Steward I
Third try - now a Bison!
- Thread starter TheBison
- Start date
Trail Blazer III
- 2,028
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- Foltz
- Member #
-
27816
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- AA0BF / WRMI426
- Service Branch
- U.S. Army
I've wanted new and bigger tires since we got the Bison. I like the Duratracs but admittedly a stock Bison looks like it skipped leg day! These tires now have 36,000 miles on them, so when a really good deal on a set of 285/70r17 Falken Wildpeak M/T tires came up I jumped at it.
First task was to install the AEV 33" tire clearance trim kit to give enough clearance without needing a lift. I've only done the front fenders as the jury is out if the rear fenders need to be done at all, but it just took a few hours and wasn't all that difficult. I used a 1/4" wheel spacer to make sure the tires would clear the upper control arm components. It looks so much better! The Trifecta tune with speedometer correction will get ordered and installed soon.
First task was to install the AEV 33" tire clearance trim kit to give enough clearance without needing a lift. I've only done the front fenders as the jury is out if the rear fenders need to be done at all, but it just took a few hours and wasn't all that difficult. I used a 1/4" wheel spacer to make sure the tires would clear the upper control arm components. It looks so much better! The Trifecta tune with speedometer correction will get ordered and installed soon.
Expedition Master I
- 5,079
- First Name
- Drew
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- Hawley
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1537
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- WRBZ674
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- USN veteran
Looking good @TheBison! I agree the stock tires are way too small for this truck. Apparently GM does too since it looks like the new ZR2 comes with ‘Jeep 33s’. I debated on that size but settled on 255/80s. If I trim it’s going to be for 35s haha.
Trail Blazer III
- 2,028
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- Foltz
- Member #
-
27816
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- AA0BF / WRMI426
- Service Branch
- U.S. Army
Considering doing this major modification (scroll down to see pics of a ZR2). MITS Alloy
Thoughts? It's a bucketload of $$$ but would increase the functional use of the bed tremendously...
Thoughts? It's a bucketload of $$$ but would increase the functional use of the bed tremendously...
I've been wanting a Mits try and canopy for my Ranger, but to cost just to get it to the states is ridiculous, on top of the high cost of the tray and canopy to begin with. So for now, I shall just dream.Considering doing this major modification (scroll down to see pics of a ZR2). MITS Alloy
Thoughts? It's a bucketload of $$$ but would increase the functional use of the bed tremendously...
ChristelandChantal
Rank III
Explorer I
They do look good, but surely you could get a local tray/canopy builder do make something similar.Considering doing this major modification (scroll down to see pics of a ZR2). MITS Alloy
Thoughts? It's a bucketload of $$$ but would increase the functional use of the bed tremendously...
I find it amusing that when you are in the US you are looking at products from AUS, and we who are in AUS are looking at all the different options in the US.
Trail Blazer III
- 2,028
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- Foltz
- Member #
-
27816
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- AA0BF / WRMI426
- Service Branch
- U.S. Army
I have been quoted $1500 flat for shipping. I guess that isn't ridiculous seeing as it comes from Australia...I've been wanting a Mits try and canopy for my Ranger, but to cost just to get it to the states is ridiculous, on top of the high cost of the tray and canopy to begin with. So for now, I shall just dream.Considering doing this major modification (scroll down to see pics of a ZR2). MITS Alloy
Thoughts? It's a bucketload of $$$ but would increase the functional use of the bed tremendously...
Trail Blazer III
- 2,028
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- Foltz
- Member #
-
27816
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- AA0BF / WRMI426
- Service Branch
- U.S. Army
We have to admit that Oz had overlanding figured out first!They do look good, but surely you could get a local tray/canopy builder do make something similar.Considering doing this major modification (scroll down to see pics of a ZR2). MITS Alloy
Thoughts? It's a bucketload of $$$ but would increase the functional use of the bed tremendously...
I find it amusing that when you are in the US you are looking at products from AUS, and we who are in AUS are looking at all the different options in the US.
This is easy to say, because its not my money but... DO IT!
Pathfinder III
It looks awesome but If I had a pickup truck I would probably go for a AluCan Canopy style camper... To actually get livable space!Considering doing this major modification (scroll down to see pics of a ZR2). MITS Alloy
Thoughts? It's a bucketload of $$$ but would increase the functional use of the bed tremendously...
Advocate I
I was looking into MITS a year or two ago, just as they were starting to get the ball rolling on setting up dealers/distributors in the US. We ended up going another route, but they make awesome products and seem to be really nice folks so I wouldn't hesitate to go with them if that's the kind of setup you're after. Good luck!
Influencer II
You might want to look at
If you consider Mits or pcor.
Another pricey but great option.
FiftyTenUSA
FiftyTenUSA offers a German-engineered and simple camping system to bring you closer to nature.
www.fiftytenusa.com
If you consider Mits or pcor.
Another pricey but great option.
Trail Blazer III
- 2,028
- First Name
- Brian
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- Foltz
- Member #
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27816
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- AA0BF / WRMI426
- Service Branch
- U.S. Army
The rub is, we don't want livable space (that's what we have our trailer or a tent for). We've identified through several trips now that we lack lockable, weather-tight storage space and really don't want to unpack a bunch of stuff out of our trailer each time we want to fold the bed out. Plus it looks cool...
Trail Blazer III
- 2,028
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- Foltz
- Member #
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27816
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- AA0BF / WRMI426
- Service Branch
- U.S. Army
Trail Blazer III
- 2,028
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- Foltz
- Member #
-
27816
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- AA0BF / WRMI426
- Service Branch
- U.S. Army
I'll check them out, though at first glance pricing looks pretty similar. I looked at PCOR as well, and their single US dealer shows zero availability. The BVOAV guys were at Expo West and spent a lot of time answering my questions (as well as a follow up phone call when we got back and I had more questions) so that counts for a lot!You might want to look at
FiftyTenUSA
FiftyTenUSA offers a German-engineered and simple camping system to bring you closer to nature.www.fiftytenusa.com
If you consider Mits or pcor.
Another pricey but great option.
ChristelandChantal
Rank III
Explorer I
We have gone for something similar a Tommy Camper (Aus made, local to us). They do deliver them to the US as well, not sure about the cost though.
Tommy Campers | Australian Made Slide on Campers
At Tommy Campers, we take great pride in manufacturing Australia’s highest quality slide-on campers. Each camper is built at our factory in Ballarat, Victoria and we have dedicated years to perfecting our campers so you can trust your Tommy Camper will be durable, practical and reliable.
www.tommycampers.com.au
Steward I
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- Deliriumskid
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30725
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So first I want to preface my response with the fact that I know little of the toppers. Yet looking at this one, the build quality, the ability to customize it, the material (aluminum) and the fact it looks darn good. I say you only live once, get the things that give you pleasure and inspire you to go outside and play!. Order now and you may see it next year..
Pathfinder III
Oh I forgot you guys have a trailer already!
Well then it makes more sense. Another option would be to go with a very nice bed topper that gives you lockable storage and modularity. I saw they will offer soon also a flat bed option but not sure what's the timing on that. I wonder if you can get the topper first and then eventually do the bed swap.
Trail Blazer III
- 2,028
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- Foltz
- Member #
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27816
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- AA0BF / WRMI426
- Service Branch
- U.S. Army
I haven't updated in a while, so here's a few minor details. Right now the MITS alloy tray and canopy are on hold; I just can't justify spending $30,000 on an accessory for a $60,000 truck. I still love the utility and the look, but it's just not practical. We're not really satisfied with our current bed rack - there's absolutely nothing wrong with it and love the sporty look, but it makes loading out for a trip when we're not taking the trailer difficult. The spare tire carrier really eats up a lot of bed real estate, and of course nothing is secured. A search for a better solution is still underway.
In the meantime, I took the opportunity to make some simple improvements. First off, the tailgate was pretty plain so on went a set of TVD vinyl lettering insert decals. They were pretty easy to apply and were far cheaper than the Chevy factory accessory.
I also really hate having leather seats in a truck built for spending time in the dirt. They're hot, sticky, and not very durable - I've already had one seat bottom replaced under warranty because the piping fell apart. I like the Chevy Carhartt seat covers but they are very spendy and I don't like what Carhartt has mandated for its employees over the last year or two, so I looked for a similar but cheaper alternative. Most aftermarket seat covers seam to be fake leather (i.e. vinyl or PU) so that didn't solve the sticky problem, and I liked the look of a lot of the aftermarket wetsuit-type seats but it gets fricking cold where we live (like -40) so I wanted maximum seat heater efficiency and they're not cheap either. I found these at Duluth Trading Company - they're not a perfect fit and are a bit funky, but I like the heavy canvas or duck cloth material and I got them on sale for about $50 each so they'll do unless I find something I like better. Plus, they have zippered map pockets in the back so I didn't lose paper map storage (even though I'm an electronic mapping junkie, I always carry paper backups). I got the matching collapsible trash bucket too.
What's next on the horizon? Potential winter projects include finishing the exterior lighting that's been on hold for the summer, finding a better water storage solution, and the ever-nagging bed rack issue. Plus, I still want to do a front bumper hoop, winch, a few more skids, and a snorkel. Time and money! Stay tuned!
In the meantime, I took the opportunity to make some simple improvements. First off, the tailgate was pretty plain so on went a set of TVD vinyl lettering insert decals. They were pretty easy to apply and were far cheaper than the Chevy factory accessory.
I also really hate having leather seats in a truck built for spending time in the dirt. They're hot, sticky, and not very durable - I've already had one seat bottom replaced under warranty because the piping fell apart. I like the Chevy Carhartt seat covers but they are very spendy and I don't like what Carhartt has mandated for its employees over the last year or two, so I looked for a similar but cheaper alternative. Most aftermarket seat covers seam to be fake leather (i.e. vinyl or PU) so that didn't solve the sticky problem, and I liked the look of a lot of the aftermarket wetsuit-type seats but it gets fricking cold where we live (like -40) so I wanted maximum seat heater efficiency and they're not cheap either. I found these at Duluth Trading Company - they're not a perfect fit and are a bit funky, but I like the heavy canvas or duck cloth material and I got them on sale for about $50 each so they'll do unless I find something I like better. Plus, they have zippered map pockets in the back so I didn't lose paper map storage (even though I'm an electronic mapping junkie, I always carry paper backups). I got the matching collapsible trash bucket too
.What's next on the horizon? Potential winter projects include finishing the exterior lighting that's been on hold for the summer, finding a better water storage solution, and the ever-nagging bed rack issue. Plus, I still want to do a front bumper hoop, winch, a few more skids, and a snorkel. Time and money! Stay tuned!
