2008 Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab Dually 4X4 at the SEMA Show
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According to Bruce Smith, editor of ProPickup magazine, Randall-Reilly is the "Leader in publishing B2B magazines, targeting the construction and over-the-the road markets." That in mind, when the company began tossing around ideas for a SEMA 2012 project vehicle, it only made sense to tackle a theme that would interest their readers.
SEMA Featured Fleetwest Removable Service Body on GMC Sierra 3500 HD Pickup
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Smith, who was also the project vehicle manager/design/concept would have no complications filling those shoes. He was gearing up to attend SEMA for his twenty-eighth year. In fact, he had been involved in building project vehicles, including four wheel drives and SUVs since 1984.
The magazine, on the other hand, came to fruition in 2010, and this would be their third project vehicle/sweepstakes truck build. "It takes months of coordinating products and installation time to bring a concept to reality," explained Smith. "It takes several days of heavy-duty detailing before it rolls into the convention center."
Referring to their choice of 2008 Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab Dually 4X4 for the build, the editor said, "Our readers are all contractors or work in the heavy construction/road building trades. They all use service vehicles, so "Big Red" was a natural."
Sierra 3500 4x4 Crew Cab Dually at SEMA Showed 35-inch Toyo Tires with Ten Lug American Force Wheels
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One might suspect that Smith and Randall-Reilly could have simply built a service truck and added some fancy wheels and a fresh coat of paint, but simply put, that was a far cry from the team's mindset. Their theme would call for a couple of twists. First, the beautiful brilliant-red rig would be designed to tackle any terrain on or off-road. In fact, while describing the vehicle, Smith said, "No road, no problem."
The second twist separated the vehicle from other service trucks as much as the first modification, if not more so. While the designing process was on the ground floor, the team devised a plan deeming the rig's functional abilities two fold. By installing a Fleetwest removable service body, the pickup could be used for other needs if necessary, which in turn would maximize its utility value.
GMC Sierra 3500 HD Pickup used Buyers Products for Various Hardware Locking Accessories at the SEMA Show
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Referring to various aspects of a build that would lend to the ultimate service truck, Smith stated, "There's a long list of modifications." Eager to provide ample clearance for off-road use, the team installed a 4-6" adjustable lift kit. Anxious to provide a smooth and dependable suspension, Smith and the crew turned to Hellwig Products.
Still focused on going where no other service truck has gone before and bearing durability in mind, they went with 35-inch, ten lug American Force wheels. With performance and style in mind they chose an aggressive tread offered by Toyo tires.
In the event the terrain grew rugged to the extreme, Mile Marker electric wenches were mounted on front and back bumpers supplied by Fab Four bumpers. Trailers are an essential tool in the world of heavy construction, so it was only fitting to depend upon B&W Trailer Hitches to fill their needs.
Unlike a majority of the other vehicles that would roll into SEMA 2012, this rig would be designed with the rigors of working in an extreme environment in mind. Not only did the truck have to be designed in a manner that it could perform in less than optimal conditions, but it was also essential that the finished product was the epitome of good looks.
GMC Sierra 3500 Crew Cab used AEM products for Air Filtering Needs at the SEMA Show
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Focused on providing SEMA attendees with a beautiful build, they were faced with choosing products that were aesthetically pleasing, yet durable. Amp Research provided showy, yet functional steps for the vehicle, and Husky liners proved perfect for protecting the truck's bed. While considering protection, it was essential to protect the tools of the trade from theft. That in mind, Smith went with Bolt for his locking accessories, and Buyers Products Company accented the build with various hardware.
Depending upon Flow to produce quality fuels tanks, they then turned to Vanair to provide the build with a steady and reliable source of compressed air.
SEMA attendees peering in the cab likely appreciated the modifications lending to comfort, style and usability. Marathon Seat covers lent to a sporty and comfortable ride, and USFL Tracking provided GPS capabilities, ensuring the rig could find its way into the most remote job sites.
Of course, to build the service truck of all service trucks, work had to be done under the hood as well. BD Diesel Performance supplied an array of parts that would ensure optimal performance, and energy would be maximized with the assistance of Hypertech.
SEMA Showcased 4x4 GMC Sierra 3500 HD with 4-6" Adjustable Lift Kit and Electric Winches Mounted on Front and Back Bumpers
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Ensuring the engine remained contaminant free was key to a long and productive life, and Smith's team turned to AEM products for their filtering needs. Although this was his first time to use AEM, smith quickly grew confident in their quality and design.
At the project's end Randall-Reilly and Bruce Smith finally had the opportunity to step back and admire the fruit of their labors. As did the SEMA 2012 attendees, many others recently had the opportunity to see the epitome of sporty and practical, as "Big Red" was featured in the October 2012 issue of "Propickup" magazine.
With the build behind him, Bruce Smith is already looking to the future. When asked about upcoming plans, the editor said, "We plan to build another sweepstakes truck to give away to one lucky reader. Our 2013 project truck concept is a secret to be revealed in our April 2013 issue. But it will be a 4X4 crew cab diesel any contractor would love to have in their fleet."
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