A 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Built for Every Adventure!

A 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 built to rock crawl, overland, speed through the desert, and commute to work.

It’s a crawler, it’s a prerunner, it’s…an overlander? At first glance this wild Chevy Colorado looks like some sort of race truck or maybe some sort of rock crawler. Then you realize this truck has a long bed, a roof top tent, gear cases on the cab roof and is packed with enough gear to go off grid for months—this thing is an overlanding rig.

One might think the builder of this creation is confused or just can’t make up his mind, but in fact, Matthew Girgis knew exactly what direction he was going when he went full tilt with this build. Girgis wanted a rock crawling, desert running, overlanding rig that can still act as a reliable daily driver. So what does Matt consider himself? To answer that, all we have to do is check out the bright livery and logo on his truck for the tent company he co-owns. You will see “Overland(ish),” which perfectly describes the amalgamation of styles all wrapped into one.

What is Overland(ish)?

Pronounced [OH-ver-LAND-ish] (adj.), it comes from the Germanic language and describes an overlander who identifies as a pre-runner or rock crawler but still dons a roof top tent and packs their pour over coffee, skottle, full-size hibachi-style grill, refrigerated cooler, and all of the creature comforts of home.

“Does that race truck have a shower on the back of it? That’s the most Overland(ish) thing I’ve ever seen.”

An Early Love for Off Road and Camping

From the first time Girgis hit the dirt in Anza-Borrego, California, as a kid with his dad, he was hooked on off roading combined with camping with his family; it’s only logical he got into the overland world. While his dad inspired him to go off road, it was Girgis’ passion for travel and photography that pushed him to build such an extreme rig. Following his father’s footsteps, who owned a Chevy, he jumped into a Chevy Colorado and went nuts. He made an incredibly versatile overland vehicle that can camp for as long as he likes, and then turn around and run the desert at high speeds. Girgis loves the feeling of the suspension articulating and tackling the rugged terrain of his favorite spots like Anza-Borrego, California.

“Being an overlander, though, means that Girgis has all the essentials. This includes tons of storage in his twin 83L Roam Adventure Co. rugged cases and a Leitner bed rack with dual Gearpod XLs with an Overland(ish) Summit roof top tent on top.

Girgis’ passion for off road combined with his passion for photography and videography came together in 2020 when he co-founded a small company called Overland(ish). Girgis says, “The true identity of Overland(ish) is rooted in just having fun, being goofy, making fun of ourselves and overall just having a good time.” He continues by saying, “We make content that doesn’t take itself too seriously and gear that does. We made so much fun of ourselves for having all these amenities from home that we ended up making tents that seem more like hotel rooms for the outdoors…what could be more Overland(ish) than that!”

Along with running Overland(ish), Girgis also lends his photography skills to outlets like Tread, industry partners, and Sprinter Overland Trips. Tread has used his talents for several features; it helps when the photographer truly understands his subject matter. Girgis can capture the right look and vibe of an overlander or off-road enthusiast because he is one himself. As lead photographer with Sprinter Overland Trips, this same notion applies. He captures Sprinter owners enjoying their time in the outdoors, challenging themselves with tougher terrain, and having a great time with friends and family.

A Signature Look

When you look at Girgis’ creation the first things you notice are the lights, the wrap, and the wheel and tire combination. KC Hilites is responsible for the truck pumping out more lights than the Vegas Strip. Controlling those lights are two SwitchPros 9100 series controllers that Girgis set with custom settings. Josh Daley of Daley Visual was able to take inspiration from an iconic ‘80s race car and make a striking wrap that blows minds and gives that nostalgic look that makes us smile when we see it. The 17×8.5 Fuel Block wheels wrapped in 35 x 12.5 Maxxis RAZR A/Ts finish off the look and give this wild ride its style and its grip. King shocks and secondary bypasses paired with Baja Kits and Timbren give this beast its ability to rip through all the whoops in the desert like a bat outta hell. An MBRP full exhaust gives this truck its rumble, and the custom wide Fiberwerx fenders let Girgis stuff those big Maxxis 35s in there and get that coveted stance every off roader strives for.

“The Cement color paint on the truck offered a clean look, and would better hide the inevitable pinstriping from the tight off-road trails ahead.”

Overland Accessories

Being an overlander, though, means that Girgis has all the essentials. This includes tons of storage in his twin 83L Roam Adventure Co. rugged cases and a Leitner bed rack with dual Gearpod XLs with an Overland(ish) Summit roof top tent on top. In the bed, Girgis uses the Decked drawer system for all of his photo gear and more. On top of that is his Overland(ish) Basecamp insulated tent along with his full camp kitchen, all the way down to the kitchen sink, or in this case an EZ-sink.

“Girgis wanted a rock crawling, desert running, overlanding rig that can still act as a reliable daily driver.”

For recovery, Girgis has a 12,000-lb. DV8 Offroad winch mounted to his DV8 steel bumper, a full Deadman Off Road setup paired with some goodies from Factor55. His spare is mounted on a Rig’d Supply Ultraswing with all the overlanding accessories, including a kitchen table. Also, in case the need arises, Girgis has a Pro Eagle 1.5-ton jack on deck. For underbody protection, Girgis has a full set of CBI Offroad skid plates and rock sliders, an AEV differential skid plate, and 589 Fab shock skids so he can romp on the rocks worry free. His engine mods include an engine tune from Trifecta Performance and a cold air intake from S&B filters. Not to be overlooked, his stopping power comes from a set of R1 Concepts brake pads and rotors.

Inside Cockpit Accessories

The overland goodies don’t stop with the outside of this crazy Chevy Colorado. Girgis uses Midland’s MXT 500 Micromobile Two-Way Radio, MXTA25 3dB Ghost Antenna and a pair of Midland handheld radios to communicate with all of his buddies. For interior storage he uses a ColoradoCanyonEnthusiast rear attic system and a set of Greyman Tactical rear seat MOLLE panels. On the dash he uses a ColoradoCanyonEnthusiasts dashboard tray and 67Designs phone mount with carbon fiber arms and a 55 series rail. For extra power he has, not one but two, Blackfire portable batteries, one 500 watt and one 1000 watt, and a solar panel to charge them. They come in clutch when he is off grid and needs some extra juice to run his Dometic CFX3 45 all day. Hey, a guy needs a cold beer and maybe even an ice cream after running the desert all day.

Girgis was inspired by all the Chevy prerunners on one side and his family camping trips on the other. What came from that was this Frankenstein’s monster you see before you. Just like a real race truck, when something breaks (something always breaks) Girgis doesn’t just fix it, he upgrades it. Girgis puts in the wrench time himself, doing most of the installations, along with some help from Toys For Trucks who installed his Baja Kits long travel setup, DNA Wheels and Tires who mounted and balanced his tires and keeps his truck aligned, and Brandon from 1T4 Fabrication who is responsible for keeping Girgis’ truck on the road (and off). These shops and fabricators did some impressive things to Girgis’ truck but there is more to come as his future goals and plans include a four-link suspension and full cage. Now that sounds like something we want to see!

“While his dad inspired him to go off road, it was Girgis’ passion for travel and photography that pushed him to build such an extreme rig.”

UPGRADES

2017 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

Engine: 3.6L V6 (308hp, 269 lb.-ft.)

Suspension: Baja Kits Chevy Colorado 4×4 Prerunner Kit (front); Upgraded Secondary triple bypass shocks, custom valved by Onyx Motoring; Timbren Industries Active Bumpstops (front and rear); Deaver Suspension Inc. Expedition Leaf Pack (rear); lift shackles (rear)

Wheels & Tires: Fuel Offroad Block wheels 17-inch with +1 backspacing; Maxxis RZR AT 35×12

Armor: CBI Offroad undercarriage skid plates (engine, oil pan, transmission); DV8 front and rear bumpers; 589 Fab/Ultraskids shock skids; AEV differential skid; Fiberwerx widebody fenders, custom rear fiberglass fenders for long bed

Interior Accessories: ColoradoCanyonEnthusiast rear attic system; Greyman Tactical seat MOLLE panel; ColoradoCanyonEnthusiast dashboard tray; 67Designs phone mount; Midland USA MXT 500 Micromobile Two-Way Radio, MXTA25 3dB Ghost Antenna, 1500W Portable Powerstation, 500W Portable Powerstation; 60W folding solar panels (2); SwitchPros 9100 (2) w/power tray engine mount;

Exterior Accessories: Bison Grill; Anderson Composites Type ZL Carbon Fiber hood; Akkon Headlights; Syper Auto taillights; KC HiLites 50” Gravity Pro6, Flex Era 4 (4); DV8 Offroad 12000lb winch; Factor 55 Ultrahook and Fairlead; Leitner Designs , Gear Pods; Roam Adventure Co. 83L storage cases; Overland(ish) Summit roof top tent & Base Camp; Rig’d Supply Ultraswing; Dometic CFX3 45; ProEagle 1.5 ton jack; Mountain Hatch Tailgate Table; MBRP catback exhaust; Prinsu roof rack; Daley Visual Camel GT Livery wrap; Decked Drawer System; R1 Concepts brake pads and rotors; Leitner Designs Forged Active Cargo System; EZ Sink portable wash and shower station;

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do the new features of the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado improve its off-road performance?

Enhanced Off-Road Capabilities of the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, particularly in its ZR2 Bison variant, sees significant upgrades aimed at improving its off-road performance. Here’s how these new features bolster its rugged capabilities:

Larger Tires and Wheel Arches

The ZR2 Bison comes equipped with massive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory Mud Terrain tires. These are the largest tires available in the mid-size truck category. By widening the track and enlarging the wheel arches, Chevyensures these tires fit seamlessly, providing better grip and stability on uneven terrains.

Improved Ground Clearance

With a ground clearance of 12.2 inches, the ZR2 Bison excels in navigating rocky paths and steep inclines. This enhanced clearance improves breakover and departure angles, crucial for tackling challenging landscapes without damaging the vehicle’s undercarriage.

Hydraulic Bump Stops

To further enhance its off-road prowess, the ZR2 Bison incorporates hydraulic front and rear bump stops. These components absorb shocks from jumps and rough impacts, offering a smoother ride. This feature is particularly beneficial for handling sudden drops or jumps during high-speed off-road adventures.

Aftermarket Support

The collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) brings specialized aftermarket support. This includes additional customizations and reinforcements designed to further augment the truck’s off-road capabilities, allowing enthusiasts to push the limits of their adventures.

Summary of Key Features

• 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory Mud Terrain tires
• Expanded wheel arches and wider track
• 12.2 inches of ground clearance
• Hydraulic front and rear bump stops
• Aftermarket support from AEV

These features collectively ensure the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado is not just an ordinary pickup but a formidable off-road vehicle ready to conquer challenging terrains with ease.

Which trim levels of the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado offer the best off-road capabilities?

Best Off-Road Trims for the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado offers several trims designed to tackle off-road adventures with confidence. Let’s explore the standout models:

ZR2 Trim

For those who crave the ultimate off-road experience, the ZR2 trim is a top choice. It boasts:

• 10.7 inches of ground clearance
• 33-inch tires
• Extensive LED lighting

This trim is engineered to handle tough terrain with ease, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.

Trail Boss Trim

If you’re looking for off-road capabilities without breaking the bank, the Trail Boss trim is a compelling option. It provides:

• Impressive off-road features
• Budget-friendly pricing

Though it doesn’t match the ZR2 in terms of sheer power, the Trail Boss still promises plenty of mud-slinging fun.

ZR2 Bison Trim

For the most demanding off-road conditions, the ZR2 Bison trim stands out. Its exceptional features include:

• 35-inch tires, the largest in the mid-size pickup segment
• 12.2 inches of ground clearance
• Improved breakover and departure angles

Additionally, it employs hydraulic front and rear bump stops to ensure smoother landings during jumps, making it the ultimate choice for serious off-roaders.

Final Verdict

Whether you’re an extreme off-road enthusiast or someone seeking a more budget-friendly adventure, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado offers trims tailored to your needs. The ZR2, Trail Boss, and ZR2 Bison each bring unique strengths to the table, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every adventurous spirit.

What options are available for customizing the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado?

Customization Options for the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

When it comes to customizing the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, buyers have multiple exciting avenues to explore. Let’s break down the key options available:

Trail Boss Trim

• Tires and Suspension: Equipped with 32-inch all-terrain tires, the Trail Boss trim offers enhanced off-road capabilities. It also features fender flares for a rugged look and provides an extra 1.5 inches of front suspension travel and an additional inch in the rear.
• Limited-Slip Differential: The Trail Boss comes standard with a rear limited-slip differential, ensuring better traction on uneven terrains.

ZR2 Trim

• Ground Clearance: For those who crave maximum off-road performance, the ZR2 trim boasts 10.7 inches of ground clearance.
• Advanced Suspension: The ZR2 is fitted with Multimatic spool valve dampers, offering superior handling on bumpy trails.
• Locking Differentials: Unlike other trims, the ZR2 comes with lockable front and rear differentials, providing enhanced control in challenging off-road conditions.

Additional Features

• LED Lighting: Select trims come packed with LED lighting options, making nighttime off-roading safer and more fun.
• Aesthetic Upgrades: Fender flares, sporty decals, and unique wheel designs are available to give your Colorado a distinctive appearance.
• Technology Packages: Navigation systems, advanced infotainment, and driver-assist features can be added to enhance your driving experience.

Summary

Whether you opt for the budget-friendly Trail Boss with its robust suspension and all-terrain tires or the high-end ZR2 with superior ground clearance and advanced dampers, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado offers a range of customization options to suit any adventure enthusiast.

What is the maximum towing capacity of different trims of the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado?

Towing Capacity Across Trims of the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

Base Trims: WT and LT

• Engine: 237-hp
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds

Enhanced Trims: Z71 and Trail Boss

• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

Off-Road Trim: ZR2

• Maximum Towing Capacity: 6,000 pounds

Comparisons

• Jeep Gladiator: Comparable maximum towing capacity
• Nissan Frontier: Lower maximum towing capacity
• Ford Ranger: Lower maximum towing capacity

What is the towing and payload capacity of the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado?

Towing and Payload Capacity of the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado boasts impressive towing and payload capacities, catering to a variety of needs.

Maximum Towing Capacity

• Base Model (WT and LT trims): Equipped with a 237-horsepower engine, the base models handle a respectable 3500 pounds of towing.
• Mid-Tier (Z71 and Trail Boss): These trims ramp up capabilities, delivering a robust 7700 pounds of towing capacity. This places them on par with competitors like the Jeep Gladiator but ahead of models such as the Nissan Frontier and Ford Ranger.
• Off-Road Variant (ZR2): While engineered for rugged performance, the ZR2 supports a slightly lower towing capacity of 6000 pounds.

Payload Capacity

As for payload, specifics may vary depending on the trim and configuration. Generally, the Colorado’s payload capacity aligns with its class, ensuring it handles both heavy-duty and everyday tasks efficiently.

This balance of towing and payload makes the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado a versatile pick for both work and play.