Over the years the team at BDS has built some incredible trucks, some capable trail rigs, and more than a few iconic project vehicles that continue to inspire auto enthusiasts the world over. Each with a unique purpose and theme, these trucks can be seen out on the road, at shows, on the trail, and so on. We pride ourselves in building capable 4x4s that bring together form and function. Our trucks get driven, they're workhorses and see their fair share of trails along the way. The newest build in the BDS fleet is a truck our R&D team has been using for the last couple of years to develop a whole slew of suspension upgrades. Just in time for the long-awaited launch of the 2020+ Chevy/GMC HD coilover conversion, this truck is getting out on the road/trails to spread the word, and we nicknamed it The Oreo Overlander.
Vehicle:
2020 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
6.6L Duramax, Allison Transmission, 4WD
Build Specs:
Suspension: (link)
BDS 6.5" Coilover Conversion Lift Kit
FOX 2.5 Performance Elite (PE) Coilovers
FOX 2.5 PE Rear Shocks
Recoil Traction Bars
Tires & Wheels:
37x12.50x18 Nitto Recon Grapplers (link)
18x9 Method Series 309 (link)
Exterior:
Addictive Desert Designs Bomber Series Bumpers (link)
Addictive Desert Designs Overland Rack (link)
Rigid 6" 360-Series + Radiance Pod Lights
AreaBFE Aluminum Wedge Hardshell Tent (link)
AreaBFE Pull Out Awning (link)
AreaBFE 60Lt Fridge/Freezer (link)
Amp Research Powersteps
Custom Vinyl Graphics Package
Storage:
Decked Storage System w/ Cargoglide Tray (link)
Rotopax Containers (link)
Performance:
Hypertech React Tuner (link)
The name may change, but for now, we're going with it. This 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500HD started life as just your run-of-the-mill workhorse, 6.6L Duramax under the hood, updated suspension design from the 11-19 models along with a facelift that was the focus of a lot of controversies. Our goal was to use this truck to design, test, and validate our 3", 5", and 6.5" lift options, shock and coilover options, UCAs, HD steering, and other upgrades coming to market for the HD platform. This R&D test mule has been reconfigured over the years and with most of that development behind us it's time the truck lives out the next part of its life on the sales/marketing side.
The plan was to build this HD into an adventure-ready overlander ready to get off the grid. Something capable and comfortable, suited for both camping trips and towing other toys out to remote locations. Sure there are more extreme overlanders out there, but our goal was to build one that was attainable, using off-the-shelf parts to show how you could build your daily driver.
The truck sits on the BDS 6.5" high clearance lift system with teh soon to be released coilover conversion. This coilover conversion features FOX 2.5 Performance Elite coilovers up front with the DSC (dual speed compression) adjuster for easy tuning. High-strength tubular uppers and boxed lower control arms allow for additional travel and combine with the HD steering linkage, drop cross members, multipoint differential relocation, beefy steering knuckles, skid plates, and optional rear FOX 2.5 Performance Elite shocks in this awesome suspension package built to take your HD to the next level.
The BDS lift kit allows clearance for 37" Nitto Recon Grapplers on 18" Method 309s. ADD front and rear bumpers add styling, clearance, and protection around this truck along with additional LED lighting from Rigid Industries. In the bed, a Decked storage system was added for dry, lockable storage along with a Cargoglide slideout tray to house the spare tire and AreaBFE fridge/freezer. Up top, an ADD overland rack was added to allow the use of the AreaBFE wedge hardshell tent, awning, and Rotopax for additional storage.
A few odds and ends to button up, but this Oreo Overlander is ready to tackle the trails. We'll be driving it out from the snowy state of Michigan to join the party at King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California in early February 2023. If you're out that way be sure to check it out in the FOX Factory booth in Hammertown or out on the trails to watch all the action.
Awesome set up! Would a 38×13.50 w/ a 20×10 305 method wheel 4.76” backspacing work here?
Hey Frank,
We had that same wheel/tire setup on this truck previously when developing our non-C/O 6.5″ lift kit. It did require some trimming to the inner fender and lower valance, but looked killer on the truck. You can check out a video with that setup at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57STPZYzBDU (jump to about 4:00 for the truck)
Bloody awesome work guys!! I’d love to see this touring around Australia with us ?????