700hp, R4.3million, RHD Hellcat-powered bakkie! The SA company that makes American Dreams come true
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- Thinus De Beer dreamed of owning a bad-ass American pick-up, in South Africa. Clawing his way through a mountain of paperwork, he finally found a way to make his dream a reality, and then started a hugely successful business too.
His company, US Trucks, based in Richards Bay, South Africa, specialises in converting modern American pick-ups to right hand drive and legalising them for South African roads.
Despite the price, the bakkies are hugely popular and US Trucks can't keep up with demand.
In this video, Thinus takes us for a drive in his special RAM TRX Sandblast Edition, a 700hp monster!
Would you buy one of these? Let us know in the comments below.
0:00 - Intro
0:44 - Meet Thinus
2:40 - Engine
3:00 - Power and torque
3:52 - Fuel consumption
4:30 - Suspension
6:10 - Interior
7:20 - Price
8:00 - The conversion process
10:30 - Testing
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I think all the big American bakkies would sell very well in SA. Don't understand why they don't officially import them
Because the manufacturers don't make them in RHD
Because how many people can casually afford R3million
Most of them have horrific fuel consumption so they're unappealing to SA customers
@@mattgraver3604 I don’t think anyone who can afford a R2 mill + car complains about petrol
@@thabo9218 Fair point
Not sure if you guys are aware or not, but here in Australia RAM, Chevrolet and soon Ford and Toyota, bring in their full size American Utes or Pickups to Australia in LHD form, they're then re-manufactured to RHD and are officially sold through RAM, Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota dealerships, while also covered by a new vehicle warranty. They're official imports and not brought in by third party importers, they're being backed by RAM Australia, GMSV Australia, Ford Australia and Toyota Australia.
At the moment, the RAM 1500 DS, RAM 1500 DT and RAM 2500 DT, plus RAM TRX, are re-manufactured here, as well as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2500. Ford will be re-manufacturing the F-150 and Toyota the Tundra in the coming months.
In 2022, RAM Trucks Australia sold over 6,000 Utes, so there's a big market for big American Utes here.
I'm not sure why we're not sending them over to you guys in South Africa though? We send them to New Zealand, but I would've thought the South African market would have been a big opportunity, especially considering how big your bakkie market is over there.
That is super interesting. My guess would be that the local manufacturers of bakkies are trying to protect their business models as much as possible. Building Rangers and Hiluxes and Isuzus here is big business and perhaps they don't want to eat into those sales. Now that I know this about Australia, that's the only reason that makes sense to me. Thanks for the comment, much appreciated
I saw that in the Australian CZcams channel that’s does similar content to this channel, they were also reviewing the TRX
@@by15tahore No problems mate! I've been a fan of your channel for a while, I rarely comment though, love seeing what interesting stuff you guys get that we don't here in Australia. Keep up the great work!
Only the RAM 1500 DS Express V8 HEMI sell's for less than $100,000AUD, all other Utes from RAM, Chevrolet and soon Ford and Toyota, are over $,100,000AUD, so despite the big money people are prepared to pay for them, so is the demand that the re-manufacturing lines in Melbourne are running at full capacity, with waiting lists stretching into months. Also, RAM sell's better than Jeep in Australia!
The smaller Utes like the Ranger, HiLux and D Max sell in huge numbers here also, the Ford Ranger is the biggest selling vehicle in Australia so far in 2023 and these new American Pickups haven't dented their sales at all, they've just grown the overall Ute market here. I'm just waiting to see if Ford bring in the smaller Maverick Ute and from Renault, the Renault Orch Ute and see how the Australian market reacts to them. Would love to see if you guys do get a Polo based Ute/Bakkie in the next few years also!
Most of our most popular Utes (bakkies) are imported from Thailand, Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D Max, Nissan Navara, however, we will be getting the new Volkswagen Amarok from South Africa! The new Amarok is going to sell like hot cakes here and will also reclaim its title as Volkswagens biggest selling vehicle in Australia. Only the Tiguan and T-Cross outsold it in 2022.
My accountant dubbed the RAM the TAX ute - It's a tax write off, and a toy in one 🤣
@@iEnofadov super interesting. Sorry I commented from an old account by mistake. I need to visit Aus again and investigate the market. So interesting. I also have an FD RX-7 in good condition and I believe the market in Oz for them is strong
Shout out to US trucks in Richards Bay. Thanks for putting us on the map.
It would be nice to see them at their factory how they do the conversation. You can’t tell by looking at the car that it’s been converted it’s like it came like this from the USA factory👌🏾
I think we should do a follow up video like you suggest, great idea
Imagine walking down the streets of Mzansi and spotting a RAM TRX...🫨🫨
I would go crazy🤪 😜 🤪 😜 🤪
Saw a RAM 1500 in Ruimsig . . . parked my bakkie next to it - the size difference is just amazing!
Look at the smile on this man's face 😂😂😂 he's in pure bliss
I work opposite US trucks and I see them so many times and they look awesome their presence on the road is great love the rams and the jeeps too
I love the weeping sound of the hellcat.
Hi these guys are in Richards bay where I live and work. This just one example of the awesome work they do. Proud of them 🎉
Thanks 🙏
9 days to do all that sophisticated conversion 😮 i applaud you for the amazing work you're doing. Great video, thanks for the insights shared.
Very useful information because I was also wondering about the dashboard design and the "behind the scenes" electronics but you've perfectly explained the process. Must have been easier in the olden days.
I don't care what anybody says... This thing is freaking badass and one of a kind. I mean a bladdy bakkie with an engine bigger than jacob zumas forehead, the capacity power of eskom on full generation and the versatility of a anc open check book... This thing is the goat!! 🐐
Dude🤣🤣
Jacob zumas forehead! 🤣🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭💀💀💀
It's overrated
I was waiting on that fuel consumption figure and wow it did not disappoint 🤣
🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭😭💀💀💀🤞🤞
Take it with a grain of salt, many owners on CZcams are getting 30l/km upwards
I recently went to an auto show during my trip to America and sat in a left-hand drive RAM TRX and F150 Raptor. Impressive bakkies. The interior in that Ram is super comfy, good materials, and spacious like a Nissan Patrol just very massive. R4.3Mil is a bit much though in my opinion. 😅
R4.3mil is insane
@@vincentmkwanazi2915 Agreed.
As a member in bakkie assembly sector I'm so thrilled hearing about the LHD to RHD transformation. I need to visit their transformation site 🙏
Praying that someday I see a Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcat REDEYE on here😍😍😍
Thank you guys for this video, it was definitely overdue!
Hope you enjoyed it!
I was literally begging for Thinus de Beer to appear before the video began!!
😂
Brilliant piece of machine!! Can't afford it but I can appreciate a beast when i see one. 💪💪💪💪
This is great work! Well Done, Sir!
great insight, I've been waiting for their interview
There was one at my local SPAR last week 0_o
I felt like I was back in Texas :)
Next level conversions. wow!
My passion is to be part off a team that makes those dreams a reality, you guys are awesome. I am not a young by any means but I don't feel nor think this way, all I want is the opportunity to be invovled with an an excititng project. Youg minds are not what where it all belongs, age counts
Saw a blue one with a smartcap canopy on in Mouille point the other day, awesome looking thing
It's about time you review my dream car
Richards Bay riseee up baby!!💯
My dream car for sure!
beautiful bakkie
Heck ya , what a beast !!
This thing is so American I'm surprised you guys didn't play Sweat Home Alabama in the background
I've always wondered how most American cars are RHD and legal to drive in SA
Impressive 🙌
It'd be crazy seeing ford f450
For the life of me, I need that car just to annoy my neighbors with the cold start
I always wondered if there was a company that does LHD to RHD conversion of cars in SA...wow this is cool...
ShellySA also does RHD conversion for the F150 shelby trucks. I have never seen one yet though, I have only seen the normal F150 Raptor but not sure who convedts those
Glad I have the priviledge of seeing a red ram trx atleast 2 times a week where I live in Witbank.
This is awesome I am so interested in how this is done I would really enjoy And appreciate a conversion video maybe .....great work from yourself and your team .
We are definitely keen to do a follow up to see the process
One day is one day.
Lives in Harties this truck now
I am moving to harties soon and plan to get myself a 1500 Limited night edition with RAM boxes
@@ToxxicMafia i actually might have one for you
would definately get 1
With this money you can basically buy 2 of these trucks in the U.S
Listen to that supercharge noise
OMW
If I have to buy a bakkie it will be have to be this one
Good video👍🏾
where did you get the tonneau cover? trying to buy one in NZ but no one does that style cover.
Thanks
what the mind dreams can be a reality and so tthe journey begins, no dreams no where to go
When ever i hear the Dodge RAM , only Bakkies that comes to mind is the Heavy Duty Dodge RAM 3500 6.7L Cummins, I am also keen on the Toyota Tundra
Eyy the G63 has some competition now🔥😅🙆🏽♂️
this isn't a bakkie, it's a BAKKIE!
It's not even a BAKKIE, it's a BAK.
@@louishenn3028 TRUCK LOL
I think these trucks are cool on occasion. Living with this as a daily might prove to be a daunting task. Cool car by the way.
False. Unless you're living on some narrow road city centre, they're a dream to live with in South Africa especially in medium sized towns like Richards Bay.
The only killer is fuel consumption. But hey, what did you expect 700hp.
i drive a big truck in the states, 2017 tundra crewmax, and the only real problem is parking. You don't want to park near anyone in fear of door dings, I always park far away from everyone if i can. Also we have big roads here tho, im not sure how it is where you live.
Awesome
Would love to see someone negotiate one these trucks through Bainskloof pass 🤔
Now i know where to go to get a Tundra TRD 😎
I can't seem to find it on the website, has it been sold already
I really think if you bring in a Toyota Tundra it would outsell the Ram. Im sure most Land Cruiser 300series buyers would pick the Tundra over the Cruiser
I work on these all the time. The only thing I don't like is that the oil changes. Still better than regular rams!
THE MAMMOTH ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Yes
RICHARD'S BAY MY HOMETOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dream car
Keep your Ford Raptor I'm going for the Ram, it's a "mammoth" of a BAKKIE
Rudi on behalf of @us_trucks - follow the channel or come visit us anytime!
@@darkwhitecreative7159 hi, is there a reason why SAns seem to prefer the 1500 limited without RAM boxes?
@@ToxxicMafia i think it's 50/50 at this stage. We get vehicles with and without Ramboxes and a lot of times they'll choose what's available at soonest preference. the other reason i think very few like the Rambox is because it changes the design of the Roll bar and the bin is also slightly smaller (still massive compared to SA standards)
@Darkwhite Creative makes sense, Thanks.
That new Gen Raptor not so expensive after all.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Two different cars.
@Darkwhite Creative they should check the F150 Raptor R
This is a great video, straight forward.
Never thought I'd see the day. I've always been a Ford fan myself so I'd really like to see an F-150 Raptor than anything else
And much cheaper than the RAM
@@pietervorster5690 probably easier to get parts too
@@pietervorster5690would cost the same….imported and converted
@@justicemohapi6363who said it was difficult to get parts?
@@darkwhitecreative7159 no one. Hence the "probably"
Interesting
My dream's the Mammoth 1000😭🤩 This inspired me to keep osuhing for it
One coming soon ;)
Rudi on behalf of @us_trucks - follow the channel or come visit us anytime!
@@darkwhitecreative7159 is one really coming here?
We are bringing one for a customer in Zimbabwe. Hennesey is just about done. Its a black one with Mammoth 1000 plus stage 2 offroad kit
@@Don-pk2uy yes for a customer in Zim
@@US_Trucks any coming to SA?
do you still have this truck up for sale. its not on your website.
Here in the UAE the ram trx is less than half that price. But somehow that price tag seems reasonable
SA import duties are absurd. Cars here often cost nearly double what they do in Europe/ US
@@yissibiiyte NAAMSA, bru.
They impose strict taxes and duties on imported vehicles because they want us all to drive locally manufactured vehicles (manufacturers profits are larger with locally manufactured vehicles). They want us to drive Polo Vivos and Ford Rangers. That's why companies like Ford no longer import cars like the Fiesta, Focus, and Figo. They want us to drive Rangers because it benefits them more.
This industry body is a nuisance.
UAE is left hand drive and probably sold by RAM itself.
You should convert the Escalade SUV
man just think how fast you can go get the hay bales in this!!!i saw one in person but on Dubai plates they are just awesome looking and that engine!!! how do they do the headlights to make it work on RHD?
Most headlights just have a metal shield to create the cutoff line for LHD and RHD, so it’s as simple as opening them up, mirroring it and fitting them back.
With these newer LED matrix ones I’d be very curious to know how it’s done.
@@rushilkisoon i know thats why i asked seeing they dont make a RHD version how did they come right there cant just go get RHD headlights
I think timing is a bit bad for this business. RAMs were always far more aggressive looking and more powerful than our local bakkies. In the past this would be excellent... However Ford has now made their bakkies very aggressive looking... So it would be far cheaper to ramp up the power on the raptors than to go through all of this. Insurance would be expensive based on no parts being readily available here
Oh wow. One these was following me on the freeway for almost 50km, just now. I thought it was some rich person playing with his money.
Thats hella cool
Shout out Richards bay!!!!!
can u import ford f600 motorhome and convert to rhd for sa roads
Tundra and Tacoma would be popular here in SA
The fact that you still called this a bukkey😂😂😂. That's a Truck.
Can you guys import the cars we not only trx but also other vehicles like hellcats , demons and zl1
Must be fun, it’s quite niche though. It it’s the equivalent of buying a Ferrari, no justification other than that you want one.
🔥🔥 when are you guys doing the new amarock?
What’s that? Never heard of her
This is a TRX which very powerful and expensive, Dodge must start producing the other RAMS (Rebel etc)
Yes road legalitty is all important, but you are kidding yourselves on doing more them onwe one off's, I would love to be part of your team as age is important when finded that gap
can we see how they are converted to RHD
In Namibia RAM TRX is sold by M+Z motors a Mercedes Benz and Jeep dealership, they source the vehicles from South Africa and they come already remanufactured to RHD. But strangely they charge almost double that price R3,8mil 🤔 😕
the one you looked at was a TRX priced at R4.2 Million , the one mentioned the normal 1500 is 2.7
Price was loaded incorrectly initially. The average 1500 Crew Cab is approx R2.7m. The TRX is R4.3m now.
@@US_Trucks can you please share 🙏 your contact information
@@US_Trucks can you please share 🙏 your contact information
now way 😲
Even though this RAM maybe comparable in price to a Range Rover or G-Wagon; those are still smaller and useable everyday in SA/UK considering road size, height restrictions, parking and fuel consumption.
And when you're playing in multi-million rand car market; you can't be naive to/ignore the resale factor; that's big money to be taking a chance with...
always remember that anything that costs money exists bcoz there is demand for it.
And even if all you said is true, not everything in life is about money
Fuel ?
Just asked OEM to make right hand to keep the cost down just in few numbers
It would require a billion dollar production setup at the factory
One of the most important features it has (for me atleast) is a sunroof.
It annoys me to no end that all the bakkies in SA (except the cheaper GWM P-series) don't have a sunroof. Even cars sold in the EU are sold in SA without sunroofs (Megane RS).
It makes no sense, you're selling a car in sunny South Africa.
Know your market
all RAM 1500’s have a full panoramic sunroof
Where can I get this car
IM STILL INTERESTED IN GMC SIRRA 6.2 L DURAMAX V8 DIESEL
Do they offer maintenance plans and warranties?
We do yes
Hi, does thinus have a social media page?
I've always wondered, how do you service American trucks here in SA? Would US Trucks assist with sourcing service items from Dodge or are you on your own?
@us_trucks stock general service parts and continuously import as they go a long. Other parts that aren’t as frequently needed can get imported.
We have a service department with service technicians as well as despatch teams if the customer requires on site servicing. Other than that, standard services can be done at any Jeep dealership.
@@darkwhitecreative7159 That's brilliant. Thank you for the reply!
This is Richards Bay
Germiston by the sea?
What about service and maintenance ?
we provide all after sales services and support at US Trucks
POV you live in Richards Bay and you have seen this car🥴
Did the price double since this video dropped? It was 2.4 million when video dropped
Lol that was a typo. The 1500 series Crew Cab is around R2.7m but the TRX is R4.3m
have they done an F150 where can one see their inventory
They only do RAMS
It uses 3 times the Fuel of a normal car....2000km a month = R11,500.00 on fuel each month. Still need insurance, Extended warranty, Maintenance plan, Tires will probably only last half a year. R5000 a tire? And so the costs go on...Budget R200,000 a year to Run this car.
😭😭At this price this bakkie will be very rare
there’s already at least 15 on the roads in SA
This guys kids go to my school Grantleigh