Exactly. Few years ago I built a 77 GMC Jimmy with a LS swap and a custom home built coil spring 3 link long arm front suspension. Most Jeep or Toyota guys would never give me the time of day because I wasn't driving one of their "brands". I've almost owned them all over the years so I'm not "brand" loyal. I just love checking out peoples rigs, especially home built ones.
Thank you Johnathon! I really love the truck and I thank its as good or better in many ways than the Tacoma! I do have to say there are a lot of Tacoma's out there because they make a great truck and have a huge after market. This has been the hardest thing about this build, a very small after market! I do like the motor, larger touch screen and the seating position compared to the Toyota! The motor rocks! Thank you of the comment! Cheers!
I have a 2017 SLT crew cab with the awesome little Duramax, and have been very leary about doing anything to it. Thanks to this video... I'm gonna be broke very, very soon! Thanks a lot!
Thank you! I still love the truck and have had no problems! I don't know if you have seen the adventure truck that's its turned into but I absolutely love it and its perfect for what I do!
OverlandTrax thank you so much! Have you seen the Truck now! Check out one of my latest videos on the Updates of the Adventure Truck! I really love the truck now! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
That's what I wished I started with! This Build has transformed into a quite capable Adventure Truck that I love! Super easy to live out of even! ZR2 is such a great platform! How funny I just subscribed to you channel today! Cheers!
Adventure. Athlete thanks for the sub. I actually watched a bunch of your GMC Canyon videos a while back as the tires wheels are a great balance to the truck and I want a white Colorado with black rims but the stock tires are to small and the truck looks out of balance. Keep up the great work.
Hey Tim! Nice truck man!! You've got to put together a build sheet in your description, lots of aspects of this truck I absolutely love, including the Custom Bed Rack you've made, as well as the ride height and the wheels placement/size, really an awesome job. I know you go through everything in the video but just if you could throw up some links or even just names of the products in a list for those of aspiring. Just bought my 2018 Canyon and cant wait to start outfitting it! Cheers!
My rear end came from Currie enterprises and was built for the Canyon platform! Mine is 35 spline Arb with a Dana 60 ring gear in their custom housing! Maybe give them a call and see what they have to offer! Sorry all I know!
Hi Tim. Thanks for sharing your rad build. Quick question, how did you mount your rack/topper to the truck bed? I have a 2017 Colorado and I am trying to figure out a good way to mount something like that. Thx!
I made plates out of 3x2 angel. I had sheetmetal screws coming down from the top and shot in from the sides! Never moved! Sometime it takes full commitment to get something done! I wasn't crazy about drill holes into the bed but in the end I felt it was the right thing to do!
I made the rack and yes I did drill into the bed to hold it down! I really think this is the best way to do it! I do understand not want to drill into the bed on a 40k truck! A year and a half ago I build this rig into and adventure truck getting rid of the bed and cutting a crawl through! Cheers and hope this helps!
Tim Robel The more you ride the faster you will achieve your goal. Have a blast out there! By the looks of the landscape ,enduro bike perfect! Your video caught my attention, my dilemma is: Colorado or TRD off-road, wanted a Tacoma for a long time but Chevy def has a competitive product.
Nice Rig Tim, currently considering the new Canyon AT4, you mentioned a drop on mileage, how about drivability? any shimmy's or vibration ? I keep hearing about some shakes and rattles on Canyons and Colorado's
I have built this rig into a Adventure Truck and still rolling on 35x12.5x17 tires! Love the truck and haven’t had any issues with the shake of the wheel and no rattles! Highly recommend the truck!
Thank you so much for all your great comments! The truck is so different now! I really hated setting up and taking down the roof top tent especially when I was racing a motorcycle event! Cheers!
I just picked up a 17 canyon all terrain. Might take more than one summer but I'm definitely starting on a similar build. Living in Colorado everyone has Toyotas, (I just sold my 89 Toyota on 35x12.5 with a supercharged 22re was a fun offroad truck but no fun on the highway getting there)and I wanted something different. The moment I saw the interior I knew I wanted the canyon. How's the bike hitch when it comes to entry and departure angles, I'm torn between a snugtop or just boxes on the side to accommodate loading my bike in the bed.
Awesome purchase! More power and better fuel milage with the GM truck than the Toyota! As far as the bike hitch it does take away for departure but my newest Adventure Truck version of this rig works great! The bike goes down the middle in the camper! Check out the latest version of the truck search Tim Robel Adventure Truck and it should come up! 50K on the truck and she's running better than new! Thank you for taking the time to comment! Here to help if you have any questions! Good luck! Cheers!
On your bike hitch carrier. You're missing the two straps that makes that Dirtbike steady as a rock. On the 2" pole that goes into the hitch receiver there should be two holes. Take a strap and pull down on the Dirtbike pegs to compress the back shock. You will be able to jump hills with the truck and the Dirtbike won't budge.
Thank you so much! That I didn't know! If I go back to this type of hauler I will defiantly give it a go! Makes total sense thought! Thank you Barry and have a wonderful day!
I have 2018 Colorado and the bed flexes like crazy between the cab. Did you reinforce the frame to accommodate for the weight of the bike hanging off the hitch?
rudedogii no I didn’t and it all worked just fine. My frame is super stiff. When it was sat up like it was in the video I only got about 1/4” flex. I build an Adventure Truck and welded directly to the frame and cab. I just went over 2 years in that configuration and still going strong.
Thank you! I'm a Toyota guy too! Just wanted something different this time! Super happy with the choice! 5 days in now on my expedition build! so far so good! Thanks for the comment! Cheers!
Hi Scott! The bike hitch has held up well! My truck in now built into an Adventure Truck so the bike goes inside the truck now! Check out one of my latests Adventure Truck reviews and you will see what I'm saying! Stall have the carrier and it did its job! Hope this helps! Cheers!
Yes I did! The rack moved around a bit and took away for departure angle. We all have to do what we have to do to get all the toys out to play with them! LOL! I put in 3 receiver hitch ports on the Adventure Truck just for this reason! If I have to run a rear rack again it will mount with 3 rails instead on 1!
I'm running my Husqvarna off the back of my F150 and I've searching for a bumper carrier that does extend way out. I totally get what your saying and that's exactly what I'm concerned about. Some of the carrier extend a ways out in order to achieve bike stability when strapped down but this compromises the departure angle. My Husky only weighs 240 much like your KTM. This is the one I've been looking at getting. Oh btw, your an absolute inspiration to creativity and determination. Once your build is done can you imagine the sense of accomplishment. Great work. When you first started I'm sure you took a lot of criticism or doubt or even worse people wouldn't truly understand you vision or for that matter probably thought why.. Good on you for going for it. www.mototote.com/mototote-mtx-m3-motorcycle-carrier.html
Very nice carrier! If it sticks out too much you could cut down the receiver and re drill a new hole to bring it in to the truck! Thank you for the kind words! Braaap!
On normal driving conditions I get right at 18 MPG on a road trip all loaded out. We just did a loop through Bullhead, Gooseberry mesa, Brice, Zion, grand canyon and down to the California cost and back. 18.1 driving 73 on cruse control most of the time. My hopes were high when driving 55 on flat! Cheers and thank you for the comment!
Thank you so much! The truck is a lot different now! Check out on of my newest videos Adventure Truck one year review! Way better to cam out of! Cheers!
You got 25mpg with 35s!? Wow! That's an efficient engine GM has designed! Makes me want to get a canyon myself! You have the v6 gas engine and not the diesel right?
Yes I have the v6 and love it! overall with not going not much over 60 and in town I'm right at 20 mph! Doing this small run on flat freeway at 55 I was at 25.9 mpg. I can hardly weight to get it out on the ope highway and set the cruise at 72 and just sit back and see what I get! I love this truck and highly recommend it!
Levi Chase I used Rustolum professional in flat black! I love the stuff! I just masked everything on the truck and painted it in place! If you happen to overspray somewhere no worries ! Lacked thinner takes it right off! Hope this helps!
Max Johnston I bought this one off of EBay and was rated for 400 lbs. I ended up welding up everything that was bolted together. It does still move around on the hitch receiver although it came with a caller to help with the movement. I converted my truck to an adventure truck so the bike is tied down inside the truck now but this setup worked well for about a year! Hope this helps! Yes I would do it that way again for this set up!
The rack I built to fit the canyon and the Tepui tent. Its made from 2" x.120 D.O.M. tubing and the interior is young and grove. The tung and grove is hurclinered on the inside and stained on the inside! Worked out really well but this configuration is gone off the truck as I have started an Expedition box on the back! Cheers and hope this helps!
Tim Robel I saw and it's going to look awesome! I would like to do a flatbed and canopy, and leave the canopy at camp, then go wheeling. Aussie style I guess, but makes since for my family of 4.
Hello there! I have to compliment you on your choice of truck and overall rig set up! I curious, what trim level Canyon do you have, if you’ve said sorry I missed it. But as a very satisfied owner of a 2016 Colorado Z71,4x4, V6 Ext Cab, that I use extensively for traveling and towing our 21’ Travel Trailer full time while our new House is built. We’ve been from our last home in Massachusetts to as far north as Bangor Maine to as far south as Key West, then west to Corpus Christi TX and up and down the beautiful Texas Gulf Coast. Then inland to Waco. Then have made our way back through Poverty Point Louisiana and back now to central Florida. All in all 58,000 trouble free miles with only one recall, along with 6 oil change and tire rotation. The truck has never used any oil between changes, plus the stock tire still have half their tread left! The Chevy has been a great Truck, comfortable for the wife and two small dogs, all while averaging 15 mpg towing, but as much as 27 empty hyw 20 city cruising! I’m looking forward to trading in for maybe a ZR2, or a full size Chevy or Ram. The new house is gonna have an over sized garage, so two of any passenger vehicles will fit. But we might keep the Colorado and get a nice luxury/performance car.
Wow! I will try! Truck is on 35’s with a 5.5” Bds lift. Currie rockjock 35 spline axles with ARB air locker. I built the camper cage that holds the roof top tent. 2 gallon RotoPacks for extra fuel and a Snow master expedition refrigerator / freezer. Have you seen the final Adventure Truck version? It’s a much better and easier to use set up!
Thanks, that's a lot of good stuffs. 5.5" is a little too much for me, I am considering a modest lift of 2,7" front, 1" rear. That adventure truck is fantastic, I wish I had your skill to customize my own rig like you did.
Hi Zachary! GM didn't come out with the Duramax in the Canyon platform until 2016. V6 was the only option! Having driven both now I think I still would go V6. Just a little more fun! I have a couple of friends that have the Duramax and they love them. Real world numbers on road trio they get 28 and as good as 31MPG in the right conditions! Hope this answers the question!
With 35's you have to trim and roll the rear fenders and of course trim the front and cut the tray back flush. Also have to go into the rear body mount and cut it away flush and make a plate to weld back in at an angle. Then you will need to feather the paint back for the fender cutting and rolling. A nice couple of coats of spray paint and your good to go. I would think most body shops would do it for around $500. Hope this helps!
I test drove I couldn't believe the difference of how the shocks felt going up over curb and drop it off one between my all-terrain and ZR2 it's like you get that jolt with this thing those dampeners just soak it all up
Hi Walter! The rack system I have in back I fabricated. It is separate from from the one on the roof. The one on the roof is a Thule that holds the solar panels and the bed cage I build. I recently did a give a way on youtube for the bed cage and the winner has already picked it up! I'm about 3/4 of the way through building an Expedition camper on the truck so things are much different now on my truck! I'm enjoying the process!
The words I should have used is some type of traction aide in front. I was told this from the shop, but didn't see for myself. They said that my front diff wasn't an open diff.
Were one the same thought process! Everything I find says open! I will say I had some different rear diff so possibly the front may have something! This truck was one of the first off the assembly line! Sooner or later it will have an ARB in the front too! As for now I'm full speed ahead on making into an Expedition Truck!
Yeah I caught that about having a unique rear. I’ve been looking for a platform for an overland rig myself which is how I found yours. Your build is going to be awesome. Enjoying following along.
I think if I was starting from scratch I would do a full size 3/4 ton Chevy, Ford or Doge. I'm feel good about my packaging and getting everything I wanted inside and laid out balanced and fuctionable! Thank you for following along! New video on progress tomorrow! Thanks for watching and commenting!
The truck is now 3 years old. No problems at all and it is a really solid truck! Everything works as well as day #1! I would buy the truck again but would start with the ZR2 platform!
Yea When it was still stock I looked into training it in for the ZR2. My truck and $17.5 would have bought me a new ZR2! I figured I could do a lot of mods for $17.5. I'm about $12g into my journey! Thank you for the comment! Cheers!
I don't buy the 25mpg at 55, it must have been as it sits but on a flat road with no stops. 15mpg with your setup at normal driving speeds should be more realistic. At 25mpg you should be comfortable running the entire 140mile Mojave Rd three times without filling up which you can not even run out and back. Or if you want to talk about highway then Ontario Ca to Vegas and back: 480 miles, which you also can not do on a single 21gal tank even at 55mph the way the truck sits in the video. Besides that you have a beautiful rig, very well done and equipped for amazing adventures. Cury rear end is genius and solid especially when its time to replace broken parts with dime a dozen JK parts. Also look into Ultimate MX haulers for your bike if you want a bike rack that doesn't destroy your departure angle and loads the bike in less than an minute.
I currently building it into an Expedition rig. I do have a guy that can tune it and get rid of any lights and warnings. I will do an update when I get it all worked out ! Thank you for the question Arun! Have a wonderful day!
Tim Robel thanks Tim. Very interested to see the result. I want to make sure stabilitrack and other issues can be worked out before I start messing with mine.
Where I was in this video was about 10k over stock. The current condition with being an Expedition/Adventure Truck you add another 50k to that! I'm really happy with my current set up...finally! Thank you for the comment!
The Diesel wasn't an option until the 2016 line up. I still would get the gas motor if I were to buy again! I think it comes down to preference. I have driven the Diesel version and in my opinion its just not as peppy. Just my .02 cents! Thank you for the comment!
That set up was from over four years ago! I built it into an adventure truck with a hard side camper. I did 52 videos of the Build and have done a couple more walk arounds. Absolutely love the truck and it has held up really well. I’m running 3512 517‘s and have right around 62K on the truck with no problems! Go check out my four year review video and you’ll kind of see what I’m talking about. I also have built a big expedition truck with a 28 foot box and currently building an overland Humvee! Humvee is going to replace the GMC. I wish I could keep them off, but just not enough room! Thank you for the comment! Cheers!
No it really doesn't effect it like that! Maybe correct rebound valving in the front! The truck is now an Adventure Truck and still don't have a problem! Still drives like a normal truck!
I don't notice any wind noise. If I were to keep this set up I would lower the front to sit on the cab of the truck. I would use the 3M VHB tape to hold them down in the front. Making it more like a spoiler!
Hi George! I'm still pushing out in the heat! Making good progress and will have a video on the truck out tomorrow! Cheers and thank you for checking on me! Keeps me motivated!
Sean S I got it off of eBay . It was rated for 600lbs and went for $179. Out on a trip right now but If you need a link hit me up in a week! I did modify with my own hoop up front really helped! Hope this helps!
Hi Jordan! The lift is 5.5 inches and is BDS brand. I would buy the lift again. I put it on my self in a full day! Great quality and everything bolted right up!
How much less trimming do you think you would have done if you were running a 35”x10 tire instead of 35”x12.5”? I’d like to run 35”s myself but not sure they would fit and I don’t really want to modify the front body mounts.
I have done quite a bit of trimming! Depending on the tire manufacture on how true to size there tire is a 35 x 10.5 I would say would not fit with out trimming the body mounts! I cut about 4" forward on the front and about 2" in the rear. The body mount touched the tire at full lock at ride height. It was an afternoon worth of fitting and trimming! Hope this helps!
Tim Robel I plan on running an after market front bumper so front clearance would not be an it is just the rear of the front fender I’m worried about. Thanks for your help
Your welcome! It's really close in there! But you never really know until you get your tire and rim in there and cycle it through! Cutting the rear body mounts was not a time consuming task! For me cutting and making the templates, welding it in and painting was about 90 minutes.
Tim Robel I’m back with more questions ha ha... I was wondering if you could go more into detail of how you modify the body mount by the front fenders and what you did with the bracket you made for it like what was its purpose and how it mounted etc... thanks again
As you look into the fender well and pull back the inner liner you will see where it will hit. I used a 6" cutoff wheel on a electric grinder. I cut it off at at an angle deeper on the bottom and less on top. I made a plate and welded it up. Then took the fender and taped it off where to cut leaving 1/2" to hammer and dolly creating a rolled edge. Then took some 320 sandpaper and feathered out the paint and primer. Then shot some primer and used duplicolor paint and laid down several coats to cover the primer. Start with the passenger side for practice! The driver side is a little more complicated. You will have deal with a wire loom and emergency brake cable. Just a little problem solving. Same deal but remove the emergency brake cable at the frame with the nut and pull it back. I cut about 4-6" off the outer liner with a cutoff wheel without citing the cable inside! Sounds hard but slow and steady wins the game! Make the same cut and tack in your cover piece.Then only weld in a small section at a time not to overheat the wire loom or burn the ouster cable housing! I started closest to the frame by the wire loom and worked my way out. Same thing you dod on the other side with the tape and cut, hammer and dolly! Hope this helps. If not, i'm on the road for the next week but can shoot a after video on what i did and how I achieved it! Cheers!
Cristian Duran a 2015 GMC Canyon. It’s now built into an Adventure Truck! Check out one of my newer videos to check it out! Thank you for asking! Enjoy!
The wheels are Monster M10's. They were sold as a blank that required IWC motorsports to drill the pattern. They are a 0 offset.Hope this helps! Cheers!
Tim Robel I do love it. Only downside is I want to keep going faster...lol with all the stuff in the truck it gives it a beating. But the flex is awesome on the truck. Makes it super capable.
D Cooper yes and no! Lol! Retired in 2007 from the Air Force as a Machinist/ Welder but I have had a fab shop going since I was 21! Pairing down work this next year to enjoy longer Adventures and explore more! The truck is much different now! Search my videos for the build or go to the end with Adventure Truck one year review! A much nicer platform to camp out of! Thank you for the comment! Cheers!
@@TRCa51 Awesome for you I'm 53 just divorced would love to enjoy life a little before i die !!! I do not know anything but the oilfield of Texas. Be safe
D Cooper well no time to start living life but now! Your starting a whole new chapter in life and you get to design it! Sounds easy but like working the oil fields it hard work for sure! Write down a plan that would make you happy and work towards it like your life depends on it ! I it wasn’t for a great wife I would sell off everything and live a life of passion for exploring and Adventuring to outdoors doing cool shit. Last year I talked to people that lived full time on the road with as little $350 a month for income! I couldn’t pull that off but I have found I can travel slow eat well and see cool things for $1500 a month! 50 bucks a day! I’m here for you to bounce any ideas off of! Cheers to you!
Nice to see something different besides a Toyota or JK.
Thank you so much! I always say It's not what you buy, it's what you build!
Exactly. Few years ago I built a 77 GMC Jimmy with a LS swap and a custom home built coil spring 3 link long arm front suspension. Most Jeep or Toyota guys would never give me the time of day because I wasn't driving one of their "brands". I've almost owned them all over the years so I'm not "brand" loyal. I just love checking out peoples rigs, especially home built ones.
a tip : watch movies on flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching loads of movies recently.
@Titus Elias yea, have been watching on flixzone for since november myself :D
Great looking rig Tim, love seeing someone run a truck that isn’t a Tacoma (to many of them out there)
Thank you Johnathon! I really love the truck and I thank its as good or better in many ways than the Tacoma! I do have to say there are a lot of Tacoma's out there because they make a great truck and have a huge after market. This has been the hardest thing about this build, a very small after market! I do like the motor, larger touch screen and the seating position compared to the Toyota! The motor rocks! Thank you of the comment! Cheers!
I’m not a huge fan of smaller trucks but you have done a great job with this one keep doing what you’re doing
Thank you! Currently building an expedition camper on the back of it! Plenty to do! Thank you for the comment!
One of thee best looking small truck builds I have ever seen. Great work!!
Primal Effect Paintball thank you so much. Always a work in progress!
I have a 2017 SLT crew cab with the awesome little Duramax, and have been very leary about doing anything to it. Thanks to this video... I'm gonna be broke very, very soon!
Thanks a lot!
LOL Terry! A little at a time and enjoy the process! Money in the bank or an even cooler truck? You know I chose to be broke!
Sweet rig I really like what you’ve done with your Canyon
Thank you so much! Still a work in progress!
I’m really liking what you’ve done here. Great job.
Patrick Jones Thank you so much! Stay tuned, next month I’m building an expedition camper for it!
I've seen a lot of build videos man, and your is sweet! Great little weekender. Good job.
Errror404 Thank you so much! Out road tripping for the next 9 days! Then I build the expedition camper. New things to come. Cheers!
Super nice truck. Seriously considering one of these with the diesel. The extra torque from a tune sounds nice
Thank you! I still love the truck and have had no problems! I don't know if you have seen the adventure truck that's its turned into but I absolutely love it and its perfect for what I do!
Hey Tim, Nice job on the build very well done looks great very functional great choice on all parts man keep up the good work on the videos
CMAXDiesel Thank you so much ! I’m out this weekend camping in the wind and rain! Looking forward to building a camper!
Nice work bud! Inspired me to go buy a Canyon!
Vince awesome! I think you will be super happy with it! I still love mine!
Good video, keep the videos coming 👍
OverlandTrax thank you so much! Have you seen the Truck now! Check out one of my latest videos on the Updates of the Adventure Truck! I really love the truck now! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
This is sick!!! Amazing work.
Thank you so much! Always a work in progress!
Looks great I love it. I actually like the Gmc Canyon look, Colorado looks great but I like the full size style grille and lights of the Canyon
You're living the dream, Tim!
Krystian Tobiasz Thank you so much! Trying to get the rig all sorted so we can do this type of thing at least on a half time basis!
Love this rig!! Want to build a similar build just off the ZR2
That's what I wished I started with! This Build has transformed into a quite capable Adventure Truck that I love! Super easy to live out of even! ZR2 is such a great platform! How funny I just subscribed to you channel today! Cheers!
Adventure. Athlete thanks for the sub. I actually watched a bunch of your GMC Canyon videos a while back as the tires wheels are a great balance to the truck and I want a white Colorado with black rims but the stock tires are to small and the truck looks out of balance. Keep up the great work.
Tim great vid., You reminded me of one of the host from TFL Truck show channel.. 👌
ToneM thank you Tone!
I’m anxious to see the new setup 👍
Pushing hard through the heat! New video out tomorrow! Thank you for all the nice comments!
Great video. Great build. Honest and humble. Good job.
Hey Tim! Nice truck man!! You've got to put together a build sheet in your description, lots of aspects of this truck I absolutely love, including the Custom Bed Rack you've made, as well as the ride height and the wheels placement/size, really an awesome job. I know you go through everything in the video but just if you could throw up some links or even just names of the products in a list for those of aspiring. Just bought my 2018 Canyon and cant wait to start outfitting it! Cheers!
This truck is amazing!!!
Thank you so much! You should check it out in one of my newest videos! Its now an Adventure Truck! Much more fitting for what I do!
Nice build... very well done.
Thank you so much! Its a little different now! It suites my needs a lot more! Happy New Year and thank you for the comment !
Sweet Rig. Thanks for sharing
How can I get more info on your rear end and gear set up? I have a 2016 3.6 z71 on a 5in procomp lift with 33s. Your truck is seriously a beast.
My rear end came from Currie enterprises and was built for the Canyon platform! Mine is 35 spline Arb with a Dana 60 ring gear in their custom housing! Maybe give them a call and see what they have to offer! Sorry all I know!
Awesome set up man!
Thank you! The truck is a lot different now!
Wow, it looks excellent. Congratulations.
Where did you get the internal shell ?, is your bed waterproof ?.
Hi Tim. Thanks for sharing your rad build. Quick question, how did you mount your rack/topper to the truck bed? I have a 2017 Colorado and I am trying to figure out a good way to mount something like that. Thx!
I made plates out of 3x2 angel. I had sheetmetal screws coming down from the top and shot in from the sides! Never moved! Sometime it takes full commitment to get something done! I wasn't crazy about drill holes into the bed but in the end I felt it was the right thing to do!
Hi Tim. I was wonder what roof rack is on your truck and if you had to do any drilling to mount it?
I made the rack and yes I did drill into the bed to hold it down! I really think this is the best way to do it! I do understand not want to drill into the bed on a 40k truck! A year and a half ago I build this rig into and adventure truck getting rid of the bed and cutting a crawl through! Cheers and hope this helps!
I’m totally going to do this one day Tim, so jealous. But I’ll probably run a Toyota/Ktm setup. 👍🏻
Awesome! It took me a long time to get to this place! Lots of overtime paid for this one! Good luck on building your!
Awesome rig & set up !!!
Mark Narretto Thank you so much! Still a work in progress!
Very nice setup
Thank you George! Its a little different now!
For a second I thought this was Tony Carroli’s rig;) 222 Very nice set up!
Lol! Nope just a humble rider that chose a number to reflect what weight I should be! LOL! The closest I have gotten is 235!
Tim Robel The more you ride the faster you will achieve your goal. Have a blast out there! By the looks of the landscape ,enduro bike perfect! Your video caught my attention, my dilemma is: Colorado or TRD off-road, wanted a Tacoma for a long time but Chevy def has a competitive product.
Your truck kicks ass!
Nice Rig Tim, currently considering the new Canyon AT4, you mentioned a drop on mileage, how about drivability? any shimmy's or vibration ? I keep hearing about some shakes and rattles on Canyons and Colorado's
I have built this rig into a Adventure Truck and still rolling on 35x12.5x17 tires! Love the truck and haven’t had any issues with the shake of the wheel and no rattles! Highly recommend the truck!
Awesome rig... rock on!
Thank you so much for all your great comments! The truck is so different now! I really hated setting up and taking down the roof top tent especially when I was racing a motorcycle event! Cheers!
I see you took the money cannon approach 🤑
Yes but have you watched the current videos of the truck? It just sold for 140k.
I just picked up a 17 canyon all terrain. Might take more than one summer but I'm definitely starting on a similar build. Living in Colorado everyone has Toyotas, (I just sold my 89 Toyota on 35x12.5 with a supercharged 22re was a fun offroad truck but no fun on the highway getting there)and I wanted something different. The moment I saw the interior I knew I wanted the canyon. How's the bike hitch when it comes to entry and departure angles, I'm torn between a snugtop or just boxes on the side to accommodate loading my bike in the bed.
Awesome purchase! More power and better fuel milage with the GM truck than the Toyota! As far as the bike hitch it does take away for departure but my newest Adventure Truck version of this rig works great! The bike goes down the middle in the camper! Check out the latest version of the truck search Tim Robel Adventure Truck and it should come up! 50K on the truck and she's running better than new! Thank you for taking the time to comment! Here to help if you have any questions! Good luck! Cheers!
On your bike hitch carrier. You're missing the two straps that makes that Dirtbike steady as a rock. On the 2" pole that goes into the hitch receiver there should be two holes. Take a strap and pull down on the Dirtbike pegs to compress the back shock. You will be able to jump hills with the truck and the Dirtbike won't budge.
Thank you so much! That I didn't know! If I go back to this type of hauler I will defiantly give it a go! Makes total sense thought! Thank you Barry and have a wonderful day!
Sweet truck!
Thank You! Take a look at my latest video of it! Now its exactly what I want!
I'm a toyota guy, but this thing looks great.
Thank you so much! Getting ready for a camper build! Going to make it a little uglier! The wind on our last trip killed us! Stay tuned!
I've always been a Toyota guy as well but going for the 2018 Canyon.
I have 2018 Colorado and the bed flexes like crazy between the cab. Did you reinforce the frame to accommodate for the weight of the bike hanging off the hitch?
rudedogii no I didn’t and it all worked just fine. My frame is super stiff. When it was sat up like it was in the video I only got about 1/4” flex. I build an Adventure Truck and welded directly to the frame and cab. I just went over 2 years in that configuration and still going strong.
25mpg at 55? That’s hard to believe, on stock tires and no drag from the tent I get 20-23 on the empty highway on my 15’ Colorado. Good looking rig!
That is an AWESOME freakin rig
Thank you so much! Still looking to build a camper for it starting in about 3 weeks!
like the Fabs that you've done to the truck
Thank you so much!
You're welcome bud
Nice clean setup ! (coming from a toyota guy)
Thank you! I'm a Toyota guy too! Just wanted something different this time! Super happy with the choice! 5 days in now on my expedition build! so far so good! Thanks for the comment! Cheers!
Really nice setup Tim. How is the bike hitch mount holding up?
Scott
Hi Scott! The bike hitch has held up well! My truck in now built into an Adventure Truck so the bike goes inside the truck now! Check out one of my latests Adventure Truck reviews and you will see what I'm saying! Stall have the carrier and it did its job! Hope this helps! Cheers!
@@TRCa51 Thanks for the update. I will definitely be checking out your videos.
I hope to have a few up about my Jeep soon.
Be safe out there.
@@gorillahd9247 Thank you! Let me know if you have any questions! I'm here to help!
@@TRCa51 I appreciate it!
Great videos, just found ya! Did you find Overlanding with the bike on the back problematic?
Yes I did! The rack moved around a bit and took away for departure angle. We all have to do what we have to do to get all the toys out to play with them! LOL! I put in 3 receiver hitch ports on the Adventure Truck just for this reason! If I have to run a rear rack again it will mount with 3 rails instead on 1!
I'm running my Husqvarna off the back of my F150 and I've searching for a bumper carrier that does extend way out. I totally get what your saying and that's exactly what I'm concerned about. Some of the carrier extend a ways out in order to achieve bike stability when strapped down but this compromises the departure angle. My Husky only weighs 240 much like your KTM. This is the one I've been looking at getting. Oh btw, your an absolute inspiration to creativity and determination. Once your build is done can you imagine the sense of accomplishment. Great work. When you first started I'm sure you took a lot of criticism or doubt or even worse people wouldn't truly understand you vision or for that matter probably thought why.. Good on you for going for it. www.mototote.com/mototote-mtx-m3-motorcycle-carrier.html
Very nice carrier! If it sticks out too much you could cut down the receiver and re drill a new hole to bring it in to the truck! Thank you for the kind words! Braaap!
Great truck! I have a hard time believing it gets 25 though lol. That's better than factory and it's clearly way heavier and less aerodynamic now.
On normal driving conditions I get right at 18 MPG on a road trip all loaded out. We just did a loop through Bullhead, Gooseberry mesa, Brice, Zion, grand canyon and down to the California cost and back. 18.1 driving 73 on cruse control most of the time. My hopes were high when driving 55 on flat! Cheers and thank you for the comment!
Nice truck
Thank you so much! The truck is a lot different now! Check out on of my newest videos Adventure Truck one year review! Way better to cam out of! Cheers!
You got 25mpg with 35s!? Wow! That's an efficient engine GM has designed! Makes me want to get a canyon myself! You have the v6 gas engine and not the diesel right?
Yes I have the v6 and love it! overall with not going not much over 60 and in town I'm right at 20 mph! Doing this small run on flat freeway at 55 I was at 25.9 mpg. I can hardly weight to get it out on the ope highway and set the cruise at 72 and just sit back and see what I get! I love this truck and highly recommend it!
Tell me more about the hybrid camper/bed rack you have there. I've been thinking of doing something like this and you're the first person to do it.
Beautiful truck! I have a 16 Canyon and I was wondering how you blacked everythihg out?
Levi Chase I used Rustolum professional in flat black! I love the stuff! I just masked everything on the truck and painted it in place! If you happen to overspray somewhere no worries ! Lacked thinner takes it right off! Hope this helps!
That’s awesome!!! Thank you so much for the tip!!
What hitch hauler are you using for your KTM? Does the bike move while you are off-roading to where you are going to camp?
Max Johnston I bought this one off of EBay and was rated for 400 lbs. I ended up welding up everything that was bolted together. It does still move around on the hitch receiver although it came with a caller to help with the movement. I converted my truck to an adventure truck so the bike is tied down inside the truck now but this setup worked well for about a year! Hope this helps! Yes I would do it that way again for this set up!
Did you hand calculate that 25 mpg or go off the dash? Cause that’s pretty hard to believe even at 55 mph.
It was off the dash and only for a short period! We just did a 9 day road trip and I'm right at 18.1 off the dash computer! Thank you for the comment!
Need more vids of this truck
More videos to come! What would you like to see?
Tim Robel if like to see a better walk around... this one was okay but the entire front of the truck was in the bushes.
Subbed, I like the rack. More specifics on it please!
The rack I built to fit the canyon and the Tepui tent. Its made from 2" x.120 D.O.M. tubing and the interior is young and grove. The tung and grove is hurclinered on the inside and stained on the inside! Worked out really well but this configuration is gone off the truck as I have started an Expedition box on the back! Cheers and hope this helps!
Tim Robel I saw and it's going to look awesome! I would like to do a flatbed and canopy, and leave the canopy at camp, then go wheeling. Aussie style I guess, but makes since for my family of 4.
Sounds good to me! Cheers!
Hello there! I have to compliment you on your choice of truck and overall rig set up! I curious, what trim level Canyon do you have, if you’ve said sorry I missed it. But as a very satisfied owner of a 2016 Colorado Z71,4x4, V6 Ext Cab, that I use extensively for traveling and towing our 21’ Travel Trailer full time while our new House is built. We’ve been from our last home in Massachusetts to as far north as Bangor Maine to as far south as Key West, then west to Corpus Christi TX and up and down the beautiful Texas Gulf Coast. Then inland to Waco. Then have made our way back through Poverty Point Louisiana and back now to central Florida. All in all 58,000 trouble free miles with only one recall, along with 6 oil change and tire rotation. The truck has never used any oil between changes, plus the stock tire still have half their tread left! The Chevy has been a great Truck, comfortable for the wife and two small dogs, all while averaging 15 mpg towing, but as much as 27 empty hyw 20 city cruising! I’m looking forward to trading in for maybe a ZR2, or a full size Chevy or Ram. The new house is gonna have an over sized garage, so two of any passenger vehicles will fit. But we might keep the Colorado and get a nice luxury/performance car.
Nice rig sir!
scott k Thank you so much! Currently on a 9 day road trip in it !
Nice setup. You've got guts, I couldn't cut up a late model truck! How reliable has the truck and mods been??
nice rig, really like the setup. Mind listing the specs ?
Wow! I will try! Truck is on 35’s with a 5.5” Bds lift. Currie rockjock 35 spline axles with ARB air locker. I built the camper cage that holds the roof top tent. 2 gallon RotoPacks for extra fuel and a Snow master expedition refrigerator / freezer. Have you seen the final Adventure Truck version? It’s a much better and easier to use set up!
Thanks, that's a lot of good stuffs. 5.5" is a little too much for me, I am considering a modest lift of 2,7" front, 1" rear. That adventure truck is fantastic, I wish I had your skill to customize my own rig like you did.
@@michaelxie1978 Thank you so much! I'm so happy now with the Adventure truck! Still making little modifications to make it more capable every trip!
Looks Nice!
Thank you so much! Looks a little different now!
Nice set up... wish list lol
Thank you! Its been a long time in the making!
I’ll be looking forward to it 😎 👍
I'm curious, any specific reason you picked the V6 over the Duramax?
Hi Zachary! GM didn't come out with the Duramax in the Canyon platform until 2016. V6 was the only option! Having driven both now I think I still would go V6. Just a little more fun! I have a couple of friends that have the Duramax and they love them. Real world numbers on road trio they get 28 and as good as 31MPG in the right conditions! Hope this answers the question!
Nice rig
Thank you Eric! It sure looks a lot different now! Looking forward to it being done!
How did you make the room to fit the 35's on there? I've been trying to price out how much it would cost a shop to do it.
With 35's you have to trim and roll the rear fenders and of course trim the front and cut the tray back flush. Also have to go into the rear body mount and cut it away flush and make a plate to weld back in at an angle. Then you will need to feather the paint back for the fender cutting and rolling. A nice couple of coats of spray paint and your good to go. I would think most body shops would do it for around $500. Hope this helps!
Dream setup! 👌👌
Thank you so much! Just starting the second week of building a camper for the back!
I love my '15 All Terrain Canyon
Such a solid truck! Cheers!
Honestly I almost traded in for a leftover 2017 ZR2 with the diesel. I got a quad cab all train black I got n Fab nerf bars
Awesome! I wish I could have started with the ZR2 though!
I test drove I couldn't believe the difference of how the shocks felt going up over curb and drop it off one between my all-terrain and ZR2 it's like you get that jolt with this thing those dampeners just soak it all up
Just what I suspected!
What is the rack system you have set up? It the one on the roof separate from the bed rack?
Hi Walter! The rack system I have in back I fabricated. It is separate from from the one on the roof. The one on the roof is a Thule that holds the solar panels and the bed cage I build. I recently did a give a way on youtube for the bed cage and the winner has already picked it up! I'm about 3/4 of the way through building an Expedition camper on the truck so things are much different now on my truck! I'm enjoying the process!
Nice build out.
Jake Watkins Thank you! Still a work in progress!
Any more info on the axles? Curious on to what exactly you have? Any part numbers from the lockers or interior switch setup?
Canyons don’t come with front lockers, only the Chevy ZR2 that I can find. How’d you get one ‘factory’?
The words I should have used is some type of traction aide in front. I was told this from the shop, but didn't see for myself. They said that my front diff wasn't an open diff.
Interesting. Everything I can find about the front diffs in any non-zr2 says they’re open.
Were one the same thought process! Everything I find says open! I will say I had some different rear diff so possibly the front may have something! This truck was one of the first off the assembly line! Sooner or later it will have an ARB in the front too! As for now I'm full speed ahead on making into an Expedition Truck!
Yeah I caught that about having a unique rear. I’ve been looking for a platform for an overland rig myself which is how I found yours. Your build is going to be awesome. Enjoying following along.
I think if I was starting from scratch I would do a full size 3/4 ton Chevy, Ford or Doge. I'm feel good about my packaging and getting everything I wanted inside and laid out balanced and fuctionable! Thank you for following along! New video on progress tomorrow! Thanks for watching and commenting!
How has the truck held up now after a few years? Awesome rig
The truck is now 3 years old. No problems at all and it is a really solid truck! Everything works as well as day #1! I would buy the truck again but would start with the ZR2 platform!
Tim Robel to bad 3 years ago it wasn't out. But certainly not worth trading up now. You have done well
Yea When it was still stock I looked into training it in for the ZR2. My truck and $17.5 would have bought me a new ZR2! I figured I could do a lot of mods for $17.5. I'm about $12g into my journey! Thank you for the comment! Cheers!
@@TRCa51 Hell yes I got 2017 ZR2 just got the BFG KO2 285/70r17 on it this week love the truck 19500 miles no issues.
Joe Hall that is great to know! ZR2 is such a great platform I’m surprised the have them in stock! Great to hear from you!
I don’t like Gm trucks but this one is sick👍🏻
Thank you so much! A work in progress!
I don't buy the 25mpg at 55, it must have been as it sits but on a flat road with no stops. 15mpg with your setup at normal driving speeds should be more realistic. At 25mpg you should be comfortable running the entire 140mile Mojave Rd three times without filling up which you can not even run out and back. Or if you want to talk about highway then Ontario Ca to Vegas and back: 480 miles, which you also can not do on a single 21gal tank even at 55mph the way the truck sits in the video.
Besides that you have a beautiful rig, very well done and equipped for amazing adventures. Cury rear end is genius and solid especially when its time to replace broken parts with dime a dozen JK parts. Also look into Ultimate MX haulers for your bike if you want a bike rack that doesn't destroy your departure angle and loads the bike in less than an minute.
Did you get the stabilitrack and traction issues worked out??
I currently building it into an Expedition rig. I do have a guy that can tune it and get rid of any lights and warnings. I will do an update when I get it all worked out ! Thank you for the question Arun! Have a wonderful day!
Tim Robel thanks Tim. Very interested to see the result. I want to make sure stabilitrack and other issues can be worked out before I start messing with mine.
I hear you!
Hey boss I have myself a z71 15 colorado and I'm wondering how much your current set up has cost you.
Where I was in this video was about 10k over stock. The current condition with being an Expedition/Adventure Truck you add another 50k to that! I'm really happy with my current set up...finally! Thank you for the comment!
Tim Robel one of these years ill be set haha even in this video I thoroughly appreciate your build pride. Overall.
that truck is sow beautifull 😎👌👏
The front axle came with a stock locker
Pretty sure they are open in the front and the rear came stock with a g80
That's what I thought too! Creditable source say so king of locker in front when it was apart!
why not get the diesel version?
The Diesel wasn't an option until the 2016 line up. I still would get the gas motor if I were to buy again! I think it comes down to preference. I have driven the Diesel version and in my opinion its just not as peppy. Just my .02 cents! Thank you for the comment!
ah, I completely understand what you mean. The torque and range is nice on the diesel, but I blame all the emission controls making it less peppy.
Exactly!
how’s the truck holding up at this point?
That set up was from over four years ago! I built it into an adventure truck with a hard side camper. I did 52 videos of the Build and have done a couple more walk arounds. Absolutely love the truck and it has held up really well. I’m running 3512 517‘s and have right around 62K on the truck with no problems! Go check out my four year review video and you’ll kind of see what I’m talking about. I also have built a big expedition truck with a 28 foot box and currently building an overland Humvee! Humvee is going to replace the GMC. I wish I could keep them off, but just not enough room! Thank you for the comment! Cheers!
Does the weight of your bike deweight the front causing a thud when going through a bump?
No it really doesn't effect it like that! Maybe correct rebound valving in the front! The truck is now an Adventure Truck and still don't have a problem! Still drives like a normal truck!
Love it !
Tim Janda Thank you! Still a work in progress!
Traded 2015 Z71 with 19600 miles on my ZR2 A 2017 $9000 difference with trade in.
Damn this is fucking badass
That's not a motorcycle...that's a KTM! ;-)
Yes it is! Thank you! Braaap!
How’s the wind noise with that solar setup?
I don't notice any wind noise. If I were to keep this set up I would lower the front to sit on the cab of the truck. I would use the 3M VHB tape to hold them down in the front. Making it more like a spoiler!
Where you been Tim !
Hi George! I'm still pushing out in the heat! Making good progress and will have a video on the truck out tomorrow! Cheers and thank you for checking on me! Keeps me motivated!
what kind of dirt bike holder hitch is that?
Sean S I got it off of eBay . It was rated for 600lbs and went for $179. Out on a trip right now but If you need a link hit me up in a week! I did modify with my own hoop up front really helped! Hope this helps!
Tim Robel Perfect, thanks a ton!
What lift height and brand ?
Hi Jordan! The lift is 5.5 inches and is BDS brand. I would buy the lift again. I put it on my self in a full day! Great quality and everything bolted right up!
How much less trimming do you think you would have done if you were running a 35”x10 tire instead of 35”x12.5”? I’d like to run 35”s myself but not sure they would fit and I don’t really want to modify the front body mounts.
I have done quite a bit of trimming! Depending on the tire manufacture on how true to size there tire is a 35 x 10.5 I would say would not fit with out trimming the body mounts! I cut about 4" forward on the front and about 2" in the rear. The body mount touched the tire at full lock at ride height. It was an afternoon worth of fitting and trimming! Hope this helps!
Tim Robel I plan on running an after market front bumper so front clearance would not be an it is just the rear of the front fender I’m worried about. Thanks for your help
Your welcome! It's really close in there! But you never really know until you get your tire and rim in there and cycle it through! Cutting the rear body mounts was not a time consuming task! For me cutting and making the templates, welding it in and painting was about 90 minutes.
Tim Robel I’m back with more questions ha ha... I was wondering if you could go more into detail of how you modify the body mount by the front fenders and what you did with the bracket you made for it like what was its purpose and how it mounted etc... thanks again
As you look into the fender well and pull back the inner liner you will see where it will hit. I used a 6" cutoff wheel on a electric grinder. I cut it off at at an angle deeper on the bottom and less on top. I made a plate and welded it up. Then took the fender and taped it off where to cut leaving 1/2" to hammer and dolly creating a rolled edge. Then took some 320 sandpaper and feathered out the paint and primer. Then shot some primer and used duplicolor paint and laid down several coats to cover the primer. Start with the passenger side for practice! The driver side is a little more complicated. You will have deal with a wire loom and emergency brake cable. Just a little problem solving. Same deal but remove the emergency brake cable at the frame with the nut and pull it back. I cut about 4-6" off the outer liner with a cutoff wheel without citing the cable inside! Sounds hard but slow and steady wins the game! Make the same cut and tack in your cover piece.Then only weld in a small section at a time not to overheat the wire loom or burn the ouster cable housing! I started closest to the frame by the wire loom and worked my way out. Same thing you dod on the other side with the tape and cut, hammer and dolly! Hope this helps. If not, i'm on the road for the next week but can shoot a after video on what i did and how I achieved it! Cheers!
What is the chance with the 35s
I have 4.56 gears and the 35's do suck a little more power but so happy with them! cheers!
Wait what size are the tires?
What rig is this?
Cristian Duran a 2015 GMC Canyon. It’s now built into an Adventure Truck! Check out one of my newer videos to check it out! Thank you for asking! Enjoy!
How do you spell your last name? We share the same last name
Robel. Cool that we share that not too many out there!
What brand of rims are those?
The wheels are Monster M10's. They were sold as a blank that required IWC motorsports to drill the pattern. They are a 0 offset.Hope this helps! Cheers!
Where are you based out of! Sweet rig. Interesting info about the rear end being different. . .
goleee33 were out of San Bernardino Ca.
Tim Robel awesome. I’m Orange County. I’m running Long travel and 35s right now. Also have the 4.56 gears.
I know you have to love your long travel set up! Would you do it again? Any downside?
Tim Robel I do love it. Only downside is I want to keep going faster...lol with all the stuff in the truck it gives it a beating. But the flex is awesome on the truck. Makes it super capable.
Nice rig. Check out Rudedogii's channel. Maybe you guys can do a collaboration video.
Thank you! I will check out his channel! Have a wonderful weekend!
Are you retired ? Nice KTM !!
D Cooper yes and no! Lol! Retired in 2007 from the Air Force as a Machinist/ Welder but I have had a fab shop going since I was 21! Pairing down work this next year to enjoy longer Adventures and explore more! The truck is much different now! Search my videos for the build or go to the end with Adventure Truck one year review! A much nicer platform to camp out of! Thank you for the comment! Cheers!
@@TRCa51 Awesome for you I'm 53 just divorced would love to enjoy life a little before i die !!! I do not know anything but the oilfield of Texas. Be safe
D Cooper well no time to start living life but now! Your starting a whole new chapter in life and you get to design it! Sounds easy but like working the oil fields it hard work for sure! Write down a plan that would make you happy and work towards it like your life depends on it ! I it wasn’t for a great wife I would sell off everything and live a life of passion for exploring and Adventuring to outdoors doing cool shit. Last year I talked to people that lived full time on the road with as little $350 a month for income! I couldn’t pull that off but I have found I can travel slow eat well and see cool things for $1500 a month! 50 bucks a day! I’m here for you to bounce any ideas off of! Cheers to you!
@@TRCa51 Thank You!! God Bless Brother!! Be Safe with all the crazies in the world !!
D Cooper will do! Take care brother! Cheers!
Don’t use diseases that effect families lives to use to relate to anything else but helping those with a particular disease....