The concept of the build was to upgrade the vehicle to a capable overland vehicle without the gaudiness and cumbersome appearance of one. One might call it a "Stealthlander”. Our goals were to increase vehicle performance for off roading and adventuring with the simplest designs possible. The vehicle as is was incredibly capable and is used for my snowplowing and construction companies as well as camping, towing and hunting expeditions.
Factory Specs: 2013 Black Diamond LS, Z71 package includes 18” wheels, high capacity air intake, skid plates, fender flares, 5.3 Liter 320 horsepower, 335 ft/lbs torque; 4 wheel drive auto low and high, 3.73 locking differential, dual battery system, separate transmission cooler, tubular side steps and onboard navigation built in. Heated seats, moonroof, remote start and rear entertainment system are also onboard.
Mods and upgrades include Dick Cepek 305/60, Fun Country Tires, "by far the best performing and longest lasting duty tire ever", 5” Rough Country Lift with 2” wheel spacers to align rear to front tire width. Front and rear led light bars, rear underseat inverter, open country x bull 13,500 lbs winch, on board removable 150 lb air compressor, front hitch receiver, electrical control box engine bay, cockpit electrical switch panel, window bays and moonroof air dams, ceramic coated paint, tinted glass and moonroof except windshield, interior water storage saddle bags and of course a Baseline Overland Roof Rack and Chassis Unlimited Octane winch bumper. The bumper holds twelve (12) Baja Designs Squadron Sport Pod Lights in a mix of Clear and Amber.
For the interior and comfort upgrades there are weapons, communications, tools and munitions stored in specialized seat back organizers. Mini cooler bags hang from the headrest posts for ease of access while driving. An engel cooler/freezer is lodged in the truck bay and stays put on the custom carpeted bed liner. The liner covers the side walls and items can be affixed to the walls and tailgate interior with velcro. The Stealthlander is always ready for camping. A sheepskin rug provides a comfortable and warmth bed and a wool blanket stored under the rear seat tops it off. Deploy the midgate and voila you have a 48” wide by 8’ long sleeping bay under the tonneau cover. The saddle bags house a small heater buddy and propane bottles, 4WD recovery kit, shovel, hammers and tool kit, safety gear, gloves, rain gear, a work mat, firearms cleaning kit and extra boots.
Other miscellaneous designs include a custom dashboard carpet and a custom adapter that allows us to four wheel while carrying our bikes. When we did Moab the rack was on the truck!