Chev ZR2 built for long haul trips
Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Built for Long Haul Trips
Image: This image is of a Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 touring build completed by CTO Industries featuring bull bar, driving lights, winch and touring upgrades.
Image: This image is of a Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 featuring an Offroad Creative bull bar, LED driving lights and upgraded offroad protection.
When it comes to building a serious touring vehicle, few platforms are as capable as the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. With its factory off-road DNA, strong drivetrain, and commanding presence, the ZR2 is already an impressive machine straight off the showroom floor.
But for drivers who want to travel further, carry more gear, and tackle remote terrain with confidence, a properly engineered build makes all the difference.
That’s exactly what CTO Industries delivered with this latest Silverado ZR2 touring build — a practical, tough and well-thought-out setup designed for long distance trips, remote travel, towing capability and serious off-road performance.
This build focuses on reliability, usability and clean integration. Every component has been carefully selected to work together seamlessly — ensuring the vehicle remains capable, comfortable and dependable whether it's tackling harsh Australian terrain or covering thousands of highway kilometres.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this ZR2 built for long haul trips such a capable touring platform.
Built for Real Offroad Protection
Image: This image is of a Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 fitted with an Offroad Creative front bull bar, Ultra Vision driving lights and integrated recovery points.
One of the first priorities for any touring vehicle is front-end protection. When travelling long distances, particularly through remote areas, protection against animal strikes, debris and harsh terrain is critical.
For this build, CTO Industries fitted an Offroad Creative Front Bar with Hoop and Spotlight Tabs, delivering both protection and functionality.
https://offroadcreative.com.au/
Offroad Creative is well known for producing high quality Australian-designed offroad equipment, and their ZR2 front bar integrates perfectly with the Silverado’s aggressive styling while dramatically improving its capability.
Key benefits include:
• Improved approach angles
• Strong steel protection for critical components
• Mounting points for recovery gear
• Integration for lighting and winch systems
The addition of a hoop and spotlight tabs means the vehicle is ready for serious lighting upgrades and recovery equipment — essential for remote touring.
With this bar installed, the Silverado gains the kind of real protection required for long-distance offroad travel.
Serious Recovery Power with Carbon Winch
Image: This image is of a Carbon Offroad Scout Pro 15000lb winch installed inside an Offroad Creative front bar on a Silverado ZR2 touring build.
No touring vehicle is complete without reliable recovery gear. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a convoy, a powerful winch can be the difference between a minor delay and a major problem.
For this build, CTO Industries installed the Carbon Scout Pro 15,000lb Winch.
Carbon Offroad has become one of the most respected recovery equipment brands in Australia, producing winches designed specifically for harsh offroad environments.
The Scout Pro 15,000lb winch provides:
• Massive pulling power for heavy vehicles
• Fast line speed
• High-strength synthetic rope
• Reliable waterproof design
• Wireless control capability
With the size and weight of a Silverado ZR2, a 15,000lb winch is the ideal choice, providing enough pulling power to recover the vehicle even when loaded with gear for extended trips.
Mounted cleanly inside the Offroad Creative bar, the winch integrates perfectly into the build while remaining easy to access when needed.
Lighting the Way with Raptor 120 LED Driving Lights
Image: This image is of Ultra Vision LED driving lights mounted to the Offroad Creative bull bar on a Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 touring build.
Long distance touring often means driving at dawn, dusk or well after sunset — particularly when travelling through regional areas where wildlife is common.
To ensure maximum visibility, CTO Industries installed Carbon Offroad Raptor 120 LED Driving Lights.
These high-performance lights dramatically improve forward visibility, making night driving safer and less stressful.
Features include:
• Powerful long-distance beam pattern
• Exceptional brightness
• Rugged offroad durability
• Clean integration with the front bar
When paired with the spotlight tabs on the Offroad Creative bar, the Raptor 120 lights give the Silverado a serious lighting setup capable of illuminating remote highways and dark bush tracks.
For drivers who regularly travel long distances, upgraded lighting is one of the most valuable modifications you can make.
Reliable Communication with GME XRS 4WD Pack
Communication is another critical component of remote touring. Whether coordinating with other vehicles in a convoy or communicating with nearby travellers on remote tracks, a quality UHF radio system is essential.
For this build, CTO Industries installed the GME XRS 4WD Pack with CB radio and bonnet antenna.
GME is an iconic Australian brand known for producing high quality communication equipment designed specifically for Australian conditions.
The XRS UHF platform offers several advanced features:
• Clear and reliable communication
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Smartphone integration
• Rugged design built for offroad use
• Powerful transmission range
The bonnet-mounted antenna ensures excellent signal performance while keeping the installation clean and practical.
With this system installed, the Silverado is ready for convoy communication, remote area travel and offroad track coordination.
Touring Power System with Victron Lithium Setup
Image: This image is of the CTO Industries under-seat power system in a Silverado ZR2 showing integrated 240V outlet and 12V socket for touring power setups.
Image: This image is of a CTO Industries custom under-seat touring battery system installed in a Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 featuring integrated power outlets and touring power management.
One of the standout features of this build is the CTO Industries under-seat battery system — a fully integrated power solution designed for serious touring setups.
At the heart of the system is a Victron 200Ah lithium battery paired with a DC-DC charger and 2000W inverter, all neatly installed inside a custom under-seat battery box.
https://www.victronenergy.com/
Victron is widely recognised as one of the best power system manufacturers in the world, known for producing high-performance lithium battery and charging systems used in advanced touring and marine applications.
This system provides reliable power for:
• Fridges and freezers
• Camping equipment
• Lighting
• Charging devices
• 240V appliances
The inclusion of a 2000W inverter allows the system to run larger devices when required, making it ideal for extended off-grid travel.
By locating the system under the rear seat, CTO Industries maintains valuable tray space while keeping the power system protected and easily accessible.
Everything is fully wired, professionally installed and thoroughly tested to ensure reliable performance on long trips.
Secure and Practical Tray Storage
Another important touring upgrade is the Retrax POWERTRAXONE XR electric roll cover.
This electric roll cover transforms the tray into a secure, weather-protected storage area, allowing gear to be safely stored without compromising accessibility.
Key benefits include:
• Electric operation for convenience
• Strong aluminium construction
• Integrated accessory rail system
• Weather protection for cargo
• Clean low-profile appearance
For touring setups carrying recovery gear, camping equipment and tools, having secure tray storage is incredibly valuable.
The Retrax system keeps everything organised and protected while still allowing quick access when needed.
Easy Access with AMP PowerStep Running Boards
With the increased height of modern trucks like the Silverado, accessing the cabin can be challenging — particularly when the vehicle is loaded for touring.
To improve accessibility, CTO Industries installed AMP Research PowerStep Electric Running Boards.
These smart running boards automatically deploy when the door opens and retract when the door closes.
Benefits include:
• Easier entry and exit
• Maintains ground clearance offroad
• Clean appearance when retracted
• Heavy-duty construction
For a vehicle that will regularly see offroad use, this system delivers the best of both worlds — convenience on the road and clearance on the tracks.
Load Support with Raised Airbags
Long distance touring often means carrying additional weight — camping gear, recovery equipment, water, fuel and supplies.
To ensure the Silverado remains stable and safe when loaded, CTO Industries fitted raised airbags for load support.
Airbag suspension assists with:
• Maintaining correct ride height
• Improving vehicle stability
• Reducing sag when towing or carrying loads
• Enhancing ride comfort
This upgrade is particularly important for vehicles with long range fuel tanks and heavy touring setups, ensuring the suspension performs correctly under load.
Extended Range with 190L Long Range Fuel Tank
Image: This image is of the long range fuel tank installed underneath a Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 as part of a touring build by CTO Industries.
One of the most practical upgrades in this build is the 190L long range fuel tank.
Extended fuel capacity dramatically increases the vehicle’s touring capability, allowing drivers to travel much further between fuel stops.
For remote Australian touring, this is incredibly valuable.
Advantages include:
• Extended driving range
• Reduced need to carry jerry cans
• Safer fuel storage
• Greater flexibility when travelling remotely
With a 190L tank, the Silverado can comfortably handle long distance trips through regional areas where fuel stations may be hundreds of kilometres apart.
Clean Installation and Professional Workmanship
While the components themselves are impressive, what truly sets this build apart is the quality of the installation.
Every component has been fitted with precision and care to ensure:
• Perfect fitment
• Clean wiring
• Reliable performance
• Factory-quality finish
This is the level of workmanship CTO Industries is known for — building vehicles that not only perform exceptionally but also look professionally engineered.
When modifications are done properly, the vehicle remains reliable, safe and enjoyable to drive both on and off the road.
The Ultimate Long Haul Touring Silverado
This Silverado ZR2 build perfectly demonstrates what a properly planned touring setup should look like.
It balances protection, power management, recovery capability, storage and comfort while maintaining the rugged offroad performance the ZR2 platform is known for.
With upgrades including:
• Offroad Creative front bar
• Carbon Offroad winch and lighting
• GME communication system
• Victron lithium touring power setup
• Retrax electric roll cover
• AMP PowerStep running boards
• Load support airbags
• 190L long range fuel tank
The result is a serious touring vehicle ready to travel anywhere.
Whether it's tackling remote outback tracks, towing heavy loads, or simply heading off on extended camping trips, this Silverado is built to handle it all.
Build Your Adventure with CTO Industries
At CTO Industries, every build is designed with the customer’s real-world needs in mind.
From suspension upgrades and touring setups to full offroad builds and power systems, CTO Industries delivers high-quality workmanship backed by years of experience in the 4WD and performance industry.
If you're planning your own touring build or want to transform your vehicle into a capable adventure platform, the team at CTO Industries can help bring your vision to life.
1300 647 547
sales@ctoindustries.com.au
Or send a message via their social media pages to start planning your next build.
Build Your Adventure.