Dirthead Shed Makes Off‑Roading Look So Easy
In a nutshell, the newly built MazGrande from Dirthead Shed proves that a $1,500 truck, plus a few thousand for axles, can dominate rugged trails without breaking the bank.

Dirthead Shed Off‑Road Truck Review – Why It Makes Off‑Roading Easy
Image: Dirthead Shed Off‑Road Truck Review – Why It Makes Off‑Roading Easy – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The MazGrande keeps a no‑frills silhouette, but the modifications are instantly visible. Heavy‑duty steel bumpers, a lifted suspension, and a matte black wrap give it a rugged yet refined feel. Dave, a long‑time off‑roader, summed it up: “For being a $1500 truck with probably another two grand in axles, the thing, like, dominated.” The clean lines and functional accessories—like a winch mount and roof rack—make the truck look ready for anything.
Performance & Mileage
Under the hood sits a modest 2.5‑liter four‑cylinder, tuned for low‑end torque. While it isn’t a speed demon, the real power comes from the upgraded axles and 33‑inch off‑road tires. On gravel and mud, the MazGrande holds traction where cheaper builds slip. Fuel consumption hovers around 18 mpg on the highway and drops to about 14 mpg when tackling steep climbs—reasonable for a vehicle this capable.
Price & Rivals
At roughly $3,500 total, the MazGrande undercuts many entry‑level off‑roaders. Competitors like the older Jeep Wrangler X or the Toyota 4Runner often start above $7,000 even before aftermarket upgrades. The Dirthead Shed approach shows you can achieve similar trail confidence for half the price.
- Engine: 2.5 L I4, 160 hp
- Mileage: 14‑18 mpg (depending on terrain)
- Price: Approx. $3,500 total
- Top Features: Lifted suspension, reinforced axles, 33″ mud‑tread tires, winch mount, roof rack
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L I4 | 14‑18 mpg | $3,500 | Lifted suspension, reinforced axles, 33″ tires, winch, roof rack |
FAQ
- What is the fuel mileage of the Dirthead Shed MazGrande? It averages about 14 mpg on tough trails and up to 18 mpg on highway cruising.
- Is the MazGrande worth buying for weekend off‑roaders? Yes—its low cost, durable upgrades, and reliable performance make it a solid entry point.
- How does the MazGrande compare to a stock Jeep Wrangler? It offers similar trail capability for roughly half the price, though it lacks the Wrangler’s brand polish and factory warranty.
What do you think of building an off‑roader on a budget? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Image credit: Jalopnik
Source: Read Official News