Josh Matthews’ journey into the diesel truck world
Josh Matthews started building trucks when he was just 17 years old. His first build was a jet-black Ford F-150 with 22-inch wheels, 33-inch mudders and a back seat filled with speakers and amplifiers. After owning the Ford, Josh found his love for the diesel world.
He then purchased a 2006 Ram Mega Cab (2006 was the first year the cab was offered) with the ever-famous Cummins turbo diesel. Josh added a beefed-up Suncoast Transmission to complement a few engine modifications.
Along with the performance work, he swapped the stock wheels and tires for some bigger, 20x10-inch rims wrapped in 35-inch tires. Realizing he wanted to live the four-door truck lifestyle, Josh sold the ’06 for a black 2005 four-door model. He took this truck one step further and decided to repaint it himself.
This decision would ultimately lead to his current career in the paint-and-restoration genre.
Every truck Josh owned was Rbp-equipped in some fashion, but this one had a little more RBP. He swapped the stock grille for an RBP version and added the signature RBP exhaust tips.
“I liked all my trucks, but I really wanted another Mega Cab, so I sold the ’05 for a 2010 Mega Cab.”
He then started lifting his trucks, installing a 6-inch BDS lift, under-glow lighting, RBP exhaust tips and 22x14-inch rims with 37-inch tires.
But Josh wasn’t done yet: He sold that one and purchased his first brand-new truck—a 2017 Ram 2500 Laramie Mega Cab in “Delmonico Red Pearl.”
Josh and future wife Casey immediately started brainstorming ideas for the “new build.”
“We lifted it with an 8-inch BDS lift, installed Fox shocks all the way around and added 22x14-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires—all within two months of purchasing it.” Josh tells us.
Knowing that wasn’t enough, Casey set out to manage the build process by looking to gain industry knowledge and ultimately, a sponsorship or two. Casey hit the ground running and was eager to see what this build could become.
They didn’t have to look any more after speaking with Kelleigh Ash, the vice president and general manager of Rolling Big Power (RBP). Josh had been a customer of RBP for a number of years, so the fit was perfect.
The “Kentucky Mega Ram’s” first show was in June at the Unlimited Off Road Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. Casey and Josh were able to meet Kelleigh from RBP for the first time; and, well, the rest is history. The RBP family welcomed Casey and Josh with open arms and invited them to the RBP Builders Challenge at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas—a challenge immediately accepted and dreams turning into reality for Josh.
“I never thought I would have a build that would be featured at SEMA!”
For the next several months, the “Kentucky Mega Ram” would take shape. The list of upgrades? A mile long.
Nearly everything was upgraded externally, as well as the interior. The build process might sound a little different than you would think, but the goal for Josh was to do as much as possible of the build in-house.
Nevertheless, nothing in life comes without a little help from others. The bulk of the work was done at their home, but they occasionally had to lean on a few local companies for help.
Auto Kustoms was tasked to install the custom headliner, center console and Roadwire double-diamond leather/suede interior. Tint Shop Plus installed 5 percent tint to keep that new interior cool during the hot Kentucky summers.
Mounting and balancing the new RBP 24-inch wheels and 40-inch tires were the second to last pieces of the build to be