Previewing the Dodge Ram 'Prospector' Package

Designed for "dedicated overland travelers and recreational explorers", the Prospector package is compatible with current Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The upgrade offers a variety of features, as Zach Doell of BoldRide.com explains, including "body protection, suspension upgrades, and additional trail gear."

Starting on the outside, drivers can opt for a steel front bumper, which include customizable power fog lights (which help improve visibility at night or in bad weather) and a "burly" 16,500-pound Warn winch. 37-inch BGF mud terrain tires surround the fender flared wheel arches (which come in two available "blacked-out" options: the Salta HD and the Katla). Both wheels are "cast" from A356/T6 Aluminum, while also featuring "recessed valve stems to protect against off-road abuse."

Those tires are emphasized via the three-inch DualSport suspension lift. AEV claims the suspension has "been tuned for both on- and off-road driving," as the off-roading features are supplemented with add-ons that improve "driver comfort and vehicle handling."  Furthermore, the suspension helps increase "wheel travel [while also allowing] for the fitment of larger tires." AEV/Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers are also included in the suspension system, and the shocks have specifically been designed to partner with the DualSport brand. AEV's website says the system will "offer substantial low-speed dampening," which "decreases as vehicle speed increases, providing a great ride quality over a wide variety of terrain.It doesn't end there. In addition to the various badging, decals, and upgrade headrests, the package also offers a variety of features that will improve your off-roading experience. AEV has included a heavy-duty snorkel style air intake (that helps provide the engine with the "coldest and cleanest air charge possible, maximizing engine performance and increasing longevity"), off-road lights (to further improve visibility when you decide to take your vehicle off the beaten path), leather seating upgrades, retractable running boards, a roll-out bed storage system [and] tonneau cover."

All of the added features are specifically designed for Ram trucks, so you won't have to worry about your truck being compatible with the various parts. AEV also performs extensive testing on all of their add-ons, ensuring "that all AEV Suspension Systems perform to the highest safety standards in the industry." With this assurance, it makes the already-safe Ram trucks even safer. AEV products also come with a one-year warranty, and their wheels carry a lifetime structural warranty. 

Ram trucks had already offered their own "off-road-capable" trim with the Heavy Duty option. As Andrew P Collins of Jalopnik.com explains, the truck feature a 2-inch lift, 33-inch tires, a standard Warn winch, and an impressive graphics package. The pickup also offers a variety of impressive specs, like a 14.5-inch ground clearance and a 30-inch maximum water-fording depth. Ram also overhauled their suspension strategy, adding the "Articulink" design that "incorporates high movement joints at the control-arm-to-axel mount, allowing for serious flexibility and axle articulation."

Collins continues to explain the other unique features on the Heavy Duty trim, including the "electronically disconnecting sway bar," which "allows the front axle to move more independently." There's also 9.25-inch diameter front axles and 11.5-inch rear axels, as well as a 6.4 HEMI V8 that can produce 410 horsepower and 429 ft-lbs of torque. Attempts to find an owner that combined the Heavy Duty with the Prospector have so far been fruitless, but we're sure it would make for the ultimate off-roading pickup.