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  • CHEVY 1500

    BACK TO CHEVY

    CHEVY 1500

    The Chevy 1500 is a versatile option for those looking for a dependable daily driver that can also handle light-duty work. Looking to take that versatility to the next level? Big Dog Builds can bring your dream Chevy to life with tailored, expert customisations from the American truck specialists.

    Big Dog Builds Rating System
    • Manufacturer
    • Big Dog Builds
    build type

    Build Type

    Weekend warrior

    Towing

    7/10

    Looks

    8/10

    Interior

    8/10

    Driveline / Performance

    7/10

    Off Road Capability

    5/10

    Modification Ability

    8/10

    Towing Class

    NIL

    Light

    Heavy

    build type

    Build Type

    Weekend warrior

    Towing

    8/10

    Looks

    10/10

    Interior

    8/10

    Driveline / Performance

    9/10

    Off Road Capability

    6/10

    Modification Ability

    8/10

    Towing Class

    NIL

    Light

    Heavy

    CHEVY 1500 BUILDS
    Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ vs ZR2 — which one should you buy in Australia?

In this video, Dean breaks down the real differences between the LTZ and ZR2 1500, including suspension, 35-inch tyre fitment, towing, GVM upgrade options, touring gear and which build makes more sense for weekend warrior use.

If you’re cross-shopping a Chevy Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, F-150 or stepping out of a LandCruiser 200 Series, this is a practical buyer’s guide. We cover what the ZR2 gives you from factory, where the LTZ makes more sense, and when it’s smarter to step up to a 2500 instead.

We cover:
- LTZ vs ZR2 factory differences
- suspension, ride height and tyre fitment
- 35-inch tyres and trimming
- pre-rego GVM upgrade options
- towing differences and real-world use
- dual battery, airbags, bar work and touring setup
- which Chevy 1500 suits weekends away, beach driving and lighter towing

🚚 INTERSTATE?
We can help organise transport Australia-wide, then fly in for a full handover and drive it home.

📍Work with Big Dog Builds

If you have a RAM, a chevy, a Ford or a Tundra, get in touch now.
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/big.dog.builds/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.dog.builds
Website: 👉 https://bigdogbuilds.com/

00:00 LTZ vs ZR2 intro
01:14 Front-end and factory differences
02:00 Suspension, tyres and ride height
02:49 GVM upgrade and towing differences
05:07 LTZ walkaround and build spec
06:34 LTZ dual battery and tub setup
08:50 LTZ towing setup and airbags
09:34 ZR2 rear end, wheels and tyres
10:56 ZR2 styling, front bar and lighting
12:24 35s, trimming and bumper options
13:04 Tech pack, diff locks and final verdict

Let us know in the comments: LTZ or ZR2? And what colour would you build?
    Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ vs ZR2: Which One Should You Buy in Australia?
    YouTube Video UEwwYmFlRDROVWFkNWJyeVdmck1RbjVVVUE4bzN0VVRqbS5DNzE1RjZEMUZCMjA0RDBB
    This is one of the first Toyota Tundra Platinums in Australia to receive a full R&D treatment inside the Big Dog Builds workshop — and we pushed this thing harder than any Tundra we’ve had before.
Across the tub, cab and underbody, the team engineered a complete off-grid power system, custom under-seat lithium integration, inverter installation, bed-slide optimisation, and a fully-tested EGR RollTrac tonneau solution… and that’s just the Tundra.
We also reveal the new R&D bay’s latest project: the Chevy 1500 roof rack system, prototype barwork, GVM upgrades, accessory switching, lighting packages and the new under-bonnet power hub.
If you want a look into how R&D happens behind the scenes — the real testing, problem solving, failures, fixes and final results — this walk-through shows it all.
If you’re a Tundra, RAM 2500, Chevy 1500/2500, or F-Truck owner, this video is your roadmap for what’s coming to market next.

What you'll see in this video
✅ Full R&D walk-through on one of Australia’s first Tundra Platinums.
✅ How we engineered a 200Ah lithium + 2000W inverter into a tight tub layout.
✅ Bed Slide optimisation so the fridge, power and storage all stay fully accessible.
✅ The under-seat battery integration that replaces the traditional under-bonnet setup.
✅ Step-by-step on the Redarc Alpha 50 charging flow through the hybrid system.
✅ EGR RollTrac tonneau testing and how it works with off-grid power hardware.
✅ First look at the Chevy 1500 prototype roof rack and lighting platform.
✅ Stedi light switching demo with white/amber and full dimming control.
✅ Inside the R&D bay — how we design, test and refine new products.
✅ Behind-the-scenes fitment notes for the 4.2T pre-reg GVM upgrade on the 1500.

Build Highlights
✅ Custom 200Ah lithium system compressed into a factory-tight Tundra tub.
✅ Redarc Alpha 50 integration designed specifically around the hybrid platform.
✅ ARB brushless compressor mounted forward for clean airflow and serviceability.
✅ EGR RollTrac tonneau proven compatible with bed slide and full power kit.
✅ 2000W inverter with dedicated rear outlets for fridge, chargers and accessories.
✅ Chevy 1500 prototype roof rack supporting 50" light bar + side lighting.
✅ SwitchPro power hub consolidating all fuses, triggers and auxiliary wiring.
✅ Pre-Reg GVM setup dialled for true 35s and correct wheel load ratings.
✅ Flush-fit smooth flares to correct tyre coverage without adding bulk.
✅ R&D wind deflector eliminating roof-rack vibration and noise.

Safety & setup notes
✅ Always isolate the inverter before working on any rear 240V outlets.
✅ Confirm tonneau clearance before cycling the bed slide under load.
✅ Check lithium temperature limits before extended heat exposure in the tub.
✅ Verify correct wheel load ratings when fitting true 35" tyres.
✅ Ensure roof-rack fasteners are re-torqued after the first 500 km.
✅ Confirm SwitchPro channels are fused to the accessory’s rated draw.
✅Test compressor operation with the vehicle running to avoid low-voltage faults.
✅ Inspect wiring looms for pinch points when opening and closing the RollTrac.
✅ Always test GVM-modified brakes and steering before towing heavy loads.
✅ Confirm sunroof clearance before mounting roof accessories or solar panels.

📍Work with Big Dog Builds

If you have a RAM, a chevy, a Ford or a Tundra, get in touch now.

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/big.dog.builds/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.dog.builds
Website: 👉 https://bigdogbuilds.com/

Chapters
00:00 – Why this Tundra Platinum matters
00:18 – Tub setup overview & customer brief
00:46 – Bed Slide R&D + inverter access
01:03 – ARB brushless compressor location
01:10 – Custom 200Ah lithium R&D integration
01:24 – Redarc Alpha 50 charging flow explained
01:34 – Under-seat battery: why Tundra is different
01:46 – 2000W inverter layout & rear outlets
02:13 – EGR RollTrac tonneau setup + TLO
02:28 – R&D bay purpose + future product pipeline
02:58 – Chevy 1500 prototype barwork + flares
03:15 – Pre-reg GVM kit details
03:36 – Chevy 1500 roof rack prototype walk-through
04:03 – Stedi lighting demo (white/amber/dimming)
05:26 – SwitchPro power hub + accessory routing
06:11 – Engine bay wiring improvements
06:48 – Workshop continuous improvement philosophy
07:05 – Roof rack noise solution + wind deflector
07:46 – Roof rack real-world use cases
08:34 – Why T-slot crossbars matter on HD trucks
09:10 – Off-grid power systems coming soon
09:38 – Call for product ideas + outro

#chevy1500 #tundrabuild #BigDogBuilds
    AUSTRALIAN FIRST Tundra R&D Build in Australia — Full Behind-the-Scenes Walkthrough
    YouTube Video UEwwYmFlRDROVWFkNWJyeVdmck1RbjVVVUE4bzN0VVRqbS45NzUwQkI1M0UxNThBMkU0
    Discover why Norweld trays and canopies remain the benchmark in Australia after 50+ years. In this detailed walk-around, we compare an Elite Tray on a RAM 2500 with an Elite Tray + Canopy combo on a Chevy 2500 — including strength, durability, design updates, tie-down systems, toolbox layout, water systems, camera relocation, and real-world usability.

Whether you’re building a touring setup, a work rig, or a hybrid tray/canopy combo, this video shows exactly how Norweld's Elite Series fits into both RAM and Chevy platforms — and which setup might suit your needs best.

What you'll see in this video
✅ Full Norweld Elite Tray walk-around on a RAM 2500
✅ Full Norweld Elite Tray + Canopy walk-around on a Chevy 2500
✅ Tray length & width measurements (RAM vs Chevy)
✅ Drop-side design, strength and quick-release system
✅ Headboard configurations and spare wheel mounting options
✅ Water tanks, taps, fuel filler solutions & storage
✅ Toolboxes, hinges, seals and dustproofing
✅ Trundle drawer comparison & usability
✅ Camera relocations, sensors and factory integration
✅ Battery systems, inverter layout & wiring access
✅ Lift-off canopy setup and how fast it swaps back to a tray
✅ Suspension considerations (coil vs leaf, airbags, load support)
✅ Practical advice for touring, towing and canopy weights

Build highlights
✅ Norweld Elite Tray on both RAM 2500 & Chevy 2500
✅ 4mm one-piece aluminium tray base
✅ Full-length, extruded one-piece drop sides
✅ Lift-off canopy system with 6 mounting bolts
✅ Water tank + tap integrated into tray
✅ Heavy-duty trundle drawer with locking runners
✅ Colour-coded toolboxes with sealed hinges
✅ Headboard tie-down + multiple spare wheel configs
✅ Camera + sensor relocation to factory-correct angles
✅ Full power integration: inverter, DC-DC, Anderson plugs

Safety & setup notes
✅ Confirm rear camera relocation is calibrated before towing.
✅ Check drop-side latches are fully locked before loading.
✅ Verify water tank straps and fittings before long trips.
✅ Ensure spare wheel mounts are torqued to spec.
✅ Re-check canopy mounting bolts after first 200km.
✅ Confirm rear suspension load support before towing heavy vans.
✅ Inspect Anderson plug wiring for strain or rubbing.
✅ Test all lighting after any tray/canopy removal.

📍Work with Big Dog Builds

If you have a RAM, a chevy, a Ford or a Tundra, get in touch now.

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/big.dog.builds/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.dog.builds
Website: 👉 https://bigdogbuilds.com/

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: Why Norweld dominates the tray/canopy space
00:58 – RAM 2500 Elite Tray overview
01:46 – Drop-side strength & quick-release design
02:38 – Converting tray → canopy in minutes
03:25 – Norweld build quality, materials & lifetime warranty
04:11 – Headboard setups & spare wheel options
05:00 – Toolboxes, hinges & dust sealing
06:41 – Tray length & width comparison (RAM vs Chevy)
08:27 – Re-installing sides & user-friendly hardware
09:24 – Rear sensors, cameras & relocation kits
10:52 – Trundle drawer design & load capability
12:31 – Power options on trays & canopy integration
13:15 – Lift-off canopy system & mounting points
14:49 – Rear power: Anderson plugs, charging & cameras
16:13 – Suspension differences (leaf vs coil) & load considerations
18:16 – Chevy 2500 canopy interior layout
19:53 – Power system overview: inverter, DC-DC, lighting
20:42 – Water, taps, tank placement & access
21:34 – Multi-use canopy space & modular upgrades
22:59 – Mud guards, flares & lift considerations
23:45 – Weight ratings, GVM & HD truck advice
26:00 – Final thoughts: RAM vs Chevy tray/canopy applications
26:45 – If you want a build like this, get in touch

#ram2500 #chevy2500 #bigdogbuilds
    RAM 2500 vs Chevy 2500: The Norweld Tray Showdown
    YouTube Video UEwwYmFlRDROVWFkNWJyeVdmck1RbjVVVUE4bzN0VVRqbS4zRjM0MkVCRTg0MkYyQTM0
    WATCH MORE VIDEOS

info@bigdogbuilds.com


+61 7 3487 1351


7 Alta Road, Caboolture, QLD, 4510, AUSTRALIA

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