driving locally, and putting the truck through hell while chasing storms/hurricanes/snow, so it's a great way for publicity along with showing the rigidity, or even just aesthetics of your product.
Thanks!
A few pictures of the truck for reference:
Updated Pictures:
Install 1:
Cap and Steps installed!
Literally looks like a tank now, it's absolutely massive. I can't imagine how big it will be with the lift and tires as well. Again, shout out to ARE Caps for helping sponsor!