Help with ZR2 build

[jplemons]

I'm new here and new to overlanding as well. I'm set to pick up my ZR2 today and am planning my first trip for spring break of this year, which is the week before Easter. I'm looking for suggestions that are model-specific for my truck (Chevy Colorado) and in general for things I should get first and prioritize. Anything and everything from a bed rack system to recovery gear and extra fuel/water storage to navigation and emergency communications. Fortunately, the truck itself shouldn't need a thing for it to be worthy enough to handle beginner trails.

 

[AnywhereInTX]

First thing I did was a universal bed rack system and a RTT. I ended up upgrading to a trailer for the tent, but I got great use out of the rack/tent combo.

Good thing is your truck is great out of the box.

 

[jplemons]

First thing I did was a universal bed rack system and a RTT. I ended up upgrading to a trailer for the tent, but I got great use out of the rack/tent combo.

Good thing is your truck is great out of the box.

Thanks, is that the rack from RCI?

 

[avgjoe624]

Well youre definitely thinking in the right direction. First and foremost I would worry about navigation, doesn't necessarily have to be part of the vehicle, but always have a way to tell where you are on hand. second, always have a way to get out of a bad way in an emergency, (recovery, first aid, food, water, light, commo, etc.)

recovery is my forte, winches are awesome, but if you dont have that, straps, shackles, and a hilift jack will do justice in most cases.

A lot of people love to add fuel cans to their list, but unless youre going on an over eh... atleast a 100ish mile adventure, its just extra weight IMO.

storage is in the eye of the overlander, be creative and use what makes the most sense to you and suits your style. The best way to find out what you need is to go on a trip or two without it. lol, then youll know.

 

[AnywhereInTX]

Thanks, is that the rack from RCI?

I didn't go as hardcore as RCI. I went with a universal system that worked perfectly for my truck as it just clamps on the bed rails. The link is below and it worked great for my application on a Ram 1500. I am up in the air if I plan to keep it or not as I can still use it for other items like kayaks, boards, etc. even though I have the trailer. GF will probably tell me to sell it though

Hot Metal Fab Bed Rack

 

[great08]

Welcome to OB and Welcome to the Colorado world!

I have a thread started on my 18' Colorado Z71. It is about 12 pages long now and is almost all a conglomeration of links to things Colorado. Lots of ZR2 links in there.

2018 Chevy Colorado Z71

Good Day Everyone, Welcome! Stock Truck Details... 2018 Chevy Colorado 4x4 Z71 with the 308hp V6 and 8spd Auto transmission. Factory installed Eaton Auto locking rear diff. Transfer Case has 2WD, Auto, 4HI, 4LOW, Neutral. Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Stabilitrac, etc, etc. So far...

www.overlandbound.com

My main suggestion... take your time and think things out so you only have to buy once/cry once. Once you figure out what you want... wait a few days and re-evaluate to see if you still want it. If it is a pricy item... wait another week or two and re-evaluate again! lol

I focused on protection (You have it already) first, then cargo management, and finally gear. Since you have a truck you can technically just throw tough totes into the back and hit the trail.

Most folks throw on too much weight. It hinders the suspension and off road performance as well. I am attempting to keep the weight down as much as possible. For instance, since those awesome looking aftermarket bumpers are both expensive and heavy, I plan to wait until I destroy mine before replacing them. If they never get destroyed... then I didn't need them.

However, I am not trying to take chances with the drivetrain and main cab/body. I am working on adding protection there as I see I need it.

I have been on things like the Alpine Loop and the White Rim Trail before on a dualsport. Even my Z71 should be fine as it sits on those trails. Just two OEM skids (ZR2 style but for non-ZR2 trucks), actual ZR2 rock sliders, and the air dam removed.

For cargo management, be sure that it will fit your needs the best before purchase. Each type has it's advantages/disadvantages.

I look forward to seeing pics of your truck and your adventures!

 

[jplemons]

Welcome to OB and Welcome to the Colorado world!

I have a thread started on my 18' Colorado Z71. It is about 12 pages long now and is almost all a conglomeration of links to things Colorado. Lots of ZR2 links in there.

2018 Chevy Colorado Z71

Good Day Everyone, Welcome! Stock Truck Details... 2018 Chevy Colorado 4x4 Z71 with the 308hp V6 and 8spd Auto transmission. Factory installed Eaton Auto locking rear diff. Transfer Case has 2WD, Auto, 4HI, 4LOW, Neutral. Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Stabilitrac, etc, etc. So far...

www.overlandbound.com

My main suggestion... take your time and think things out so you only have to buy once/cry once. Once you figure out what you want... wait a few days and re-evaluate to see if you still want it. If it is a pricy item... wait another week or two and re-evaluate again! lol

I focused on protection (You have it already) first, then cargo management, and finally gear. Since you have a truck you can technically just throw tough totes into the back and hit the trail.

Most folks throw on too much weight. It hinders the suspension and off road performance as well. I am attempting to keep the weight down as much as possible. For instance, since those awesome looking aftermarket bumpers are both expensive and heavy, I plan to wait until I destroy mine before replacing them. If they never get destroyed... then I didn't need them.

However, I am not trying to take chances with the drivetrain and main cab/body. I am working on adding protection there as I see I need it.

I have been on things like the Alpine Loop and the White Rim Trail before on a dualsport. Even my Z71 should be fine as it sits on those trails. Just two OEM skids (ZR2 style but for non-ZR2 trucks), actual ZR2 rock sliders, and the air dam removed.

For cargo management, be sure that it will fit your needs the best before purchase. Each type has it's advantages/disadvantages.

I look forward to seeing pics of your truck and your adventures!

Thanks a ton! I’ve been following your thread and that was what actually started me leaning toward the Colorado. I was headed for a Z71 until Chevy threw those damn incentives at me, and I couldn’t pass up the ZR2.

 

[great08]

Thanks a ton! I’ve been following your thread and that was what actually started me leaning toward the Colorado. I was headed for a Z71 until Chevy threw those damn incentives at me, and I couldn’t pass up the ZR2.

Nice! I am glad I was of some sort of help!

I ended up reading your user name yesterday after I had made the post already. I recognized it then. I have seen your name over on that thread a few times.

It sounds like you got a good deal on the ZR2 too. Congrats! I bet it will be an awesome touring machine and daily driver both.

There are a good dozen ZR2s in my area that I have seen so far. Every single one of them catches my eye from a long way away. So they Are an eye catcher!

 

[madcratebuilder]

589FAB makes a lot of ZR2 accessories. If you plan on solo trips then you need to think about recovery, a winch or Hi-Lift jack with recovery kit. Midwest Overland Ind makes different winch mounts for the ZR2. Two item for the undercarriage are rear shock skids and tie rod sleeves, these protect two weak areas that could be a problem.
A RTT mounted over the bed keeps CG reasonable and you still have bed storage. It takes time to accumulate all the stuff needed. Coloradofans.com and zr2zone.com are two good forums for more ZR2 info.