GMC, AEV, and OEV Truck Campers Combine Talents for the Ultimate Overlander

When GMC applied the AT4X treatment to the Sierra HD, they knew they had created something special. Then they topped it off with the AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) Edition Package, similar to what is offered on the Sierra 1500 and Canyon. Its size and weight may prevent it from being your go-to rock hopper. However, its stump-pulling Duramax diesel and heavy-duty hardware make it a solid choice for overlanding, where almost nothing can stop you from reaching your remote destination.  

Because all overlanding vehicles inevitably become personal builds, AEV chose the Sierra AT4X AEV Edition to create their ultimate overlanding vehicle, which they showcased at Overland Expo events across the country. Thanks to TFLTruck.com, which took the vehicle from the showroom floor to the Tombstone Trail outside Boulder, Colorado—precisely the kind of terrain it was built for—Valley GMC can now share the details on what this customized AT4X can do.  

First, let’s review the components of the Sierra AT4X AEV Edition that you can buy from the factory. Starting with a Sierra HD with 4WD, this model is powered by the optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel, which produces 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Allison 10-speed shiftable automatic. The 4×4 system features an Autotrac® 2-speed transfer case with push-button controls, a driver-selectable e-locking rear differential, and a 1.5-inch lift. It also includes an external engine, transmission coolers, and a 720-amp cold-cranking battery. AEV adds stamped steel front and rear bumpers with heavy-duty recovery points, stamped steel approach, steering gear, and transfer case skid plates. All of this rides on 18-inch AEV Salta black gloss aluminum wheels controlled by Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) dampers.  

GMC also makes the cabin a comfortable place to travel with leather seats and 16-way power-adjustable front seats that include a massage function. It features an attractive dashboard with a 13.4-inch center screen operated by the Google Built-in system and supports wireless smartphone connectivity. The 12-speaker Bose Premium Series audio system with Center Point fills the cabin with rich sound. 

While most see the Sierra AT4X AEV Edition as a formidable off-road truck, AEV viewed it as a canvas to showcase more of their particular artistry. They didn’t just add more parts from their catalog; this vehicle features new AEV hardware that was not previously available. As a complete kit, the wheel wells are modified to fit 37-inch all-terrain tires that are 13.5 inches wide. The engine inhales through a prototype AEV snorkel and exhales through a Magnaflow exhaust system. The truck also features a prototype front light bar with a built-in front camera and camera washer system, along with a 12,500-pound winch integrated into the front bumper. 

Then there is the OEV Back Country Camper on the bed, which, along with the live-in accommodations, includes solar panels with batteries and an inverter, a power awning and shower cube, and a pop-up roof. 

The Duramax’s 975 lb-ft of torque might seem excessive, but not when you consider that with the camper, solar panel batteries, water tanks, and all the heavy-duty hardware, this truck weighs nearly 10,000 pounds. Still, TFLtruck recorded a 0-60 time of 9.2 seconds when switched to 2WD, and when not testing acceleration but running at highway speeds, it achieved about 14 mpg.  

The result is a vehicle that can take you anywhere and allow you to live in it while you’re there. The whole idea of a build like this is to demonstrate how you can create your own overlanding rig, and by the time you read this, everything on the truck, including the prototype light bar and snorkel, will be available for purchase. But if you really like what they did, you can buy this exact truck, which is expected to appear for sale on the Bring-a-Trailer website in October or November, with a bidding price of $175,000. Of course, if you want to build your own, your best possible start is with the Sierra 2500 HD AT4X, which you can find here at Valley GMC.