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Jack Martin’s Custom 2020 Chevy 5500 Redefines Tow Rigs

In the world of diesel trucks, building a clean, custom showpiece is often the endgame. But when that same level of detail and craftsmanship is applied to a purpose-built tow hauler, the result hits on an entirely different level. It’s one thing to roll into a show with a head-turning build; it’s another to arrive hauling your other projects behind something just as dialed-in. That’s exactly the mindset Jack Martin brought to the table with his 2020 Chevy 5500 Medium Duty.

For Jack, building standout trucks isn’t new territory; it’s part of the routine. So, when the need arose for a hauler capable of transporting his collection to top-tier events across the country, a standard, off-the-lot medium-duty truck simply wasn’t going to cut it. Functioning was mandatory, but form had to follow closely behind.

Starting with a 2020 Chevrolet 5500, Jack knew the bones were there. The platform offered the capability he needed, but visually, it lacked the presence expected from something representing his lineup. To bridge that gap, he turned to Jason Hill at Hill’s Hot Rods in Lubbock, Texas—a shop known for thinking outside the box and executing at a high level.

After some back-and-forth on design direction, the transformation began with subtle but effective body modifications. The front bumper was stretched downward, giving the truck a more aggressive and planted look, while a 2014 Chevy rear bumper was integrated to modernize the rear profile. These changes alone helped reshape the truck’s proportions, but the team didn’t stop there.

Custom sheetmetal step boards were fabricated to eliminate the awkward factory gap along the sides, creating a more cohesive visual flow from front to rear. At the same time, the rear wheel openings on the dually bed were reworked and brought down in size, visually lowering the truck and tightening up its stance even before suspension modifications came into play.

Of course, stance is everything, and Hill’s Hot Rods addressed that with a fully custom front air-ride setup. Paired with modified leaf packs, the system not only improved ride quality but also gave Jack the ability to bring the truck down low when parked. To ensure the ride stayed controlled, a set of custom-built King shocks was added to manage damping duties.

Out back is where the build took a more radical turn. Ryan Albers at Albers Garage in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, took on the task of reengineering the rear half of the truck. The stock frame was shortened by approximately 84 inches, then sleeved for strength before a secondary frame structure was added. This allowed for proper fitment of a dually bed while also accommodating a 30,000-pound-rated gooseneck and fifth-wheel setup critical for hauling duties.

The rear suspension received equal attention, with a custom air-ride system and additional King shocks installed. Like the front, the rear setup allows the truck to drop down for show use while still maintaining the load-handling capability required of a serious hauler. To round out the functionality, Ryan fabricated a custom rear bumper pull hitch, giving Jack flexibility for multiple trailer configurations.

No custom build is complete without addressing the rolling stock, and Jack made sure this 5500 didn’t fall short. Ditching the factory wheels, he opted for a set of 22-inch Alcoa wheels, which were then sent to Lowboy Motorsports for custom machining. Finished off with OG-style GM badging, the wheels tie the entire look together with a clean, OEM-plus aesthetic that fits the truck perfectly.

Under the hood, the proven 6.6L L5P Duramax remains mostly stock for now. Albers Garage made a custom stainless steel exhaust system with side exhaust pipes to allow the Duramax to breathe better. While it delivers plenty of power in factory form, Jack hinted that future upgrades are already in the works to elevate performance to match the truck’s aggressive presence.

Building a custom medium-duty truck to this level isn’t exactly common practice, which makes the success of this project that much more impressive. With the combined efforts of Hill’s Hot Rods, Albers Garage, and Lowboy Motorsports, Jack Martin ended up with a tow rig that not only performs at a high level but also stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the very builds it hauls.

In a scene where details matter and first impressions count, Jack’s 5500 proves that even the workhorse of the fleet can steal the spotlight.