Pickup utility trays are not a new concept. Down in Australia, farmers and overland travelers have long been a fan of the utility tray as it offers a practical functionality often lacking in a conventional pickup tub. The Ute tray, as the Aussies call it, offers numerous advantages. Compared to a tub, the tray provides more internal space, offers more storage solutions (including toolboxes and underbody boxes), and offers a wide range of options for securing loads, including tie-down points, rope rails, integrated headboards, rear racks, and more. Alloy and steel trays are more resistant to scratching, denting, and damage compared to tubs, which are made from lighter-gauge materials that dent easily, and trays are highly customizable, allowing them to be tailored to specific industries and applications. In an overland application, the tray is the perfect base to build your travel setup; more about that at the end of the article.
AEV unveiled the Sierra Grande concept last week at their SEMA booth, which aims to elevate the GMC Sierra HD AT4X into a legendary overlanding powerhouse. This project takes a standard 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD in a regular cab, long-bed configuration and transforms it into a formidable off-road rig. AEV didn’t stop at the addition of a beautifully made and appealing tray; they started at the front and worked their way back, ensuring that this vehicle is fit for purpose, no matter which angle you come at it.
The transformation begins up front with the incorporation of several key components. AEV sourced the stamped steel front bumper from the Sierra HD AT4X AEV edition and enhanced it with a prototype brush guard, providing added protection to the front end. To illuminate the path ahead, four 7,000 series off-road lights were added, complemented by a GM Performance/ComeUp 12.500-pound winch for those challenging situations. To ensure the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine breathes clean air even in extreme off-road conditions, an AEV snorkel was seamlessly integrated.
Navigating technical terrain demands robust underbody protection. AEV addressed this by installing the stamped steel front skid plate, IFS skid plate, and transfer case skid plate from the Sierra HD AT4X AEV edition. Suspension upgrades were a critical part of the equation, and AEV collaborated with the GMC engineering team to incorporate various Sierra HD AT4X components. This included control arms, steering knuckles, rear suspension enhancements, and the utilization of Multimatic DSSV dampers. The result is a 1.5-inch lift over standard HD models, enhancing off-road performance and versatility without compromising comfort or durability.
With the additional lift height achieved through the AT4X components and the inclusion of HighMark fender flares, AEV mounted massive 40-inch BFGoodrich tires on a set of AEV Salta XD wheels. This tire and wheel combination further enhances the off-road capabilities of the Sierra Grande concept.
Completing the build, an 8-foot aluminum tray bed was installed, accompanied by an AEV vertical tire mount, custom AEV rear bumper, ComeUp 9,500-pound winch, and an ARB onboard air system. These additions ensure both practicality and readiness for a variety of overlanding adventures.
The Sierra Grande concept has us thinking about outfitting it for overland travel. This vehicle is about rough and ready utility and off-road travel, and the vehicle’s build should reflect that purpose. Adding a robust, full-length drawer system is an excellent starting point; we would have the single spare tire mounted on a rear swing-away carrier and invest in dust-proof storage boxes on top of the drawer system. We would then take a virtual walk over to an Australian gear distributor (such as 23 Zero) and invest in a proper swag tent and some sturdy water and dust-proof bags. You could even mount the swag tent and sleep on top of the tray if the weather turns or if you prefer to sleep off the ground. Somewhere toward the front of the tray, we would find a place to mount a rugged little cooler and a crate to store firewood. And that’s it, you’re good to go south.
The really great news is that the Sierra Grande concept is scheduled for a 2024 release.
Read more: Oregon Trailer Teardrop Trailers Combine Style, Practicality, and Affordability
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