RealRides Volume 7: Dave Brady

What is RealRides?

RealRides is a passion project born from the creativity of RealTruck’s in-house team. Similar to Readers' Rides features, it puts the spotlight on vehicles that have been built and customized using RealTruck goodies. But instead of focusing on customers, we’re turning the lens inward, highlighting the trucks driven by the very people who help bring RealTruck to life.

From writers and marketers to sales leaders, we’re digging through the ranks to uncover the boldest builds. RealRides is where our team’s dedication to truck culture shines—proof that we don’t just sell the parts, we live the lifestyle.

At the end of the day, we aren’t just RealTruck people, but Real Truck people. 

For over half a decade, Dave Brady has been a proud member of the RealTruck team. As Vice President of Sales and Service, Dave’s a dedicated leader who manages our fantastic eCommerce Customer Service and Sales team. 

What’s the role of Dave’s team, you might ask? As he puts it, “Together, we support our customers through every stage of their online shopping journey, from exploring products to getting help after their purchase.” 

What Sparked Your Interest in Real Trucks? 

Dave’s always been an enthusiast, but his first love wasn’t trucks. Instead, he focused on performance vehicles. However, the pipeline from fast cars to lifted trucks isn’t as uncommon as you’d imagine. Once Dave started his position with RealTruck, he quickly transitioned into a pickup lover. According to Dave: 

"When I first joined RealTruck, I was actually more into performance vehicles than trucks—until I started learning about our product lineup. That’s when I discovered just how many exciting ways you can customize a truck to fit your lifestyle, add functionality, boost performance, and make it look great."

Dave’s 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor

Dave’s most recent pickup is a 2019 (2nd Gen) Ford F-150 Raptor sporting a slew of modifications from RealTruck. The souped-up sport truck boasts off-road prowess, aggressive styling, and turbocharged performance, all the while maintaining a usable full-size bed for hauling gear. As Dave puts it: 

"Today, I drive a 2019 Gen2 Ford Raptor, and I absolutely love it. I’m also a father of two sons who were very active in sports growing up. We spent years traveling from town to town—and sometimes across state lines—hauling sports gear, folding chairs, coolers, and tents so we could stay comfortable while cheering them on.

These days, I also enjoy taking the truck out on hunting trips, loading it up with equipment and rifles for a good hog hunt. And of course, there’s still that part of me that just loves the thrill of acceleration and horsepower when I’m ripping along a trail or an empty back road.

All valid points, Dave! The Ford Raptor is often viewed as one of the most versatile pickups on the market, and Dave certainly gets his money's worth out of the truck between off-road playtime, cargo hauling, and roadtripping. 

Over the years, I’ve added a few upgrades and accessories to my Raptor, but there’s one that always brings a smile to my face. Not only is it cool and functional, but it also makes my 91-year-old mom happy—and helps me keep her riding along with me. It’s my AMP PowerStep XL power-retractable running boards. The XL steps drop nearly a foot below the cab, and the built-in LED lighting keeps everything illuminated so my mom can get in and out safely and comfortably. Now that was money well spent!"

Current Modifications: 

• Tonneau Cover: RetraxPro XR

• Bed Rack: Rhino Rack Tonneau Rack

• Storage: Husky Liners Gearbox Under Seat Storage

• Bed Liner: Bedrug Full Bedliner

• Floor Liners: Husky Liner X-Act Contour

• Side Steps: AMP Research Powerstep XL

• Tuner: Edge CS2 Programmer with 5 Star Custom Tune

• Air Intake: S&B Cold Air Intake

• Throttle Booster: Pedal Commander Throttle Response

• Lighting: Rigid D-Series Raptor fog light kit

• Wheels: Hard Rock Black Gloss Affliction 20X10, -19mm Offset

• Tires: Nitto Ridge Grappler 35x12.50R20

Big thanks to Dave for taking the time out of his busy schedule to give us a rundown of his RealTruck-modified Ford Raptor! Stay tuned for our next RealRides feature, where we cover another employee’s radical rides.