This week’s Wild Wednesday takes us into the world of family adventures with a stunning transformation of a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71. While this isn’t our typical overland truck or camper setup, the same formula of quality parts and expert craftsmanship translates seamlessly to any vehicle, regardless of size or shape. The goal for this build was straightforward: create a versatile, off-road-capable, and comfortable rig that could handle everything from weekend camping trips to extended family expeditions. With the right upgrades, this Suburban is now more than just a vehicle—it’s a home base for making memories on Colorado trails.

Let’s dive into what makes this build so special and why each component was chosen to enhance its capability, comfort, and convenience.

Suspension System

We started with the ICON 2.5-3.25" Lift Stage 2 Suspension System for the Suburban. Why this suspension system? Because it’s designed to deliver both improved off-road performance and exceptional on-road comfort. With tubular upper control arms (UCA), this kit allows for increased wheel travel and better articulation, ensuring a smoother ride over rough terrain. Whether it’s navigating rocky trails or cruising on the highway, this suspension provides the perfect balance of performance and comfort.

Wheels and Tires

Next, we paired the suspension with Method 703 Matte Black Wheels and Falken Wildpeak A/T4W Tires (LT285/70R17 Load C). The Method 703 wheels are not only stylish but also engineered for durability, featuring a 2650 lb. max load capacity and a rugged design that complements the Suburban’s adventurous spirit. Combined with the Falken Wildpeak tires, which offer excellent traction and durability, this setup is ready for mud, snow, sand, or pavement.

Anecdote: Many of our techs run these same Falken Wildpeak tires on their personal vehicles, and they swear by their all-around grip—whether tackling rocky trails or snowy roads. They're a true all-terrain powerhouse!

Storage and Utility

The family adventure theme carried through with the addition of Rig’d Products. We installed their UltraSwing Multi-Fit Spare Tire Hitch Mount, which not only holds the spare tire (a necessity since the new LT285/70R17 tires won’t fit in the factory spare compartment) but also features the JerryRig mount for fuel or water, the SideHack, and the UltraTable drop-down camp table. Together, these additions provide versatile storage and workspace solutions, perfect for preparing meals or organizing gear on the go.

On top, we added the Eezi-Awn K9 platform with custom Thule mounts. This lightweight but robust roof platform maximizes cargo capacity without compromising aerodynamics. With the kids and their gear taking up most of the interior space, the roof rack is a must-have for hauling camping essentials, kayaks, or anything else you need for longer family trips. This platform ensures you have room for everything you need—and probably some things you don’t.

Lighting Package

To ensure this Suburban is ready for any adventure, we equipped it with a full lighting setup from Baja Designs. Here’s the breakdown:

• 40" S8 Straight LED Light Bar: Mounted for maximum forward visibility, this light bar cuts through darkness like a hot knife through butter. With a driving combo beam pattern, it’s perfect for both high-speed trails and technical terrain. Plus, let’s be honest, the DRL function just looks undeniably cool—like your Suburban has Tacoma "Raptor" lights.

• S2 Flush-Mount Driving/Fog Lights: Mounted in the bumper, these amber lights improve visibility in poor weather conditions. They perform far better than stock fog lights, turning them into an essential tool for heavy snow and low-visibility situations.

• S2 Sport Camp Lights: These work/scene lights provide ample lighting around the campsite, ensuring no tent peg goes unseen.

Anecdote: We use Baja Designs lights on almost every one of our show trucks, and for good reason. Their lighting options work for just about every application we need, and the lumen-to-price ratio is hard to beat. Whether you need high-speed trail visibility or campsite illumination, Baja Designs delivers every time.

Power and Efficiency: National Luna and Expion360

This build features a National Luna DC-40 Power Pack paired with an Expion360 132Ah Lithium Battery. The DC-40 is a robust power solution, featuring dual battery management, an integrated DC-DC charger, and advanced safety features like over-voltage protection. Its compact design makes it ideal for maximizing interior space while still providing ample power. This system powers everything from the lighting to the camping essentials, ensuring the family can stay off-grid without sacrificing comfort.

The power setup is complemented by a Zamp Obsidian Series 100W Solar Panel Kit, mounted to the roof rack for optimal sun exposure. While the alternator handles most of the charging during drives, the solar panel is a perfect solution for maintaining charge levels at camp. For additional charging capacity, a fold-out solar panel can easily be added, giving even more flexibility for extended stays off-grid.

Comfort and Convenience: Tire-Rite Compressor and More

No offroad rig is complete without the ability to handle tire pressure adjustments. We installed a Tire-Rite Twin Air Compressor system, complete with a digital inflator/deflator and a lightweight air hose. Whether airing down for trails or filling up after a day off-road, this system makes tire maintenance a breeze.

For future upgrades, we’ve planned to add:

• Alu-Cab 180° LHS Awning for instant shade and shelter.

• Starlink Mini for reliable internet access in remote areas.

• 67 Designs Dash-Mounted Tablet for navigation and entertainment on the go.

Why This Build Stands Out

This Suburban Z71 is the epitome of versatility. From suspension upgrades that ensure a smooth ride to power systems that keep the family connected and comfortable, every component was chosen with intention. The result is a rig that can tackle rugged trails one weekend and serve as a comfortable road trip vehicle the next.

Whether you’re planning weekend camping trips or epic cross-country journeys, this Suburban proves that with the right build, you don’t have to compromise between adventure and comfort.

Thinking of your own adventure build? Let us help turn your vision into reality. Contact us to get started!