We know you guys love lifted trucks, we do too. There's just something so cool about a big truck that can plow Prius' and Civics off the road on the way to the local truck show or mud pit or even to work. Unfortunately we can't just run lifted trucks in the magazine so we will be the enablers and give you your lifted truck fix for now. As soon as this fix runs out, be sure to grab your copy of LIFTED: Wrenched and Raised, with features and tech on just lifted trucks. That will be on sale now!

We often times forget what other countries are doing, but when we got an email from Marcus Walther, in Denmark, we got a custom truck smack upside the noggin. His '69 GMC C10 proves we need to step outside of our comfortable U.S. bubble and see what the rest of the world has to offer. After finding out he took a perfectly good truck already featured in Truckin back in 2007 and then worked hard to make it his own, we couldn't help but appreciate the end result that much more.

Purchasing the truck from a resident in the United States back in 2008, Marcus wanted to make this truck his own but in order to do so, he needed to change just about everything on the GMC. Marcus, owning a tint shop, was no stranger to custom vehicles, and always liked classic trucks, especially those of the American variety. His dream truck was a '67-'72 C10 and now, with one in hand, all he had to do was transform it.

As some of you are well aware, we awarded the 2008 Dodge Durango our coveted SUV of the Year award at the time of testing. One of the issues with the long term test vehicles provided us by the manufacturers is the inability to do any modifications to said vehicle. We managed to run down a healthy and clean used example allowing us to show you what can be done with one of these fun and versatile SUVs. Our unit is a 2WD with a PowerTech 4.7L V-8 under the bonnet, factory rated at 235hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. However, those numbers are at the crank, so we will be running the Durango on the dyno to see how our before and after figures come out at the wheels.

With an open book to do whatever we pleased, we brainstormed a ton of ideas and ran down plenty of scenarios. After the dust settled, the decision was made to bring this mid-size performer up to a respectable and streetable trim without going overboard. What could be done by most owners with minimal effort and still be easy on the wallet should you be completely unable to do any of the labor yourself? With K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) running through our collective brains, we sought help from the pros. True Flow was sourced for one its high-flow intake conversions and Gibson exhaust pulled an aluminized exhaust from its inventory. On the outside, we contacted E&G Classics for a stainless mesh grille to replace the stocker and Tom McWeeney of Kustoms Inc. used paint from PPG to color the door handles and rear hatch trim for a matching fashion statement. Wheels and tires were also included in our makeover, so we went to the local internet ads for a used set. Follow along as we dress up the Durango with more sense than cents.

Another great Showfest is in the books. After last year got flooded out and the show was moved to Harrah’s, this Showfest returned to Sam’s Town Casino in Tunica, Mississippi. Held the weekend of May 19-20, several hundred vehicles filled the parking lots, giving showgoers plenty to look at. The temperatures hovered in the 90s the whole weekend so refreshments were a must and provided by . Bringing even more excitement to the show, Severed Ties held their 20-year anniversary party and had over 400 people come out to celebrate.

At Alpine’s North American headquarters, in sunny Torrance, California, Relaxed Atmosphere hosts one of the region’s biggest custom car and truck shows. In typical SoCal fashion, this year’s event was met with gorgeous weather and clean rides of every flavor—lifted, slammed and everything in between. Sponsors Alpine, Kinetik, and Air Zenith all made appearances, alongside many other vendors and clubs, making this year’s show the biggest yet. Free admittance and laid-back feel encouraged attendees to bring their families, munch on some tacos, and enjoy the spring breeze. Check out our photos to see what you missed, and for more information on Relaxin’ 2013, visit www.relaxed-atmosphere.com.

The one thing you can always count on in Florida isbeautiful beaches and well built trucks. With crystal blue water and brightwhite sand, Panama City Beach is one of the hottest places in the state. During the weeklong event of Spring Break they come together for Spring Fling located at the spacious Frank Brown Park with over three acres of land. Evan as rain halted the fun for the first couple hours and filled the park with mud, thehardcore faithful still enjoyed the atmosphere. As the sun emerged the show got back on track with club games and a charity auction that donated all proceeds to underprivileged children.

Hundreds of trucks rolled through the park competing for their bragging rights during the annual two-day show. The Vital Signs crew worked meticulously on getting all the trucks judged and placed throughout the event. A live dyno testing trailer was on site giving the crowd excitement and the black diesel smoke filled the air. On stage was the always popular Ms. Spring Fling bikini contest that crowned a new winner Frances Floyd. Show promoter and the Vital Signs President Doug Augustine wishes to thank everyone in attendance and all the hard working members of Vital Signs. Because of them, Spring Fling has become oneof the strongest events in Florida. For show dates and more information, log on to www.SpringFlingCarShow.com.

EVENT: 2012 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Rounds 3 and 4
DATE: April 21-22, 2012
LOCATION: Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park in Lake Elsinore, CA
CLASS: Pro 4

Round 3 - Saturday, April 21, 2012
1 #99 KYLE LEDUC
2 #10 GREG ADLER
3 #22 JOSH MERRELL
4 #18 CORRY WELLER
5 #7 TODD LEDUC
6 #23 JERRY DAUGHERTY
7 #46C CAREY HART
8 #5 TRAVIS COYNE
9 #1 CARL RENEZEDER
10 #32 ERIC BARRON
11 #43 CURT LEDUC

Round 4 - Sunday, April 22, 2012
1 #99 KYLE LEDUC
2 #7 TODD LEDUC
3 #22 JOSH MERRELL
4 #43 CURT LEDUC
5 #10 GREG ADLER
6 #5 TRAVIS COYNE
7 #18 CORRY WELLER
8 #23 JERRY DAUGHERTY
9 #32 ERIC BARRON
10 #46C CAREY HART
11 #1 CARL RENEZEDER

Show Name: Spring Break Nationals
Dates: March 24-25, 2012
Venue (city/state): Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, Florida
Special Events: Live bands, stereo competition, pizza-eating contest and bikini contest
Contact for Future Events: SpringBreakNationals.com.

Show Name: Lay’d Out at the Park (L.O.A.T.P.)
Dates: April 14-15, 2012
Venue (city/state): Cherokee Park, Morristown, Tennessee
Spectator Attendance: 2500+
Total Vehicle Entrants: 1027
Special Events: Live band and bikini contest
Sponsors / Vendors: Drop Em’ Wear?, East Tennessee Nissan, KIK Clothing, Kinetik, Lowrider Depot, Waylayd, Audio Concepts, C&J Fabrications, Lay'd Out Video, and Drop Jaw magazine
Contact for Future Events: Jeffery Dillard at laydoutshow@yahoo.com or visit www.laydoutatthepark.net

In the northeast part of Tennessee lies Morristown, a small town located about thirty minutes north of Knoxville. Fortunately, many people have realized that even though it’s small, it’s a location that can handle a serious car show. For the past nine years Morristown has been the site for one of the fastest growing (and now one of the largest) east coast shows in existence. That show is known as Lay’d Out at the Park. Jeffery and Jessica Dillard are the sole organizers of this event, with help provided by some friends and family members. The event has been held at Morristown’s gorgeous Cherokee Park for the past nine years. This year’s event was by far the biggest yet. With over a thousand vehicles and well over 2500 spectators, this show had everything imaginable on display. There were plenty of trucks, cars and hot rods for everyone to “ooh” and “ahh” over all weekend.

Not only were there some of the east coast’s coolest vehicles, but also some of the industry’s biggest vendors showing off merchandise all weekend long. Big names such as Drop Em' Wear?, Metal Werks, KIK, Lay'd Out Video, Illusive design and fabrications all had booths at the show. There was also a live band playing throughout the day Saturday, followed by a bikini contest sponsored by the guys over at Chromed Out Customs. If you haven’t seen this event yet, quit lollygagging and come out. There’s no telling what Jeff and his crew are going to do next. For more information about the show, contact Jeffery Dillard at laydoutshow@yahoo.com or check them out at www.laydoutatthepark.net. Next year’s event is already in the works, so mark your calendars for April 12-14, 2013. This is one show you don't want to miss!

Stillwater, Oklahoma, is a relatively small town. The biggest establishments in Stillwater are Oklahoma State University and Stillwater Designs, aka Kicker Audio. For the past three years at the end of March, Kicker has put together a show at their facilities with a great response. The latest show, held the weekend of March 31st-April 1st, was the biggest show yet. Over 350 cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even a lawnmower cruised in and enjoyed the amazing weather. Dynamite Dogs from Oklahoma City and Texas Roadhouse served up food while vendors including KEG Media, Solo Films, Tuckn' Clothing, Air Lift, and KP Concepts were selling product and giving out freebies.

Speaking of freebies, Kicker held contests in front of their big car hauler, and was giving away everything from L7 subs to earbuds. Inside the trailer, show participants could experience a sound chamber filled with Kicker audio equipment to see just what Kicker can do. At the end of the weekend, custom awards were given out to the top 30 participants and several best of trophies were given out. An announcement was made that this would be the last show for Kicker Marketing Queen, Casey Murphy, as she is leaving Kicker to open a restaurant in Stillwater. We wish Casey our best in all of her endeavors. For more information on this and next year's show, visit http://kicker.com/bash.

EVENT: 2012 LOORRS (Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series) Rounds 3 and 4
DATE: April 21-22, 2012
LOCATION: Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park in Lake Elsinore, CA
CLASS: Pro Lite

Round 3 - Saturday, April 21, 2012
1 #38 BRIAN DEEGAN
2 #37 RJ ANDERSON
3 #82 CHRIS BRANDT
4 #55 MATT COOK
5 #88 AUSTIN KIMBRELL
6 #52 NOAH FOUCH
7 #51 RYAN BEAT
8 #24 BRADLEY MORRIS
9 #25 KYLE LUCAS
10 #77 JERETT BROOKS
11 #92 JACOB PERSON
12 #33 JIMMY STEPHENSEN
13 #5 SHANNON CAMPBELL
14 #23 AARON DAUGHERTY
15 #34 CURT GEER
16 #44 RON DUNCOMBE
17 #22 BUBBA GRAY
18 #2 CASEY CURRIE
19 #81 DOUG MITTAG
20 #6 TODD CUNNINGHAM
21 #74 SHELDON CREED
22 #19 JUSTIN SMITH
23 #11 ADAM WIK
24 #42 CHAD GEORGE

SHOW: 21st Annual Midnight Fantasies' 2012 Lake Front Tour Show
DATE: March 31 - April 1, 2012
LOCATION: Lake Charles, LA

This was the 21st anniversary of the show and, as always, never failed to please the crowds coming through their gates.

Being held at the Lake Charles Civic center, there was plenty of room for the cars and the spectators coming from several states in the gulf coast area. Just off the Calcasieu River, there was a gentle breeze which would cool the crowd as the Spring sun gave plenty of light for all the great vehicles.

One of the biggest crowd pleasers was the display put on by Hurricane Off Road, one of the title vendors. Their car crush demonstration had several cars being driven over by a few off-road trucks. In hearing the yells and screams from the crowd, seeing cars destroyed sure can make people happy...

Several other vendors were available to purchase many different items...Bailey's Audio, KIK, Ekstensive, MadGear, Pro Paint, Drop Em Wear, and more were in attendance. Two of the most popular booths were the lemonade stand (with discounted refills) and the snow cone stand. Did I mention it was sunny?

Those who wished to show off their stereo could with the U.S.A.C competition trailer on hand.

With over 80 classes and more than 20 categories of best overall, there were over 400 awards available; including cash. Needless to say, there were several happy registrants who went home with great trophies.

2012 Midnight Fantasies Lake Front Tour

SHOW: Dangerous Toys' 2012 Danger Zone
DATE: March 31, 2012
LOCATION: Mooney Grove Park in Visalia, CA

EVENT: 2012 LOORRS (Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series) Rounds 3 and 4
DATE: April 21-22, 2012
LOCATION: Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park in Lake Elsinore, CA
CLASS: Pro 2

SHOW: 2012 Forbidden Fantasy Show 'n Shine
DATE: March 24-25, 2012
LOCATION: Perris, CA

SHOW: 2012 Inaugural Third Coast Nationals
DATE: March 24-25, 2012
LOCATION: Houston, TX

I showed up at the Hawgstop Bar out in East Houston about 8:45am and the custom cars and trucks never really stopped rolling in throughout the day. Of course, the tried and true were there early and mostly set up when I arrived. The Texas sun was ever shining which really helped show off the assorted vehicles. It wasn't really too hot, but many took to the shade of trees, pop up covers, or some went in the pond; which was the centerpiece of the park.

The show was very family friendly, as many brought their children to the show. Quite a few even camped out on the grounds. DJ Get Low supplied the musical entertainment.

There were food vendors selling burgers, hot dogs, etc. as well as a fully stocked bar selling the full assortment of adult beverages.

Overall, I think the show went well. The weather, people, and staff all cooperated to make a calm, and relaxing show which was compact, full of nice rides, and just a nice time to hang out with friends.

SERIES: 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS)
ROUNDS: 13 and 14
DATE: November 5-6, 2011
LOCATION: Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV

PRO 2 UNLIMITED - SATURDAY
1 ##2 JEREMY MCGRATH
2 1 ROB MACCACHREN
3 #38 BRIAN DEEGAN
4 #17 CARL RENEZEDER
5 #54 ROB NAUGHTON
6 #4 JEFF KINCAID
7 #99 ROBBY WOODS
8 #95 JEFF SEIFERT
9 #30 ROBBIE PIERCE
10 #10 GREG ADLER
11 #25 GREG NUNLEY
12 #91 NICK TYREE
13 #52 PATRICK CLARK
14 #65
15 #12 MYAN SPACCARELLI
16 #36 RODRIGO AMPUDIA
17 #44 JEFF GIESER

SERIES: 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS)
ROUNDS: 13 and 14
DATE: November 5-6, 2011
LOCATION: Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV

PRO 4 UNLIMITED - SATURDAY
1 #99 KYLE LEDUC
2 #17 CARL RENEZEDER
3 #22 JOSH MERRELL
4 #5 GREG ADLER
5 #47 MIKE JENKINS
6 #25 MARK JENKINS
7 #4 TODD LEDUC
8 #43 CURT LEDUC
9 #8 KENT BRASCHO
10 #23 JERRY DAUGHERTY

March 2-4, 2012, marked the return of the Gator Drag show in Rayne, Louisiana. With the show being out of commission the past couple years, the show promoters put on a solid comeback. The show grounds were packed with 375 registered show vehicles and over 1,500 gazing spectators. One thing you cannot control when putting on a show is the weather. Saturday morning consisted of overcast clouds and some rain, which luckily, didn't last too long. No one seemed to let the weather bring down the fun level of the show. Sunday's weather definitely made up for it though with the sun making all the custom rides shine.

For awards, there were Top 75 and numerous "Best Of's" which were made out of actual alligator heads. If you had never tried eating gator, there were a couple different food vendors frying up tasty batches of them. Some more on site vendors slanging products were KIK, KP Concepts, Solo Films, Tuckin' Clothing, The Better Half Accessories, Sparkles Detail, Cambered Video, Tantric Sounds, Economy Signs, Battle Drag, Mad Gear, and Twisted Inc DVD.

For those with the boom in their trunk, there was a USACI stereo contest going on during the show. Kristy Broussard from the popular TV show "Swamp People" was in attendance signing autographs and taking photos for everyone. Saturday night, the show promoters held an after party which included free crawfish and beer.

Gator Drag 2013 is already in the works so stay tuned for more info by checking out their page on Facebook.

This year’s Spring Rod Run in Temecula was the biggest in recent memory. It is always a huge event in the Inland Empire for rodders, classic car and truck enthusiasts, and people looking for a fun time and this year's was no exception. It is held on Front Street in Old Town Temecula every year and consists of a night cruise on Friday night and a show and shine on Saturday. Old town Temecula was closed down and hundreds of classic cars and trucks filled every inch of the street and parking lots. Several live bands and radio stations were on hand providing the tunes, while the local venders were selling products hand over fist, especially drinks, as the temperature hovered around 85 all day Saturday. The CHP and Riverside County Sherriff’s Department were in attendance providing water and shade for people to get out of the Southern California sun. Other sponsors included the P&R Foundation, the City of Temecula, Q 103.3, infinity Arts, Paradise Chevrolet, and many more. For more information on next year's Rod Run, go to rodruntemecula.com.

This was the first year for this show and we have to say we were pleasantly surprised. This was one of the bigger shows we have been to in recent years. The show was held at the Lone Star Expo Center, in Conroe, Texas. Over 700 vehicles were entered in the show, coming from all over including Maryland, Iowa, California, and Arizona. This show was also the reunion for the 20th year of the Negative Camber truck club.

What you see here is the new era of Truckin magazine. After eight months of planning, tweaking, and fine-tuning our content, photography, and design, I'm happy to announce a benchmark in our 38-year history. This new issue is more than a freshening of the design-it's a completely new way of providing you with all the things you're into. Each month, you'll be able to check out the latest new trucks offerings, America's best and most custom trucks, the latest parts to make your truck look better, run stronger, and go anywhere you want it to, as well as things men care about like the latest tools, watches, sunglasses, and electronics.

Held at Victory Lane sports park in Glendale, Arizona, Art of Noize car club hosted the Bring the Noize car and truck show on February 12 with Arizona and California's best on hand. With beautiful 68 degree sunshine, it was hard to beat the candy, pearl, metallic, and flaked paintjobs glistening to perfection. Fullsizes, minis, classics, and even import cars were well represented as the show continues to grow year after year.

The 63rd Grand National Roadster Show is in the books. Being my first GNRS, I returned from the show awestruck. The quality of the vehicles at the show far surpasses any show I have been to. Held the weekend of January 27-29, the GNRS is one of the oldest and longest running car shows in the world. The theme was futuristic, which seemed fitting because the cars and trucks were out of this world. The show was put on with the help of O’Reilly Auto Parts, Meguiar’s, Peterson Automotive Museum, and Galpin Auto Sports among others. Just like it has been for the past nine straight years, the show was held at Fairplex in Pomona, California, and drew in thousands of spectators trying to get a glimpse of the hundreds of premier customs. Along with the beautiful rides, there were vendors on hand selling everything from vintage metal signs to hot-rod inspired art. Food vendors made sure that all the spectators had full stomachs and live classic rock bands kept the atmosphere nostalgic all weekend. If you didn’t get a chance to go this year, definitely try to make it next year. To see the winners of the 2012 Grand National Roadster Show, visit rodshows.com.

The Severed in the Southwest show has been getting bigger and bigger every year. This year’s show, held on December 4th, 2011, was spectacular with over 350 vehicles in attendance. The show was held at Castles and Coasters, in Phoenix, Arizona. The weather was sunny but frigid with a high of 55 degrees. But the show kept people coming and going all day. Rockford Fosgate Soundlab van was on hand showing people what 12 15-inch subs sounds like. Pork on a Fork had a booth setup selling warm food to the cold show goers. Other sponsors included Auto Core, Praxair, Universal Technical Institute, and Kinetik. For more information about this or future shows, go to severedties.com.