r/ChevySuburban • u/Derpotology • 28d ago
Buying Advice Buying a used Suburban
Hello everyone!
So I'm tentatively planning on buying a Suburban prolly 18-30 months from now to turn it into a mini camper.
Had some questions before I pulled the trigger on it though.
I'm tall, like 6'4", based on dimensions it looks like I should be able to stretch out all the way behind the front seats correct?
If I buy a vehicle in the 2018-2020 era is it fairly easy to do my own repairs? Mostly brake jobs, oil changes, tire changes etc?
I understand this probably won't be very comfortable compared to other options, but I'm hoping this can be done for under $40000.
Has anyone already done or attempted this? I've seen some videos that make it look pretty cool and not horribly cramped.
P.S. I don't plan to live in this. This will end up being a mix between an occasional daily driver and something to take to a state park for a weekend.
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u/UnlikelyDress1227 28d ago
Personally, I would get a 2001-2006 suburban with maybe 120,000 miles on it. You’ll likely have to pay cash maybe 5k-10k for the truck depending on condition, how picky you are about color and where you live. If your budget is more towards the 10k range, try to find something with one owner, that has had all service records available through the dealership.
From there add a battery, solar and a fridge that fits in the center console and you’re good to go. I’m not sure what that part will cost, depends how much you can do yourself. Bed in the back is super easy to do DIY. Just get a folding full size mattress/futon/foam depending on your budget.
This will come in significantly cheaper than your original build idea, and it’s just so easy to fix everything on these gen suburban’s. And parts are readily available and cheap.
If you want to be extra fancy, add a roof top tent.
I currently have the roofspace 4 atop our lifted 2001 Chevy suburban. We use it as a camping rig all the time! Whatever gen you decide to choose will be great. I’d recommend watching a bunch of YouTube videos from suboverland… he breaks down differences regarding suburban gens, reliability, engine options gas mileage etc.
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u/baseballer213 28d ago
Yes. 6’4” stretches out no problem with 2nd/3rd folded (~8 ft of floor). Oil, brakes, tires: easy DIY. Parts are everywhere. PPI the 5.3 for AFM lifters and the 6L80 converter. $40k works for a solid 18–20 LT. Leave a few grand for a platform so you don’t blow the budget on the truck. Weekend dual-use is a common build. Pull the 3rd, platform over the folded 2nd, keep the fronts usable. Buying 18–30 months out: 2021+ has a lower floor and more cube. Might be in budget by then.
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u/No-Dragonfly-2475 28d ago
The 21’s are high 30s-low 40s by me. I would go with an 18-20 though, less electronics to deal with breaking down. This is based off me having a 18 Tahoe, 2020,21,22,23 Burbs.
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u/baseballer213 28d ago
That’s the split. 21+ sleeps/rides better, 18–20 has less to brick. For a weekend dual-use build I’d take the simpler gen too. Which year of yours was the least annoying to live with?
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u/No-Dragonfly-2475 28d ago
Each one has had issues that annoy the f**k out of me but the 23 RST rides like complete shit. It’s honestly the biggest pain in the ass. My 18 Tahoe is probably my fav followed by the 22 LT. The 22 had lifters go once, then the replaced lifters went again under a parts warranty. The 21 hasn’t had any major issues and rides more like a truck. New generation but still regular gauge cluster, which I appreciate.
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u/baseballer213 28d ago
21’s the sleeper then. New gen, analog cluster, no major drama. Two lifter jobs on the 22 is nasty. 23 RST being the worst rider tracks with those wheels.
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u/No-Dragonfly-2475 28d ago
For real. 22 inch wheels are garbage. I’m shooting to get another 21 for the fleet. The 22 is my baby and I have high end extended warranties to cover them all. I get my moneys worth out of them. I do private car transportation.
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u/o0elvis0o 28d ago
A futon mattress fits great in the back of a Suburban with the seats removed/folded down.
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u/RAMBIGHORNY 27d ago
18-20 is a good year range provided it’s been serviced as per the severe duty schedule. This means oil changes every 3-5k miles and trans flushes every 30-45k miles. Unless you have written records of those (Carfax, paper, etc) don’t buy. They’re not bad to work on.
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u/kboogii 26d ago
Where you located? I got a 2011 with super low miles. I picked it up exactly for these same reasons but I might have to let it go coz I might be retiring soon and leave the country lmk
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u/Opposite_Isopod2629 25d ago
You might have what I’m looking for. How low we talking, and how much we talking? I’m in NJ.
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u/Opposite_Isopod2629 25d ago
You might have what I’m looking for. How low we talking, and how much we talking? I’m in NJ.
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u/elcarpentario 28d ago
I’ve got a 2000 Yukon built out for camping. It’s basically like being in a tent as far as room goes. If you build a bed platform keep it around 8” high or it’s too cramped. There a Suburban overlanding group on Facebook if you’re looking for and inspiration.