Project "X-Max", Off-Road Expedition Style - The Ultimate Adventure Duramax
 

We are happy to anounce a new project -

The idea behind the build:
Growing up in an environment where camping was a frequent activity and the basis for just about every family vacation, it’s only natural that it has carried over into my own family and I plan to continue this for years to come. Although loading up the wife and kids for a week-long trip to the sand dunes is always fun, I have become increasingly interested in traveling to unmarked and remote areas “off the grid”. As this interest continues to grow, I have come to the realization that the current camping set-up with a large travel trailer or toy hauler is not exactly ideal for the exploring and adventure seeking I’d like to do. This is where the idea for this build has come from – the desire to have a scaled down camping set-up that will not only get my crew and I where we want to go safely, but also be equipped to house anything and everything needed to survive in any territory we choose as our destination. Without a travel trailer or toy hauler to pack up, prepare, and pull, the ease and frequency of our adventure taking will increase and the destination possibilities are virtually endless. Whether the activity ahead involves motorcycles, UTV's, mountain bikes, boating, fishing, or hunting, the “X-Max” will be ready and rearin’ to go. Life’s short & I’m not getting any younger, so it’s about time to get out there and find out what these great United States have to offer!

Build Mission:
Create a Chevy 2500HD truck that has as many amenities as needed to survive the great outdoors, with enhancements throughout the interior, exterior, and all the way down to the suspension. Stocked with fresh clothes, food, water, and whatever extra equipment will be needed for the weekend activity ahead, once 5:00 on Friday evening rolls around, the “X-Max” will be ready to go!


Current rendering:

Attachment 37722


Here is a list of what we will be stuffing this truck with.


Exterior:

• Cab roof rack
• Bed shell
• Shell roof rack
• Roll out awning
• Roof rack storage compartment
• Dual spare tire mounts
• Mounted floor jack
• Shovel & Ax
• Mountain bike mounts
• Custom front and rear bumpers
• Cab rock sliders
• Dual Motorcycle rack

Cab Interior:

• GPS
• CB Radio
• Built in WiFi
• Dedicated satellite phone for vehicle
• Long gun and ammo lockable storage
• Hand gun safe
• Fire extinguishers

Electronics:

• Generator
• Lights everywhere of course
• Under body lights
• Portable refrigerator
• Extra truck batteries
• On board pressure washer
• On board Air with connections front and rear with tank

Survival Gear:

• Recovery equipment
• Winch front and rear
• Fuel jugs
• Complete first aid kit packed for every emergency
• Fresh water tank with water pump
• Plumbed for shower head, washing hands, food, dishes
• Water heater
• Propane Tanks
• Porta potti
• Changing room
• Foldable table & Chairs
• Custom storage slide-out drawers with bed top for sleeping inside shell
• Gas stove / BBQ
• Cooking supplies & eating utensils
• Tool chest

Suspension, Tires & Wheels:

• 4" lift
• Upgraded shocks
• Upgraded steering
• Front and rear sway bars
• Full leaf packs
• Long Travel helper bags
• Traction Bars
• 35" Mud Terrain tires
• 18" wheels
• 2 full size spares

Performance:

• Gears
• Upgraded lockers
• Turbo back exhaust
• Intake
• Tuning
• Upgraded tranny
• Larger fuel tank

Some product is already on its way and we should be getting started very soon on the build stages. I will be adding plenty of pictures as we make progress building this rig. This truck build is a new direction for me, and I may be missing some vital accessories or gear needed for any situation. If anyone would like to add their thoughts and/or personal experience, or if you just want to comment, please feel free!

Here is the foundation of the build in 100% stock form: 2008 Chevy 2500HD LT2 4wd Crew Cab Short Bed 6.6L Duramax Allison 6speed


Attachment 37723


If you would like to follow this build to see updates, feel free to comment or subscribe to this thread.

Thank you,
Nick




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I will be following.

Sweet!

Sent from my DROID BIONIC

i will be following this also. i hope there will be pictures of the finished product! sounds like one awesome camping trip! would love to have the money to build one of these for myself! maybe some day :humm:

* UPDATE *

Ok so here is the first pictures of alot of the reason this build has been on my mind for awhile, I defiantly want more days and full trips like this! My son turned 4 years old on July 24th and leading up to his birthday I asked him what he wanted to do and he said "I want to ride my dirt bike!". So I took the day off work and we had a great father and son day at a OHV park, Hollister hills not far from where we live.

Attachment 37464

Attachment 37465

Attachment 37466

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Attachment 37470

Attachment 37471

Sorry for so many pics, just a dad proud of his son :-)

So many asked why the pressure washer, yes for the dirt bikes when we are out on larger trips or find ourselves in some muddy terrain, would be nice to have a way to wash filthy or muddy bikes off before heading home or if we need to service a bike on a long trip.

Also remember my plan is to run the dirt bikes off the back, not in the bed so getting more detailed on the build, after looking at tons of bed tops I have found these 2 manufactures to have some nice options, www.4are.com & www.accessmfg.com have from what I found to have utility style tops with optional side access and barn door set ups.


Attachment 37472

Attachment 37473

I really like the side access to be lighted up and storage like this one:

Attachment 37474

Then I am really liking slide out storage draws like these:

Attachment 37475

Attachment 37476

I am looking into sleeping tent set ups to mount on top of the bed cap so if anyone has idea's and or suggestions feel free to post links, pics or info.



Thanks!






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Hollister hills huh? I wanna get up there. My dad and his fire crew go up there when there are no fires and maintain the trails and stuff. He's been itching to go too.


Sent from my iPhone

It's not where alot of hard core trail riders go for the most part because they feel it's too easy but its a OHV park, not forest so it is what it is. I love it for the family side of things because it's 1 way trails so safer and if we camp there is plenty to keep me more than happy to just be on the bike yet still have the complete family involved.

Looks like your going for a "project redsled" that fourwheeler or petersons did a few years back.