As a processing operator for the J.R. Simplot Company, Dan Ortega’s job is to ensure the quality of the products that are being produced. Perhaps it’s this on-the-job training that has made Ortega passionate about the quality of vehicle he drives.
Like Ortega, anyone living in Boise, ID, recognizes the Simplot brand as a quality food processing facility that produces more than 850 million pounds of French fries and other potato products annually that is distributed to every major food chain outlet in America as well as globally.
Just like the recognition of the quality products he produces at work, Ortega also wants the recognition of the quality truck he drives to work … and about everywhere else—a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab.
Nicknamed “Tiffany” (Like Tiffany & Co. because Ortega says he always knew the truck was going to be expensive due to the modifications he had in mind), he has owned this truck for four years … but most of the modifications have come during the past two years.
Tiffany isn’t the first diesel pickup Ortega has owned. About six years ago he purchased a red Chevy that was lifted. But he soon knew he needed more out of his relationship with his daily drive.
“I drive it every day,” he said. “It allows me to truly enjoy Idaho and all the outdoor activities available—from off-roading in the desert to going up to the mountains to snowboard to way out to hunting camp.”
Ortega said he grew up in San Diego, CA, and was always around lifted custom trucks. “I knew one day that’s what I wanted. That day finally came when I was 19 and was able to buy my first diesel,” he said.
“The first thing I did was to install a five-inch Turbo Back exhaust to give it that mean Dodge sound,” he said. “At the same time I added an Edge Juice with Attitude programmer.”
These changes kept Ortega content for about a year. Then the urge came that he wanted more out of Tiffany.
“Then I ordered a MOVE DIY front pre-runner bumper and I tig welded that together,” he said. “From there I added a rear MOVE DIY bumper that I also welded.”
Soon, Ortega added Offroad LED Bars 20-inch light bar and four 3-inch cube lights in the front bumper and also two 3-inch cube LEDs in the rear bumper.
“Next I put a 5 percent tint all around,” he said. “Then I went with a BDS 8-inch Long Arm suspension lift for a smoother ride. I also added duel Fox reservoir shocks.”