Tatanka / 20 Chevy ZR2 Bison

[Akicita]

Happy Birthday



My wife purchased me a 2020 ZR2 Bison in February 2020 for my Birthday. When she gave it to me on my birthday she asked – “Well. . . what are you going to do to this one?” I told her – “Nothing, its got all I need. I love it just the way it is from the factory.” ----- well ---- here we go with my build---

Truck Name: Tatanka

2020 ZR2 Bison

V-6 Gas / Automatic

Additional options from factory:

Premium Bose Audio System

Infotainment 3 Plus with Navigation

Dealer Installed Power Package (Performance Air Intake & CAT-Back Exhaust)

GMPP Front Level Kit and High Angle A-Arms

GMPP Tie-Rod Protective Sleeves

 

[Akicita]

I Think We Need a Winch



On our first backcountry ski trip with our Bison, we got stuck when I slid into a drainage break on a jeep trail near the Never Summer Range in Central Colorado. Entirely driver error on my part as I have been on this trail dozens of times in lesser vehicles. We dug, jacked, rocked, fiddled, and farted for an hour or so until we finally got out. As we piled ourselves into the truck, sweaty and tired, my wife looked at me and said matter of factly . . . “Honey, I think we need a winch”. . .

Little did she know that those six words would be the beginning of the transformation of my 20 ZR2 Bison to – Tatanka! I put the winch and my build off for a few months as the pandemic started gripping the nation. When things settled down a bit, I found myself consistently working on Tatanka as a distraction from the challenges we all faced that year.

First DIY mods:

AEV Lower Lower Bumper Section

AEV ZR2 Bison Winch Mount

Com-Up 9.5 Slimline Winch & Synthetic Cable

Factor 55 Flat Link

Rough Country 30” Single Row Curved Light Bar

Maxtrax Traction Boards (4)

GP Factor Maxtrax Mount

X-Monster Kinetic Rope

Soft Shackles (3)

Factor 55 Shackle Pulley

Recovery Straps

Boulder Tools Tire Repair Kit

Boulder Tools Air Deflators

GOOLOO 4000A Car Jump Starter

RotoPax 3 Gal Fuel Cans (2) Blemished

RotoPax 3 Gal Locking Mount (2)

Viair HD Onboard Air Compressor and 2.5 Gallon Tank

While I had the grill out I painted the Chevrolet letters red, de-badged all the chrome and re-badged with black and red badges. I also added some red accent pinstripe to the hood.

 

[Akicita]

Hey, Check This Out



While researching winches and other recovery items, I needed for our backcountry outings; I came across an article with a picture of a Toyota Tacoma with an Alu Cab Canopy Camper on it. . . Naturally, the first thing I thought of was - I need this on my truck - “Hey, check this out,” – I shouted to my wife.

The article highlighted a Tacoma build in South Africa for a surfer with an Alu Cab Canopy camper. Not a surfer, but I was intrigued. I told my wife this would make a great basecamp sleeper for our mountain expeditions. I would love to say she immediately agreed, but she didn’t. So after much deliberation and a visit to see one in person, she agreed, and I put an order in on one from a local dealer.

Alu Cab Canopy Camper

Options:

Shadow Awning

Molle Mounts on Rear

Spare Tire Carrier

Aluminum Folding Table and Carrier

Pre Wire for Solar

 

[Akicita]

Wow, That Goose Gear Stuff Is Expensive



My wife and I have led a pretty minimalist backcountry lifestyle for most of our lives. Growing up in the mountains of Colorado, we have learned the older we get, the lighter we must travel and the less gear we can physically carry. When the camper finally arrived after a long wait from Africa and after careful inspection, the first thing she asked was – "Where are we going to put everything?" – "Hmmm," I said. "Well, we could just throw our packs back here, and we can toss in a couple of water jugs over there." - "Hmmm," she replied. "Well, if we have all this room now, can't we bring a few more things since the truck is carrying the load and not us? Maybe a cooler with some cold beers and real pillows instead of those inflatable ones?" - "Sure!" I exclaimed. "Well, I could get some of those Goose Gear cabinets and maybe add a solar-charged battery to run one of those cool portable refrigerators like Jimmy has in his boat -and-and-and-and, how about I insulate it and add some kind of heater? We haven't camped with a heater since the kids were babies in your parent's pop-up tent camper!" - "Yeah, you should do that!" – she replied. . . "what are you standing around for? Get on that!" – she yelled. . .

I started researching the Goose Gear rear seat delete for the Colorado and Goose Gear camper boxes designed for the Canopy Camper. I will be the first to say that Goose Gear makes excellent stuff, but I couldn't hide what it would cost to order it from my wife. "Wow, that Goose Gear stuff is expensive!" – she said when I showed her the prices. "Hell, you could make that in your shop, couldn't you?" – she asked. "I’m sure I could. . . but when am I going to find the time?” – I replied. “Well, I guess I could pick up a few of your chores and cover for you at the office for a few days.” – she said. “Well. . . if you can do that, I think I could get it done in a week or two. . . No. . . that would be asking too much of you. Why don’t I just order it from Goose Gear?” – I asked. “No way! You order the materials you need and get them done. I’ll do your chores and cover for you at the office until you're done.”- she insisted. “Well. . . okay. . . if you insist.” (chuckle- chuckle)

Yahoo!!! No chores and hanging out in my shop building stuff. . . the seat delete, cabinets, solar wiring, and interior insulation and other comfort items. I added a propane tank and Mr. Heater Buddy heater to it. I also picked up a refurbished Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Watt battery generator from Goal Zero and wired in all the camper lights and other accessories that I recently upgraded to a Yeti 1500X

 

[Akicita]

How’s It Hanging



With most of the camper buildout done, we decided we needed to go out on a “shakedown cruise.” We loaded up necessary gear and water and headed for nearby Forest Service Access. As we started up the road, rough from Spring run-off, it was apparent that the Bison had much lower clearance than our previous Jeep Rubicon. “What was that?”- my wife asked as we drug over the road ruts. “Uhhhh, I think it’s those rear shock mounts that hang so low dragging on the rocks,” – I replied. “That doesn’t sound good. You’re going to have to do something about that. Would a lift help?” – she asked. “It would, but I don’t want to go much higher than it is now, or it might not fit in the garage. It sure is nice having it in the garage out of the Winter weather and Spring hail storms.” – I said. “Well, when we get home, we need to see how much clearance we have so you can figure out a way to get more clearance so we can get up and down the trails we like to travel.”- she demanded. “Okay-okay, I’ll get right on that.

Suspension Mods

Peak Add-A-Leaf

Peak 1” Riser Block

Timbre Active Off-Road Bump Stops

589 Rear Shock Relocate

AEV 33” Fender Trim Kit

AEV Crestone Wheels

BFG KM3 Mud Terrain Tires 285/70/17

 

[Akicita]

Philámayaye (Thank You)



The extent of my build has taken place over the last year or so, and I believe I am at a point where I can comfortably say it's complete. My build certainly wouldn't have been possible without my wife's unwavering support and love. For that and the support she has shown me these last 35 years, I say. . . Cántecikiyá Philámayaye (Thank You My Love)

We have enjoyed Tatanka very much over the last couple of years, and we anticipate many more years of exploration and other builds we are dreaming of.

Akicita

 

[Akicita]

Wait-What!!!! How much did it cost?

Here is the breakdown of the major cost of my build. This does not include the everyday loadout gear that we take with us on any given outing. Tatanka is ready to go with a full 10-day load out of food water and supplies. All of the work was done by me and some done by me with the help of my wife and friends. The cost breakdown reflects this in anything I paid to have done or installed.

Truck 20 Colorado ZR2 Bison (Purchased February 2020) $47,300.00

Dealer installed GMPP Cat Back Exhaust (Included)

Dealer Installed GMPP Cold Air Intake (Included)

Dealer Installed GMPP Level Kit with Upper A-Arms $1223.00 / Parts & Labor

Total $48,523.00

Truck Accessories

AEV Low Tube Bumper Center Section $399.00

AEV ZR2 Bison Winch Mount $249.00

Come-Up 9.5 Slimline Winch and Synthetic Cable $716.00

Factor 55 FlatLink $99.00

Rough Country 30” Single Row Curved Light Bar $199.00

Viair HD Onboard Air Compressor and 2.5 Gallon Tank $344.00

DIY Rear Seat Delete Deck $285.00 (Parts & Materials)

Expedition Essentials CPAM Ram Mount $185.00

Pro Clip Cell Phone Holder $44.00

AEV 33” Tire Fender Trim Kit $129.00

589 Fabrication Rear Shock Relocate $325.00

Timbren Active Off-Road Bumb Stops (Front & Rear) $420.00

Peak Off Road ZR2 1” Riser Block $150.00

Peak Off Road Add-A-Leaf $165.00

AEV Crestone Wheels (5) $1525.00

BFG KM3 Mud Terrain 285/70/17 (5) $1510.00

Nitro 4:10 Gear Conversion / Kit & Install $3100.00

Total $9844.00

Alu Cab Canopy Camper $14,681.00

Shadow Awning (Included)

Pre-Wire for Solar (Included)

Entry Door Spare Tire Carrier (Included)

Rear MOLLE Panels (Included)

Shipping (Included)

Install Fitment Kit (Included)

Installation (Included)

Aluminum Table & Storage Rack (Included)

Total $14,681.00

Alu Cab Canopy Camper / Buildout and Accessories

DIY Bed Floor Decking $85.00

DIY Cabinet Buildout $225.00

DIY Insulation and Liner Trim $120.00

GP Factor Table $300.00

Blue Ridge Overland Velcro Bags $275.00

Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Power Station $1322.00

Goal Zero MPPT Solar Module $150.00

Overland Solar 170W Flexible Solar Panel $470.00

Blue Sea Switch $45.00

Dometic CFX 28 Fridge $729.00

Misc. Electrical $75.00

Front Runner 10 L Bulkhead Water Tank ` $250.00

12V Water Pump and Plumbing $55.00

Expedition Essentials Propane Bottle Mount $140.00

Total $3769.00



Off Road Gear and Recovery Gear

Maxtrax Traction Boards (4) $600.00

GP Factor Maxtrax Mount $269.00

X-Monster Kinetic Rope $109.00

Soft Shackles (3) $105.00

Factor 55 Shackle Pulley $110.00

Recovery Straps $55.00

Boulder Tools Tire Repair Kit $38.00

Boulder Tools Air Deflators $35.00

GOOLOO 4000A Car Jump Starter $140.00

RotoPax 3 Gal Fuel Cans (2) Blemished $100.00 ($50 each)

RotoPax 3 Gal Locking Mount (2) $70.00

Total $1631.00

GRAND TOTAL $78,448.00

 

[Kent R]

Outstanding build!
One question I have is what spray material did you use to cover the plywood.

 

[Akicita]

U-Pol Raptor Liner roll-on. Got a kit off of Amazon and did all the 1/2" ply panels with two coats. It has held up extraordinarily well and I will definitely use it again for future projects.

 

[Jay61]

Nice build, have a JT Rubicon ordered that I am going the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper route on. Sadly I do not think I will be able to get it in at your costs.....

 

[zgfiredude]

Awesome build and great to see that you certainly use it as intended!

 

[TheBison]

Nice build! What has been your experience with an add-a-leaf? Any loss of flexibility or a stiffer ride?

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

Nice build! What has been your experience with an add-a-leaf? Any loss of flexibility or a stiffer ride?

I was curious about a response to that question as well. Looks a good bit heavier than my setup when I’m loaded up and I feel the AAL is nearing its limit but rides near stock for day to day work. I run a slight increase in front spring rate as well and it flexes just fine. Loaded up or not.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The AAL is good for 3-400lbs extra weight, as you get near 500lbs it feels very stiff in the rear. Deaver M66 pac is a major upgrade to the ZR2 rear leaf setup. Smoother ride, better feel, corners better.

 

[Akicita]

The Peak Suspension Add-A-Leaf has met and exceeded all my expectations for how I use my rig and how it's configured. I considered having custom leaf packs built for the added weight of my build but decided to go with the Add-A-Leaf based on the advice of from Peak. They stated the Add-A-Leave would provide an additional 750lbs of load capacity and would maintain the ride quality I wanted based on my use. When I inquired about the Deaver and Old Man Emu packs they also sold they told me to save my money and go with the Add-A-Leaf. I valued their expertise and advice and can offer the same advice based on my experience and use. I am going on three years of use now with no complaints or negative results. Matched with the Timbren Off-Road bump stops it is easily one of the best economical suspension mods I made that didn't break the bank.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The Peak Suspension Add-A-Leaf has met and exceeded all my expectations for how I use my rig and how it's configured. I considered having custom leaf packs built for the added weight of my build but decided to go with the Add-A-Leaf based on the advice of from Peak. They stated the Add-A-Leave would provide an additional 750lbs of load capacity and would maintain the ride quality I wanted based on my use. When I inquired about the Deaver and Old Man Emu packs they also sold they told me to save my money and go with the Add-A-Leaf. I valued their expertise and advice and can offer the same advice based on my experience and use. I am going on three years of use now with no complaints or negative results. Matched with the Timbren Off-Road bump stops it is easily one of the best economical suspension mods I made that didn't break the bank.

View attachment 249204

I found the AAL to be very harsh when bed weights got to 400lbs or higher. I'm setup similar to you, 589 shock relocation, Timbrens w/U-Bolt flip, DIY version of the GMPP cross bar. The Deaver eliminated that terrible 2 stage oem rear spring pac. The OEM worked OK with no load but with the Deavers is another truck totally.

 

[Akicita]

I found the AAL to be very harsh when bed weights got to 400lbs or higher. I'm setup similar to you, 589 shock relocation, Timbrens w/U-Bolt flip, DIY version of the GMPP cross bar. The Deaver eliminated that terrible 2 stage oem rear spring pac. The OEM worked OK with no load but with the Deavers is another truck totally.

I would love to connect and take a ride in your rig sometime to compare. I have plans to stop by Alcan Springs in Fruita Colorado to get their opinion and recommendations if I do decide to go with a new pack. They are local to me and very well respected too.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I would love to connect and take a ride in your rig sometime to compare. I have plans to stop by Alcan Springs in Fruita Colorado to get their opinion and recommendations if I do decide to go with a new pack. They are local to me and very well respected too.

If you get near NW Orygun let me know, your welcome to drive my truck any time. When I installed the Deavers I was only thinking about eliminating the hard second stage hit. I was surprised just how much they changed the ride and handling of the truck. On OEM rear springs the rear always felt it was on edge of losing traction on corners, Deavers eliminated that seat of the pants feeling.