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View Full Version : Project "X-Max", Off-Road Expedition Style - The Ultimate Adventure Duramax


Nor-Cal Nick
07-23-2012, 08:36 PM
We are happy to anounce a new project for NorCal Truck.

The idea behind the build:
Growing up in an environment where camping was a frequent activity and the basis for just about every family vacation, it’s only natural that it has carried over into my own family and I plan to continue this for years to come. Although loading up the wife and kids for a week-long trip to the sand dunes is always fun, I have become increasingly interested in traveling to unmarked and remote areas “off the grid”. As this interest continues to grow, I have come to the realization that the current camping set-up with a large travel trailer or toy hauler is not exactly ideal for the exploring and adventure seeking I’d like to do. This is where the idea for this build has come from – the desire to have a scaled down camping set-up that will not only get my crew and I where we want to go safely, but also be equipped to house anything and everything needed to survive in any territory we choose as our destination. Without a travel trailer or toy hauler to pack up, prepare, and pull, the ease and frequency of our adventure taking will increase and the destination possibilities are virtually endless. Whether the activity ahead involves motorcycles, UTV's, mountain bikes, boating, fishing, or hunting, the “X-Max” will be ready and rearin’ to go. Life’s short & I’m not getting any younger, so it’s about time to get out there and find out what these great United States have to offer!

Build Mission:
Create a Chevy 2500HD truck that has as many amenities as needed to survive the great outdoors, with enhancements throughout the interior, exterior, and all the way down to the suspension. Stocked with fresh clothes, food, water, and whatever extra equipment will be needed for the weekend activity ahead, once 5:00 on Friday evening rolls around, the “X-Max” will be ready to go!


Current rendering:

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/Intro%20post/_ProjectX-MAX_revision2_logo.jpg


Here is a list of what we will be stuffing this truck with.


Exterior:

Cab roof rack
Bed shell
Shell roof rack
Roll out awning
Roof rack storage compartment
Dual spare tire mounts
Mounted floor jack
Shovel & Ax
Mountain bike mounts
Custom front and rear bumpers
Cab rock sliders
Dual Motorcycle rack
Cab Interior:

GPS
CB Radio
Built in WiFi
Dedicated satellite phone for vehicle
Long gun and ammo lockable storage
Hand gun safe
Fire extinguishers
Electronics:

Generator
Lights everywhere of course
Under body lights
Portable refrigerator
Extra truck batteries
On board pressure washer
On board Air with connections front and rear with tank
Survival Gear:

Recovery equipment
Winch front and rear
Fuel jugs
Complete first aid kit packed for every emergency
Fresh water tank with water pump
Plumbed for shower head, washing hands, food, dishes
Water heater
Propane Tanks
Porta potti
Changing room
Foldable table & Chairs
Custom storage slide-out drawers with bed top for sleeping inside shell
Gas stove / BBQ
Cooking supplies & eating utensils
Tool chest
Suspension, Tires & Wheels:

4" lift
Upgraded shocks
Upgraded steering
Front and rear sway bars
Full leaf packs
Long Travel helper bags
Traction Bars
35" Mud Terrain tires
18" wheels
2 full size spares
Performance:

Gears
Upgraded lockers
Turbo back exhaust
Intake
Tuning
Upgraded tranny
Larger fuel tank
Some product is already on its way and we should be getting started very soon on the build stages. I will be adding plenty of pictures as we make progress building this rig. This truck build is a new direction for me, and I may be missing some vital accessories or gear needed for any situation. If anyone would like to add their thoughts and/or personal experience, or if you just want to comment, please feel free!

Here is the foundation of the build in 100% stock form: 2008 Chevy 2500HD LT2 4wd Crew Cab Short Bed 6.6L Duramax Allison 6speed


http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/Intro%20post/X-MAX_stock_logo.jpg


If you would like to follow this build to see updates, feel free to comment or subscribe to this thread.

Thank you,
Nick




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JimandMelissa
07-23-2012, 08:59 PM
Subscribed :cool:

66cummins
07-23-2012, 09:12 PM
^^^ What he said...

mosslager
07-23-2012, 09:33 PM
Needs a roof top tent on the shell

Nor-Cal Nick
08-06-2012, 12:34 PM
* UPDATE *

Ok so here is the first pictures of alot of the reason this build has been on my mind for awhile, I defiantly want more days and full trips like this! My son turned 4 years old on July 24th and leading up to his birthday I asked him what he wanted to do and he said "I want to ride my dirt bike!". So I took the day off work and we had a great father and son day at a OHV park, Hollister hills not far from where we live.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/Nicksbdayride_01.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/Nicksbdayride_18.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/Nicksbdayride_02.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/Nicksbdayride_20.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/Nicksbdayride_31.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/Nicksbdayride_42.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/Nicksbdayride_38.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/Nicksbdayride_30.jpg

Sorry for so many pics, just a dad proud of his son :-)

So many asked why the pressure washer, yes for the dirt bikes when we are out on larger trips or find ourselves in some muddy terrain, would be nice to have a way to wash filthy or muddy bikes off before heading home or if we need to service a bike on a long trip.

Also remember my plan is to run the dirt bikes off the back, not in the bed so getting more detailed on the build, after looking at tons of bed tops I have found these 2 manufactures to have some nice options, www.4are.com (http://www.4are.com) & www.accessmfg.com (http://www.accessmfg.com) have from what I found to have utility style tops with optional side access and barn door set ups.


http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/AccessMFG_01.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/AccessMFG_02.jpg

I really like the side access to be lighted up and storage like this one:

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/AREtops_01.jpg

Then I am really liking slide out storage draws like these:

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/PickUpVault2.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2007%20thur%202010/Project%20X-MAX/post%201/PickUpVault1.jpg

I am looking into sleeping tent set ups to mount on top of the bed cap so if anyone has idea's and or suggestions feel free to post links, pics or info.



Thanks!






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mosslager
08-09-2012, 11:34 AM
As for roof top tents, there are the Tepui style and the theres the more high end like the Cascadia seen here http://www.cascadiatents.com/index.php?m=94&s=594&c=&id=118 . I like the fiberglass lid style, but you'll pay about 3x as much for one. If its not going to be used much, go with the Tepui seen here http://www.tepuitents.com/ Also get some good cross bars like the Yakima Whisper bars or Thule Dewalt rather than the normal round or square style you commonly see.

joshalbany
08-09-2012, 12:13 PM
Take a look at this tundra build. It seems similar to what you are building.

http://www.tundratalk.net/forums/tundra-build-logs/106255-bigwapitijohnnys-expo-tundra-big-nambe.html

JoeyD23
08-09-2012, 07:40 PM
Bad ass. Subscribed

RuggedRadios
08-10-2012, 09:47 AM
I dig the idea of having some LED's on top that go all the way around the truck. Can't tell you how many times I'm camping and need more then just headlights or a lantern. Looking forward to seeing this one done!

calstyl2
08-21-2012, 03:17 PM
This is a pivot light I did with a Rigid D2 flood, works great for any type of lighting, front, sides or back.

Nor-Cal Nick
11-06-2012, 08:50 AM
This project got put on hold due to a couple reasons, 1 I have my hands full with our SEMA trucks and 2 I am dialing in the suspension package to be used on this truck and that may change the style alittle but still staying within the concept for the most part and the 3rd reason will be announced in the next few weeks. All good stuff happening but I am 1 man and only have so much time during the day before I have my family to spend time with so I am just stretching it out and not jumping too fast because I want a very nicely built and thought out rig to use in the end.


I will add updates as I have them, this project is not dead by any means.....

Nick

BiggJim
11-06-2012, 02:41 PM
This project got put on hold due to a couple reasons, 1 I have my hands full with our SEMA trucks and 2 I am dialing in the suspension package to be used on this truck and that may change the style alittle but still staying within the concept for the most part and the 3rd reason will be announced in the next few weeks. All good stuff happening but I am 1 man and only have so much time during the day before I have my family to spend time with so I am just stretching it out and not jumping too fast because I want a very nicely built and thought out rig to use in the end.


I will add updates as I have them, this project is not dead by any means.....

Nick

Sounds like an excuse factory to me:eek:

Nor-Cal Nick
11-06-2012, 03:31 PM
Sounds like an excuse factory to me:eek:

Text me your number again, my phone got whipped clean of contacts......

I'll show you the 3rd why;)

Nor-Cal Nick
03-10-2013, 02:40 PM
Here is the reason I put this build on hold for a few months --> http://www.utvunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?p=127323#post127323

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/norcaltruck/Chevy%20GM%20HD%20builds/2011up/Cognito%204inch/Nicks%20LML%20Dually/Post%201/IMG_6392__zpsf38e8271.jpg


But now I am back on Project X-MAX and if all goes to plan the new suspension I have been looking at running will be in my hands within the next couple weeks and the truck will be torn down shortly after....I'm getting excited!!!


Nick