Daily Big Rig: ‘Slammed Distraction’ 2003 Peterbilt 379

In the world of trucking, there’s a special breed of individuals who take their rigs to the next level. They’re not just concerned with getting from point A to point B; they’re dedicated to turning heads, igniting conversations, and setting the standards higher. La Salle, Colorado-based So Low Transport owner Mark Aragon and his son Payton are prime examples of this elite group. They recently unveiled their jaw-dropping 2003 Peterbilt 379 EXHD at the 2023 Shell Rotella SuperRigs working truck show in Gillette, Wyoming, where it earned the well-deserved title of first runner-up in Best of Show.

Mark Aragon is no stranger to the trucking world, hauling fat cattle for JBS out of Greeley, Colorado, in a 250-mile radius. But it’s his collaboration with his son Payton that brought forth this remarkable creation. The father-son duo transformed a plain 2003 day cab Peterbilt into a show-stopping spectacle that turned heads and sparked conversations wherever it went.

Payton, the creative force behind the project, recalled how it all began: “We were hauling cattle with it, and I told my dad, ‘Dude, we can’t keep rolling around in this, not lame, but this day cab, we’ve got to make it cool.'” And that’s precisely what they did. The transformation started with the addition of a 72-inch stand-up sleeper, courtesy of a conversion kit from Talladega Fiberglass, to turn it into a flattop.

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The nickname of their creation, “Slammed Distraction,” perfectly captures the essence of the truck. It’s a nod to the air ride suspension that Payton insisted upon, leading Mark to jest, “This thing is so slammed when you’re driving, it’s just a distraction.” The vibrant candy green paint from House of Colors makes sure that this truck is impossible to miss, but the Aragons went the extra mile to make sure it wasn’t all green.

Working with Kyle Cook at Eaton Paint & Body in Eaton, Colorado, and pinstriping specialist Beth Kearney of Lil’ Dame Stripes in Loveland, Colorado, they added elegant gold leaf stripes down the side of the rig and various pinstripe work to break up the vibrant green. The attention to detail extended to the interior, which is fully customized with a floor from 4 State Trucks painted to match the exterior, button-tuck upholstery, a painted dash, and much more.

Under the hood, the truck still boasts its original Cat C16 engine paired with an 18-speed transmission and 3.55 rears. It rides on a 317-inch wheelbase, making it as much of a powerhouse as it is a work of art.

Mark Aragon and Payton Aragon are rightfully proud of their creation, a labor of love and a testament to their shared dedication to the world of trucking. As Mark said, “We just try to keep the theme through the inside and the outside.” And that they certainly did, creating a truck that not only stands out in a crowd but tells a story of passion, dedication, and the bond between a father and son. “Slammed Distraction” is more than a truck; it’s a work of art on wheels, a rolling masterpiece that proves that in the world of trucking, creativity knows no bounds.

See more photos: Custom Rigs

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