There’s something about picking up a freshly built rig that makes me giddy. When it’s the 2025 Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build, that feeling multiplies. Built by the talented crew at AEV and Tiny Rig Co., this year’s build is anchored by the capable and commanding GMC Sierra 2500 HD AT4X AEV Edition. It’s a head-turner, no doubt, but more importantly, it’s a tool ready for serious backcountry travel.
I picked up the vehicle in Westminster, California, and got a quick overview from the team. From the bold stance provided by AEV wheels and BFGoodrich K02 tires to the sleek lines of the AEV snorkel and Magnaflow exhaust, every detail signaled purpose and performance. The rig wasn’t just thrown together – it was carefully purpose-built by some of the best products in the industry.
After loading my gear, I headed north toward Highway 395 with plans to camp in the Alabama Hills outside Lone Pine. The open highway gave me a chance to settle into the feel of the truck. Despite its size and capability, the ride was surprisingly smooth and responsive. The ONWRD Supply seat organizers kept everything tidy and within reach, making the cab feel road-trip ready. Not to mention the seat massagers and heated/cooling seats were a luxury I’m not normally used to.
As I left pavement behind and turned onto the dusty tracks that trail through the Alabama Hills, the Sierra handled the loose terrain with ease. The AEV-tuned suspension absorbed washboard chatter, while the K02 tires kept the truck planted on course. I found a quiet spot to camp, tucked among boulders, with Mount Whitney rising in the distance.
Setup was a breeze. I deployed the Alu-Cab 270 awning for shade, followed by the Shower Cube for a quick rinse. Inside the OEV Back Country Slide-In Camper, the Isotherm fridge kept ingredients fresh while I used the Opinel USA kitchen knife set to prep dinner. It all felt effortless. Every product in the build worked together with purpose, making the entire setup feel more like home than a temporary shelter.
The next day, I continued north toward Mammoth Lakes to explore the trail that leads up to Lake Laurel. This route is no casual detour. Steep grades, sharp switchbacks, and loose, chunky rock make it a serious challenge. But the Sierra proved itself over and over. The torque, traction, and stability allowed me to pick my line with confidence. When I inevitably took a poor line, the truck would give me grace.
READ MORE: A Newcomer’s Guide to Overland Expo – East Edition 2025
After reaching the top and soaking in the alpine views, I began descending back toward the Owens River Valley in search of a quiet hot spring for the night. The route between Mammoth and Bishop is beautiful, but the back roads after dark can be unforgiving with potholes. That’s when the Vision X lighting made all the difference. With a quick flip of the switch, the road ahead lit up completely. The powerful beams cut through dust and illuminated the trail far beyond the reach of standard headlights. Every turn, dip, and patch of wildlife was visible well in advance. It made the night drive less stressful and much safer.
Eventually, I found a secluded pullout with a natural spring bubbling nearby. I leveled the camper, took a long soak under the stars, and climbed inside to relax and to get a bit of work done. It was easy to stay connected thanks to the Redzone Wireless system. It’s great to have the option to be connected wherever I end up camping, allowing me to stay up to date and connected with the team, which means I can stay out longer and wander further. The OEV camper felt like a true basecamp, built for nights like this. Everything had a place, and every feature functioned without fuss. The little details, like organized storage and intuitive layout, made it easy to unwind.
Overlanding doesn’t always have to be about pushing to the furthest edge of the map. Sometimes, a few days on familiar trails is all it takes to reconnect with what you love about travel. It also gave me the chance to truly experience what this year’s Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build was made for.
This isn’t just a build created for photos or display. It’s a capable, thoughtful platform for real adventure. From the craftsmanship of AEV and Tiny Rig Co. to the collection of brands that elevated the experience, every piece served a purpose. Together, they created something that’s more than just a truck. It’s a rolling invitation to go farther, stay longer, and enjoy the journey along the way.
Read more about the 2025 Ultimate Vehicle Build here. This and the 2025 Ultimate Moto Build, will go to auction to benefit the Overland Expo Foundation on October 22, 2025.
