Custom Full Size AEV 3500 Prospector Build: 'Expedition Overland' In The Shop #19

Clay Croft gives an in-depth look at his 2018 AEV Prospector build (RAM 3500 platform). Used for everyday, overlanding, search and rescue, towing, and film production, it's a build that is functional and ready for just about anything. Along with the AEV package, some items included are 37" General Tire Grabber X3's, Eezi-Awn K9 roof rack, Cargo Glide, Warn winch, AMP Power steps, ARE Topper, Ceramic Pro Coating, Rigid Lights, and more! Thanks for watching and please subscribe. #xoverland #fullsizebuild #truckbuild
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[@ExpeditionOverland]

Thanks for tuning in for this special 'In The Shop' - Our family loves this truck and we are excited to share it with you!

[@shawnriddle3018]

Sweeet Rig!!!!

[@00ninja00]

When you sell the gladiator, I’ll buy it. Serious.

[@tylerdooley4783]

Clay, Ive got a couple older Dodge Ram Cummins and they are all very front heavy. My daily driver is an 01 Dodge short bed Cummins which I'm building for more hunting, off road camping/overloading. Im interested in how you accounted for the weight imbalance due to the size of the 6.7 Cummins. My 5.9l is just as heavy and its a problem with all these big diesel trucks. Any ideas for balancing them out with out adding that "extra weight" ?

[@thereno1173]

@@tylerdooley4783 i don't think there's really anything you can do to balance the weight aside from load up the back unfortunately.

[@jcshinobi1973]

Clay, I like what you have done with the cockpit. I am interested in what apps you are running? I would like to hear from others also. Thanks.

[@AaronKay]

I love the "turn and look at your own vehicle, you're driving the wrong vehicle"... Exactly how I feel.

[@Lightspeed-eo6nw]

The TAD nod and the Deadbird vest just underline your good taste. Your rig is mind blowing!

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

My 19 ram is serving me well. Couldn’t be happier with the performance , looks, ride and quality. Now to slap on some Accessories seeing what is possible. Thanks for the great video

[@fmxman1564]

Always good to see AEV builds. Thanks for doing walk around!

[@Yetieti406]

Sick truck. It’s big, intrusive, equipped and capable. Perfect.

[@thebigempty_5792]

Toyota calls...."Clay we just saw this video on KZbin. We need to talk...." Clay: "What's there to talk about? Put a diesel in the Tundra, then we can talk."

[@henriquegarcia6734]

Why the tundra does not have a diesel ? I hate gasoline trucks.

[@russellmoore6705]

Toyota overpriced gas truck paint runs off in a few years those trucks

[@ruyguy8888]

I like your Toyota builds.. but I *love* this truck. I have a 06 Ram 3500 Cummins up here in Canada for my ATV and tractor tow rig, Farm truck, grocery getter, bad weather and off highway conditions transport... I just love my truck. The way you have chosen to set your truck up and how cleanly installed everything is, just flows so well. You should feel very proud, Clay. Thanks for sharing you and your teams experiences, travels, tips, and snippits of life with us.

[@ExpeditionOverland]

ruyguy8888 you bet!! Clay

[@digitalballistics]

Ram makes a hell of truck. I have been very happy with mine.

[@shawnriddle3018]

yes sir, Class of 2015 Prospector Power Wagon.

[@sostrucking]

I have a 2012 5.7 Ram with 225,000 miles and no problems other that manifolds bolts. No check engine lights until 210,00 miles. I've been through mud n floods and hasn't been babied. I think that's pretty good.

[@donjulio6145]

I have a 19 rebel. Best truck ever owned

[@Gantzz321]

Ram made a truck, then he talked people into giving him over 100k worth of free upgrades.

[@Sam-pu7nz]

Matt If you had Toyota, you would not even comment 1997 4Runner that my dad bought 23 years ago had no issues in the past 600k km It has been through all of Europe and Asia, from Paris to Vladivostok. All we ever changed was timing belt, spark plugs and oil. THATS A HELL OF A TRUCK ;)

[@kenmartin5902]

170,000 miles on my Ram cummins and every new aev mod makes me love it more.

[@lancemartin1153]

I love that front bumper. Fits the Ram style perfect.

[@tucsontim8841]

Fantastic and thoughtful build. Satisfying to hear the consideration for each detail.

[@stefeniedavidmusic]

That is a hell of a good looking truck. Just bought a new Ram Classic 1500 night ed. V6 specifically as a daily driver and to tow a small 3000 pound cargo/camper trailer. I am really happy with it. Yes the V8 might have been better but the V6 does meet my needs and is a great engine. So far so good. Dodge builds a nice truck. This is the first truck I have owned so I hope it works out great for my retirement years............if covid ever ends.

[@cossatotadventures2627]

I love the midnight edition Rigid line!

[@jeffhoxsey1535]

Thanks Clay, I love my Ram too. keep up the great videos.

[@DH-ry2ho]

Appreciate the overview. Definitely a nice truck. Enjoy it!

[@tree356]

Great review! I have a ‘14 AEV JKU 4.5” with 37’s, bilsteins with 5.7 HEMI... BEST riding Jeep around! Love me some AEV!💪🏼🇺🇸

[@andres93b]

That truck looks amazing. It is one step further the power wagon

[@christianustvedtkavli3169]

Awesome rig! Thanks for sharing.

[@bradcarroll5265]

I wish I had the extra cash to buy all the AEV accessories for 2014 Ram. The prospectors are just awesome vehicles. Great job on yours!

[@jimmiephillips1814]

Totally love the way you set up the truck.

[@Sdukes001]

This truck is astonishing you did an amazing job looks great and probably performs just as well.

[@alphatruckhouse8223]

A real Beaut ! Thanks for the dive on this !! and letting us know the manufactures for the aftermarket installs .

[@carloluvisi4804]

Awesome truck ,AEV seem to have it nailed for the Ram ,,I need to move to big sky country

[@TheNaturalizationActForOurPost]

Now we want to get rid of our 200 series for 3500 like this. Thanks a lot EO and clay! lol.

[@northwestoutdoorsman1180]

Beautiful truck! Tastefully done!

[@TheReal_JohnDoeSmith]

This poor guy is gonna bee that dad with Velcro shoes when he’s 55

[@brettcummings7834]

Picked up a 19 Ram 2500 Bighorn with the Cummins and love the heck out of it. Got my eye on that AEV front bumper set up. $2.5k plus the lights an a 16.5 winch is a bit costly after spending as much as I did on the truck. Will have to wait but im going to save my pennies and be super happy in the long run.

[@_TenaciousD_]

Awesome build. Best truck in your lineup. Love the channel, subscriber since the beginning. Thanks for the content.

[@clementwilliam9395]

Badass truck...loves to have that similar accessories in my dream truck only..greetings from Sarawak Malaysian Borneo🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾

[@firebir11]

Great choice ram pickup over those little runners

[@OverlandTrax]

Good video, thanks for sharing ✌

[@murray1307]

A monster dude,

[@ichabaga1]

Awesome truck

[@100GoochJG]

Fantastic Setup Sir

[@rikscichlidaddiction25]

my favorite is still your Tundra since i am huge Toyota fan ..............i get what you said when walking away from your truck if you do not look back to glance at it you are driving the wrong vehicle i tend to do that often as well

[@davidharden8469]

Agreed. Now, I know I am not the only one that does that.

[@clementwilliam9395]

awesome truck...complete accessories overlander...greetings from Sarawak.Malaysian Borneo...🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾

[@donleamon8653]

Clay, back in '15 I remember being at Paul's little shin-dig Saturday night at Mormon Lake with some buddy's enjoying a beverage, chatting, while one of your series was being projected for the crowd. I was commenting to them how well it was produced. Happened to glance next to me and there was a woman standing there also watching. She looked oddly familiar and it took a couple of minutes to put 2 and 2 together, it was your wife. Had a nice conversation with her. At the time I had a built 80 series Lexus (still do) but in '16 I got a Power Wagon that I've also done a slow build (including a FWCamper) on that I use for excursions here in AZ, UT, CA, NV and want to do more into Mexico, particularly Baja. Range is an issue, and several of us PW'ers on the Portal are discussing the Brown Davis tank as a range extender. I've reach out to them, with no response yet, but what are your thoughts on it clearance wise off-road? It seems that they have tapered it enough that it wouldn't be too bad departure wise. Thoughts? (The sender could be an issue diesel vs. gas) I know the guy that distributes Patriot Campers in OK also has one on his RAM and *might* be able to import one. I should contact him as well. FWIW, I work for Discount Tire (Corp) and have been running the X3's (and the Red Letter's prior to that) for quite some time now. Very impressed with them.

[@ExpeditionOverland]

Tank works great! Departure angle is not any worse than when a Spare is mounted. It was a very easy compromise for me on this truck. Range is far more important than rear clearance so it was a no brainer.

[@JorgeMartinez-iq2tc]

Dope truck

[@cole147]

Subscribed, I am a big fan of the AEV trucks! Please more content with them.

[@saev55]

Nice truck, hope to see it in action in a future video

[@h2themfc]

Nice work!

[@bushandbeachaustralia]

Awesome looking truck mate great build 👌🏽🍻

[@ExpeditionOverland]

Thank you!

[@poppad3585]

🙋🏾‍♂️ I want one!!

[@FromTheAstros09]

Rad video dude!

[@NatureRecycleFlorida]

nice setup

[@isaactrujillo76]

I have a tundra and decked out 4Runner. I’d gladly trade in my tundra!!

[@jakubstrumillo]

Well for sure, you like shine, blink and speaching :P

[@Kapukawai]

Awesome purpose built rig. I have a 2014 mega cab diesel and have been doing my research in what accessories to outfit it. Not sure of going full overland but, leaning towards more funcion.

[@firstlineofsurvival5318]

Please do a long term review in 6 months and a year. How does it hold up on the trail, the extra fuel tank?

[@beniaminrolea8891]

I remember asking you once why you don`t have diesel vehicles... Now you have and looks great and must have a much better torque and mileage (autonomy). You should have such a vehicle for `return to Mckenzie series``.... I enjoyed the video a lot !

[@brucethompson6706]

Clay, I love Yur truck and Your videos, I just stumbled onto Your channel about a week ago while looking for info on the AEV Front bumper. I wish I would have seen it before upgrading truck.. I see a lot of the stuff I'll eventually get that I could have thru AEV. On June 20th We flew to Auburn Washington (Bud Clary Ram) to pickup My 2021 RAM 3500 HO. Before I took delivery it went over to HDK Pros where they installed the Carli Dominator Suspension on 3.5 Kings with 5 37s on 20" Fuel Maverick Wheels. I went with the 20s because I'm planning on pulling a 35' 5th wheel and My Backhoe with it. I've had a rear wheel flat while pulling a large 5th wheel and honestly it scared Me. that Rim being an 1 1/2" closer to the ground somehow comforts Me. Even though I think 17s would have made the ride way better. Anyway I'm rambling.. Out of all the research I've done I like the AEV Bumper best. I need to get fender flares and would like to know are those Your Stock fenders in this video? They seem to fit nicely with Your bumper. The offset My wheels have put edge of tire about 2 1/2" passed My stock fenders and the mud all over the side of the truck, we'll You know what I mean. I have a few more questions. is there an email I could contact You on? thank You again for Your insights and inspirational videos. 🙏 Bruce T I just found Your site I'll try email over there..

[@admiralraines]

I'm getting a Power Wagon this year. I'm not doing a lot of towing with it so I want the Power Wagon. It is great for me but I'd sure like to set it up with most of the stuff you've done right on yours, although I probably go with the Carli lift just because of the what I'm going to use it for. Outside of that, yours is one to mimic.

[@ExpeditionOverland]

Great truck! Thank you!

[@db2474]

Looks like a pavement princess

[@andrewk1831]

Dang the changes that occurred in 5 months😍😍 love everything you guys do and can’t wait for the Croft family solo series!

[@qualityinnsuiteschoicehote5509]

I like your guns.

[@emilyscandycakes4530]

gotta hook up a power wagon.. like this

[@tinytazman1]

My dream truck that I will never be able to afford unless I hit the lotto lol

[@ralfhiller9043]

Looks amazing Clay! How can I get the Brown Davis Aux Tank for my 3500 in the US? And how much is that tank?

[@donaldfuller4625]

Wow

[@NigelNaughton]

Pretty awesome! You might not want to do this and I totally understand but it would be pretty cool (as @4xoverland just recently did) to give us 'regular' guys some background on price. More specifically how much you paid (a rough ballpark) vs. the price everyone else could get the same equipped rig without the sponsors chipping in with the freebies and/or discounted items. I think this would/could make the channel even that more relatable to the viewers are just 'overlanding' in a rusted out Ford Pinto. ;-)

[@AnthonyBennettKY]

Over $90,000 easy. 3500 Laramie 4x4 Ram was every bit of $60k AEV full Prospector XL conversion is $17k starting out (more for snorkel/gears). If a non-sponsored person was to replicate that truck...easy over $100,000.

[@NigelNaughton]

@@AnthonyBennettKY I agree but actually would think it's even more..I am thinking 150K. The reason I suggested is because while shows like this are pretty cool and entertaining, they are in no way close to the average person wanting to do something similar with adventure. I think a disclosure every once in a while would kind of put the 'average person' at ease and not think they need to attain something so lofty. The average person doesn't get sponsored for tires, gear, trucks, equipment, etc but still has the desire to attain things like it. Everywhere you look at an increasing rate, people ore just 'outfitting' their rigs to the nth degree because they think they need it. That is a personal responsibility of the owner but wouldn't hurt to have some help acknowledging this from creators such as these guys.

[@SkywhiteChannel]

I’m a bit of an XO grouch but I really did enjoy this video.

[@ExpeditionOverland]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Rkbrown88]

Meh, a lot of it felt more like “look what everyone gave me”. Cool truck nonetheless

[@ExpeditionOverland]

roger just being straight up with the build.

[@Captndarty]

roger I’m sure you would take free stuff as well...

[@SkywhiteChannel]

ExpeditionOverlandappreciate the level of detail you got into.

[@paynenathan11]

Really enjoy all the info you provide because now I can order one for myself the bed system was what I have been searching for how much would you say you have in everything because I’m going to set my rig up the same way just different color

[@earlmayhew1718]

ExpeditionOverland and insight on when we can expect to be able to get one of those tanks....?

[@jimmy55301]

I love your videos. Great job with the truck. Question about synthetic winch line: Have you had any problem with the synthetic rope freezing and the ice causing damage to the rope itself internally?

[@pbaldwin18]

Bed toppers seem like a western thing. I see them everywhere in Colorado but virtually never seen in the East Coast.

[@jkroemer2685]

A little late but there are a ton of trucks in Florida with toppers!

[@clementwilliam9395]

Wow i like the truck.good to drive in Borneo island Sarawak Malaysia state. Malaysian safari in the jungle tropical rain forest.

[@jamesmathews243]

I'm looking at mounting the cargo glide on top of a Decked storage system in my RAM 2500.

[@M8TDAVE]

Love the truck, what do you use for your iPad mount. I have a ram mount attached to my passenger seat and hate how much it shakes

[@MrKernkraft4000]

Great look, upgrades and accessorizing... probably did zilch under the hood though, where is in fact is where you should start if you are going to plug this much money into a vehicle.

[@benjaminsier4210]

And you use it for household chores, So what does Rachelle think when yr driving this through the house doing the vacuuming or the dusting ❓

[@687James]

what mounts are you using to attach your radios to the dash and how are you attaching them through the switch panel? I've been looking at different locations myself and this looks the best

[@Sota_adventures]

When I finally bore of my tundra, a pxl will be my next truck, unless Toyota ever comes out with a diesel option.

[@downbytheriver501]

The Tacoma has finally offered a diesel in their platform for the US, I believe.

[@Tanner731]

@@downbytheriver501 no they haven't.

[@downbytheriver501]

@@Tanner731 I keep seeing ads on youtube for the new Tacoma diesel.

[@Tanner731]

@@downbytheriver501 I cant even find an ad mentioning a toyota diesel for the USA. that would be big news because toyota has said they dont plan on bringing diesels to the states

[@Libertarian_Neighbor]

Toyota is definitely considering bringing their 2.8L diesel to the Taco and the 4Runner. Look for “Fortuner” videos on youtube. That’s an overseas version of the 4Runner. Toyota put a diesel tachometer in a 4runner teaser ad and said it was an accident. Also, individuals have reported diesel Hilux test mules spotted in Texas. The truth is that diesels are not practical in the USA because of the emission standards. However, they’re the hottest thing right now and everyone else is offering them. That may force Toyota to offer a diesel.

[@TyeWills]

Are the wheels better than stock or are they just cool looking?

[@zachcurtis4311]

Awesome build. You mentioned a dog in the bed of the truck, how do you keep it cool enough on a hot day without windows & air flow in the topper? Why didn't you do lockers when changing the gears out? What about compressed air?

[@ExpeditionOverland]

I mostly pack her around in the fall and winter so it hasn’t been an issue. But on the few occasions I just open up the sides and keep it open air for her. Other than that going down the road I have the front winds open. If it’s real hot she rides with me in the cab.

[@martysoulard7349]

What a great build. How is the rear seat leg/knee room with the molly/gear on the rear of the front seats?

[@ExpeditionOverland]

It’s fine for the most part! No issues.

[@tylerclark1801]

I hope someday I’m not poor so I can make my ZR2 even close to as cool as this truck is

[@lespaulplayer1234512]

If you have a zr2 you aren't poor lol a lot of people would kill to have one.

[@tylerclark1801]

casey chance ‘‘tis not even the diesel. Tbh I only bought it bc I couldn’t afford any of the TRD pro 4runners in my area

[@joshuaprovence3901]

@@tylerclark1801 You got a WAY better truck. I love my ZR2 and it's limits are MUCH higher than the TRD Pro ever dreamed of being.

[@razakarrulz6323]

Amazing truck and very good info about the truck. are those power steps AEV product only?

[@ExpeditionOverland]

Razakar Rulz the ya re available from AMP for many different trucks not just AEV/Ram products.

[@caseydman4651]

WOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOWOW.......wait a minute...wtf clay you don't have your CUMMINS WIDE TOW MIRRORS EXTENDED?!!?!

[@ExpeditionOverland]

Nope. Not today. Haha. But they are better mirrors when folded out. Haha.

[@caseydman4651]

@@ExpeditionOverland I'm just glad you use them....that's all anyone can ask for. #moosed

[@garrettmoon9081]

Clay, any reason you went with the FTM 400 over the Icom 5100A units you run in your other trucks? We are beginning our HAM journey and are looking to make a purchase soon. We are more of buy-once-cry-once purchasers so we would like to buy a higher end unit that will be able to handle any of our needs down the road. Using it mostly for overland comms and of course emergency comms incase things get crazy here in LA. Ive heard people sometimes choose a brand based on the Dstar and/or fusion repeaters near them, but this is all rather over my head. Thank you for your time!

[@Stancaban]

Any issues/difficulties drilling holes to mount the scene lights on the fiberglass of the ARE? I’m tempted to do the same to my Snugtop

[@babbledmuch]

Future plans? Flatbed / FWC Hawk conversion? 🤔😱😈🙌🏻

[@michaelduncan2759]

Sir, that is one badass truck. How do I get one and have you guys outfit it for me for back country expedition hunting?

[@KarlGPhoto]

Love the build on the truck and it seems you have the same problem I do running a larger tire with no place to put your spare and taking up valuable bed space. Are you looking at doing a bumper mount for your spare anytime soon? I haven’t been able to locate anybody that builds one.

[@ExpeditionOverland]

Yeah it’s an issue. I have more improvement and changes coming to the truck so I’ll see what I figure out on V2.0

[@KarlGPhoto]

ExpeditionOverland I look forward to seeing what you come up with

[@grisa12345]

Curious as to what you tow? I like the idea of a Powerwagon, but I don't like the wimpy 33" tires that come with it. Adding 37's of course throws everything off in terms of gearing, towing and suspension clearance - but based on AEV's website it doesn't seem like they do much proprietary, and they are just bolting on parts as it is.

[@gavinwalker1876]

What are the pros and cons of the 37s vs the 40” option? What made you choose the 37s?

[@johndiaz7240]

Nice truck, is it true you can't run a new diesel engine south of the border because of the sulfur content ? Going full size pick up is the way to go.

[@dknyreal1]

Hi there. Great job on the truck. What kind of mount did you use for the garmin in reach explorer and i pad?

[@ujacka55]

Did you do the diesel emissions delete? Remove the DPF and DEF system?

[@tomcravillion1539]

Clay, any idea on the new 2019/20 HD Ram design with aluminum hood & front quarter panels being re-worked by AEV? I am on my 3rd Ram Diesel & love the power & interior finish of the ‘19 & would love to up-grade to larger tires & suspension via AEV.

[@Jeeplover1O1]

Tom Cravillion AEV just released 2020 ram products today

[@Jeeplover1O1]

Tom Cravillion AEV just released 2020 ram products today

[@Jeeplover1O1]

Tom Cravillion AEV just released 2020 ram products today

[@michaelduncan2759]

Hey Clay, hope all is well with you and yours. What model is your Grey man tech seat back cover? I see they range quite a bit price wise.

[@ian6358]

Need more? Come on clay.

[@damenjacobs]

Clay if you had to choose just one vehicle (Tacoma, 4runner, Land Cruiser, Prospector, etc) for off-roading what would it be and why?

[@ExpeditionOverland]

Very difficult decision. Global travel- 200 series. Rip around and camp a lot- Tacoma. Camp for long periods ram with four wheel camper (in the works), film crews and family tundra. They all serve great purposes and have their strengths.

[@davidharden8469]

@@ExpeditionOverland But for pure off-road trail driving: 4Runner. Rachelle, back me up.

[@davidharden8469]

Is their an aftermarket company like AEV that specializes in Toyota trucks and SUVs?

[@fortyfiveseventy]

im very interested in this, how well does it handle moderate logging trails with Biiiiiig potholes ?

[@tjs2909]

Awesome truck! Curious how you have your Yaesu head mounted? I like ram mount products, but haven’t been able to find the right fittings.

[@ExpeditionOverland]

Ram mounted bolted to the switch pod side.

[@tjs2909]

ExpeditionOverland is there a specific mount from Ram to go directly from the back of the head unit?

[@dogmanusp45]

Is the Brown Davis Ram tank for diesel only? I didn't see any specific details on their web site.

[@yourmamalikesmacncheese]

Not taking away anything from your other vehicles but that's the only real truck in your stable as far as I'm concerned.

[@brockmccloy7169]

I'm curious where did you mount the base unit for the yaesu?

[@exoplanetnomad]

Did you consider a Ram Power Wagon for your build?