1 Year Review of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

[@Scottsatmary]

Woke up at 1am with bad hip pain and could not sleep. Instead of keeping the wife awake I got up. Found your channel! Love the truck and want to do a lot of the same adds to mine. 2024 ZR2 Blue. Keep up the channel and I will be watching.

[@MR-oy4fc]

I did the same thing but it turned out I needed a hip replacement...ha

[@afterglowgaming3929]

imma go ahead and buy this while im young it sounds like....... hahaha

[@kx8960]

I picked up a (blue) loaded w/moonroof 2024 ZR2 mid-March '24, and have done 5 full days wheeling in Moab (mid-April and 1-1/2 days mid-Aug), and a 1/2 day in CO. I have 8,200 miles on it now and just got back from a 3,700 mile trip in 10 days to Glacier Nat'l Park and down to Moab again for that last 1-1/2 days in Moab. The dash says I averaged 18.3mpg for the entire trip, including all the 10mpg while wheeling and maybe 14.5mpg fighting winds in WY. So, figure 17.3mpg for the whole trip, which I find very reasonable considering I cruise 85 on the freeway with jaunts to the limiter to pass. As a noob offroader, with my first real offroad truck, I find the thing amazing and VERY helpful and user friendly for us offroading noobs. While the screen resolution could definitely be better (it tends to flatten things out also), it's nice to have them when cresting hills where all you see is hood without the camera. I set the big screen to the front camera when wheeling, with the dash screen either set to the Google maps route, or if I know where I'm going, I set it to show my regular dash choice but with the tire pressures in the center so I can monitor that. The only thing I don't like about the screens is that there are some screen combinations you can't get (like the front cam and the front wheel cams, which WOULd be awesome), and the fact that with the split screen, you cannot set the map on the left/bigger screen, for some stupid reason. It's software, so they could EASILY fix both those issues with an update. AMAZING tech though. While I've only done easy to moderate trails so far, this thing has climbed like a mountain goat, EASILY going up anything I drove it up. As you mentioned the DSSV shocks are awesome, giving an amazing ride on both offroad and the highway. For mods, I'm going to strip ALL the badging off except the discrete ZR2 badge in the grill. I like the stealthy look. The stock foglights suck, and worse, you have to turn them on EVERY time, so, I might replace them. I plan on getting the optional DSSV jounce damper kit (about $2,800 because the mounts ARE there for them) which includes a 1/2" lift in the back, not sure about the front. I'll do the vast majority of that install myself, and only have them install the axle/leafspring shim because it requires more tools than I have and they can align the axle afterwards, so, installation should be cheap. I plan on putting either 285/75/17 Falken Wild Peak 4's on it (33.8" diameter but OEM width) on the stock rims. The Bison doesn't really have 35's as they're only 34.4" in diameter. So, I might actually go with an actual 34 inch size tire if I can find one. My goal is to have the same size spare under the bed, so, if I have to give up a 1/2" of ground clearance by not running actual 35's, so be it. I THINK the 285/75 will fit under the bed with a little massaging of the heat shield (slotting the holes and moving it towards the exhaust and putting some of the adhesive gold heat shield on it) and wrapping the exhaust pipe there with some Thermo-Tec to further shield it, although that gold shield on the existing shield should be enough. I plan on getting aluminum skidplates for the tranny, fuel tank, and rear diff, and MAYBE down the line a cold air intake and cat-back exhaust and a mild tune if needed. I MIGHT replace the stock speakers with some Focals (my home theater speakers) if I can and it's not too expensive, don't even know how you could replace the head unit since everything's integrated... I agree, I'd rather see maybe 4" taken out of the bed and put into the cab so the overall length stays the same. BEWARE(!!!) of bed/cab problems (major damaging contact!) if you put a RAIL mounted camper on it. I don't plan to (I don't camp), but have seen vids of issues, but these issues also exist for Fords too, so.... Ford makes a bed stiffening kit and Chevy might make one also, or aftermarket ones might be found. That's it. LOVE it so far, and I've only had a check engine light (knock sensor 2) that came on with about 700 miles, and they found nothing wrong and it went away, and a bad valve stem in the left rear wheel, fixed for free by Discount Tire. I get about 17.5-18.5 actual mpg (calculated, the dash is consistently 1mpg optimistic), and have seen anything from 10mpg when wheeling, to 14.5 fighting a severe headwind in a storm during my trip in WY, to 21.5mpg on my first run at Going to The Sun Road in Glacier. It WOULD be nice to get better mpg, but, it's not my daily driver and it's still better than my last 4wd truck ('05 Dakota Quad Cab with the 4.7V8) and has WAY more power, and a MUCH better 4wd system. I'm planning on learning as much as I can to be a better offroad driver so I can try tougher trails. I turned 60 on my recent vacation and plan on keeping this until The End, and so far it's proven a worthy companion. HIGHLY recommended.

[@jacobycampbell5564]

Good looking truck bro! I have a 24 ZR2 and loving it. thank you for sharing!

[@T-Sim]

Just bought 2024 zr2 black on black fully loaded, last Friday. Currently researching some add on stuff. Will want the step ups (I want basic, probably will be making my own.) and hard bed cover like you have Love the truck

[@oleboy4332]

I got a 24 in blue. These are the best trucks on the road in my opinion

[@Hurbace]

I just picked my up last weekend and hate the steps ping me if interested.

[@paulbossung644]

Im amazed youre getting that good of MPG im debating what tire size to get next. Everyone im seeing gets 15 mpg with 35s. Im getting 18.4 ish stock but i do have a bed rack in the back so that could be why. Cheers !

[@rbohn1]

I’ve got the Bison with 35s and I’m getting 16 MPGs consistently.

[@markspronk582]

Beautiful set-up

[@mwinner101]

Looks awesome! 👍

[@NickGiordano-zu4em]

the rear camera on mine works on my canyon at4x

[@ronaldreagan-ik6hz]

cool man. classy rig.

[@brandonedwards9812]

Im looking to trade my santa cruz, my 1st ever truck...what i really need is more bed space, this has marginaly more, but i like this truck alot. Cheers!

[@NickGiordano-zu4em]

stubby antenna and the smoke cyclops light makes it nice and clean

[@michaelbhatton]

Did the tires ever rub? If so did you trim etc to rid the problem?

[@BayouOffroad]

@@michaelbhatton at full flex the rear rubs ever so slightly. The front rubs a little as well if I turn and flexed out as well, but only on the rockbloxs mud flaps. There is a screw in the rear fender flare that I have removed, it’s the only screw that the tire will catch on and rip the flare off and damage the inner fender well

[@michaelbhatton]

@@BayouOffroad thank you

[@Tank6353]

Can you drop a link for the steps? Truck looks super good. I have the 2023 ZR2. Love my truck 🛻

[@BayouOffroad]

@@Tank6353 check FaceBook groups I have not been able to locate them from any website. They are from GM but I don’t know what has happened to them and why they’re not listed anywhere anymore.

[@dexterwilson5579]

I have 2024 ZR2 Bison and I agree about the mirror and rear sliding glass window. I need a camera mirror because I have the tire in the bed . I wish they would have put the 3.0 durmax in the bison.

[@BayouOffroad]

@@dexterwilson5579 absolutely! I really hope a few changes are made in 25 like the rearview mirror camera and if they ever put the diesel back in these trucks I will buy one immediately 😂

[@oleboy4332]

Beautiful truck! I’ve got a 24. Even with the bed cover you were getting water in the tailgate storage?

[@javieroliva4350]

Can i put 35's on Colorado zr2 2024 with no lift?

[@NavyLDO]

Hey Bayou. How do those Toyos do in wet weather? I’ve been thinking real hard about getting those, but that’s the one concern I have holding me back.

[@Nunyobidne55]

Love the content. Something you gotta work on and it will grow your channel: You have to work on scripting. Bubba you said “Um or Uh” at least once every 10 seconds. You have some major potential! Keep it up and work on the…..UM’s! Much Love from Texas!

[@montechie]

Looks like you're still carrying the stock 33 as a spare. How much extra space would you say you have for a larger spare? I know the 35s w/ the Bison don't fit, but would hope at least a little bigger than 33s would.

[@BayouOffroad]

@@montechie yea I didn’t mention that! It’s actually a 315 GY territory MT off of a friends Bronco. It’s about 50% worn but it fit perfect under the truck as the spare. If it were brand new I would have had some slight clearance issues, but this one was perfect!

[@dvgese]

I was at the dealership yesterday and he was trying to sell me on the stowflex being waterproof. lol. Couldn’t tell me about the mileage or reliability of the engine but the stowflex was waterproof. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@BayouOffroad]

@@dvgese there have been a few infotainment glitches but the powertrain is solid. I am currently sitting at 32k miles and absolutely loving it!

[@RockyFontana]

Where did you get the rock guard for the hood?

[@christhegreek3311]

What type of side steps are those? Did you just add steps to the rock sliders? If so, what are they? Thanks.

[@BayouOffroad]

@@christhegreek3311 they are the factory removable steps

[@bigbluezo6]

No rubbing with the 35?

[@jameskocks4734]

any oil consumption? thanks for posting

[@BayouOffroad]

@@jameskocks4734 maybe a 1/2 qt over 7500 miles.

[@T-Sim]

Question I have an “AUX” switch control button on dash below head unit. Is that the kill switch for the outlet in the bed. Zero info in Chevy books what it is. I have pulled my meter out to check if it kills power to outlet.

[@BayouOffroad]

@@T-Sim no that is for accessories like lights. The power in the bed is always on when the truck is running. Honestly it’s kind of useless unless you have a small refrigerator 400 watts is about 3 amps. I eventually will figure out a way to put a bigger inverter in 2000-2500 watts

[@T-Sim]

@@BayouOffroad double check the wire size before you upgrade the inverter. Would hate to see your truck burn to ground. 2000w 12v will be pulling a 166 amp load off that battery (at full inverter load).

[@BayouOffroad]

@@T-Sim absolutely everything will be rewired 😂!

[@user-tw8ov]

Bumper steps ?

[@SmooshedEm]

where did you order the zr2 badges from?

[@BayouOffroad]

@@SmooshedEm just search eBay there are a bunch of them

[@steven03tbs]

Do you have any rubbing with the 35s or did the lift you add take care of the rubbing?

[@BayouOffroad]

@@steven03tbs 35’s fit with the 1” lift with the proper alignment, but no it doesn’t rub and I have been completely flexed out

[@steven03tbs]

@BayouOffroad awesome, thank you! I just got my zr2 last week, and I love it. Love the videos and keep them coming lol

[@jasonhepton8024]

Great candid review. Nice mods esp the wheel tire combo love the RT trails. 👍

[@michaellopez9837]

Hey what’s up brotha new subscriber 🤘🏽 was wondering how tall is the truck as far as height from the ground to the top of the roof and was wondering how tall you are compared to it? I Am 5’8 and have been riding around in a silverado 1500 truck lifted and I am aware that it won’t be as tall as my truck. But with the set up you have is it still some what a nice decent height where it does look pretty high for a ZR2 ? Thanks again for the content!! Bad ass truck 🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@BayouOffroad]

@@michaellopez9837 to the top of the antenna 7’4”. It will no longer go in my 7’ garage.

[@MR-oy4fc]

Did you do the diff drop?

[@BayouOffroad]

@@MR-oy4fc yes, it’s not 100% needed but I wanted to keep the drive line as straight as possible

[@NavyLDO]

I hear ya about the S&B...been watching that intake take forever. Have you seen the AFE Enclosed CAI? That's been out for a couple months now, but had been waiting for the S&B too. Also, I put a Banks Throttle Controller in and Woah! Massive improvement! What are you doing for a 35 spare?

[@BayouOffroad]

@@NavyLDO I ordered it this weekend but they are having issues shipping as well! Update to come on that one!

[@kennethschuessler3390]

Any, update on the intake? ​@BayouOffroad

[@BayouOffroad]

@@kennethschuessler3390 switched to the afe and it’s supposed to be here in a few weeks

[@DavidMunoz-kd2tp]

Will those same size tires fit on stock 2024 zr2?

[@BayouOffroad]

@@DavidMunoz-kd2tp some people have done it but with the stock wheels but definitely not this offset. Would highly recommend doing at least a 1” level from levelup or CCE

[@awpel2]

hows the wind noise with the in channel visors ??

[@BayouOffroad]

@@awpel2 there is no wind noise

[@harolddenton6031]

I put 285/75R17 tires on my 2024 zr2. So it is a 34.1 inch tall tire. I need to buy those sude steosbof tye poqer folding ones.

[@TheFearlessFew]

Any idea how to improve the gas mileage?

[@BayouOffroad]

@@TheFearlessFew buy a Colorado LT 2wd

[@TheFearlessFew]

@@BayouOffroad nah I love my 24 ZR2 way to much haha. I’ll just deal with the 13.9mpg I guess 🤣

[@dennisgehrke9549]

Link for your bug guard and zr2 emblems please.

[@BayouOffroad]

@@dennisgehrke9549 emblem www.ebay.com/itm/204382007451?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=z7fkoxxesos&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=oskgfrmcqmo&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY www.ebay.com/itm/394983734160?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=z-td7Y_YQlK&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=oskgfrmcqmo&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY Bug guard accessories.chevrolet.com/search?vin=1GCPTFEK2P1208159&evar25=mychevrolet_shop

[@Scottsatmary]

@@BayouOffroad It's weird how I can't get links to work a lot of times.

[@bikerevolutiontv]

Hope it last. Make sure to keep cleaning that intake every 15k or those valves will carbon up very badly

[@m.687]

Curious about Rock Trix. Does "based in California" mean still made in China?

[@BayouOffroad]

@@m.687 please do not quote me on this but I do believe they do everything in house in California. That being said the materials they use may be imported, but I am not sure. I will reach out to them for an answer on this!

[@BayouOffroad]

Ok so I did get in contact with RockTrix and yes the wheels are made in China, like everything else these days, but I have beat the heck out of these wheels with no issues. I can say this I went with these wheels mainly because I am hard on my stuff sometimes and if I had to replace a wheel I can without worrying to much about the price. Fuel has wheels similar to these and they are 2-2.5x the money

[@brandonedwards9812]

​@@BayouOffroadthere is no reason to source China. We have a ton of machinests and computer operators to source and make, then sell everything better quality built and cheaper, and helping American families.

[@H0CKEY604]

Don’t forget to black out the front skid plate 😉👍🏼

[@BayouOffroad]

@@H0CKEY604 😂 that’s being done very soon! It’s driving me nuts!!

[@NickGiordano-zu4em]

get a snorkel ,looks cooler

[@rcsor3]

Ahhhh...uhhhh..ahhhhh...uhhhh....ahhhhh

[@KarenJackson-g5t]

Rodriguez Sandra Wilson Richard White Kimberly

[@bikeagain1310]

OMG! I could only make it half way through the video because if I had to hear you say AAHHHU one more time I'd have to kill myself. Can't you speak complete sentences without say that over and over? I like your truck and the mods you've done but just can't listen to that aauuum anymore!

[@David4413]

Trump lost 😂

[@Nunyobidne55]

This aged well didn’t it

[@oleboy4332]

Ouch