Our 2023 Chevy Colorado Build Breakdown!

If you’ve been following our YouTube channel or build projects recently, you know we've put a lot of work into our 2023 Chevy Colorado Z71 to make it a mid-size overlanding powerhouse. Today, we’re excited to walk you through the modifications and upgrades we've done to this truck so far (and it's far from being done). Let’s dive into this capable rig!

1. Bed Upgrades: Storage and Functionality

In any overland build, maximizing bed space and functionality is essential. And everyone is different, every use-case is unique. Here’s how we set up the Colorado’s bed:

Bedside Rack System: We installed our BuiltRight Bedside Rack System on both driver and passenger sides. This modular panel system fits Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon and adds substantial storage capability and versatility. They're a recent newcomer to our GM line of products, but we are in full production and have already shipped out the first few batches! They're just what the Colorado/Canyon bed needed.

Cab Wall Panel (Prototype): At the cab wall of the truck, we added a prototype MOLLE panel that provides a large amount of mounting real estate. This is not the final iteration of the product and it is not available for sale yet, but if you are interested in one, please reach out to customer support and let them know you would like to be placed on the waiting list for one. This cab wall panel is quite versatile, allowing for countless different setups. It’s still a work in progress, but it held up perfectly at Overland Expo East and we’re confident in its potential.

Accessory Mounting:

Traction Board Mounts: We installed our Mountech by BuiltRight Universal Traction Board Mounts that we specifically designed to hold most common brands of traction/recovery boards, we have our MAXTRAX boards mounted with them, ideal for sticky off-road situations.

Original Riser Mounts: Below the traction boards, we mounted our BuiltRight Original Riser Mounts that can hold hand tools like an axe or a shovel, making it easy to keep tools available and secured safely out of the way until needed.

Driver’s Side Pouch + Jerry Can Mount: A large BuiltRight MOLLE pouch on the driver’s side holds a recovery strap and some other essential gear. We also added a prototype Jerry can mount to this rack, designed to be universal and support various containers, like Dometic, Wavian and NATO-style jugs. We reinforced this mount with a strap and bottom bumpers resting on the bed for added support.

Lighting: To enhance visibility, we installed Baja Designs Rock Lights on the bedside rack panels. The panels even have a wiring pass-through for a streamlined setup, with wiring leading up to the sPOD controller.

Passenger's Side Storage: On the passenger side we added a couple small BuiltRight MOLLE pouches, a small Packout container with tie down straps on our Packout Mounting Brackets, and a quick-release fire extinguisher, all mounted with our MOLLE nuts.

2. Roof and Tent Mounting: The Ibex Bed Rack

For the bed rack, we chose the Ibex Rack from Kuat. We love its modular design, which allows for both low and high configurations. For now, we have it assembled in the lower setting, fitted with our CVT Rooftop Tent that attaches to the crossbars. This setup offers a stable, well-designed bed rack platform and a cozy, elevated sleeping space - perfect for loading up and taking the campsite with you on overlanding trips.

3. Interior Storage Solutions

Inside the cabin, we focused on enhancing reliable storage and accessibility:

Seat Back MOLLE Panels: On the back of our driver’s seat, we installed our BuiltRight Seat Back Tech Plate MOLLE Kit with our Packout Mounting Brackets for securing small Packout containers and an Original Quick Fist Riser Mount at the bottom. This setup makes for rugged mounting and easy, quick access to gear and essentials. While these Seat Back kits are currently just prototypes, they are in production now and will be released very soon.

Under-Seat Storage with Go Pouches: We positioned two of our new Go Pouches with Velcro underneath the rear seat. This area can be a tight fit due to the OEM plastic structures around the factory jack, but these pouches can fit nicely without obstructing anything when placed properly.

4. Dash Mount Prototype

In the front, we’re experimenting with a new 3D printed prototype dash mount that could offer a solution for this truck, especially considering the limited usable dash tray space in the Colorado/Canyon. We’ve wired in a 12V cable for phone charging and added a control wire for the sPod that we'll have mounted on Mountech components once the dash mount is finished.

5. The S-Pod and Power Distribution

The sPod BantamX HD power distribution module was another major addition to this build. The module controls various lighting circuits with the system and through an app, so we can program it to activate multiple circuits with a single button, strobe, etc. We’re always impressed by how much simpler the wiring process is when using one of these, and how much customization it unlocks with aftermarket electronics.

6. Exterior and Performance Upgrades

Wheels and Tires: We opted for a set of Method Race Wheels paired with Nitto Recon Grappler tires. These tires balance street performance with off-road capability, perfect for the variety of terrains we encounter regularly.

Suspension: Our Colorado’s suspension setup includes Icon Vehicle Dynamics coilovers with remote reservoirs and tubular upper control arms, which improve both performance and durability. This setup offers great on-and-off-road handling, and is ideal for overlanding.

What’s Next? Future Upgrades and Final Touches

While we’re pleased with how this Colorado has come together, and there’s still more that we’d like to add:

Lighting Expansion: We have additional Baja Designs lights ready to go as soon as we finalize our mounts for them.

Intake, Exhaust & Tuning: This truck’s turbo four-cylinder could benefit from some breathability and performance tuning, we’re excited to explore which upgrades and options could be right for this build.

This light overlanding build has been a fun project, and we’re looking forward to the adventures ahead. Stay tuned as we continue refining the setup and pushing the limits of what this little Colorado can handle.