The ZR2 SPEC-R3

[OFC Ranger]

And the temptations start while waiting...

Although now I have slayed the over-time monster and in 6 months saved up the cash to pay the $13000-$16,000 for the Tune M1, that wait is like that mental tick you can't get rid of lol

Though old news.... recently discovered the Alu-Cab Khaya.

Pros:

- Would turn my 5 foot bed into a 6 foot bed internally. This means additional bunk style beds can now be a thing.
- Fully sealed unit
- Established world wide quality brand
- Meets my personal requirements for a large walk in door.
- Seamless metal construction
- Smaller width profile
- Tons of established aftermarket for add-ons

Cons:

- $27,000 18,000 base price (however since it is a "slide-in" in it qualifies for financing through traditional RV channels)
- Roughly 800lbs (vs. 400lbs for Tune M1)
- Loose the queen size over cab bed area in exchange for a standard RTT foot print. The bed platform lifts up internally for standing room, but this means when deployed in the sleeping position limited to floor ports to get into it


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Pictured on a Ford Ranger:

Showing the steps/door mechanics;

Interior possibilities;

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[Chris M]

And the temptations start while waiting...

Although now I have slayed the over-time monster and in 6 months saved up the cash to pay the $13000-$16,000 for the Tune M1, that wait is like that mental tick you can't get rid of lol

Though old news.... recently discovered the Alu-Cab Khaya.

Pros:

- Would turn my 5 foot bed into a 6 foot bed internally. This means additional bunk style beds can now be a thing.
- Fully sealed unit
- Established world wide quality brand
- Meets my personal requirements for a large walk in door.
- Seamless metal construction
- Smaller width profile
- Tons of established aftermarket for add-ons

Cons:

- $27,000 base price (however since it is a "slide-in" in it qualifies for financing through traditional RV channels)
- Roughly 800lbs (vs. 400lbs for Tune M1)
- Loose the queen size over cab bed area in exchange for a standard RTT foot print. The bed platform lifts up internally for standing room, but this means when deployed in the sleeping position limited to floor ports to get into it


----

Pictured on a Ford Ranger:

Showing the steps/door mechanics;

Interior possibilities;

That's a lot of $$$.
And it somehow looks awkward to me.
But I know nothing about the camping world.
Good luck if you go that way.

 

[OFC Ranger]

That's a lot of $$$.
And it somehow looks awkward to me.
But I know nothing about the camping world.
Good luck if you go that way.

Woops misquoted that 27k was for a loaded model, the base shell is about 18k which is only few more thousand than the Tune.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

I like it.

Looks ready to escape for the apocalypse.

So, of course, Apocalypse & Chill...

 

[Fordup]

For that money it ties down to the trailer hitch . It just looks like an afterthought that they are marketing at top dollar without customizing the fit or look to go with the vehicle it is mounted on. I Bet you could design a custom aluminum shell and have it built for less. To me it just doesn't look clean enough for your taste.

 

[OFC Ranger]

For that money it ties down to the trailer hitch . It just looks like an afterthought that they are marketing at top dollar without customizing the fit or look to go with the vehicle it is mounted on. I Bet you could design a custom aluminum shell and have it built for less. To me it just doesn't look clean enough for your taste.

I dunno what the requirement for the rear trailer plate tie down is because I see some photos online of it not being used. Maybe it has something to do with welded tie downs vs bolt in tie downs. I know my Ranger had bolted in tie downs while my Colorado has welded.

Honestly the chains don't bother me anyhow.

 

[OFC Ranger]

So.. yea...

All goes according to plan things have changed and I'll be ordering a Khaya unit on Thursday. Asheville Vehicle Outfitters is going to be doing the install. Bonus is only a 3 hour or so drive to their location.

These guys have been super helpful and have a ton of experience with Alu-Cab products. We discussed payload issues on the ZR2 @ roughly 1285lbs. Primarily how the lower trim models have another 400+ lbs of capacity. We believe the frame is no different, its the softer "off-road" tuned suspension that is the main culprit. So we both agreed the immediate stop gap is I am going to install a set of leaf helpers (750lb rating) as well as go ahead and install bags on the rear. Within short order (probably about half a year) I'll upgrade the whole rear leaf packs to something like OME heavy loads and continue using the bags. You don't have to throw the GVWR at me. I know. Mitigating is nothing new.

Lead time is currently 10-12 weeks, so plenty of time to stash some more cash for the interior build out. Totally stoked I'll be out using this thing by fall.

I am building this out to be a touring rig, have no plans to tackle highly technical trails.

I believe this will be the first 23+ Colorado in the USA with this install.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Very cool looking rig Jack. It has a tactical look and feel to it that reminds me of the Bruder off-road trailers.

I just have one question…

 

[OFC Ranger]

Very cool looking rig Jack. It has a tactical look and feel to it that reminds me of the Bruder off-road trailers.

I just have one question…

Maybe... I don't know... perhaps.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Well, no maybes anymore. Balanced paid in full and ordered.

See ya'll in a few months. lol

I also ordered a few extras, the first one being a PITA to install on the truck vs off. It is a dealer installed item requires some drilling, sealing, and riveting.

- Alu-Table (the tray bracket is installed under the overhang)

Khaya rear hatch door mesh/fabric zippered fabric. Self explanatory; allows air flow up through the cabin. Same concept as the version for their topper rear doors, but made for the Khaya.

Finally, my pvc bagged ARB 8ft awning has been well used. Upgrading to the black aluminum shell model;

 

[Fordup]

Does that thing have jacks so you can drive out from under it and have a truck when needed?

 

[OFC Ranger]

Does that thing have jacks so you can drive out from under it and have a truck when needed?

You can get jacks yes.

 

[ppfd]

Hope that works out Jack. Lot of money there.

Why not one of those off road style trailers with the kitchen in the back? Most have heat and A/C ?

 

[OFC Ranger]

FB marketplace still going strong.... take note of the disclaimer message I had to edit in after waking up to an inbox full of wtfs;

Hope that works out Jack. Lot of money there.

Why not one of those off road style trailers with the kitchen in the back? Most have heat and A/C ?

Because I loathe towing. To me personally it is a huge PITA, even small trailers. When I am done my Khaya will have heating + a/c too btw.

 

[OFC Ranger]

So what do you guys think of using off the shelf metal cabinets for interior work? Keep in mind this will be quite literally for carrying cutlery, paper towels, shampoo, etc etc

We are talking about $130 vs. "overland price" cabinets. I can attach a wooden top or also wrap it in any type of vinyl if I wanted to (faux wood, carbon fiber, bright pink barbie wallpaper).

I'm trying to hunt down something closer to a maximum depth of 12" - but this one is pretty close.

For clarity; The interior has roughly 51" in width. I know one side is going to have a 24" wide full run sitting bench/bed, so I have about 26" of space to play with over all. If I keep storage depth to 12" that leaves me a good 14" of walking space.

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