Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
TDRComm
Staff Member
Congratulations to Andrew Villablanca, whose truck photo was selected for the Turbo Diesel Register's calendar contest for the month of August. Andrew has been a long-time TDR member and is so devoted to Turbo Diesel trucks that he currently owns three: a First Generation, Second Generation and Third Generation. He works in the diesel truck parts industry and aside from his day job, he is an active influencer on social media platforms due in part to his knowledge and enthusiasm to promote the trucks and educate and entertain us with his ongoing build projects and active outdoor lifestyle.
We asked Andrew to share with us information about the winning photo and his truck. We were delighted to read his replies and we know you’ll enjoy them as well.
TURBO DIESEL REGISTER: Where was this photo taken?
ANDREW VILLABLANCA: I took this shot off of highway I-395 in California. This spot is one of my favorites, as it's located near an ancient cinder cone, so you feel like you're driving on Mars as you navigate the finely crushed, red lava rock around you. This highway is my favorite drive. There's a huge variation in scenery and geology as you make your way from Mojave to Reno. I built this truck specifically to handle trips like this so I can get to cool spots to camp, mountain bike, and explore. The desert area off I-395 is where I spend any free time I get!
TDR: What are the details of the truck and what modifications have you done?
AV: My Third Generation truck is a 2006 Ram 2500 4X4 SLT Big Horn Edition and I typically get between 17-20 MPG, depending on conditions.
Modifications:
TDR: Have you ever entered the contest before?
AV: Yes, I have entered the TDR calendar contest for the last 5-6 years, and always enjoy seeing the trucks that make the cut. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into making these calendars every year!
TDR: How long have you been a member of the TDR?
AV: I am a long-time TDR member and own almost every issue back to the beginning. I’m still missing a few but I'll complete the collection. The TDR and the forums were a huge resource for me as I got into these trucks and helped me learn everything I know about them. I've also met some great friends thanks to the forums. I hope people continue to see the value in this community as things move forward.
TDR: How long have you been a Turbo Diesel truck owner?
AV: I have owned a Cummins truck since 2013 and have owned five trucks over the years. I currently own a 1993 D350 Cummins, a 1999 Ram 2500 Cummins, and this (winning photo truck) 2006 Ram 2500 Cummins. If life lets me, that will only be the beginning of my collection! One a side note, I was born in 1993, which means my 1993 First Generation is extra special to me as we're the same age.
TDR: Do you have a name for your truck?
AV: I typically refer to the Third Generation truck as "CK", or "The Third Gen".
TDR: Would you like to add anything else for our readers to know?
AV: This Third Generation has been a long project for me, and it's been so great to share it with people on social media along the way. Hopefully this truck can inspire other people to go out there and build their dream truck too! The late, big headlight 5.9, Third Generation trucks are some of my favorite trucks ever made, and I love how well they balance comfort, capability, and reliability!
Thank you so much for being so awesome! I love Geno’s Garage, TDR, and appreciate all the hard work you do for the Cummins community!
Andrew – it’s all our pleasure – thank you so much for being a part of the Turbo Diesel Register community!
Readers: You can learn more about Andrew’s truck builds and experiences by finding him on Instagram (search: avvblanc) and YouTube (search: Just Diesels) and his website: Just Diesels (just-diesels.com)
We asked Andrew to share with us information about the winning photo and his truck. We were delighted to read his replies and we know you’ll enjoy them as well.
TURBO DIESEL REGISTER: Where was this photo taken?
ANDREW VILLABLANCA: I took this shot off of highway I-395 in California. This spot is one of my favorites, as it's located near an ancient cinder cone, so you feel like you're driving on Mars as you navigate the finely crushed, red lava rock around you. This highway is my favorite drive. There's a huge variation in scenery and geology as you make your way from Mojave to Reno. I built this truck specifically to handle trips like this so I can get to cool spots to camp, mountain bike, and explore. The desert area off I-395 is where I spend any free time I get!
TDR: What are the details of the truck and what modifications have you done?
AV: My Third Generation truck is a 2006 Ram 2500 4X4 SLT Big Horn Edition and I typically get between 17-20 MPG, depending on conditions.
Modifications:
- Fully optioned Carli Suspension 3" Dominator system
- Trail Ready wheels wrapped in 37/13.5 Nitto Ridge Grapplers
- Custom headlights and taillights
- Yukon spin free hubs
- Synergy steering
- Carli ball joints
- AMP steps
- Baja Designs LED lighting with brackets from CJC Off Road
- Laramie Sport conversion body work
- 5" cat back exhaust
TDR: Have you ever entered the contest before?
AV: Yes, I have entered the TDR calendar contest for the last 5-6 years, and always enjoy seeing the trucks that make the cut. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into making these calendars every year!
TDR: How long have you been a member of the TDR?
AV: I am a long-time TDR member and own almost every issue back to the beginning. I’m still missing a few but I'll complete the collection. The TDR and the forums were a huge resource for me as I got into these trucks and helped me learn everything I know about them. I've also met some great friends thanks to the forums. I hope people continue to see the value in this community as things move forward.
TDR: How long have you been a Turbo Diesel truck owner?
AV: I have owned a Cummins truck since 2013 and have owned five trucks over the years. I currently own a 1993 D350 Cummins, a 1999 Ram 2500 Cummins, and this (winning photo truck) 2006 Ram 2500 Cummins. If life lets me, that will only be the beginning of my collection! One a side note, I was born in 1993, which means my 1993 First Generation is extra special to me as we're the same age.
TDR: Do you have a name for your truck?
AV: I typically refer to the Third Generation truck as "CK", or "The Third Gen".
TDR: Would you like to add anything else for our readers to know?
AV: This Third Generation has been a long project for me, and it's been so great to share it with people on social media along the way. Hopefully this truck can inspire other people to go out there and build their dream truck too! The late, big headlight 5.9, Third Generation trucks are some of my favorite trucks ever made, and I love how well they balance comfort, capability, and reliability!
Thank you so much for being so awesome! I love Geno’s Garage, TDR, and appreciate all the hard work you do for the Cummins community!
Andrew – it’s all our pleasure – thank you so much for being a part of the Turbo Diesel Register community!
Readers: You can learn more about Andrew’s truck builds and experiences by finding him on Instagram (search: avvblanc) and YouTube (search: Just Diesels) and his website: Just Diesels (just-diesels.com)
