Some encounters leave a lasting impression—ones that take your breath away and make every challenge of being a photojournalist worthwhile. That’s exactly how I felt when I first saw The Wrecker and met its creator, Kenny Hauk. Now, I want to share with you the fascinating story of this one-of-a-kind tow truck. So, are you ready to know more about the Wrecker: the ultimate tow truck built for off-road legenda?
A Jaw-Dropping Discovery in Hammertown
You never know what surprises you’ll find at King of the Hammers, and my experience was no exception. While heading back to my camper, I stumbled upon The Wrecker, proudly displayed at the Amsoil booth, surrounded by a crowd in awe. With cameras clicking non-stop, this vehicle was stealing the show.
After covering automotive marvels like the Trophy T, Hill Camino, Trophy Rat, Galaxia de la Baja, Race Tractor, and Ultra49Ford, I was about to discover another masterpiece of American automotive and off-road culture. But this one was different. It was raw, rugged, and unlike anything I had ever seen.
The Visionary Behind The Wrecker: Kenny Hauk
Curious to learn more, I approached an Amsoil representative and asked if I could speak with the owner. A friendly man stepped forward and introduced himself: “Hi, I’m Kenny, owner of Hauk Designs, and this is my truck. How can I help you?”
I introduced myself, expressed my admiration for The Wrecker, and explained my work as a photographer and journalist for Offroad Lifestyle. Kenny was incredibly approachable and enthusiastic. He even agreed to arrange a special photoshoot the following day—with another legendary build, the Trophy T, joining the scene.
Hauk Designs: More Than Just a Custom Builder
Kenny Hauk is not just a builder—he’s a visionary. He founded Hauk Designs (haukdesigns.com) with one goal: to create the toughest, most innovative turnkey 4×4 vehicles on the planet.
Growing up in a family of builders, Kenny learned the value of craftsmanship from his father, who always emphasized quality over convenience. Before entering the automotive world, Kenny worked in construction, specializing in custom homes built from stone and wood. His daily commute? A Jeep Wrangler—his first love in off-road machines.
As his passion for off-roading grew, Kenny started modifying his Jeep, but he was often disappointed by the available aftermarket parts. Frustrated, he decided to make his own. Soon, fellow off-roaders took notice and began requesting custom-built parts for their vehicles. By 2006, when the construction industry took a downturn, Kenny saw an opportunity to turn his passion into a full-time business. Hauk Designs was born.
Today, Kenny draws inspiration from childhood dreams, hot rods, rat rods, and off-road engineering, pushing the boundaries of vehicle customization with every build.
The Wrecker: A Tow Truck Like No Other
In 2018, Kenny and his team set out to create The Wrecker—a vintage-style tow truck built for extreme off-road recovery. The goal? To debut the build at the SEMA Show in just six weeks.
The foundation of The Wrecker is a 1946 Dodge Power Wagon cab and front end, left in its naturally weathered, rusty state to preserve its timeless character. The hidden beast underneath, however, is a 1994 Dodge Ram, chosen for its solid frame and capable drivetrain. Under the hood, a monstrous 5.9-liter Cummins 12-valve turbo-diesel engine delivers incredible torque, thanks to a twin-turbo setup.
Mated to an NV4500 5-speed transmission and an Atlas transfer case, the truck features a heavily modified Dana 60 front axle, pushed forward by six inches to improve approach angles. Steering is handled by a Red Neck Ram hydraulic assist system.
At the rear, things get even more interesting. The Wrecker is a 6×6, featuring two separate axles—a Ford 9-inch up front and a Sterling 10.5-inch as the drive axle. OX lockers ensure that power reaches all wheels when needed.
The suspension system is built using three BDS Long Arm kits, originally designed for a Jeep Wrangler JK. The front was converted into a 3-link setup, while the two rear kits were adapted for the dual-axle design. Massive 16-inch Bilstein coilovers with Eibach springs provide the articulation and ride quality needed for extreme conditions.
Rolling on 17-inch Race Line beadlock wheels wrapped in 44-inch Pit Bull tires, The Wrecker is prepared for anything. At the front, a shortened Hauk Designs bumper houses a 12,000 Warn winch. But the real showstopper? The custom-built tow boom, equipped with another 12,000-pound Warn winch, making this the ultimate off-road recovery rig.
A Masterpiece in the Details
Beyond the sheer capability, The Wrecker is a work of art. Every inch of this truck showcases Hauk Designs’ signature attention to detail:
- Vintage Power Wagon headlights accented with repurposed Dana 60 differential gears.
- A Dana 60 pinion gear mounted as a radiator cap.
- Exquisite side exhausts, demonstrating top-tier welding craftsmanship.
- Toolbox handles made from repurposed camshafts.
- Sun visors crafted from vintage license plates.
The Dodge Power Wagon: A Legacy of Strength
The foundation of The Wrecker—the Dodge Power Wagon—has a storied past. Originally introduced in 1945 as a civilian adaptation of the military Dodge WC Series, it was the first mass-produced 4×4 pickup truck. Built for rugged durability, the Power Wagon set the standard for modern off-road vehicles and remained in production until 1980. Its legacy continues today under the Ram Trucks brand.
The Wrecker: A Testament to Innovation
Few vehicles embody the spirit of off-roading and craftsmanship quite like The Wrecker. From its vintage-inspired aesthetics to its cutting-edge engineering, this tow truck is more than just a build—it’s a legend in the making.
Kenny Hauk and Hauk Designs have once again proven that with passion, creativity, and relentless dedication, there are no limits to what can be achieved. So next time you find yourself at an off-road event, keep an eye out—you might just be lucky enough to witness The Wrecker in action.
