I’m fairly active on Instagram (@suvrving). I go in every day and browse the hashtags for new photos relating to things I’m interested in: #vanlife, #overlanding, #homeonwheels, etc. The other day, while browsing new photos the #overland hashtag, I found the @SubOverland account. A family of 4 was traveling around the US in their 24-foot RV but then downsized to a Chevy Suburban to continue their adventures. This is not your typical soccer mom Suburban (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Here are some features and modifications of their adventure rig:
- 3-inch lift
- Oversize tires
- Complete solar setup
- Off-road LED light bar
- LED interior lights
- Roof rack
- Refrigerator/Freezer
- Power inverter
- Kitchen sink
- Outdoor shower
- Sleeps up to 4
- Interior storage
- Auto 4X4, 4X4, hi and lo transfer case
- Limited slip differential
I was impressed with the pics I saw on Instagram and sent a private message to the account to see if I could repost the pictures here to the blog. Grady, owner of the account and the Suburban, messaged me back and gave me the go-ahead. So here are pics of a 4WD 2000 Chevrolet Suburban that’s been kitted out to comfortably sleep and house a mom, a dad, and two young kids. I can definitely see me getting a rig like this once I have kids. Add a roof top tent once the kids get a bit older and you’ve got separate “rooms” for the parents and kids. If you want a similar rig for yourself, Grady and the gang do beefed up Suburban and Subaru builds. Head on over to SubOverland.com to learn more and get in touch with Grady if you’re interested.
Thanks for sharing your Suburban build, Grady!
Very cool….I just bought a’99 Suburban 4×4 to live in while I fix my house. Want to keep it stock(no outrageous wheels,tires,road warrior stuff..at least not yet LOL). It has factory roof rack,(run a tent off it?) barn doors rear,4 doors, 3d seat(going),a/c etc. Want to rig solar on roof w/flex panels, sink,stove,head,water storage, full bed(inflatable)w/under storage & fore & aft of rear wheel wells,overhead netting,rear doors storage etc. Is best source marine or r/v supply? All info greatly appreciated. Pretty good DYI in many fabrication trades,need mat. sources & const. tips…Thank you much
I have the same truck, currently getting some additional modifications. I you have a desire to share information, leave a reply and I’ll bookmark this page. I am currently looking for a solar/inverter/battery bank/desktop, etc.
don’t think these represent a family of 4 given everything is going all the way up to the front 2 seats.
Same question I have. The kids need seats and seatbelts. Where do they sit?
Same question here…. We only have one child, and I would like to come up with a way to rig out my vehicle, but I don’t see a place in those pictures for four people to sleep, nor do I see a place for a kid to sit during the day
I’ve been living outside for over 18 years. Tents, igloo’s, vw vans, trucks with campers, full size conversion vans. Just about everything. I understand that the van movement is bigger than it has been in the last 30 years. I love it, especially if people really are learning to live instead of being controlled by debt. I enjoy the suburban’s do to the fact they are cheap 4×4’s really how many of us can really afford a $50.000 4×4 van, which has problems when u convert. I live in the ski towns of america so a 4×4 is a must. I really enjoy seeing the surfing community in there old 60’s and 70’s vans very cool and creative and I guess if I ever live by the ocean where I could get away with a non 4×4, I’ll do the same. If seen raised roof tops on the suburban’s and that is cheaper to raise a roof than convert a van into 4×4. Just my opinion and thoughts. Always enjoy the life on the road. Nomaddrago.
It would be nice for a single person or a couple. Since my 2 Rottweilers ride in the back of my 2012 Suburban while I tow a travel trailer, they would move this. I’ve already done the lift and bigger tires, etc.
Looking to trade our 2008 Wrangler on a Suburban. Jeep is a 2 door, no back seat and no room for camping supplies. Currently drag a 7′ x 12′ utility trailer behind for said supplies! Gonna go lift & big tires! Not caring about fuel mileage or a green new deal! It’ll be a bug out/camping rig! Local trips within 40 miles or so! Found a 2012 1500 today!
I love my Suburban life. I have nothing fancy, just 3rd row taken out and a nice horizontal tube pad. I have cardboard painted black on all rear windows and hang a sheet on a shower rack to give privacy. I have done this since deciding to sell almost everything and move to Europe to do some mission work in 2017. Over the last 4 years I have lived almost half that time in Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania. I leave 1 Sept 2021 for 10 days in Puerto Vallarta (thanks to simple living).
I normally spend a few days a week volunteering on a ministry farm and have access to a pop-up camper, but I normally just stay in the Suburban bc it’s so comfortable.
Would enjoy hearing other viewpoints and experiences.
Im trying to find a blue print or directions to convert my 99 suburban LS into a one. Any ideas where to look
Would like plans for Chevy Suburban RVing