RealRides Volume 6: Jason Lavold

What is RealRides?

Before we hand the reins over to Jason, let’s first talk a bit about this series, how it came about, and what it represents. 

RealRides is the brainchild of RealTruck’s creative team. Much like prototypical Reader Rides segments, RealRides gives individuals the opportunity to show off the fruits of their labor and the subject of their passions—their personal vehicles. However, instead of honing in on customers, we’ve opted to flip the script and show off our employees' RealTruck-equipped rides. 

From authors and publishers to spokespersons and sales directors, we’re scouring our staff for the most unique and radical rides. RealRides is a place for our employees to come together with our customers and demonstrate that they aren’t just part pushers—they’re passionate enthusiasts with unwavering faith in the quality of our products. 

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

Meet Jason: RealTruck’s Passionate Media Publisher and Auto Aficionado

With a thorough understanding of what RealRides represents, it’s time to hand things over to Jason for a quick introduction. 

“My name is Jason, and my journey with pickup trucks began long before I started working at RealTruck in 2013 as a videographer and editor.

Growing up, my family heavily relied on pickup trucks for work and towing, and I have fond memories of my dad’s single-cab 1991 Ford F-150. This truck was small but mighty, powered by an extremely reliable 4.9L inline-6 engine that effortlessly towed the massive houseboat my dad built by hand. 

I remember the interior seats lined with Saddle Blanket Seat Covers, adding a touch of classic, rugged protection. Engrained in my memory is hopping out of the truck to lock the front wheel hubs and switch to four-wheel drive. Taking it slow and steady, it could get through any blizzard. Still one of my favorite trucks to this day.” 

I can’t help but relate to the power and simplicity of the OBS Ford pickup. I learned to drive in a 1995 F-150—there’s nothing quite like the mechanical feedback and familiar “thunk” of rotating the manual hub lockouts!

What About RealTruck Aligns With You?

One quick read through Jason’s introduction, and it’s evident that his affinity for trucks runs deep. It was only a matter of time before he landed at a company like RealTruck! As a twelve-year veteran of the brand, Jason has demonstrated just how well he and the company are aligned. As Jason puts it: 

“Over my years with RealTruck, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of designing and building many truck and car builds, including Black Ice, Torque, Big Red, White Lightning, RealTruck Rocks the Ram, Beauty, Beast, and Rebel. I have also had the pleasure of working with some great people over the years. Remembering back, our Fargo, ND office would have dance battles with the Jamestown, ND office.”

At RealTruck, it’s not just the shared interest in everything automotive that draws in exceptional team members like Jason but also the culture and the rewarding work we do. Thanks for over a decade, Jason!

What Was Your First Truck?

Oftentimes, it’s our first trucks that spark our passion, and Jason is no exception. For him, this truck is a GMT900 Silverado. Here’s Jason’s recap of the truck: 

“My first truck purchase was a Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 with a 5.3L V8 engine. I put this truck to work, completing heavy-duty tasks around my homestead—I filled the bed with dirt, concrete, and even round bales. Minnesota winters saw me plowing my driveway with the handy Bizon Snow Plow, allowing me to tackle the snow with confidence. 

One accessory that truly stood out during this time was the Gator SFX Tri-Fold Truck Bed Cover. It offered unmatched convenience—I could install or remove it in minutes, giving me flexibility when I needed to haul larger items. Over the years, I tested the truck's impressive tow rating of 11,500 pounds multiple times, pushing its limits even through worn-out shocks and busted leaf springs. After 220,000 miles, the 5.3 V8 engine maintained its integrity, and the transmission held strong.”

People always cite the GMT800 as the epitome of GM’s reliability, but if Jason’s first truck is any indicator, the GMT900 may be even more reliable! 

Jason’s 2021 RAM 2500

Now that we’ve covered Jason’s past rides, let’s get into the current rigs in his stable. Jason’s primary truck is a 2021 RAM 2500, packing the venerable 6.4L HEMI. According to Jason: 

“Today, I navigate my small homestead in Minnesota with my 2021 Ram 2500, which perfectly complements my DIY weekend warrior lifestyle. The power this truck offers enables me to haul pallets of concrete, landscaping blocks, and loads of lumber with ease. One of the best investments I made was the Husky Liners® X-act Contour® floor liners. They effectively contain all the mud that comes with our spring seasons and the salt from brutal winter conditions. Additionally, the AMP® PowerStep™ electric running boards make cab access a breeze for my family, enhancing both comfort and functionality.

As a dedicated truck enthusiast, I have learned the importance of maintaining tight and responsive handling, especially with heavy loads. That's why I opted for Superlift steering stabilizers—essential for heavy-duty solid axle pickup. However, my all-time favorite accessory is the A.R.E. Z Series cap. It keeps my tools, hunting gear, and even my dog secure and dry. The truck bed is such a comfortable space—I could spend nights in it, enjoying the outdoors with fresh air from the crank-out windows and ample LED lighting for nighttime use. The Diamond Black Crystal paint perfectly matches my RAM, creating an aesthetically pleasing look that doesn’t compromise functionality.”

Current Modifications: 

• Camper Shell: A.R.E Z Series

• Running Boards: AMP Research® PowerStep™

• Floor Liners: Husky Liners® X-act Contour® 

• Steering Stabilizers: Superlift

• Ball Mount: Weigh Safe Adjustable 180°

• Bed Step: AMP Research® 

Next Mods: 

• Bed Liner: BedRug® Classic 

• Shocks: FOX 2.0 Performance Series

• Tool Box: Undercover Swing Case

• Interior Storage: Husky Liners® Gearbox®

Other Vehicles

Aside from the RAM, Jason also owns a clean, big-block-powered plow truck. The 1995 Chevy K3500 packs a massive, 454 cubic inch V8, providing plenty of oomph to clear out snow around the farmstead. Future mod plans for the truck include: 

• Off-Road Lights: Rugged Ridge® Round

• Mud Flaps: Husky Liners® MudDog

• Air Intake: K&N 63 Series Aircharger

Additionally, Jason owns a reliable 1950 Ford 900 tractor for use around the farmstead. Current modifications for the tractor include converting it to a 12-volt electrical system and installing an electronic ignition. Plans include adding lights for improved visibility and affixing a rear hitch to tow vehicles and carry heavy cargo. 

Final Words from Jason

I would like to extend a huge thank you to Jason for sharing his personal collection with us, as well as sharing the backstory of how he got into trucks and ended up at RealTruck. To finish things up, I’d like to leave off with a quote from Jason: 

“As a Media Publisher at RealTruck.com, I take pride in creating and sharing informative content. I know firsthand how valuable our installation videos can be for empowering customers. Watching others gain the knowledge and confidence from these resources motivates me to continue this journey, realizing that trucks are not just vehicles but tools that shape lives and memories.” 

I couldn’t have said it better myself! Thanks again to Jason. Stay tuned for our next RealRides feature, where we cover another employee’s radical rides.