State Orders Modded Ram 2500 to be Scrapped After Deleted Ad
Modified Ram 2500 owner noted that his truck was deleted in the for sale ad, only for the state to step in force him to either fix it or crush it.
As most diesel truck owners are already aware, the EPA is cracking down on deleted powerplants, or those that have had their emissions equipment – such as EGR valves or diesel particulate filters – removed. These moves have been in the works for years, however, with the agency first targeting aftermarket companies that make and sell these kits, as well as tuners and various other devices. But the story of Mike Sebold, his Ram 2500, and the state of New Jersey is a cautionary tale for anyone who wants to modify their truck and perhaps one day sell it.
Not to long ago, Sebold did what many of us have done in our lifetime – he listed his Ram 2500 for sale on Facebook Marketplace, and included all the details about the modifications it has, noting that it has been deleted. Shortly afterward, he received a letter from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) informing him that his truck was illegal for road use in that state, and that he subsequently had two choices – either return it to stock or scrap it.
Sebold went back and forth with officials for months, even returning his license plates and noting that he would convert the truck for off-road-only use. Regardless, the state persisted, and Sebold wound up choosing to part the truck out instead of spending what he says would be around $10,000 to make it compliant with state emissions regulations. Now with all of that stuff gone, the truck has indeed been crushed, as he noted on Facebook.
What’s particularly interesting about this case is that no one from the state has ever seen or inspected his truck in person – they deemed it illegal based on a for sale ad on social media. Had Sebold not touted the fact that his truck was deleted, this likely would have never happened. Regardless, this incident should serve as a pretty serious warning for anyone living in a state that has stricter emissions laws – modifying its equipment in any way may wind up giving you some extra power, but it could also result in you losing your truck completely.
Photos: Mike Sebold
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