Why are there so few Silverado overland rigs?
- Thread starter Pike
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This is why I love taking my full size rig out there! Everyone says dont do it, so of course I love taking my truck out on trails
ARE Z Series I think....I'll double check that.
The mattress I made custom (I've done it for a few others too) but basically it is 4" memory foam inside a giant envelope made from 90D ripstop nylon that is breathable but treated for water and dirt resistance - I got the fabric from www.ripstopbytheroll.com
It is Yakima rails (Aeros) and a Rolle basket on top...so far I like both but I'd recommend the ARE rack system after all my experience....it installs directly on the rails and is lower overall height.
With the Decked System, I can put stuff I need at night in the cubby holes at the corners, plus hang stuff if I need it. I am currently playing with velcro-backed organizers but I have some work to do on that.
And it is very cozy...now keep in mind that is a shortbed. I am 5 9 so it's not an issue, but just barely. Keeping the side windows open has been enough to keep it cool in 95 degree Houston weather. Snow is not something I have to worry about.
One other issue is spare tire management. I am playing with a DYI drop-down spare carrier right now, just need to find a place that will run a quick weld for me here in Houston. I'll publish the details on it, but basically it takes two different e-trailer parts. A little cutting and two welds and you have a rear-hitch mounted spare carrier that folds down. Cheap too. Pics to come soon.
Happy to answer any other questions...
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I refuse to let this thread go gently into the good night, lol.
Anyone running AFM/DFM disablers on their Silverados? I'm curious as to what the consensus is amongst the Overland community.
Anyone running AFM/DFM disablers on their Silverados? I'm curious as to what the consensus is amongst the Overland community.
Member III
Yup. I'm running the Diablo AFM delete, along with the reprogramming for the 35" tires. Thus far, it's been flawless.
Enthusiast II
That's a legit setup! Just got my first RTT from roofnest; got damaged in the shipping, unfortunately, but it was just the bottom side.
Anywho - I've been looking at the Range DFM disabler for my 2019 Silverado. It already has 30,000+ miles on it - was just wondering if it would be worth the buy.
Was it hard doing the reprograming yourself?
Anywho - I've been looking at the Range DFM disabler for my 2019 Silverado. It already has 30,000+ miles on it - was just wondering if it would be worth the buy.
Was it hard doing the reprograming yourself?
Member III
The programming is quite easy. But, as with most programmers, it is married to the vehicle. So, if you buy a used one you need to ensure the previous owner knows what they are doing and knows how to divorce the tuner from the previous vehicle. Then, you have to also purchase a GM connect (or something like that, to get the Diablo connected to the computer) in order to program the truck. I was fortunate in that I was able to get my used for a good deal, and then I got it programmed with no issues.
Got my rack and rrt in June. Been out enjoying when i can, and im in love!
Still a long way to go. Next up is some lights to help in the dark, then suspension.
Still a long way to go. Next up is some lights to help in the dark, then suspension.
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I’ve got a Range AFM disabler. It works very nice. I may get another for the other twin.
Enthusiast II
Does anyone have a roof top tent on the top of there cab? I have no roof rails and the cross bars im finding are only rated for about 165lbs. So im thinking of going with this bracket kit. (Link below) and welding up my own rail box to attach the tent to. These brackets are rated at about 350lbs. But with my bar box and some extra bracing inside the roof i think it will be enough for my tent and two people.
If any of you have experience with a tent mounted to a bare roof truck let me know what you did and pictures help to thanks guys
If any of you have experience with a tent mounted to a bare roof truck let me know what you did and pictures help to thanks guys
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I haven't put a RTT over my cab, but I did installed a Yakima roof rack system that did not require drilling. It clamps to the roof over the doors.
Enthusiast II
I cant find any like that that hold more than 165lbs between the two bars. The tent is 118lbs alone
Enthusiast III
Awesome truck!!!
I joined this forum specifically in search for more information on outfitting my 2017 Silverado Z71. It is definitely slim pickings when researching Silverado and Overlanding in the same sentence. There is a lot of aftermarket support for other aspects of offroading with the Silverado...but not for overlanding.
I get that full size rigs are harder to get through certain trails...but to your point, that applies to all full size rigs...not just the Silverado.
Can‘t wait to move forward with the next steps in building my rig...here’s a current pic with very ltitle in the way of mods...
I joined this forum specifically in search for more information on outfitting my 2017 Silverado Z71. It is definitely slim pickings when researching Silverado and Overlanding in the same sentence. There is a lot of aftermarket support for other aspects of offroading with the Silverado...but not for overlanding.
I get that full size rigs are harder to get through certain trails...but to your point, that applies to all full size rigs...not just the Silverado.
Can‘t wait to move forward with the next steps in building my rig...here’s a current pic with very ltitle in the way of mods...
Enthusiast I
I have a 2002 Silverado 2500HD and a 2002 Chevy Avalanche 2500. Prepping the Avalanche now and it has been a lot of work. Main issue is general repairs due to age (to make dependable for backroads travel) and a lack of affordable aftermarket parts. Doing my own fab work and wrenching. Getting ideas for the Silverado, will pull off the box and add a flatbed with removable canopy. Planning for overlanding, not hardcore 4wd trails so both should work fine. Grew up with 4wds around farming, overlanding is a different animal.
I have to say, I'm a big fan of a nice rack, Roarin'. I have an old Trac Rack Cap Rac on my Leer truck cap and I like it a lot. Doesnt really make any noise either. Trac Rac was previously a Massachusetts company but was bought out by Thule a few years back. But I would like to know what model Yakima rack you have over your cab doors. That sounds like a great addition if theres no drilling
Enthusiast II
Here's a few more of my rig on my 10 day trip. Everything overland related I've custom built my self. Full slide out kitchen and roof rack set up that can be tilted to tuck an atv underneath when the softopper is down.
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Thanks Andrew! I haven't heard of Trac Rack before. There've been a lot of manufactures out there since I first had my Yakima racks on different vehicles. I am using the Yakima Q Towers rack system on my rig. The style / model of Q components will depend on make and model. For my 02 it required the Q-109 clips, on Q-Towers with 58" round cross bars, most of which I got from Amazon, other accessories I got locally.
Enthusiast I
Here is the Avalanche. Taking advantage of a rusty front fender to add a snorkel. Other rust repair in the works. The salt on the winter roads in Nebraska is terrible so did not feel a winch would survive long without lots of maintenance. Added receivers front and rear for a removable winch.
