We dig this rig! This sick Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV Bison with an Alucab Canopy Camper has traveled all over America with over 400 nights of camping! Check out their buildout below.
Your name:Akicita
Location: Colorado
Rig Nickname: Tatanka
Make & Model: Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV Bison
HEST products: Hest Dually Long, Dually Long Fitted Sheet, Hest Camp Pillows X2, Hest Medium Dog Bed
Critical dimensions for your bed platform: Length 102.5”" x Width 52.5" x Height 48"
Is this your daily driver or getaway car?
Dedicated Adventure Vehicle
What do you like most about your rig?
As my wife and I get older we are depending on our truck to “carry the load” instead of our legs. The Colorado ZR2 Bison is an extremely capable off-road vehicle from the factory. It’s engineered and sized to negotiate some of the trickiest Jeep trails yet as a mid-size pickup it can be outfitted with the AluCab Canopy Camper for extended adventure travel. Our Hest products have certainly made huge improvements in our quality of sleep and rest.
On your average weekend adventure, what is the gear set up you bring with you?
We keep a full 10 day load out of food, extra fuel, water and general travel gear at all times. Tatanka is a four season rig for us so we only add climbing, skiing, fishing, or other activity specific gear when needed. We can be out of the garage and on the road in five minutes or less on any given day or night.
How did you navigate gear storage needs into your rig set up?
storage bags from Blue Ridge Overland. We have two Front Runner boxes for our freeze dried meals and cookware and clothes are packed and stored in Patagonia 40L duffels that can be stowed anywhere.
Any cool custom details you’re proud of?
The AluCab camper comes as a bare shell. We did the entire buildout ourselves and it has been through many evolutions and arrangements with more to come. The rear seat delete, custom cabinet wall panels that we designed and built in our home workshop saved us thousands from purpose built and manufactured ones and were really fun to build.
Coolest place you’ve taken your rig to?
Traveling over much of the western United States over the last three years, with over 400 nights and 30,000 off-road miles we have taken Tatanka to some spectacular places. Some of the more memorable places we have been recently are the Canyonlands Maze District and the San Rafael Swell in Utah.
Any projects in the pipeline to get your rig even more adventure ready?
Culling gear we don't need or haven’t used to lighten up and make room for more essential needs for future full time travel.
Biggest challenge in your build out?
Our background is in minimalist backpacking, backcountry skiing and mountaineering. With the added capability and room that Tatanka offers I have found myself overpacking non essential gear.
Tips for others looking to do the same to their vehicle?
Prioritize on a dependable and capable vehicle and ensure you have quality bedding and bags to ensure good rest. Comfort is an illusion bred from familiar things and familiar ways. Get comfortable with less and focus on enjoying the travel and experience.
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