With so many modified RAMs on the roads already, it’s hard to stand out in the crowd. Combine that with how many “big” lifted trucks are not only at shows but roaming the streets, having something one-off is almost impossible to achieve. Most people pick up a stock truck and drive it stock for a while, then get the itch to tear into it and customize it to suit their needs. Whether it’s just a simple leveling kit and some bigger tires, or a full-out show truck transformation, everyone has their own journey. This is what keeps the truck aftermarket industry thriving. 

Brett Hunsaker is not most people. The Las Vegas, Nevada native is no stranger to this journey and custom vehicles, having been in the scene since before he could even drive. He has built and owned several over the top vehicles that have gotten him recognition in the scene. He has dabbled in everything from mini trucks, import cars, and even some of the most recognized customized electric vehicles. Normally Hunsaker finds a vehicle and makes it custom for his needs, but in this case, the 2018 RAM 3500 Mega Cab you see here, he watched it being built online. He then saw it in person for the first time at Lone Star Throwdown in Conroe, Texas, and instantly fell in love with it and knew he had to have it. 

Having a stock looking RAM would never work for him, but the completely over the top look of this truck known as “Black Tie Affair” caught more than his attention, but also led to him writing a check and adding it to his collection. The original owner had done a ton of work to make this a very unique truck, but Brett had plans to take it even further. 

The Making of a Grande Party

The 2018 RAM started life as a 3500 Mega Cab with a 6.7L Cummins diesel, which was the perfect platform to build a truck this size. To get the truck to have the presence to stand out in the crowd, the first step was a proper lift, and not just any lift, but a massive 18-inch Ultimate Air Ride adjustable custom kit. Being the truck was black from the factory, the white powder coating on most of the suspension really made it stand out. The suspension gets the adjustability of Firestone air bags, Air Lift Performance 3H system, two FLO air tanks, and four Viair 485 C compressors. The air tanks and compressors are all vinyl wrapped for a custom look. FOA shocks make sure the ride is as comfortable as it looks. The PCS performance hydraulic assist steering box makes sure the truck stays in the direction needed.

With the suspension handled, the truck needed a set of wheels and tires that would complement the massive lift, so a set of 28×16 American Force Jester wheels (with faceplates) were color matched. They are wrapped in 44×19.50-28 Interco Super Swampers. The Revmax billet Stage 5 transmission  and Yukon 4:56 gears keep the truck moving while the Wilwood big brake kit on all four corners makes sure the truck stops quickly. Under the hood, the S&B intake and PPEi tuner keep it running right. The custom 5-inch exhaust was coated black and a Northspec Built tip was color matched. Airdog pure flow fuel filters make sure the engine is only getting clean diesel as well. 

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop

This is where most people would stop when it comes to building a lifted truck, but this 2018 RAM was about being truly over the top. Since the suspension was such a focal point, the exterior had to hang with the same level of customization. Road Armor bumpers anchor both ends while the Fiberwerx wide-body fenders (front and rear) and hood give it a super aggressive look. The rear doors were modified to open backwards (suicide) while the door handles were shaved for cleaner lines. When Brett picked the truck up, the body work did not meet his standards, but once properly addressed Mario Baratta at Madhouse Customs in Las Vegas, Nevada wrapped the entire truck with Teckwrap using Ebony Sparkle film and PPF to protect it.

The Alpharex headlights were color matched to tie together the front end while 32 Apex Off Road rock lights and Apex wheel lights were added to light it all up at night. There are also a ton of Rigid lighting filling the bumpers, all the Radiance Series with backlighting. The Gen-Y hitch and Hornblasters Shocker S6 horns were all color-matched for even more details. Next Level Mats made custom mats for the power steps while the Retrax electric bed cover and bed rug keep the bed tidy. Shawn Robinson at OMC (Old Man Customs) in Las Vegas did the heavy lifting here.

At this point it would have been a sin to leave the interior stock, so Brett took the 2018 RAM to Andrew Evans at Fabricated LV in Las Vegas to get the interior the same caliber as the rest of the truck. Alea white perforated leather with black diamond stitching fills the interior, from the seats to the custom door panels. Speaking of door panels, all four were custom built with not only a ton of speakers, but with the custom “black tie” theme in them. For vocal speakers throughout the truck, there are two sets of Focal Flax 3-way components, two sets of Focal Flax 6-inch coaxial speakers and two Focal multi channel amps, all fed by a Focal DSP. Under the back seat in a custom box are six Sundown 3×8-inch subs run by two Sundown SIA 2500.1 mono amps. All of the amps are built on the rear wall behind the back seat, the A-pillars were custom built to house mids and tweeters while a custom salt battery by JY Power runs the massive system. 

Find Me at the Shows

Now that Brett has the truck dialed in, you can see it at car and truck shows all over the country. Even rolling to the photo shoot, seeing this thing behind me in my mirrors was pretty intimidating. The wide body, massive lift, and the black and white color theme really sets this truck apart from all of the other diesel RAMs on the road. As you can guess, this truck is NOT a daily driver, but it’s not a trailer queen either. It can be seen on the road mobbing to shows or even taking the wife out to dinner, all while causing a scene with onlookers.