Overlanding and Camping Mod Thread

Robert Peters · May 4, 2021

Using your truck for Overlanding/Camping/Light Offroad duty? Post your mods and details of products here.

Truck: 2019 Trail Boss Custom with 5.3 and 6L80

Rear Rack: I cut up a 2000 Suburban factory roof rack and placed it on custom stake pocket mounts. I then used the widest Thule Probar and matching feet to mount to the factory roof rack now serving as bed rails. Tepui Kukenam 3, Smittybilt 6.5' Awning, X-Bull Hi Lift mounts

Bumpers: I have a GoRhino BR5.5 Winch bumper fitted with a Smittybilt X2O 12k winch. I added the light bar mount recently(no pic).

Suspension: Rough Country leveling kit, AirLift airbags in the back. Currently planning to add the Daystar airbag cradles after a little mount modification to make them fit.

Tires: Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT in 295/70R18

Lights: Sealight LED's in headlights, LED's in reverse lights, Nilight Flushmount LED's in fog light pockets, Hella 500FF's, Auxbeam Amber LED Driving lights

Electrical: Auxbeam 8 gang switch, Rear 12v outlet in bed

Other Accessories: Risk Racing 3.5 gallon fuel can, Apache weatherproof case for tools, Remington Weathertight tote for tools and offroad equipment.

RushTheBus_ · May 5, 2021

Waiting on my camper shell from Leer. Excited to begin my overland build.

Transient · May 5, 2021

Researching retractable bed covers as I'm looking into doing something similar, but a little more unique, too. I have the GM Accessories sportbar and Baja Designs 40" light bar mounted on top. I intend to keep that setup while having a functional bed cover that I can also mount a tent above, most likely using the Thule mounting bars. I'm leaning towards Thule, and waiting to see if a local shop can come up with a way to make a Retrax be cover work with the sportbar on a short bed.

I also have Baja Designs lights mounted to the hood hinges. There will be more in the near future. All electrical is mounted to the GM Upfitter auxiliary switches to the left of the steering wheel in the knee bolster. Planned future mods include the Rough Country 10" light bars for the grill, Baja Designs rock lights in the wheel wells, and an ARB air compressor mounted in the bed.

I'm hoping somebody will come up with a hidden winch bracket for the front of the truck without using an aftermarket bumper. I want to mount a 12k or 14k winch in there.

Part of this desire for an overland build is my oldest kid told me he wants to go do stuff in nature. His 11th birthday is in 4 weeks, and he asked to go fishing instead of toys or video games. I discussed this further with him over dinner one night and it lead to him wanting to do more stuff with me like hunting deer and fowl. He's an introvert and it's sometimes very difficult for me to get a read on him. The fact he opened up about this was very satisfying. We have a fishing trip in the Pacific scheduled for his birthday. Neither of us have ever fished. I'm not much into fishing, but love the outdoors. I'm very excited for this trip, but really look forward to taking the truck out to go camping on a hunting trip.

Edit: I forgot to include the info about my truck.

2020 Trail Boss with 6.2 and short bed

Edited May 5, 2021 by Transient

Robert Peters · May 5, 2021

8 hours ago, Transient said:

Researching retractable bed covers as I'm looking into doing something similar, but a little more unique, too. I have the GM Accessories sportbar and Baja Designs 40" light bar mounted on top. I intend to keep that setup while having a functional bed cover that I can also mount a tent above, most likely using the Thule mounting bars. I'm leaning towards Thule, and waiting to see if a local shop can come up with a way to make a Retrax be cover work with the sportbar on a short bed.

I also have Baja Designs lights mounted to the hood hinges. There will be more in the near future. All electrical is mounted to the GM Upfitter auxiliary switches to the left of the steering wheel in the knee bolster. Planned future mods include the Rough Country 10" light bars for the grill, Baja Designs rock lights in the wheel wells, and an ARB air compressor mounted in the bed.

I'm hoping somebody will come up with a hidden winch bracket for the front of the truck without using an aftermarket bumper. I want to mount a 12k or 14k winch in there.

Part of this desire for an overland build is my oldest kid told me he wants to go do stuff in nature. His 11th birthday is in 4 weeks, and he asked to go fishing instead of toys or video games. I discussed this further with him over dinner one night and it lead to him wanting to do more stuff with me like hunting deer and fowl. He's an introvert and it's sometimes very difficult for me to get a read on him. The fact he opened up about this was very satisfying. We have a fishing trip in the Pacific scheduled for his birthday. Neither of us have ever fished. I'm not much into fishing, but love the outdoors. I'm very excited for this trip, but really look forward to taking the truck out to go camping on a hunting trip.

Edit: I forgot to include the info about my truck.

2020 Trail Boss with 6.2 and short bed

Sounds like we have similar experiences. I had to make my rack mount because I couldn't find one that would work for my needs. I used what I had at the time but ultimately I will make a new set of bed rails out of DOM that will allow me to close my tonneau cover and raise the RTT about 3".

I wanted to keep the stock bumper but again no hidden winch available so the GoRhino was the least expensive option. Ultimately it works fine even though it added 6" to the front of the truck.

I take my nephews camping and fishing, 10 and 13 years old, and it is my best way to keep them from playing video games all day. In fact I am about to head to Utah with the oldest nephew for Overland Adventure 2021. https://www.fourwheeler.com/overland-adventure/2021/2021-overland-adventure-roberts-2019-chevy-silverado-trail-boss/

Taco_Ninja · May 5, 2021

Love this, I had to trade in my 4Runner for work reasons and miss the simplicity of my OL rig. I have a trailer but sometimes I just want to pack up and go with a light foot print without all the hassle of finding a site, hook-ups, reservations, etc etc.

I've found bars to support the RTT but will need to swap out the toolbox for something with a lower profile to make it work. Thought about the Decked system but open to ideas.

Subbed for future ideas.

Icetracer · May 6, 2021

I'm in the same desire to overland my truck. For camping/roadtrips with the fam and also hunting/fishing with possible sleeping in the bed of the truck.

My current setup:

- 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT - Diesel - silver

- Snugtop Truck topper

- Method Race Wheels 17" - Model 308 Roost in Matte Black - (barely fit break calipers)

- Falken Wildpeak AT3W P285/70/R17

- Timber land use required items: Shovel, fire extinguisher, water etc.

- offbrand maxtraxx style recovery boards

To be installed:

- Prinsu design universal rack on the topper

- Cali raised LED 4pod lights on SDHQ ditch light bracket

To be purchased/investigated more:

- Dual battery setup: Currently thinking of Redarc DC charger, battleborn Lipe 100amp battery, dual SPod systems - one for bed of truck and one in the engine bay. The bed of truck unit will be HD tactile buttons and the one inside the engine bay will have the touchscreen controller routed inside the cab and will act as the master controller for both front and back Spod systems. Aux battery and DC charger in bed of truck.

- Rock lights

- Flood/work lights around truck

- fridge/freezer - National Luna or Snomaster

- Onboard compressor - ARB dual motor comp

- Front bumper with winch: having a hard time finding any company making front bumpers with winch capability for the diesel version of these trucks

- Aftermarket suspension - not sure, maybe Icon stage 1 or 2. or Bilstein 6112/5160's with new UCA's.

- Custom storage slide system in bed of truck.

Icetracer · May 6, 2021

On 5/4/2021 at 8:41 PM, Transient said:

Researching retractable bed covers as I'm looking into doing something similar, but a little more unique, too. I have the GM Accessories sportbar and Baja Designs 40" light bar mounted on top. I intend to keep that setup while having a functional bed cover that I can also mount a tent above, most likely using the Thule mounting bars. I'm leaning towards Thule, and waiting to see if a local shop can come up with a way to make a Retrax be cover work with the sportbar on a short bed.

I also have Baja Designs lights mounted to the hood hinges. There will be more in the near future. All electrical is mounted to the GM Upfitter auxiliary switches to the left of the steering wheel in the knee bolster. Planned future mods include the Rough Country 10" light bars for the grill, Baja Designs rock lights in the wheel wells, and an ARB air compressor mounted in the bed.

I'm hoping somebody will come up with a hidden winch bracket for the front of the truck without using an aftermarket bumper. I want to mount a 12k or 14k winch in there.

Part of this desire for an overland build is my oldest kid told me he wants to go do stuff in nature. His 11th birthday is in 4 weeks, and he asked to go fishing instead of toys or video games. I discussed this further with him over dinner one night and it lead to him wanting to do more stuff with me like hunting deer and fowl. He's an introvert and it's sometimes very difficult for me to get a read on him. The fact he opened up about this was very satisfying. We have a fishing trip in the Pacific scheduled for his birthday. Neither of us have ever fished. I'm not much into fishing, but love the outdoors. I'm very excited for this trip, but really look forward to taking the truck out to go camping on a hunting trip.

Edit: I forgot to include the info about my truck.

2020 Trail Boss with 6.2 and short bed

I have fished a lot in the pacific ocean, not sure where you're at, but charter boats are normally not great, especially for first time/new people. They're mostly out to make a quick buck. I would look at smaller private guide services. Usually cost more, but should have an overall better experience and will have better one on one fishing guidance, which would be especially important if both of you haven't fished before.

Goodluck!

Transient · May 7, 2021

On 5/5/2021 at 6:08 AM, Robert Peters said:

Sounds like we have similar experiences. I had to make my rack mount because I couldn't find one that would work for my needs. I used what I had at the time but ultimately I will make a new set of bed rails out of DOM that will allow me to close my tonneau cover and raise the RTT about 3".

I wanted to keep the stock bumper but again no hidden winch available so the GoRhino was the least expensive option. Ultimately it works fine even though it added 6" to the front of the truck.

I take my nephews camping and fishing, 10 and 13 years old, and it is my best way to keep them from playing video games all day. In fact I am about to head to Utah with the oldest nephew for Overland Adventure 2021. https://www.fourwheeler.com/overland-adventure/2021/2021-overland-adventure-roberts-2019-chevy-silverado-trail-boss/

I'm originally from Utah, and would've loved to go on that adventure. Currently in California, so it's not a stretch. There is a video on YouTube of a guy that made his own hidden winch system with the OE front bumper on a T1xx. Iirc, it was done on a High Country. I'm considering starting with the Rough Country hidden winch setup for the 14-18 trucks, and modifying it to work. I have a neighbor with a 2018 Sierra that'll let me look at his truck. We'll see what happen. Really looking hard at the tonneau covers and RTTs right now to find the right setup.

Icetracer · May 7, 2021

7 hours ago, Transient said:

I'm originally from Utah, and would've loved to go on that adventure. Currently in California, so it's not a stretch. There is a video on YouTube of a guy that made his own hidden winch system with the OE front bumper on a T1xx. Iirc, it was done on a High Country. I'm considering starting with the Rough Country hidden winch setup for the 14-18 trucks, and modifying it to work. I have a neighbor with a 2018 Sierra that'll let me look at his truck. We'll see what happen. Really looking hard at the tonneau covers and RTTs right now to find the right setup.

I found the video you were talking about. That looks great on his truck. Does seem like it'll take some decent fabrication work (he did say he was a professional fabricator).

Please update us on if the 2018 frame is similar to the newer T1xx and if we could possibly use the 14-18 rough country hidden winch mount. That would be awesome if it would get us mostly there with some modifications if necessary.

econometrics · May 7, 2021

Awesome set up, @Robert Peters! I love the vision for the thread, too. Looking forward to seeing everyone's set ups. Been thinking of taking this leap myself.

Unwrntd · May 7, 2021

Awesome thread!

Check out my build on IG @Adventure_Denali

I am currently building my 19 Denali 6.2 4x4

Current Mods:

Chassis Unlimited Octane front winch bumper

30" curved LED bar and 4x Pods (OffroadLEDs.com)

Warn VR-12 Winch

BDS 4" Lift

20" AT4 wheels with BFG K02s

Full size spare with BFG K02

Yakima Rack + Platform (Sold)

Bedslide 1000CL

ProEagle Kratos Jack

Retrax One XR Bed Cover

Zroad Ditch Lights

sPod Bantam

OEM transfer case skid plate

4x Rotopax fuel/water

Console and back seat locking boxes

Valhalla Offroad MAPS Panels

Desert Does it bottom seat mount panels

67 Designs Series 55 rails

ICS Fab Dash Platform

Auto Stop Eliminator

Multiprorocks tailgate Speaker System with 4x Polk Speakers

dee-zee tailgate assist

Parts on order:

Roof Rack: Alpha Foxtrot Designs

New Bed Rack: Xtrusion Overland

Rear Bumper: Chassis Unlimited Octane

Intake: Volant

Planned:

MaxTrax

270 degree awning
Roof Top Tent

waterport or something simillar

Redarc DC-DC Charger

Cascadia Hood mounted solar

Second Battery

Second Bantam

Portable Air

Pelican Cargo Cases

Additional undercarriage protection

GMRS Radio

More Lights
more Solar

Edited May 7, 2021 by Unwrntd

Icetracer · May 7, 2021

8 hours ago, Transient said:

I'm originally from Utah, and would've loved to go on that adventure. Currently in California, so it's not a stretch. There is a video on YouTube of a guy that made his own hidden winch system with the OE front bumper on a T1xx. Iirc, it was done on a High Country. I'm considering starting with the Rough Country hidden winch setup for the 14-18 trucks, and modifying it to work. I have a neighbor with a 2018 Sierra that'll let me look at his truck. We'll see what happen. Really looking hard at the tonneau covers and RTTs right now to find the right setup.

I saw the coolest setup imho by American Adventure Labs with their lower height RTT and their ATLAS RTT leveling system. Not sure if they are actually in production, but saw it on some SEMA and some youtube videos (Lite Brite "Foster Child" gladiator truck build). This is the best of both worlds in my opinion. Too bad they probably don't make it for the 1500's.

It's annoying how much more accessories are made for Jeeps/Toyotas....

Unwrntd · May 7, 2021

21 hours ago, Icetracer said:

I'm in the same desire to overland my truck. For camping/roadtrips with the fam and also hunting/fishing with possible sleeping in the bed of the truck.

My current setup:

- 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT - Diesel - silver

- Snugtop Truck topper

- Method Race Wheels 17" - Model 308 Roost in Matte Black - (barely fit break calipers)

- Falken Wildpeak AT3W P285/70/R17

- Timber land use required items: Shovel, fire extinguisher, water etc.

- offbrand maxtraxx style recovery boards

To be installed:

- Prinsu design universal rack on the topper

- Cali raised LED 4pod lights on SDHQ ditch light bracket

To be purchased/investigated more:

- Dual battery setup: Currently thinking of Redarc DC charger, battleborn Lipe 100amp battery, dual SPod systems - one for bed of truck and one in the engine bay. The bed of truck unit will be HD tactile buttons and the one inside the engine bay will have the touchscreen controller routed inside the cab and will act as the master controller for both front and back Spod systems. Aux battery and DC charger in bed of truck.

- Rock lights

- Flood/work lights around truck

- fridge/freezer - National Luna or Snomaster

- Onboard compressor - ARB dual motor comp

- Front bumper with winch: having a hard time finding any company making front bumpers with winch capability for the diesel version of these trucks

- Aftermarket suspension - not sure, maybe Icon stage 1 or 2. or Bilstein 6112/5160's with new UCA's.

- Custom storage slide system in bed of truck.

ADD just came out with a diesel version of their bumper but I can't remember if it is winch capable or not.

Unwrntd · May 7, 2021

1 minute ago, Icetracer said:

I saw the coolest setup imho by American Adventure Labs with their lower height RTT and their ATLAS RTT leveling system. Not sure if they are actually in production, but saw it on some SEMA and some youtube videos (Lite Brite "Foster Child" gladiator truck build). This is the best of both worlds in my opinion. Too bad they probably don't make it for the 1500's.

It's annoying how much more accessories are made for Jeeps/Toyotas....

Hey I know litebrite personally haha

Icetracer · May 7, 2021

2 hours ago, Unwrntd said:

Awesome thread!

Check out my build on IG @Adventure_Denali

I am currently building my 19 Denali 6.2 4x4

Current Mods:

Chassis Unlimited Octane front winch bumper

30" curved LED bar and 4x Pods (OffroadLEDs.com)

Warn VR-12 Winch

BDS 4" Lift

20" AT4 wheels with BFG K02s

Yakima Rack + Platform (Sold)

Bedslide 1000CL

ProEagle Kratos Jack

Retrax One XR Bed Cover

Zroad Ditch Lights

sPod Bantam

OEM transfer case skid plate

4x Rotopax fuel/water

Console and back seat locking boxes

Valhalla Offroad MAPS Panels

Desert Does it bottom seat mount panels

67 Designs Series 55 rails

ICS Fab Dash Platform

Auto Stop Eliminator

Parts on order:

Roof Rack: Alpha Foxtrot Designs

New Bed Rack: Xtrusion Overland

Rear Bumper: Chassis Unlimited Octane

Intake: Volant

Planned:
Roof Top Tent

waterport or something simillar

Redarc DC-DC Charger

Cascadia Hood mounted solar

Second Battery

Second Bantam

Portable Air

Pelican Cargo Cases

Additional undercarriage protection