Curious Hound

Introduction

Name: Eric Benner

Forum Name / Link: Curious Hound (formerly EricBphoto)

TRS Volunteer Staff Position: Forum Moderator / Event Staff

Location: Wellford, SC

Born: 1964

Occupation: Equipment Services Associate (industrial Maintenance Technician) with BMW Manufacturing Co.

Background & Expertise

Background:

Occupationally, my heart has always been in industrial maintenance. I am currently an Equipment Services Associate at BMW Manufacturing Co. In Greer, SC. My career, beginning in 1982 has spanned from Nuclear qualified electrician in the U.S. Navy (USS Dace, SSN 607) through industrial maintenance with Michelin Tire Manufacturing, International Paper (corrugated box plant), owning my own electrical contracting company, and commercial building maintenance with BlueCross BlueShield of SC where I served several roles including assistant IT Facilities Engineer and Building Maintenance Supervisor. My area of expertise has always focused on electrical things. But my knowledge and experience are strong in many other related fields.

Growing up, I was in Boy Scouts, achieving rank of Eagle Scout. Also, a member of Order of The Arrow. I have been camping since I was a baby with family, then Boy Scouts and on my own. Offroading and working on my own vehicles started many years ago. I am a Born Again Christian and my faith in Christ is an integral part of who I am. I will not force those beliefs on anyone. But all are welcome to contact me privately for more info in this area.

How long have you been a member of The Ranger Station?

Member of TRS since February 2016 – Moderator since 2020

How did you first get into Ford Rangers or off-roading?

Started offroading with my best friend in High school in his Early Bronco. First vehicle was an AMC Eagle, SX4, followed by a 1988 Ford F150 4×4. Bought my first Ranger in January 2016 and that’s the one I’m still driving.

Any certifications, qualifications, or education worth noting?

Licensed Master Electrician

What specific areas of expertise or interest do you bring to TRS?

Electrical, fabrication, strongest knowledge with Gen 3 Ford Rangers, TTB/TIB models but good general knowledge of all 2011 and earlier models.

What kind of Ranger(s) (or Bronco II, Explorer, etc.) do you currently own or have owned in the past?

Currently own 1993 Ranger Splash – heavily modified (or; 1993 Ranger Splash 4×4, 3.0L, 6″ Skyjacker lift, 35″ tires, Dana 35 w/Aussie Locker in front, Ford 8.8″ w/Aussie locker in rear, 4.56 gears, twin 100Watt solar panels, two 100AH marine batteries, 200Watt inverter, IceCo 55L refrigerator/freezer.).

Contribution to TRS

What do you do at TRS?

Moderator duties, Event Staff and organizer, do my best to help users in any way possible, keep the peace, humor, contribute photo and video content from events.

Do you contribute or help with specific areas of the forum?

I try to help in all areas as I am able. Would like to be more active in creating tech library content. Need to find a way to get more familiar with the latest generations.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the TRS community?

I love TRS. This is where I go to spend time with my friends. The Content is awesome, especially the tech library. I like that Jim tries to keep adding new articles and content. I like that TRS is a very active community, and I try to help keep it that way by participating as much as possible. I do my best to Give back to this community through my participation. I truly believe in this place.

Public Links & Social Profiles

YouTube.com/@Curious_Hound_Overland

Facebook – Curious Hound Overland

facebook.com/eric.benner.18

Fun & Personal

Favorite Ford vehicle ever?

Toss-up between my first truck, 1988 F150 4×4 and my current 1993 Ranger 4×4

Favorite mod or upgrade you’ve ever done?

Wow. All the mods work together to make the truck awesome. The Skyjacker 6: lift/35″ tires/4.56 gears and lockers evolution really opened up new worlds for me. That was the beginning of the real fun. Second favorite; the recent overlanding electrical package with solar panels, house batteries, inverter, charging station and refrigerator.

Most memorable off-road trip or experience?

They’re all memorable and each one better than the last. But I really enjoyed my first outing with TRS – the 20th anniversary gathering in Ohio. That’s where I first started meeting these great people face-to-face. It really cemented my connection here.

One piece of advice you’d give to a new Ranger owner:

Drive your Ranger. Do as much of your own maintenance as possible. That will help familiarize you with the truck. Relax and take your time before doing modifications. The more you drive and familiarize yourself with YOUR TRUCK, the better you can decide how you want it to be equipped and modified (if at all). Don’t ask us what you should do to it. It’s yours. It needs to fit your needs. It needs to make YOU happy. Get to know your truck. Make a plan for it. Work out your plan as time and finances allow. Don’t rush. Be flexible. You may need or want to modify your plan as time passes. Rushing the process wastes time and money because you make mistakes or use cheap parts that cause trouble.