Enthusiast III
So back in February '21 I started this infamous thread: Trying to select the correct vehicle for first overland build and ended up buy a Colorado ZR2 Bison in Black. Name is partially a tribute to my dad, who sadly did not live to see this truck (he named his old Silverado Betty, presumably after Betty Grable). Here she is bone stock (actually I think it's got the stubby antenna):
(Yes I paid Killboy for my Tail of the Dragon photos lol).
The Plan
I've broken the build down into 4 phases, but some stuff will probably happen out of order (esp phase 3). Italic indicates it's done, crossout means I changed my mind, optional means I'm undecided on it and feedback is always welcome (for all items).
Phase 1 (done): Sleep
* Leitner ACS Forged (done)
* Roofnest Falcon
I had a lot of debate about RTT vs cab. I decided to play it pretty safe with this part of the build. I went Leitner ACS Forged because it was hands down the strongest rack I could find for the Colorado, and I like all the accessories (expensive though!). I know everybody puts this on their build, but now I can see why. Pretty happy with my choice, the RTT has only minimally impacted handling and had no effect on MPG under 65 (over 70 its 1-1.5 MPG hit). Overall, MPG with this truck has been fantastic (way over EPA, I'd say 21/20/18 highway/average/city).
Phase 2: Electronics
* PowerTray
* SwitchPro (?)
* 20" LED bar
* LED fog lights
* Ditch lights (optional)
* Camp lights
* Compressor (ARB twin air compressor?) probably in engine bay using prefab bracket
* Backup lights
* Bigger battery (might wait till the OEM one dies, might not)
Everybody complains about the lights on the Colorado, but for city driving they're perfectly fine. Don't want to mess with the LED drop in headlights since, as far as I can tell, they're technically not street legal and it's just another thing to fail. I want to keep this as stock as reasonably achievable. I'm going to see how the spill is with LED fog lights, but I will prob do ditch lights (used to think they were silly until I drove on an gravel road with a drop off at night).
Phase 3: Camp/Storage
* 270 awning (Eezi-Awn or Alu-Cab?)
* Decked (highly optional)
* GearPod XL (done)
* GearPod (optional)
* Rotopack carriers
* Tailgate improvements for cooking (optional)
* Rear seat delete (highly optional).
* Shower (optional)
This phase will probably change a lot as I use the truck more. For example after my first trip I cooked in the rain and on my second trip I had to sit in the sun, so I added the awning. Pressurized water would be great to hose off after running and do dishes (but I don't want some behemoth mounted on the truck either). I really really really don't want to do Decked since its 205 lbs for drawers, but lockable storage is a bit at a premium (although theres a ton of space in the rear of the cab). I've got it in my weight budget but would love to not need it. Might also pull the rear seats out, but for now, just putting them down yields a ton of storage.
Phase 4: Performance
* 33s or 35s
* AEV Highmark fenders (or maybe just the 33 kit)
* Nitro 4.10 or 4.56 kit
* Level kit (Chevy Performance?)
* Winch (optional)
* Leaf spring (optional)
This phase might be totally unnecessary. I have no idea if I'll really need to go big on tires, but this is on my radar. Definitely going to run out the bumper to bumper warranty first. Kind of undecided on the winch but since I'll likely do quite a bit solo (or with my buddy in a Crosstrek), it might be worth it for the piece of mind.
Here is how she sits now (May '21):
Please let me know your experiences with your Colorado and any aspects of the build!
(Yes I paid Killboy for my Tail of the Dragon photos lol).
The Plan
I've broken the build down into 4 phases, but some stuff will probably happen out of order (esp phase 3). Italic indicates it's done, crossout means I changed my mind, optional means I'm undecided on it and feedback is always welcome (for all items).
Phase 1 (done): Sleep
* Leitner ACS Forged (done)
* Roofnest Falcon
I had a lot of debate about RTT vs cab. I decided to play it pretty safe with this part of the build. I went Leitner ACS Forged because it was hands down the strongest rack I could find for the Colorado, and I like all the accessories (expensive though!). I know everybody puts this on their build, but now I can see why. Pretty happy with my choice, the RTT has only minimally impacted handling and had no effect on MPG under 65 (over 70 its 1-1.5 MPG hit). Overall, MPG with this truck has been fantastic (way over EPA, I'd say 21/20/18 highway/average/city).
Phase 2: Electronics
* PowerTray
* SwitchPro (?)
* 20" LED bar
* LED fog lights
* Ditch lights (optional)
* Camp lights
* Compressor (ARB twin air compressor?) probably in engine bay using prefab bracket
* Backup lights
* Bigger battery (might wait till the OEM one dies, might not)
Everybody complains about the lights on the Colorado, but for city driving they're perfectly fine. Don't want to mess with the LED drop in headlights since, as far as I can tell, they're technically not street legal and it's just another thing to fail. I want to keep this as stock as reasonably achievable. I'm going to see how the spill is with LED fog lights, but I will prob do ditch lights (used to think they were silly until I drove on an gravel road with a drop off at night).
Phase 3: Camp/Storage
* 270 awning (Eezi-Awn or Alu-Cab?)
* Decked (highly optional)
* GearPod XL (done)
* GearPod (optional)
* Rotopack carriers
* Tailgate improvements for cooking (optional)
* Rear seat delete (highly optional).
* Shower (optional)
This phase will probably change a lot as I use the truck more. For example after my first trip I cooked in the rain and on my second trip I had to sit in the sun, so I added the awning. Pressurized water would be great to hose off after running and do dishes (but I don't want some behemoth mounted on the truck either). I really really really don't want to do Decked since its 205 lbs for drawers, but lockable storage is a bit at a premium (although theres a ton of space in the rear of the cab). I've got it in my weight budget but would love to not need it. Might also pull the rear seats out, but for now, just putting them down yields a ton of storage.
Phase 4: Performance
* 33s or 35s
* AEV Highmark fenders (or maybe just the 33 kit)
* Nitro 4.10 or 4.56 kit
* Level kit (Chevy Performance?)
* Winch (optional)
* Leaf spring (optional)
This phase might be totally unnecessary. I have no idea if I'll really need to go big on tires, but this is on my radar. Definitely going to run out the bumper to bumper warranty first. Kind of undecided on the winch but since I'll likely do quite a bit solo (or with my buddy in a Crosstrek), it might be worth it for the piece of mind.
Here is how she sits now (May '21):
Please let me know your experiences with your Colorado and any aspects of the build!
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