I started life as a 250lb newborn. Now, I’m finally starting to catch up proportionally to my noggin. I am a jack of all trades, but my true passion is combining off-roading with diesel.

My interest in the diesel field started Germany when my father was stationed at Ramstien AFB. For anyone who hasn’t been to Germany, they make everything run on diesel over there.

But my interest in diesel really kicked in during a job interview with the Columbia River Bar Pilot Association. I got to run around in a 72-foot Chinook—a diesel-powered all-weather boot capable of 40 knots. WOW, is all I could say. I got the job, but I turned it down because I was in the middle of the semester at SCC’s Diesel Heavy Equipment program. I wanted to eventually work on boats like the Chinook, but figured I should finish school first. Then before I knew it, an apprenticeship at Pacific Detroit Diesel led to a full-time job performing on-site repowers in the mining industry.

Meanwhile, I bought my first Cummins—a 99 quad short manual with the 4500. I thought it was the coolest thing since sliced bread. After only one day, I had already installed a leveling kit and 35” tires. So cool. Then came the cold air intake. Then the turbo. Then the superchip. But my favorite modification to that truck was the simple act of cutting off the muffler. My wife and neighbors thought it was completely obnoxious but I dug it. I loved that truck and still see it rolling around the CDA area. I think it whimpers a little every time it sees me, wishing it could come on back to the good life.

By this time, I had moved on from the mining job and was working at Dave Smith, surrounded by oceans of Dodge Diesel trucks. My diesel habit was starting to spiral out of control. My next truck, an ‘05 manual quad short 2500, was even more outrageous than the last. Then came a ‘93 manual regular cab. Then a ‘07 5.9 mega cab manual. By then, I was experimenting with adjustable heim joints and modified turbos. These trucks lead to a new goal—to enter a little race called the Baja 1000.

Eventually, Bryan Howell heard my claims of wanting to not only race the Baja 1000 but to drive there, race there, and drive home in the same diesel truck. Let’s just say he liked the idea. I spent so much time chatting with (and buying parts from) Bryan and the guys at DPP that joining them seemed like a natural next step.

And here I am today. Having fun, loving the craziness, and coming up with ways to help everyone achieve their diesel goals for more economy and power—heavy on the power. Booyah.

What Do We Drive: The EcoDiesel with Tyler

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