My truck used to be named Parker, but recently it’s “Old Parker.” A 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 with less than 100,000 miles that I can squeeze in anywhere. Have you tried parking in the French Quarter? I live here.
In mid-2002, I needed a vehicle and I had never owned a truck. I’m not even sure I had really driven a truck. But for some reason, I wanted one badly. Looking back, I think maybe it was Truck Month, but aren’t they all?
So I bought a white 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 — a floor model with a completely unnecessary, gloriously excessive 5.9L V8, because gas was cheap back then and nobody was making good decisions. Today, Old Parker rewards me with a comfortable 9.8 MPG, which is less “fuel economy” and more “close your eyes at the pump.” But I still love him and he’s fun.
Old Parker is older than my daughter who turns 23 next month (next Truck Month?). He helped us and others survive Hurricane Katrina, though not without taking a beating. Over the years, I’ve updated the stereo, then updated it again, and probably again after that. The sound system has reached contest-level absurdity for the exclusive listening pleasure of me and my daughter. He now even has a backup camera and entertainment display, because apparently a 2002 Ram can have a midlife crisis too.