MoreWhat happens when you bring together one of the hottest competitive kayaking teams in the U.S. with a well-respected automotive aftermarket manufacturer? While it would seem the two share about as much in common as oil and water, the mix is proving to be a winner.
A.R.E. Inc. makes fiberglass truck caps and tonneau covers for pickup trucks. Along the way, the company has made a name for itself building specialty project vehicles – stock pickup trucks that are customized with a variety of aftermarket parts and accessories (items that don’t come standard on the truck from the factory) which appeal to a particular theme or use for the truck.
The company recently turned its very knowledgeable eye toward kayaking, and developed the Extreme Expedition, a 2002 Dodge Ram Crew Cab 4x4 created for Team Pyranha.
According to Dixie-Maree Prickett, Team Pyranha manager, “This cap has been a real boon to the team. It’s easy to get in and out of, and it allows us to store all our gear safely and easily. It’s also creating attention for A.R.E., Dodge and Team Pyranha, getting our names right in front of all these kayaking enthusiasts.”
McBroom outfitted the stock pickup with a Ducks Unlimited Special Edition A.R.E. CX-Series fiberglass truck cap with a walk-in rear door; new, bold graphics from Creative Edge; a variety of Pyranha kayaks; Coleman camping equipment; NRS raft and equipment; Werner paddles; Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires; Ultra Aluminum custom wheels; Sport Rack International roof rack system; BedRug carpeted bedliner from Wise Industries; IPF auxiliary lighting; Technical Tubes side "nerf" running boards; Super Winch 9000-pound system; and an AudioVox sound, video and GPS navigation system.
A.R.E. debuted the vehicle at the 2001 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, the aftermarket industry’s largest trade show, but it’s now on the road in the Western U.S. and Canada with Team Pyranha, where the group will compete in whitewater rodeos, display it at festivals and teach paddling clinics. Prickett said the group will be using the truck through the end of the season in September, before making an encore appearance at the 2002 SEMA Show in November.
The CX Series is designed with sleek contours for the ultimate in style. If features recessed side windows for an automotive appearance, and L.E.D. brake light and a recessed rear door, contoured at the bottom to fit the truck’s tailgate. A variety of window and door options also are available to suit the owner’s needs.
