71K 2004 Z71 Tahoe w/ RC 6" lift, RC hidden winch bumper, Smitty 10K wireless here. I agree with you guys about the lack of aftermarket support for the GMT800. I would be interested in period correct exterior off road lighting & some roof storage solutions. 35" spare tire storage solutions is also lacking. I use back hatch too much for the hitch receiver kits. I prefer ground tents, and only camp in cooler seasons...I'm in the NE Georgia. Always enjoy the GMT800 & C5 content gentlemen...carry on!
He's right, a GI Joe is just a Ken doll without his gear. Awesome. I miss my 1970 Joes. Now back to the video... these discussions are helpful in my own decision on how to build my GMC. Thanks.
Hell no to rooftop tents, Grizzly bears love them though. The 07 to 14 Suburbans/Tahoe’s are better platform. They come with 5 link rear suspension, struts up front (read easy Coilovers upgrade), Gen 4 LS V8s, low first gear 6L80 transmissions, stronger cv axles etc etc etc. The Ford Raptor, Bronco and Toyota all have IFS. A long travel suspension and a drop differential lift kit is all you need and keep the vehicles light above all. :)
I was looking at GMT900's but with the current price spikes, justifying 13k-16k to make the change just didn't feel practical to me. All those details are certainly true, namely what really attracts is the drivetrain upgrades but inevitably I think these still get the job done very well. When the opportunity presents itself I can definitely see myself in a later Tahoe for sure.
I use the back for gear and carry a boat on board, along with a bunch of other things. It's nice to have the storage space, the kitchen and other things. Not sure how that makes it pointless.
I am working with a metal company to drop ship, so once I work the design in CAD, hopefully can get together something like that. The move bumpers are ass looking...so it's comin. Keep watchin the channel.
@@KnightDriveTV Hell yes. I'm also working on a cad design for a front bumper. Agree, I considered a move bumper, but they look ehh and are too expensive for what they are.
I own a 2006 Silverado 1500 z71 crew cab on 35s and 6in lift , I upgraded the stearing gear box to a red head gear box and my next mod will be a live tuner for more power from edge cts3 it comes with a touch screen display that lets you change the tune on the fly and you can also monitor all your parameters like trans temp and so on . I also have kryptonite tie rod ends highly recommended -GM has weak tie rods I also have an oil catch can that I also highly recommend it’ll save your engine
I have much of that on the agenda myself. I have kryptonite components and am waiting for the steering box to come. I have HPtuner and have already worked on power enrichment, etc. I am really debating a solid axle swap though...been back and forth thinking about it.
Depends how much you want to mod out. Do you want a portable showers and toilet? There are ways to make it very portable. Radios is important but again portable or in dash? Good but not expensive lighting and winch is important. Making sure your axels, cv , drivlines , u-joints and so on needs to be in great condition. I am building a modular kitchen and sleeping area inside for very little $. My thing is not having to take time to set up a kitchen , I want to have it already there with counter tops but not having to put away. If emergency and I had to get in and go I don't want to have to do a lot or leave a lot behind. I have a lot of ideas. I am overlanding a 96 burb and also have a 2005 burb z71 too with a mild build. Want to catch up with u guys one day. Take care
You guys might want to look into PeaceMaker Bumpers out of Tennessee. Excellent fabrication, top notch quality. And STRONG! Not a bunch of sheet metal bent to look tuff. I bought front and rear of the Outlaw line they make for my 86 Suberban and they are second to none.
Disconnecting the sway bar will help the IFS articulate offroad. I don’t think a solid axle swap is needed unless you’re doing hardcore offroad. Cognito upper control arms could improve your travel. 4.56 or 4.88 gears would help y’all a lot more than engine mods as well as a 14bolt semi float axle from a h2 hummer. I am not sure if one from a gmt900 escalate would be a direct bolt in. I commented on your other video that the gmt 900 cv axle shafts will work and eliminate the spacer and improve the CV angle.
Great info. I will discuss it with josh for sure. Sway disconnects would also be great but its the reconnect procedure that seems like itd be a pain. I'll look into 900 axles for sure. I think on my agenda is mostly just a real rear locker and regear. With all the loose material put here, I often get hung up before the g80 kicks which then also upsets the truck a bit on steep hills. I'd prefer to have an air locker and also just have better onboard air...so thats kind of where I have felt like I wanted to go.
A spare tire carrier rear bumper would be nice . For guys that go very remote it's nice knowing you can get where you need. I like the wilco hitchgate but the price is heft for just that a hitch mount tire carrier
I know this is an old video but 2 basic mods for these which I am about to do to my Tahoe are the 2nd battery and the electric fan conversion. I think both would be good to have for overlanding.
Definitely. I am trying to bring in newer GMT800 content, as a lot has happened. Just busy on the Corvette side of things, as that pays the bills of KnightDriveTV...lol
@@KnightDriveTV no doubt....gotta do what pays the bills. I'm honestly shocked this channel doesn't have more subs. Anyway keep us posted if you produce any GMT800 mods for the market!
Been waiting for this one. I'm with you on the aftermarket bumpers. I'm doing the plate. I'm in Southern Ohio, we use winches for simple chores sometimes, and recovering your buddies that messed up. Lol. Great vid.
I worry about my fuel tank being so exposed. I have drug it at least once. If you get close to dragging your frame, your fuel tank is flush with the frame. It needs a skid plate! Also, rock sliders that double as steps for my short wife! Lol And a front skid plate to replace the junk plastic splash guard!
@@liluncje mine is scratched up as well. I just don't want to be many miles from town when I rip it open and dump 30 gallons of fuel! Ha. I was thinking that even some sheet metal cut and bent to fit would give it a good amount of protection compared to being completely exposed when you high center these off road land yachts!
I have been considering bumpers here recently. I cant believe no one helps the Tahoe/Suburban scene put with bumpers and carriers. I am talking to a company I use that supplies metal pieces for my Corvette headlight kits. I want to design and prototype the bumpers, but then have them cut and ship direct. I think the weld together kits are nice for spreading out cost and ease of shipping. I have a lot of corvette and Tahoe/Suburban products I am going to show here shortly. I have some front end stuff comin that is like no other for gmt800
I’ve been slowly experimenting with this platform as well for several years and have seen what some pros and cons are with different products. My plan is a overland style build( low-ish budget)I currently have a wiy style bumpers front and rear with a tire carrier. There are ways to improve your suspension without getting to crazy expensive. I have suggestions for most things discussed if interested.
I discussed with a supplier of mine, the idea of me designing bumpers and having them cut the steel and ship. They are fine with it, so I am going to attempt it ahead here
I would say don't focus on the truck and instead focus on the trails. Try to explore more and challenge yourself more. That will inform and expose what the truck wants you to do.
Great videos guys!!! The market is wide open on this platform. Bumper kits would be awesome. Good to know RC winch mount lit will work for this platform.
your rack ideas sound almost exactly like my unistrut rack modification. Im using the standard roof rails and the unistrut bars are mounted to that via 4545 T nuts. The portions that come down over the rear windows are where my traction boards are and the roof is housing my 3 modified Pelican V800 boxes, each having gas lift struts on the lid to support the 100W solar panel they each have in addition to the pair of 100w panels I have attached to the hood. Theres also 2 ABS water tanks, my starlink dish, 8x10ft awning, and shower room from KickAss mounted to this assembly.
Possible...sure, of course. Quite likely end up spending more than buying a 4wd one and selling your 2wd. If I had to start with a 2wd I'd just directly do a solid axle swap if I were you. Need the skill and tools to do it but...if able.
I may make a change ahead. I do like the elevated sleeping position though, due to coyotes and mountain lion. I think an easier to deploy tent may be better but its not bad at all. Tahoe doesnt have a ton of interior space when you get all the other stuff inside, so tent on the roof does help, especially day to day, when you dont want the truck packed with gear.
Are you messin with me? These were twin rode mics, one on left channel and one on right. If you didnt hear someone then check your audio for a channel not on or listening in mono (one earbud, etc) Listen on a different source. Audio is definitely good for both.
Josh and I have different taillights. Mine are cool looking in the taillight mode, but the brake light LED row is small. Josh's are more pronounced in "brake" lit mode and his taillight mode has a unique shape, etc. I'd say his are a better choice.
Do you guys need 1 more person from time to time?!? 3 would make a tripod!!! 😂😂😂 I have the 8.1 in my gmt800 with a 8" lift. I'm definitely working on coms and putting in a turbo soon... Sound deadening and insulation going down now.
I thibk I am starting with some molle panels for the inside back. I really want to focus on kitchen and back storage next. I am doing some products this year for sure
@@KnightDriveTV you might be interested in the overland bound channel as he has a kitchen that mounts to the bumper and folds out. It’s a great design and I would like to build something similar in the future. I too am interested in rear storage solutions while trying to keep weight down.
![Chevy Suburban Z71 Overland Camper - Out In The Wild Tour [Build #27]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/25V9zjeni8g/mqdefault.jpg)
![Chevy Suburban Z71 Overland Camper - Out In The Wild Tour [Build #27]](/img/tr.png)
71K 2004 Z71 Tahoe w/ RC 6" lift, RC hidden winch bumper, Smitty 10K wireless here. I agree with you guys about the lack of aftermarket support for the GMT800. I would be interested in period correct exterior off road lighting & some roof storage solutions. 35" spare tire storage solutions is also lacking. I use back hatch too much for the hitch receiver kits. I prefer ground tents, and only camp in cooler seasons...I'm in the NE Georgia. Always enjoy the GMT800 & C5 content gentlemen...carry on!
@@liluncje Agree Josh...Helen, Hwy19 into Blairsville, Wolf Pen Gap Road are fun drives even for us 6th Gen Camaro guys,
He's right, a GI Joe is just a Ken doll without his gear. Awesome. I miss my 1970 Joes. Now back to the video... these discussions are helpful in my own decision on how to build my GMC. Thanks.
Hell no to rooftop tents, Grizzly bears love them though. The 07 to 14 Suburbans/Tahoe’s are better platform. They come with 5 link rear suspension, struts up front (read easy Coilovers upgrade), Gen 4 LS V8s, low first gear 6L80 transmissions, stronger cv axles etc etc etc. The Ford Raptor, Bronco and Toyota all have IFS. A long travel suspension and a drop differential lift kit is all you need and keep the vehicles light above all. :)
I was looking at GMT900's but with the current price spikes, justifying 13k-16k to make the change just didn't feel practical to me. All those details are certainly true, namely what really attracts is the drivetrain upgrades but inevitably I think these still get the job done very well. When the opportunity presents itself I can definitely see myself in a later Tahoe for sure.
Swap in a 2500 front diff and then use the 2500 axles. Then you can even add a locker if you want to.
To me, the rooftop tent on a tahoe/suburban is pointless. When you can sleep in the back. But you do you
I use the back for gear and carry a boat on board, along with a bunch of other things. It's nice to have the storage space, the kitchen and other things. Not sure how that makes it pointless.
Yes please make a slim profile and high clearance front bumper and a rear bumper to match with a full size spare tire mount
I am working with a metal company to drop ship, so once I work the design in CAD, hopefully can get together something like that. The move bumpers are ass looking...so it's comin. Keep watchin the channel.
@@KnightDriveTV Hell yes. I'm also working on a cad design for a front bumper. Agree, I considered a move bumper, but they look ehh and are too expensive for what they are.
I own a 2006 Silverado 1500 z71 crew cab on 35s and 6in lift , I upgraded the stearing gear box to a red head gear box and my next mod will be a live tuner for more power from edge cts3 it comes with a touch screen display that lets you change the tune on the fly and you can also monitor all your parameters like trans temp and so on .
I also have kryptonite tie rod ends highly recommended -GM has weak tie rods
I also have an oil catch can that I also highly recommend it’ll save your engine
I have much of that on the agenda myself. I have kryptonite components and am waiting for the steering box to come. I have HPtuner and have already worked on power enrichment, etc. I am really debating a solid axle swap though...been back and forth thinking about it.
Depends how much you want to mod out. Do you want a portable showers and toilet? There are ways to make it very portable. Radios is important but again portable or in dash? Good but not expensive lighting and winch is important. Making sure your axels, cv , drivlines , u-joints and so on needs to be in great condition. I am building a modular kitchen and sleeping area inside for very little $. My thing is not having to take time to set up a kitchen , I want to have it already there with counter tops but not having to put away. If emergency and I had to get in and go I don't want to have to do a lot or leave a lot behind. I have a lot of ideas. I am overlanding a 96 burb and also have a 2005 burb z71 too with a mild build. Want to catch up with u guys one day. Take care
Man keep pushing all most finished with mine love the channel keep moving man you are doing great with my tahoe club in Virginia
You guys might want to look into PeaceMaker Bumpers out of Tennessee. Excellent fabrication, top notch quality. And STRONG! Not a bunch of sheet metal bent to look tuff. I bought front and rear of the Outlaw line they make for my 86 Suberban and they are second to none.
BaseLine overland has a front and rear bumper now. I went with their roof rack.
Thank you for this comment!!! I’ve been looking for stuff for my Suburban for days and haven’t had any luck but now I have hope! 😂
Disconnecting the sway bar will help the IFS articulate offroad. I don’t think a solid axle swap is needed unless you’re doing hardcore offroad. Cognito upper control arms could improve your travel.
4.56 or 4.88 gears would help y’all a lot more than engine mods as well as a 14bolt semi float axle from a h2 hummer. I am not sure if one from a gmt900 escalate would be a direct bolt in. I commented on your other video that the gmt 900 cv axle shafts will work and eliminate the spacer and improve the CV angle.
Great info. I will discuss it with josh for sure. Sway disconnects would also be great but its the reconnect procedure that seems like itd be a pain. I'll look into 900 axles for sure. I think on my agenda is mostly just a real rear locker and regear. With all the loose material put here, I often get hung up before the g80 kicks which then also upsets the truck a bit on steep hills. I'd prefer to have an air locker and also just have better onboard air...so thats kind of where I have felt like I wanted to go.
A spare tire carrier rear bumper would be nice . For guys that go very remote it's nice knowing you can get where you need. I like the wilco hitchgate but the price is heft for just that a hitch mount tire carrier
I know this is an old video but 2 basic mods for these which I am about to do to my Tahoe are the 2nd battery and the electric fan conversion. I think both would be good to have for overlanding.
Definitely. I am trying to bring in newer GMT800 content, as a lot has happened. Just busy on the Corvette side of things, as that pays the bills of KnightDriveTV...lol
@@KnightDriveTV no doubt....gotta do what pays the bills. I'm honestly shocked this channel doesn't have more subs. Anyway keep us posted if you produce any GMT800 mods for the market!
Been waiting for this one. I'm with you on the aftermarket bumpers. I'm doing the plate. I'm in Southern Ohio, we use winches for simple chores sometimes, and recovering your buddies that messed up. Lol. Great vid.
appreciate it man, thanks for the comment
@@liluncje Huntington hills, knockemstiff, outside of Chillicothe
I worry about my fuel tank being so exposed. I have drug it at least once. If you get close to dragging your frame, your fuel tank is flush with the frame. It needs a skid plate!
Also, rock sliders that double as steps for my short wife! Lol
And a front skid plate to replace the junk plastic splash guard!
@@liluncje mine is scratched up as well. I just don't want to be many miles from town when I rip it open and dump 30 gallons of fuel! Ha.
I was thinking that even some sheet metal cut and bent to fit would give it a good amount of protection compared to being completely exposed when you high center these off road land yachts!
I have some parts for Yukon if you need
I wish you would make a decent front an rear bumper for these. My 03 Tahoe would carry it!!
I have been considering bumpers here recently. I cant believe no one helps the Tahoe/Suburban scene put with bumpers and carriers. I am talking to a company I use that supplies metal pieces for my Corvette headlight kits. I want to design and prototype the bumpers, but then have them cut and ship direct. I think the weld together kits are nice for spreading out cost and ease of shipping. I have a lot of corvette and Tahoe/Suburban products I am going to show here shortly. I have some front end stuff comin that is like no other for gmt800
I’ve been slowly experimenting with this platform as well for several years and have seen what some pros and cons are with different products. My plan is a overland style build( low-ish budget)I currently have a wiy style bumpers front and rear with a tire carrier. There are ways to improve your suspension without getting to crazy expensive. I have suggestions for most things discussed if interested.
I discussed with a supplier of mine, the idea of me designing bumpers and having them cut the steel and ship. They are fine with it, so I am going to attempt it ahead here
@@KnightDriveTV can’t wait to see what you come up with. I’m also not a fan of the current offerings for these as far as bumpers.
I would say don't focus on the truck and instead focus on the trails. Try to explore more and challenge yourself more. That will inform and expose what the truck wants you to do.
We have some other trail videos and Hummer H2 build has been added. Check it out! Thanks for the advice and comment
Custom one offs and design you can make a lot of money starting a chevy off road mods co
Great videos guys!!! The market is wide open on this platform. Bumper kits would be awesome. Good to know RC winch mount lit will work for this platform.
We are working on a tire carrier that actually is affordable AND stout
@KnightDriveTV that's sounds great I'll definitely keep my eye out for it
iv always had 73-74 f250 99 f250 06 dodge 4x4 diesel 3/4 ton. 05 f550 and 99 Tahoe z71 is a great trail rig/ hunting shelter/ high speed baja rig😂
your rack ideas sound almost exactly like my unistrut rack modification. Im using the standard roof rails and the unistrut bars are mounted to that via 4545 T nuts. The portions that come down over the rear windows are where my traction boards are and the roof is housing my 3 modified Pelican V800 boxes, each having gas lift struts on the lid to support the 100W solar panel they each have in addition to the pair of 100w panels I have attached to the hood. Theres also 2 ABS water tanks, my starlink dish, 8x10ft awning, and shower room from KickAss mounted to this assembly.
I feel like I gotta see all this...lol. Link or instagram or?
Is it possible to convert an 01 suburban 2wd to 4x4?
Possible...sure, of course. Quite likely end up spending more than buying a 4wd one and selling your 2wd. If I had to start with a 2wd I'd just directly do a solid axle swap if I were you. Need the skill and tools to do it but...if able.
I’d rather have solar and rocks on the roof and use the gazelle pop-up tent and then have a roof top tent
I may make a change ahead. I do like the elevated sleeping position though, due to coyotes and mountain lion. I think an easier to deploy tent may be better but its not bad at all. Tahoe doesnt have a ton of interior space when you get all the other stuff inside, so tent on the roof does help, especially day to day, when you dont want the truck packed with gear.
damn, wish your mic worked.
Are you messin with me? These were twin rode mics, one on left channel and one on right. If you didnt hear someone then check your audio for a channel not on or listening in mono (one earbud, etc) Listen on a different source. Audio is definitely good for both.
@@KnightDriveTV Bwahahahaha, sorry yeah my speaker had cut out guess how i found out.
Do you like the LED Tail lights you got? If so, can you say what they are?
My tail lights are Super Dim.
Josh and I have different taillights. Mine are cool looking in the taillight mode, but the brake light LED row is small. Josh's are more pronounced in "brake" lit mode and his taillight mode has a unique shape, etc. I'd say his are a better choice.
@@KnightDriveTV Any idea which ones Josh has?
Do you guys need 1 more person from time to time?!? 3 would make a tripod!!! 😂😂😂
I have the 8.1 in my gmt800 with a 8" lift.
I'm definitely working on coms and putting in a turbo soon... Sound deadening and insulation going down now.
For sure. We are gearing back up for offroading ahead. A HummerH2 is coming into the mix, so another GMT800 will be good stuff
I would love to see, if you could come up with an idea for gull doors for the rear windows
I thibk I am starting with some molle panels for the inside back. I really want to focus on kitchen and back storage next. I am doing some products this year for sure
@@KnightDriveTV you might be interested in the overland bound channel as he has a kitchen that mounts to the bumper and folds out. It’s a great design and I would like to build something similar in the future. I too am interested in rear storage solutions while trying to keep weight down.
What about a gull wing window deletes for the Yukon and or suburban?
Definitely would be a good one
Check out my walk around of my 2500 suburban and my kitchen setup!
I definitely will
07 tahoe. Id like to find the exo roto pack holder mounted to the rack.
Check out @tahoverlanding solid axle swap
I solid axle swapped my 2001 tahoe on 35's and drove it to moab from Texas and wheeled top if the world and elephant hill with a 15mpg average.
Yeah, I do follow him for a while now