2014 1500 upgrades hard to get?

[Anand]

Hey, all. Couple questions. I just let go of my Audi in favor of my first full-sized truck (at least that I've owned, not just had for work)
It's a quad cab 4x4 that I'm putting a camper on and driving south into Mexico and Central America. I've gone to a coupla shops here in OR and done some searching online as well, and am struggling to find some things for the current year - brushguard/bumper set, and snorkel being key examples. One of the shops is making calls on the bumper, but both were at a loss for a snorkel - any suggestions? These are bigger, nicer shops for sure btw.
Also, I was surprised at both shops lack of willingness to work on price; I came in w/ a list of things from tires, to airbags/lift, lighting, canopy and rack(though I've settled on a four wheel camper instead), and a lot more, but they didn't change prices much. I was blunt w/ the manager of one place : the guy who comes in and spends $6000 (or more) shouldn't spend the same for an item as the guy who spends on just that one item (say a $300 for example) imo. I just sold my retail shop, and when someone came in for a big quote, we knocked the prices down to secure the sale. Bigger sale, lower margin - that's just how it was. Is it different on the truck accessories industry? Do I need to head to the small guys to get someone who wants to actually compete for my business?

Thanks

 

[Razzaa]

Shop around. You will find the right guy eventually.

 

[2K10HemiRam]

A lot of the time it seems better to purchase items from online stores than it is an actual shop as they usually charge more for every and don't do discounts.

 

[Anand]

I like to support local... Not that internet retailers are bad for the economy. In the end though, I won't beg someone to take my money.
Some of the bigger install stuff I wanna get done by a shop. Just blown away regarding the lack of discounts - and I'm a guy who knows the real world implications of overhead, taxes, etc.

 

[Caldwell]

From what it sounds like, is your planning on a sick trail rig !

this thing sounds epic !!!! I dont think there is any change between the 13's and 14's. try looking into 13' aftermarket parts. Just curious what trim level is the platform you plan on building from ??

 

[Anand]

Tradesman SLT.
Am actually selling my house and making this truck my house, so gonna try to do it up pretty well:
lift/level
thinking Duratrack tires - either 305/55r20 or 285/60r20
performance chip
intake
hid lights
led light bar
solar power system
dometic fridge
bull bar or brush guard w/ winch

Am hoping for the snorkel b/c roads can be super dusty, and river crossings aren't unusual. Glad to get a little feedback here... It's just not my area of expertise and i feel sketchy when the guys at the shop are in doubt. i'm sure it'll just take a little time to get the info.

 

[NYCruiser]

New model years do take some time for after market vendors to catch up to. Not sure how hard it will be to get repair parts once you are out in the bush also.

Not sure the 1500 was the best platform for this type of rig.
I'm thinking a properly spec'd 2500 may have been more suitable with less mods.

You may want to consider a front receiver hitch. You could have something fabbed for that to serve as a brush bar when you need it and also use it for a winch when needed, and even get a cargo tray for it. Most of the stuff the aftermarket provides will be designed more for aesthetics than function.

Sounds like a great adventure. Good luck!

Hopy you'll keep us posted on your travels when you can.

 

[Caldwell]

Anand - you are going to spend your money on what you think is gonna be the best bang for your buck. I'm not an extreme off roading guru by any means, but if I may make a few suggestions to your list...

lift / level - I would look into a true lift over a level, only for the sake it sounds like your truck is gonna take some abuse. A true lift will be better for your suspension geometry, and will not give you the classic 4x4 shake - due to CV angles being off. Plus having a true lift may possibly prevent premature wear on parts vs a level.

Power Mods - Diablo Sport Tuner, Catch Can, Intake, Ported TB, Muffler Swap ( 30-50 WHP gains ) roughly

* The Catch Can will really help your motor run strong, preventing oil getting back into the motor from the intake. Even if you dont tune it.

 

[Clearbakk]

thinking Duratrack tires - either 305/55r20 or 285/60r20

I work in the oil and gas industry in Alberta, our company has made the switch to Good Year Wranger Duratracs and we'll never go to anything else. We beat the crap out of our tires and these guys seem to be the only thing that gets decent milage and can put up with the punishment we give them. Good choice $$$ but well worth it.