SEMA 2019: Ram Goes Radical With Rebel OTG Build

Inspiration can take a build from generic to marvelous. When Ram Trucks was figuring out what to bring to the 2019 SEMA Show, it fell on Steve Johnson and his team to make a truck that got people’s attention. Johnson took inspiration from overlanding events he attended — and definitely enjoyed — to bring the Ram Rebel OTG (Off The Grid) to life.

“Several of us have been to overlanding events — most recently the Overland Expo West back in May,” explained Johnson. “We came back with a newfound appreciation for what people were doing with their vehicles. That gave us the idea of wanting to put something together for SEMA.”

The Rebel OTG is Ram's take of a full-size truck built for overlanding.

Working with several aftermarket companies, Johnson and his team pulled the right strings to coordinate the build.

“We had the fortune of pulling in several aftermarket vendors who specialize in overlanding equipment,” said Johnson. “Companies like Yakima and Dometic were instrumental in modifying the truck. Together, we built this concept quickly. It was all-hands-on at the design office to make it happen for today’s show.”

Starting in mid-summer 2019, the OTG build took several months to complete. Johnson’s team took feedback from experienced overlanding enthusiasts along the way.

“We listened to their advice about what these vehicles need to go live while off the grid for a week or a month at a time,” Johnson commented.

Steve Johnson showcases the 60/40 tailgate and Dometic bed storage system at work.

To that end, the Rebel OTG packs a ton of equipment. A Yakima tent sits atop a bed rack, under which rests an assortment of Dometic products, including a stove and refrigerator. To make bed access easier, the 60/40 tailgate (which is now an available option for the Rebel) swings out, and a bed step gives the user a foothold to get into the bed. A retractable awning gives the driver and his passengers shade from the sun during the day.

Between the tent and the roof rack, a Road Shower 4 water tank feeds a sink and shower unit to keep everyone clean. The roof rack has solar panels that provide additional power to the truck, helping preserve the battery. Lighting is available on all sides of the truck, too. Mopar-supplied beadlock wheels hold the 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires firmly in place and promote better grip when under-inflated.

Steve Johnson showcases the 60/40 tailgate and Dometic bed storage system at work.

The front showcases a new Mopar winch-capable bumper, fitted with a Warn winch to help get out of tricky situations.

“This is a concept bumper for us,” said Johnson. “We’re trying it out and gauging feedback from SEMA visitors. We equipped it with 5-inch TYRI lights, each one putting out 4,800 lumens. The bumper also has mounts for D-rings.”

Naturally, the Rebel OTG also featured a snorkel intake on the passenger side, which is another concept Mopar piece. We noticed tools including a high-lift jack, shovel, and an air compressor, all essential for extended stays in the wilderness.

 

The Rebel OTG is an outstanding concept vehicle brought to the world by Johnson and his awesome team. What do you make of it? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

About the author

David Chick

David Chick comes to us ready for adventure. With passions that span clean and fast Corvettes all the way to down and dirty off-road vehicles (just ask him about his dream Jurassic Park Explorer), David's eclectic tastes lend well to his multiple automotive writing passions.
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