The longer I live on the road, the more I understand the appeal of expedition trucks for travel. These rigs have the payload and space to accommodate all the luxuries of home and can provide weeks of self-contained off-grid comfort. I own two smaller live-in 4WD vans, and while they’re outfitted for full-time living, I often dream about a fixed bed, shower room, and permanent desk/seating area. I’m not suggesting these are necessary for weekend excursions or road trips, but for long-term travel, there’s a lot to be said for a well-appointed 4-season abode that enables you to live and work productively. These larger vehicles are often posted to our forum with recent examples including a 1998 Stewart and Stevenson, 1990 Leyland DAF T244, and a Mercedes Benz 1225AF. If you’re in the market to build your own expedition truck, then today’s low-mileage 2005 Chevy Kodiak C4500 4×4 (31,000 miles) is a great starting point and has been tastefully uprated for adventure. If you’d like to better understand how this platform performs as a rolling home, check out the builds from Jensen Adventures and Marcel Irnie.
From the Seller:
“Never thought I would sell, but downsizing a bit. This truck came from Los Angeles, California, and is extremely clean. Super easy to work on. You can climb underneath without jacking the truck up. Clamshell hood tilts forward, allowing easy access to the engine bay. The Kodiak has an amazing turning radius, better than any regular pickup truck. Gets low teens MPG and has not been tuned at all, engine/transmission is 100 percent stock and not abused.”
2005 Chevy Kodiak C4500 4×4
The Kodiak is fitted with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel that produces 300 horsepower and a considerable 520 pound-feet of torque. A powerful motor is matched with all-terrain capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, manual locking front hubs, skid plates, and more. Inside, these rugged attributes are matched with a well-appointed interior with driver comforts that include:
- Air-conditioning
- Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
- Cupholders
- Leather captain’s chairs
Distinguishing Features
- International MXT truck forged aluminum wheels with Continental MPT 81 tires
- Highway Product 4-foot toolboxes (2)
- JW Speaker 8800 heated headlights
This 2005 Chevy Kodiak C4500 4×4 is listed for $60,000 OBO and is currently located in Whitefish, Montana. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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