Every truck we feature in Off Road Xtreme is special in its own way, but when we came across this beautifully outfitted 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck, it struck a deep chord in us–a love and pride in our country and for those men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at home and abroad.

It’s not everyday that we feature a build dedicated to those who have served this beautiful country of ours, and we think there are few things better than being able to share a story that will help benefit those in need.

Story and Photos By Nico Jarrett

This is a story about the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Wounded Warrior Project Truck built by A.R.E. Known primarily in the off-road industry for making truck caps and tonneau covers, A.R.E. is no novice in building project vehicles.

The company has been in business for more than 40 years and within the last three years its project vehicles have focused primarily on full-size off-road or diesel trucks. Bryan Baker from A.R.E. explained to us that, “We built the Chevy Silverado Wounded Warrior Project Truck to help educate people about the Wounded Warrior Project Organization.”

Rethink Rebuild

The Chevy Silverado Wounded Warrior Project Truck debuted at the November 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. When A.R.E. decided to build a vehicle for an organization such as the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), the usual project-build thought process changed.

It wasn’t all about the biggest lift kit or the most horsepower, but about how the vehicle would function in relation to the organization it was dedicating the build to. The process of the WWP build took roughly two months to complete for the SEMA Show, and for such a new truck that was no easy task.

Building a project truck requires you to think about what type of terrain you will come across during the truck’s duty cycle. To be sure no road, path or obstacle would hinder its mission, A.R.E. installed a 7-inch lift kit from Skyjacker with Hellwig sway bars and a set of wheels from BMF with 37-inch Toyo tires. This combination gave the WWP truck plenty of ground clearance to navigate any obstacles.

The tough new front and rear bumpers, and side steps, necessary modifications for every big modified truck, came from N-Fab and were installed by Trent’s Trick Trucks. The Warn winch was then installed in the front bumper to help handle those unexpected moments in rough terrain and help a friendly out of a sticky situation. A Monster Hook hitch was also perched in the rear hitch receiver to lend a helping hand when needed.

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A Warn winch is tucked into the N-Fab front bumper on the truck's nose (left), and a Monster Hook was mounted in the hitch receiver (right) out back.

Although the 5.3L V8 is basically untouched, its 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque are supplemented with the addition of a Magnaflow exhaust system and an Airaid cold air intake that help it breath beatter and provide extra power. A ram air hood from APM Automotive gives the truck a badass look, and Reikken performance batteries provide extra kick when starting.

Body Building

Next came storage and safety, and with the expertise A.R.E. has in truck caps, it was an easy choice to install its Z-Series truck cap.

After the truck cap was in place, the Yakima Whisbar HD roof rack was a no-brainer. Next came a sturdy Surco Safari roof rack basket to help carry the spare tire.

Just in case occupants need to use the vehicle as an overnight abode, a roof top tent system from AutoHome USA will help everyone feel safe above ground and provide a roof above their heads for the long night ahead.

The Z-Series truck cap not only supports the tent, but covers one of the most important modifications of the build, the Truck Vault. It keeps valuable items, such as rifles and tools, that the occupants of the WWP Chevy might carry safe and easily accessible, but under lock and key.

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Additional extrication equipment such as a shovel, axe and Hi-Lift jack are stowed securely inside the A.R.E. Z-Series truck cap.

Other accessories such as a shovel, axe and Hi-Lift jack are also located in the Z-Series truck cap; because sometimes it’s the little things that get you out of the biggest problems.

Now that most of the major accessories were installed, something had to be done to help get a military style color scheme onboard, so the paint job was next. A camouflage design was a must, so it was decided that a black and gray digital-style color combo would be perfect.

To help keep from having any reflections seen from a distance, a satin finish was applied. The same camouflage design was also applied to the tint on the truck, but with nice touch of green. LED lighting appliances from Oracle and Rigid Industries were added to the front and roof for those late-night expeditions.

Interior Dimensions

A speaker system from Kicker was installed throughout truck’s interior. Components were placed in the doors, and a dual subwoofer setup was built under the rear seat to give the driver a way to blast his favorite songs during any on- or off-highway outings.

One of our favorite interior touches is the wrapped door armrest, center console, and custom badged seats. The doors and center console are wrapped in a silver carbon-fiber look with words such as Honor, Duty, Courage, Service, Commitment, Integrity and Country emblazoned on them. The seats are badged with the Wounded Warrior Project Organization logo, as is the truck, to let everyone know who this Chevy truck represents.

Purposeful Project

From tire tread to rooftop lights, the folks at A.R.E. and the Wounded Warrior Project Organization are proud of the customized vehicle they have created together. The built 2014 Chevy Silverado will tour the country on display at various car and truck shows to help raise awareness for the WWP cause.

The truck will stand tall helping to spread the word about the Wounded Warrior Project, and the good work it does will help those men and women who have served this country we all love. To see more photos of the A.R.E. Wounded Warrior Chevy Silverado, check out the Off Road Xtreme Gallery below >>>