In the year 2007, the trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond from the show Top Gear set off on an expedition from Nunavut, Canada to the North Magnetic Pole. This unique journey, called the Polar Challenge, featured a duo of 2007 Toyota Hilux Double Cab 3.0-liter diesel trucks extensively modified by the Icelandic firm Arctic Trucks. Some time later, James May drove one of these vehicles to Iceland’s Eyjafallajökull volcano during its eruption.
The YouTube channel The Straight Pipes recently had the opportunity to test drive an Arctic Trucks-modified Ford F-350 Super Duty, and it impresses both visually and mechanically. This truck boasts a 6.7-liter V8 turbo diesel engine under the hood, delivering 475 horsepower and 1050 lb-ft of torque directly from the factory. Although the powertrain remains unaltered, enhancements have been made to the suspension, axles, and differentials. The standout feature is undoubtedly the massive 44-inch tires matched with custom fender flares.
These colossal tires can be deflated to enhance traction and achieve better weight distribution, down to 3 psi or even as low as 1 psi, according to insights from Jakub Wrobel of The Straight Pipes, all without stepping out of the vehicle (though it might demand a stepladder, based on your height and agility). The cabin features a switch panel allowing the driver to manage each tire independently. Utilizing a dual compressor setup, the company claims it can inflate the tires from 1 PSI to 30 PSI within just 10 minutes – that’s impressive!
“What captivates me the most about this AT44 modification is that unlike a typical showy truck lifted solely for the sake of lift, with undersized tires and exaggerated wheels,” Wrobel elucidates. “[Arctic] elevates it minimally to reduce driver fatigue and enhance roll stability. Standing approximately three inches taller than a standard F-350, it’s a nominal increase given the scale of those immense tires.”
Equipped with the AT44 kit (named after the tire size), the Ford is adorned with bespoke wheels estimated by Wrobel to measure around “possibly 17 by 15.” He clarifies that these wheels lack beadlocks since the tires could slip at ultra-low psi levels. Exiting the vehicle for any reason, such as tire maintenance, is not recommended in the subzero Arctic climate.
The reviewers were initially braced for the truck to perform abysmally on regular roads, yet it exceeded their expectations.
Originally established in Iceland and presently based in Norway, Arctic Trucks revamps various models like Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, and more across the globe. In the United States, the company has a branch in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Wrobel’s counterpart, Yuri Tereshyn, points out that Arctic Trucks vehicles can be purchased at a dealership in the Yukon Territory of northern Canada, ideal for those interested in embarking on their own adventure.
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