Opinions on a 07.5 Chevy Duramax 2500 as an Overland Rig?

[lacofdfireman]

Considering trying to turn my 07.5 Chevy Duramax into an overland Rig. The biggest reason is it’s paid for so it would be a smaller investment. But on the other hand I’m wondering if it’s just to big for running trails etc. For me it seems like it may just be to big but I could be wrong. I want to build something that I can do trails etc on. Nothing crazy but I want it to be capable.

Also it seems being diesel that every mod usually cost twice as much. Is this what you’ve found? Also my truck runs strong but is sitting at 200k miles. Is it a good idea to start sinking money in this and build it out or forget about it and build out my 2012 F150 with the 5.0 gas motor.

Also with the 2500 they are very rough riding off road. Is there any way to help this out? I use to have a 03 Jeep Grand Cherokee and that was the smoothest off road vehicle I’ve ever owned. But it had electrical gremlins like no other. So I sold it. I know the 2500 by nature will never be that smooth but how can it be improved?


Would love to see what some of you have done for your Duramax 2500 Overland builds.


Here is a pic of mine

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[MichaelK10]

My in-laws have an 07 classic 2500 Duramax with slide in camper that they love for their trips. It's on stock 245s but they do use 4x4 to reach some of their campsites in the Southwest. They've debated getting something newer but like their setup enough that they'd rather keep it for another 150k. Their cons to this rig are the ride and driver seat but they plan to improve on those areas.

As far as your truck, what's your overlanding plan? Slide in camper or trailer? Your F150 would certainly ride better than the Duramax if you travel light. If you need the 2500 capacity, bigger shocks like Fox/King will help.

I bought a 1500 Sierra because I don't need the capacity of a 2500, and would rather have a better ride and mpgs.

 

[Wilbah]

IMO The ride is a function of the weight you re carrying (or not) when comparing the Duramax to the 150. As MichaelK10 said what are your plans for gear? If you travel heavy I think you will find the weight capacity is helpful. But if you are a tent and a cooler guy it will beat you up.

Seeing as you have both vehicles I would try both and see which one you like. If you find you are loading up the 150 with way too much stuff that will tell you the 2500 is your best bet. If the 150 does fine and it carries your equipment with no problem you can do that.

I guess my point is until you know how hard you want to wheel it and what you want to carry I wouldn't decide one over the other too firmly. Take it slow and your plan will evolve the way it should through trial and error. At least that's my sense of it. Good luck.

 

[toastyjosh]

The cheapest option is to bolt on some Fox shocks, or step up to the kings. See how you like your ride. The kings will be your best bet, however is about a grand for all 4 shocks.
The fox 2.0s are 150 per shock.

The f150 will be a softer ride, however load capacity will be less.

 

[mmp3823]

Do you currently have the torsion bars cranked to fit your wheels? If so then your ride is going to suffer and the best thing you could do is get a decent lift kit the keeps the CV axles flat and less cranking on the torsion bars. A good set of shocks wouldn't hurt either.

I have an 08 that I will be modifying soon since I no longer drag a 5th wheel around. The space for camping gear in the back is great. For smaller tighter trails I have a Jeep Cherokee but it is not as comfortable or carry as much as the truck.

 

[locrwln]

Yes, they make great overlanding rigs. See my signature for mine. There are several that have been all aver the world.

Jack

 

[zachammer85]

Turn it into a overlanding tow rig and pull a dedicated trail rig with you for tackling the tougher trails. Best of both worlds


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[60beforetruck]

Loved my Duramax. It had been all over the South. Went to Moab in April and ran some trails. Rolled it and drove it back home.
Nothing special. Topper with a draw system and a memory foam mattress. On board air and ARB lockers front and rear.
Building a suburban now.