Tales from the Trail: Colorado’s Alpine Loop
A group of Overland Expo ambassadors and exhibitors wind their way to Overland Expo Mountain West 2022 through Colorado’s Alpine Loop.
THE ULTIMATE OVERLANDVEHICLE Build
Powered by GMC, Built by Overland Expo
Starting with the venerable 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, we’ve outfitted it with the best overlanding gear on the market today. Stay tuned here as Overland Expo’s staff of seasoned overlanders take the rig on their own adventures throughout the year capturing stories and demonstrating just how good the AT4X and our ultimate gear is on the trail.
Photos by Nick Jaynes
2022 GMC SIERRA
1500 AT4X
Thanks to the rise of overlanding, 4×4 trucks and SUVs are more popular than ever before. The handful of factory overland-ready rigs on the market are supported by hundreds of aftermarket parts makers that can transform a capable stock rig into a trail-conquering overland machine.
However, sifting through the virtual sea of parts to find the best, most solid and reliable pieces of equipment can leave your head spinning. After all, just because something looks cool doesn’t mean it’s tough enough to withstand a hundred thousand miles of overlanding.
To cut through the noise, and further inspire novice overlanders to get outfitted, inspired, and out on their own overland journeys, Overland Expo is building its own Ultimate Overland Vehicle.
FEATURED MEDIA COVERAGE
Read the latest coverage of the 2022 Ultimate Overland Vehicle.
THE BUILD STORY
Why we chose the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, build gear chronicles and stories from the road.
Overland Expo’s Ultimate Overland Vehicle Goes Live on Bring a Trailer
After a wildly successful 2022 Overland Expo event series, our Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, is now up for auction on Bring a Trailer.
Tales from the Trail: Piney River & Beyond
My trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains with the 2022 Ultimate Overland Build started as the remnants of Hurricane Ian made their way through western Virginia.
Tales from the Trail: White Rim Road
Driving the unparalleled beauty of the White Rim Road, one of the most iconic trails in the West.
Why We Put a Tray & Canopy on the Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022
Trays are so ubiquitous that when an Australian buys a pickup truck from the dealer, the first question is, “What brand of tray are you going to put on it?”
How-to: Overland in a Full-Size Truck
Thinking about purchasing a full-size rig for your overland travels? Here are a few things to think about before you begin that build.
Tales from the Trail: McGrew Trail
I first traversed the infamous McGrew Trail in southwest Oregon in the summer of 2021. And, as the legend suggests, McGrew proved to be a wicked test of endurance for my friends and me.
Tales from the Trail: Oregon Back Country Discovery Route 5, Section 2
After some recommendations and referrals from colleagues, friends, and fellow overlanders, I decided to take the truck on a portion of the Oregon Back Country Discovery Route 5, Section 2.
Why We Chose the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
For Overland Expo’s 2022 Ultimate Overland Vehicle, we went big and bold. We picked the first-ever 420-horsepower, triple-locked GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X.
Overland Expo Debuts Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2022
Based upon the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, the build is Overland Expo’s vision of the ultimate overland vehicle.
BUILD GEAR
The gear we chose for the Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build and why.
Tools: Forrest Tool Company MAX Tool Kit
The MAX is an ax-based, multipurpose tool kit designed for fire control and used as a recovery tool kit in military vehicles for over 25 years.
Ground Tent: 23 ZERO Outbreak 1550 Swag
The 23 ZERO Outbreak ground swag is a game changer. It’s the perfect four-season touring swag for those who just want more.
Wheels: ICON Alloys Rebound Pro with Innerlock Technology
The ICON Alloys Rebound PRO with patented Innerlock Technology offers the best of both worlds by using a robust bead retention system to keep the tire bead secured to the wheel while also being fully DOT compliant.
Vehicle: 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
For Overland Expo’s 2022 Ultimate Overland Vehicle, we went big and bold. We picked the first-ever 420-horsepower, triple-locked GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X.
Air System: Viair Expedition High Pressure OBA
Appealing to the avid overlander, the Expedition High-Pressure OBA gets to work at 200 PSI from a 2.5-gallon tank. It’s powered by a 100% duty 444C – a tough, reliable unit wildly popular in the demanding world of air suspension.
Camp Kitchen: Green Goat Outdoors Camp Kitchen
When all stowed up, the Green Goat Outdoors Camp Kitchen appears to be just a high-quality storage case. The build quality is impressive: laser-cut aircraft grade aluminum, precision folded, and the lid is TIG welded.
Airbags: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Kit
Firestone’s Ride-Rite air springs enhance factory suspension for safety and stability when hauling heavy loads. They reduce strain on your rear axle, keep your vehicle level and adjust to load size for a consistently smooth ride.
Batteries: Battle Born Batteries 100AH LiFePO4 Battery
Battle Born Batteries’ 100Ah 12V LiFePO4 Li-ion batteries are the ultimate upgrade, replacing lead-acid batteries for longer off-grid experiences.
Cell Booster: weBoost – Drive Reach OTR
The Drive Reach OTR is perfect for overlanders looking to explore rugged off-road terrain. With its all-weather, tough omnidirectional OTR antenna, the award-winning Drive Reach OTR cell signal booster stops dropped calls while improving voice quality, data speeds, streaming ability, and more.
Tray & Canopy: MITS Alloy
Removing the tub and replacing it with a MITS Alloy flatbed drastically improves your trucks overlanding capability as the flatbed forms the perfect base for a MITS canopy or four-wheel camper.
Power Management: REDARC Manager30 + RedVision
REDARC’s RedVision Kit features the award-winning RedVision system, supported by the TVMS and iconic Manager30 Battery Management System, to provide full control and monitoring of onboard devices and your state of charge.
Camp Shower: Geyser System + Heater
The Geyser System + Heater is a hyper-efficient water management system that can be used to clean yourself and your gear, using only 0.8-gallons of water.
Lighting: RIGID Adapt XP
The Adapt XP is feature-packed with the most advanced patented technology. This light features a high-strength aluminum heat sink and an impact-resistant polycarbonate lens.
Tires: Firestone M/T2
Built for tackling the most challenging terrains, the Firestone Destination M/T2 is Firestone’s toughest max-traction tire and an essential for the serious off-road adventure.
Refrigerator: Dometic CRX 110
With a modern, stylish exterior plus a well-organized and practical interior, the Dometic CoolMatic CRX 110 is the logical choice for overland vehicles that need ample food storage and energy efficiency.
Storage: AluBox Aluminum Storage Cases from Equipt
Made of water- and corrosion-resistant aluminum, AluBox Aluminum Storage Cases are a stackable, lockable, and lightweight solution designed to transport and store your valuable equipment.
Gear Storage: 3D Waterproof Dry Bag
This completely waterproof bag is highly durable and able to withstand cold temperatures without becoming brittle.
Radio: MXT575 MicroMobile Two-Way Radio
Two-Way Radio takes radio range to the next level. This 50-Watt radio is the most powerful radio allowed by law and is sure to bring crisp, clear communication to any adventure.
Exhaust: MagnaFlow Cat-Back Performance Exhaust
MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System delivers dyno-proven power with a comfortable interior sound and
Communication: ZOLEO Global Satellite Communicator
Seamless global messaging for smartphones is here. Only ZOLEO connects with one’s smartphone or tablet to
Awning: Rhino Rack Sunseeker 2.0M
The Rhino Rack Sunseeker 2.0m Awning is a must-have for any great adventure. Savor the great outdoors with the added benefit of UV50+ rating on your portable shade.
Traction Boards: GoTreads XL Bundle
GoTreads are a unique, patented automotive tool designed to provide the traction needed to get vehicles going again when stuck in snow, mud, or sand.
Recovery: Safe Jack Sergeant Offroad Kit
Safety and adaptability are key elements in successful off-road operations. Gear from SAFE JACK comes through with safe lifting and supporting equipment.
Roof Rack: Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform Rack
The Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platforms are the perfect lightweight, durable and tough solution for freeing up valuable space, both inside the cab and on the tray.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
We’re building the ultimate overland vehicle in partnership with these great brands.
GET INVOLVED
We’re beginning to look for partners for our 2023 Ultimate Overland Build! Want to get involved? Let us know!
All 4Runner photography courtesy of Toyota.
It's Your Turn to Get Going &
Get Inspired
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Photo by Brett Willhelm, Willhelmn Visual Works