Built for the Chase: The Story Behind Ricky Forbes’ F-250 “Brutus”

Ricky has been chasing storms across North America for over a decade. When you spend that much time outrunning tornadoes and hail the size of baseballs, your vehicle becomes more than transportation, it becomes your lifeline.

“Choosing the right truck for what we do is crucial because when the storms turn on us, our lives rely on our vehicle.” Ricky said. “When you’re storm chasing, there are moments where your safety depends on your rig, power, traction, control, and dependability all matter.”

The 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered exactly what he needed. That extra ¾-ton heft keeps Brutus grounded on washed-out grid roads and in howling side winds. Add room for gear and enough comfort for 12-hour chase days, and you’ve got a truck that’s as practical as it is powerful.

You don’t pick a storm-chasing truck the way most people pick a daily driver. When you’re sprinting through Tornado Alley from Texas to North Dakota, you need a rig that can move from smooth asphalt to mud-slick fields in a heartbeat.

The F-250’s torque and durability make it a natural fit for off-roaders and Overlanders who want muscle without compromise. It’s the kind of truck that doesn’t flinch at a deep rut or flash-flooded ditch.

“It’s been my dream build from day one,” Ricky said. “Storm chasing demands a truck that can go from smooth highways to muddy fields to broken rural backroads in minutes. The F-250 was built for that kind of abuse, and it’s also the perfect platform to create a chase rig that performs as good as it looks”

Ricky didn’t hold back when it came to building out Brutus with Rough Country parts designed for punishment. Every component serves a purpose—even the ones that mainly serve attitude.

Here’s what Brutus runs:

• Rough Country 3" Lift Kit Coilover Conversion
• V2 Dual Steering Stabilizer
• Forged Adjustable Track Bar
• Heavy-Duty Floor Mats
• Radius Arm Upgrade
• Torque Series 13,000 LB Electric Winch (Synthetic Rope)
• Forged D-Ring and Recovery Rope
• Traction Boards
• Brake Caliper Covers
• RC Series 94 Wheels

Each upgrade adds strength, control, and confidence when conditions get ugly. The lift kit and steering stabilizer combo completely changed how Brutus handles.

“It feels planted, powerful, and unstoppable—exactly what you need when you’re threading the line between chaos and control.”

And yes, those caliper covers might not save lives in a storm, but they look downright mean.

Storm chasing demands ground clearance and balance on unpredictable terrain. From rutted farm roads to flooded ditches, that extra height makes all the difference.

“The lift gave us the clearance and confidence we needed,” Ricky said. “And it rides better than stock. Easily one of the best upgrades we’ve made.”

This setup is built for dirt, wind, and chaos. It’s what turns a capable truck into a storm-ready off-road rig that laughs in the face of bad weather.

Most of Ricky’s off-roading happens where the storms live: deep in Tornado Alley. When he’s not chasing, he heads north through Alberta and into the Canadian Rockies, a completely different kind of wild.

“There’s something about mountain passes under dark skies that reminds me why I fell in love with the road,” he said.

And when he’s not battling the elements, he’s dreaming of an overlanding trip through the American Southwest like Utah, Arizona, New Mexico. Big skies, red rock trails, and solitude. The kind of place where Brutus can stretch its legs and show off everything Rough Country was built for.

Ricky might know storms better than anyone, but even the best chaser needs a team. He works with a local diesel shop in Saskatoon, SK that keeps Brutus field-ready and reliable. Storm chasing pushes trucks past their limits, so having a trusted crew behind the build is key.

That blend of DIY spirit and pro-level precision is exactly what Rough Country customers know and respect. People who take pride in getting their hands dirty, but also know when to call in the experts.

With Brutus dialed in for peak performance, Ricky’s looking at one more upgrade: plexiglass windshield reinforcement. When you’re facing hailstones the size of golf balls, a little extra armor never hurts.

“We’ve taken this truck through everything the plains have thrown at us, and it’s held up. That’s what makes Rough Country gear stand out, real performance in real conditions.”

Ricky Forbes’ 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat isn’t just a showpiece. It’s proof of what happens when the right build meets the right purpose. From the Rough Country lift to the Torque Series winch, every part of Brutus was chosen for a reason: to keep the wheels turning when the storm hits hardest.

Rough Country parts are built to perform in tough conditions, but they won’t give your ride superpowers. Ricky Forbes is a trained pro with years of experience and a deep respect for the weather. To learn more about Ricky and Brutus , visit rickyforbes.com.