New rig....need advise on outfitting

[mlmeans]

Just bought 2015 GMC Sierra slt crew cab z71 short box (not a lot hauling) I'm married 4 kids and a dog... Needed full size to accommodate family size... We camp a lot ride four wheelers a lot hunt fish etc... Life in Idaho is good.

I recently put the following on there:

1. Decked bed system
2. Leer fiberglass shell with lock box and fishing pole holder keyless entry and 12 volt 3 plug outlet led light and Thule rails
3. Side step some (young kids).
4. Dual battery set up with isolator
Tint windows

I would like to get rack for shell top. I'm not feeling Yakima or Thule as they sit high by time u mount bars etc need recommendations and or priority list of suggest upgrades... I'm searched forum for new gmc build not seeing any new models but impressed with other builds gmc and all others. So so many ideas and I search read research a lot of options just not ton aftermarket support for gmc sierras

So suspension? Skid plates? Wheels tires? (Stock 20 in wheels tires now) roof rack? Bumpers winch? Right now need large ground tent so no rtt as of now but maybe later when just me and my beautiful old lady ?

Also how do you post pics?

Thanks guys love this site.

 

[mlmeans]

Sorry upside down photo that frustrating

 

[Trailboss]

I normally don't like the newer thin tires as I don't feel they can be aired down for rough travel while still protecting the rim. However, it's hard to ignore how well yours grip the ground :hehe:


I've got a front receiver hitch on my F250 that is handy for moving trailers around, and launching boats. It would really be handy when I get a hitch-mounted winch that could be used on either end of the truck. I also have used a receiver hitch rack in the front to hold stuff when the bed fills up and I have a horse trailer on the rear hitch.

 

[pappawheely]

Nice color.

 

[mlmeans]

That is a great point and hilarious comment... Any idea or recommendation brand front hitch? I thought that would be great addition as well.

 

[mlmeans]

Thank you. It's bronze something .. I really like it as well

 

[mlmeans]

What size tires wheels recommend? How important are bead lock wheels?

 

[Ducky's Dad]

What size tires wheels recommend? How important are bead lock wheels?

Wheel size: 17" Bead locks are not usually necessary, but a compressor often is.
Tire Size: The biggest you can fit without rubbing. Get Load Range E because with your crew in the truck it will get heavy. And you generally get tougher sidewalls.
Front receiver hitch: For my old Z71, I got the front receiver from Warn. Don't know if they still make them.

 

[mlmeans]

Wheel size: 17" Bead locks are not usually necessary, but a compressor often is.
Tire Size: The biggest you can fit without rubbing. Get Load Range E because with your crew in the truck it will get heavy. And you generally get tougher sidewalls.
Front receiver hitch: For my old Z71, I got the front receiver from Warn. Don't know if they still make them.

I'll look at warn see what they have available. Thank you. Yea I've read about sidewall needs that's great recommendation. Yea my crew gets it heavy..

I'm not a big fan of high lifts but was thinking may need to upgrade suspension? Any recommendations?

 

[bknudtsen]

Nice Rig!

Icon Vehicle Dynamics makes a 1"-3" kit for your rig.
http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop/455-complete-suspension-systems

Cognito Motorsports makes a nice leveling kit if you don't want a full coilover kit like the Icon.
http://www.cognitomotorsports.com/2inch-cognito-levelingkit-clkp-1003-10-truck.html

You should be able to fit a 285/70-17 (32.7" x 11.5") or 285/75-17 (33.8" x 11.3) with either of those. I am fond of the Nitto Terra Grappler for all around usage.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

I'm not a big fan of high lifts but was thinking may need to upgrade suspension? Any recommendations?

I don't like lifts, period. But that's just me. My Z71 is the older body style, extended cab/short bed. NO lift. I ran 33" BFG ATs on the factory 16x7 wheels, then ran 35" BFG AT/Kos on American Racing 16x8 wheels. Then I switched to 17x8 wheels from a later GMC and ran a couple more sets of 33" BFG AT/Kos. Truck is now on these same 17s with a fresh set of 33" Nitto Terra Grapplers. Still no lift. The key to ground clearance is careful selection of tire size, rim width, offset, and backspace. I like the Nittos, but prefer Toyos if price is equal. I got a good deal on the Nittos, fine tires.

 

[mlmeans]

Would 18 rims be too big? Most rims i see (fuel rims) smallest is 18 inch....?

 

[mlmeans]

What size tires could I fit if 18 inch rim?

I don't like lifts, period. But that's just me. My Z71 is the older body style, extended cab/short bed. NO lift. I ran 33" BFG ATs on the factory 16x7 wheels, then ran 35" BFG AT/Kos on American Racing 16x8 wheels. Then I switched to 17x8 wheels from a later GMC and ran a couple more sets of 33" BFG AT/Kos. Truck is now on these same 17s with a fresh set of 33" Nitto Terra Grapplers. Still no lift. The key to ground clearance is careful selection of tire size, rim width, offset, and backspace. I like the Nittos, but prefer Toyos if price is equal. I got a good deal on the Nittos, fine tires.

 

[bknudtsen]

What size tires could I fit if 18 inch rim?

Stock- 265/65-18 which is a 31.89" tire. A 33" equivalant is 275/70-18.

 

[Trailboss]

That is a great point and hilarious comment... Any idea or recommendation brand front hitch? I thought that would be great addition as well.

Mine is a Draw-Tite on a '96 F250, that also has tow rings at the ends of the crossbar, I think because I had to remove the tow hooks to install the hitch.