What the GT2RS is to the Porsche lineup, the Prospector XL Tray Bed is to AEV’s RAM lineup. AEV’s Founder and President, Dave Harriton wanted to create the ultimate overland expedition vehicle for himself. Based on the Ram 2500/3500 HD platform, it caused such a sensation that he gave his team the green light for production.
AEV: Modern Success in American Automotive
AEV customizes Jeeps and trucks using a vast majority of American made parts. One last minor change. AEV designs, engineers, and manufactures over 90% of their parts just outside of Detroit, MI. They have won several SEMA awards and even have some of their parts put on Wranglers at the factory. The Prospector XL represents the ability to carry a heavy load over broken ground. Our nation is blessed with abundant natural resources, all it takes is the time and equipment to find them. The bed is fabricated of thick wall aluminum alloy, and it can haul anything from motorbikes to a Mini Cooper.
Starting with five 41×14.50R17 IROK Radial Tires, they are mounted on one-piece 17×10 AEV Kalta wheels. They are specific to the prospector and are rated to handle 3,650 lbs at each corner. They are controlled by AEV’s patented Dual Sport suspension. You would never guess a 3/4-ton Ram would be able to perform well on a race track, but AEV’s suspension is just as capable on the street as it is on permafrost. They have been tested everywhere from Death Valley to the glaciers of the Arctic Ocean, and the Prospector XL Tray Bed is the most rugged & useful truck in production. Here is the short list of standard equipment:
AEV Premium Front Bumper
AEV Winch Mount
Warn 16.5ti Winch
Vision X 30″ Xmitter Prime LED Light Bar
AEV Heat Reduction Hood
AEV Anti-Glare Hood Decal
AEV Raised Air Intake w/ Pre-Filter
AEV 3″ DualSport Suspension System
AEV/PSC Hydraulic Steering Upgrade
AEV HighMark Fender Flares
(5) 17×10 AEV Katla Wheels
(5) 41×14.50R17 IROK Radial Tires
Full-Size Spare Tire Mount
AEV 4.30 Axle Gear Ratio Upgrade
ARB Front & Rear Air Lockers
ARB High Output Twin Air Compressor
(2) Exterior Quick Connect Air Hose Fittings
AEV Interior Switch Pod
Aluminum Tray Bed
(2) LED Reverse Lights
(1) LED Work Light
AMP Research Retractable Side Steps
AEV Painted Black Grille
AEV 20th Anniversary Emblems
AEV 20th Anniversary Embroidered Headrests
Prospector XL Branding Package
If you need it more customized, AEV offers two grades of optional leather, along with dual differential coolers. Pricing starts at $38,345 for the Tradesman and $38,455 for the SLT. AEV’s headquarters are in Detroit and they make their parts in-house. To test the toughness of their builds, they chose to head north. About 4,000 miles later they arrived in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories. On the shores of the Arctic Ocean, they were closer to Moscow than to Michigan, and the Prospector led the way. The other star of the film is their JK350, and we’ll tell you all about it next week.
