We have a vast array of rigs posted to our forum daily so it takes a build decidedly unique to stand out. There’s a monumental difference between adding big tires and a lift and meticulously planning each modification from the ground up. Today’s 2019 GMC Canyon Denali is one such rig where no expense has been spared and the end result is a reflection of painstaking attention to detail. This is not simply a proof of concept but rather a proven expedition vehicle that has completed numerous overland adventures (documented on Instagram at lizajane.roams). At $63,500 OBO, this setup represents excellent value when you consider the EarthCruiser camper alone was over $30,000 new, and the truck was the best part of $50,000 from the factory before the modifications even began. The GMC is not just a weekend warrior but a carefully considered, full-time, four-season rolling home and, thanks to the economical Duramax diesel motor, it’s relatively cheap to run. Today’s offering has covered just 60,xxx miles and has been meticulously serviced and maintained.
From the Seller:
“Back in 2017, my search began for a long-range, small-footprint camper to explore the far reaches of the Western US and beyond. In 2018, I selected features and factory ordered to specification a mid-size GM twin chassis with the most luxurious trim package on offer to endure long treks in comfort and quiet (including the premium Bose sound system). I coupled this with a high-end EarthCruiser expedition camper that provides 4-season flexibility.
A large portion of the areas I have explored with this rig are remote and seldom traveled. Pre-pandemic I dreamt of taking this rig through the Americas. In addition, at under 8 feet 2 inches, it fits in a good number of parking garages for those times one finds themselves in urban areas or narrow international streets. Factory disc brakes, an exhaust brake, a boxed steel frame, 400+ mile range, a factory rear locker, and a vehicle power plant with global reach (think about the availability of replacement parts) made this platform a logical choice.
The camper is the prototype model V1.0 of EarthCruiser’s GZL 300, mounted on the taller mounts made for the GZL400 to clear the bed height of the GM bed rails. This allowed for a blank canvas and exterior space options for the retractable step and spare tire carrier/outdoor table with all the connections needed for an outdoor kitchen setup. The interior design utilizes 8020 extruded aluminium and .250-inch Haircell ABS paneling, which is easy to clean, maintenance-free, and not affected by moisture. For the better part of two years since the initial build, the rig’s been refined, tested, maintained, and functioned as my ‘home base.’ I built this with the intention of durability and longevity, and I can confidently say the systems have withstood a good number of Western overland traverses.”
2019 GMC Canyon Denali
The Canyon is fitted with the desirable 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel that delivers 186 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque, and returns an impressive 19/28 mpg (city/highway). An economical motor is mated with excellent go-anywhere capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, locking rear differential, traction control, and more. Inside these rugged features are matched with a well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:
- Remote start
- Engine block heater
- Collision alert and lane departure warning system
- Bose premium audio
- Powered and heated mirrors
- Heated steering wheel
- Powered, heated, and ventilated leather seats
- LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- GMC all-weather floor liners
- Air-conditioning
- Cruise control
GMC Canyon Denali Build Specifications
Habitation
- 2018 EarthCruiser Prototype GZL300 with kinetic bed mounting system
Engine and Transmission
- CX Racing external transmission cooler
- AFE Power Momentum GT CAI with Pro Dry S filter and pre-filter
Suspension
- Front Fox 2.5 coilover remote reservoir shocks, Icon Vehicle Dynamics upper control arms with Delta joints, Peak suspension tie rod reinforcement sleeves, PSC sway bar end links, and IVD front coilover covers
- Fox 2.5 piggyback reservoir shocks, Alcan rear leaf pack, WFO limit straps, Timbren bump stops, IVD rear shock shaft boots, and custom rear shock mounts
Armor
- 589 Fabrication hidden winch bumper with DOM custom light bar stinger
- 589 Fabrication front crossmember reinforcing bracket
- 589 Fabrication and AEV skid plates
- Custom .125 wall DOM rear bumper
- Rocky Road Outfitters Superslider rock sliders
Wheels and Tires
- EVO Corse Dakar wheels with Yokohama Geolandar tires
Accessories
- Prinsu roof rack
- Baja Designs OnX6+ 10-inch lightbar, S4 Sport ditch lights, S4 SAE-approved yellow fog lights, S2 Sport auxiliary lights (side), and S2 Sport yellow auxiliary lights (rear bumper)
- Battle Born 100-amp hour LiFePo battery with 180-watt Sunflare solar flex PV panel
- Victron charge controller
- Zamp pure sine wave inverter
- Redarc electrical management system
- Propex furnace
- National Luna Legacy Dual Zone 50-liter fridge/freezer
- Garmin Overlander on Ram mounts
- Garmin wireless front and rear cameras and Rexing V1 dash camera
- Freshwater, 5 gallons with Aqua King pump
- Excel tankless hot water heater
- Propane tank, 3 gallons
- GunVault cab safe and Master combo hidden key vault
- James Baroud awning
Recovery
- Viair air compressor with 3-gallon pancake air tank
- Tool kit
- Spare tire carrier
- Rotopax, 2-gallon size with wall mount
This 2019 GMC Canyon Denali 2.8-liter Duramax with a 2018 EarthCruiser Prototype GZL300 is listed for $63,500 OBO and is currently located in Oakland, California. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information
TEL: 407-921-9988
Email: kevinslechta@gmail.com
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