Often, a SEMA vehicle is mostly a showpiece regardless of how rugged it looks. The Hellwig Operator has been actively disproving that theorem as witnessed in a video by The Smoking Tire. The donor vehicle is a 2017 Ford F-350 4×4 Lariat Crew Cab with a 6.7-liter V8 power stroke turbo diesel engine and TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift.
As the video hosted by Zack Klapman demonstrates, the Hellwig auto-leveling air suspension system that has its roots in similar systems found on RVs and large trucks overcomes what could be a harrowing ride. The Arctic Cat loaded in the bed increases the Operator’s height to about 12 feet in total and makes it just a bit top heavy. Naturally.
The Dragon Bak Toy Dek system was custom designed and built for the Operator. The Toy Dek, truck frame mounted support structure, 12-foot collapsible HD loading ramps, a Warn 2500 winch, have a combined weight of around 700 lbs.
Klapman has praise for the suspension. He’s able to cruise along at 70 mph with no significant effects on handling and with “miminal” road noise. Yes, he said “miminal” and admits it. That’s the beauty of The Smoking Tire’s “One Take” video series.
The Smoking Tire tested the system at Rowher Flats OHV area in Santa Clarita, California. Klapman said the estimated price of the complete package was $180,000. Some would say that’s not a bad deal for an apocalyptic escape vehicle.
A rather bold claim, indeed.
Providing multiple methods of protection for sensitive items.
The historic ride was donated to a museum in 2022.
It no longer expects major tariff impacts for the rest of the year.
The ICE model may not be dead, as previously expected.
Low-interest financing on the heavy-duty pickup truck.
