A Versatile No-Build SUV Camping Setup in a Suburban!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- In this video we go through Kim's great camping setup in a 2000 Chevy Suburban. This is a great no-build design (i.e., it requires no tools to expertise to set up) that anyone can get ideas from and replicate.
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowh...
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
LINKS
** StowAway2 Hitch Cargo Box: www.stowaway2....
** Alps Mountaineering Camp Table - Folding Aluminum Table: amzn.to/3ytuOh5
** Alpicool K25 fridge: amzn.to/3jKfEA4
** 30-inch wide tri-fold mattress: amzn.to/3whEMks
** NRS cam buckles: www.nrs.com/pr...
** Upholstery push-pins: amzn.to/3AvtoEY
** Tent ceiling hammock: Couldn't find a link for one that you can buy separately
** Luci Light: amzn.to/2TCsUw0
** Plano Storage Trunks: amzn.to/3dMfMLx
** Elastic cargo nets on the side: amzn.to/3AxAtF1
** Katadyn water filter: amzn.to/3whEHNG
** Thermacell MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller: amzn.to/3dNqEsD
** Tri-fold mattress: amzn.to/3whEMks
** Cleanwaste Portable Toilet: amzn.to/2TAJyMo
** Auxiliary battery + solenoid video from Kim's mechanic friend (apparently they had trouble uploading the second part): • Auxiliary Battery Inst...
** Here's another aux battery + solenoid video: • Van Life 101: How to C...
** Solar charge controller: amzn.to/2TE0Kk7
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** The company I use for my web hosting: www.a2hosting.com?aid=5dd04ea50f139 (Affiliate link)
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other TH-cam channel: / tenkaraaddict
#suvcamping #suburban #vanlife
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Thanks for watching! Be sure to check the video description for all the links to things shown in this video. -Tristan
Thank you Tristan for makeing the trip and takeing the time to meet with us. You made Bob the burb look good.
I traveled across country last July in my 1999 Suburban, with my 90 dog. I added a portable power source…Goal Zero Yeti 200X Lithium Portable Power Station, 200Wh Power Station with AC Inverter and USB-C PD Fast-Charging. I kept everything with a USB charged through the night. And it charged with my cigarette lighter while driving. I also had a USB charging lantern with removable flashlights. And 2 USB charging fans that clipped just about anywhere and kept the air flowing at night and kept it cool. LE LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable, 600LM, Detachable Flashlight. I had a portable toilet that I kept in the entrance area because I had no plans of where to stop and I needed a secure place to use the restroom. Alpcour Portable Toilet - Compact Indoor & Outdoor Commode w/Travel Bag. KEYNICE USB Desk Fan, 4 Inch Table Fans, Mini Clip on Fan, Portable Cooling Fan with 2 Speed, USB Powered Stroller Fan, 360° Rotate USB Fan, Personal Quiet Electric Fan for Home Office Camping- White.
All in all, I loved the trip!!!
The suburban is great and you can do it yourself!
I will be adding a FANTASTIC fan and will have that professionally installed. And I may build a platform myself. But to get started…you can really do it yourself!!!
This is sort of what I have in mind for my 2001 GMC Yukon slt. It's not as long as a Chevy Suburban but it does have room and the seats do fold down flat. My question(s) is did you have to remove the 2nd row seats to put in the fridge? And is there a more compact fridge that would possibly fit where the center console is that would be doable? My plan at the moment doesn't necessarily involve living in the vehicle in question, (not that it couldn't change in the future), I'm thinking more about camping and recreational weekend type stuff, but at the same as an emergency shelter. My wife and I have gotten snowed in at work before and sleeping accommodations weren't provided so we slept in a little tiny Nissan Sentra which was not fun at all. Anyway great job 👍👍
4x4 Suburban’s are the best Overlanding vehicle period. :)
SO excited to see this!
I'm getting ready to go full time after I sell my house and after a LOT of research and am using a 2008 Expedition EL. I get so much flack for getting something so big!
I'm disabled and really can't do much hiking and etc. Mine is a no build too.
I'm using a 30" bed also. But I have to have support so I'm using an actual metal bed platform frame and am cutting up my temperpedic mattress to fit. It's 30" wide 78" long and 14" high so TONS of storage underneath. A 3 drawer plastic thingie and I'm using 6 cube shelf turned on its side for the kitchen. Haven't decided on a toilet but have the good old 5 gal bucket right now. Fridge and a small freezer coolers.
I'm going to have my greyhound service dog, my late mom's 14 yr old Chihuahua and my cranky 11 yr old cat.
I am an artisan so I'll still be doing that. Don't laugh but I'll have my sewing machine and a lot of my supplies in a hitch carrier. A touring bike will be there too for giving Finn the service dog exercise. He'll have a run and fenced in area too.
On top 800 w (2 400w) of solar, a big roof bag that will have tools and misc cat stuff along with tent, chairs and etc.
I'm getting one of those collapsible ladders and I have a folding 6' table which will be my headboard unless I'm using it. Sounds nutty, but I'll have TV. When I'm working I need background noise.
A hibachi and cast iron pans and Dutch oven for campfire cooking. Inside cooking has a induction burner, microwave and maybe one of those counter top convection ovens.
I know it's a lot. But I'm going to be in it more than a lot of people, especially SUVers.
Being disabled I need it to be as close to a home as possible.
I am going to be keeping an eye out for a vintage trailer that inspires me. Just another reason for the full size SUV.
I'll be doing festivals and fairs once I get going. Vintage trailer would be great for it.
I was an avid outdoors person before I became disabled so boondocking is mostly where I'll be.
It's been a trying year. My husband died last Sep and my mom in Jan. A 3 bdrm house is too much. Mom was so excited my husband an I were going to do this but...
So I'm doing it while holding them close and thinking they get to experience it through the memories I have.
Thanks so much for reading to the end. It's like a short story.
I'm so excited about finally being able to do this I wander a bit.
Can't wait to see you all out there!
Great description Nancy. Thanks. Many Blessinngs as you journey thru grief to much JOY. ❤
In an almost exact situation, cat and dog included. Lol. Also disabled after being an athlete in my younger yrs. It's so difficult losing your god given talents. I also enjoy art. Wishing you all the best! Loved your story, mine is SO similar. 🙂
Sounds like an awesome setup! I’m so sorry for your losses. Have you hit the road yet?
I've started looking at Tahoes/Suburbans as tow vehicles and I'm SHOCKED at how long these vehicles last if you take care of them. Super excited to see a no-build in one!
Back in the early 90’s, an old friend of mines dad had a mid 80’s suburban that was completely restored and done over. This thing was literally a tank. He had it lowered, a wicked insane exhaust system, everything on or in it shined, the back part of it was all done over for their dog and you could still fit a small-medium sized family inside. To this very day, it was one of the best vehicles I had ever seen and driven in.
It was parked on their street one summer night and a drunk driver drove straight into the ass end of it and completely totaled the thing while they were all eating supper🥺
That rig was an absolute beast on wheels🕊️
@@2wenty7 Sounds amazing! You can tell they put lots of TLC into restoring it just from your description.
Had an 06 suburban with the 5.3 in it, basic maintenance and fixing the little things it was chugging along at almost 500k miles on an unopened engine and tranny. Change the oil and use good oil, service the tranny and CHANGE YOUR COOLANT. Even the "updated" dexcool turns into an acid that eats aluminum after it gets some age on it. Absolute tanks but the electronics and wire gremlins are the biggest complaints. Absolutely worth it if you still haven't pulled the trigger
@@Castle96 I'm still looking. Thanks for the recommendations on good maintenance. The thought of driving a vehicle with almost 500k miles on it sounds like a dream! Not sure why we have this idea that they only last 200k before needing to be put out to pasture.
Seriously solid trucks. Have 220k on my 02 Burb and it runs like a dream. Gonna replace the timing set on it soon as it's probably a bit overdue 🤣
I love that you take the time to find links and add them to your descriptions. I've found many useful items this way!
LOVE the Thermacell!! We use them all summer long in Alaska, my husband even takes it out hunting where the mosquitoes are horrible and it works wonders. 👍🏻👍🏻
That's a good looking , low cost build. I like the separate battery set up for the fridge.
We have a suburban and we do a similar setup for our camping. Suburbans are amazing for this. The only issue is the mpg!
What MPG do you get on average? Also, what year do you have?
I have one, gets around 15 mpg@joostverboven6371
I always enjoy these no-build builds! I’m getting my Rendevous ready, I already have it so I’m hoping to wait until I know exactly what I want to buy before buying a camper van. I’m struggling with the whole bed up on storage containers or down on the floor. I’ve already bought everything I need except reflective for passenger back windows. I’m worried about getting to hot at night when camping with no ac. I practiced in my driveway, in the rain, and it was so hot and humid even with the fan on. I went to roll the window down a bit only to then realize I can’t roll window down with car off! This is beginning to look like comedy show!
I think there's a type of key that at least some vehicles have where you can start the car with the key. That way you could start it and open windows then turn off car all from back possibly?? Though guess that would make noise so not great if trying to be stealthy. Or replace windows with kind that manually opens? Just spitballing ideas here
I forgot to mention that the ecoflow wave 2 can apparently be used for heating purposes too. I intend to use a different heat source, but its nice to know I can use the ecoflow as a backup heat source if necessary.
Here is a review of the ecoflow wave 2 by a guy who does different reviews and uses a camper: th-cam.com/video/KiI5MXgIGJA/w-d-xo.html
The second battery is a great idea for that rig. 👍
I love this set up. Functional and can be changed as needed.
I love how you are expanding the aspects of your channel. Good job.
I love no-build campers. Thanks for sharing! 😁
I have that toilet and it is awesome. It’s made in Montana. Best camping toilet
I'm looking to hit the road. Trying to sell my 02 Grand Marquis and I got a very well maintained 96 suburban in my sights for the right price. IM SO CLOSE! Love the video. She is awesome for letting you show it off!!
Thanks Kim and Tristan! Another awesomely stealth vehicle personalized for actual use. The upholstery pins are genius. Btw, I have a few "travel mascots" as well.
It that the curly screw-in ones?
@@stephenpowstinger733 Yes.
@@stephenpowstinger733 They are.
I just bought a 2023 suburban z71. I got it for uberbalck but realized I hate it so it think I’m gonna boondock with it and tell the wifey to take a hike
Nice! Throw and go; I like this setup. If you need to, this could convert back to a regular vehicle easier if it is needed for other purposes.
Muy bueno el vehiculo de la señora, me gustó mucho!, gracias por el video!, saludos desde Argentina!!.
Nice packing skills! In our family, we call it "Tetris-ing"! Packing your rollie could be an Olympic sport! 😁
@SUVRVing thank you for showing a Chevrolet vehicle! Would love to see a video for someone who camps in a Traverse.
I’m building out my 2001 4WD Blazer for SUV life in Autumn. Thanks for the tour🌿
I appreciate you sharing these. These videos give me ideas for my own Suburban. I don't use mine as a daily overland/living rig, so need it to be configurable for different needs at different times.
Thanks Tristan- & Kim. Great set up-not often you see a bed without plywood or metal bed frame. Total use of space 👍 I personally am no longer agile enough for a space this small in inclimate weather-how does she heat in winter or fans/etc for summer? That is the best swing away set up I've seen-no worries of bottoming out getting in or out of parking lots/etc.
Yes-they ThermaCELL. Does it work as she takes her dog for a walk? I am disabled & walk extremely careful & slow making my dog & I victims of mosquitoes. Desperately in need of advice on this matter. Thx & may God bless
Thank you. I dont camp in it much during the summer due to Southern Idaho temps. For fall and winter camping I make full use of the -35 degree Teton sleeping bag. I may run the engine intermittently if needed to warm things up. I also have a UCO candle lantern that helps take the chill off with a window cracked of course. I do have a Mr Buddy tho I have not had to use it. I found the above methods sufficient for a 4 day stay during December in Hells Canyon.
Great "no-build"! Very practical, economical & relatively easy. Definitely a lot of space in the Suburban! Thanks, Tristan!
It looks so comfy I just wanted to take a nap! 💜
I love my Suburban when I had it was a great vehicle. I had the longer version.
Thank you Kim!
Great idea to have a battery for the fridge! Thank you!
Good job!
I riding 2002s Yukon xl.
I got nice your idea.
sub battery position is cool👍
I will imitate🙏💋
Thank you
Nice rig, I love all the storage she has.
I think I would prefer a rooftop rig to the extended tow-hitch container. Less weight at a long overhand.
Roof top storage definetly has its pros. The hitch storage is much easier for me to access wich is an important consideration to for often used items .
She has everything one needs 👍🏻
It works and is very well organized.
No rain drops!
This is just perfect!!! Nice little home on wheels! I could totally see myself making a sandwich or salad using that bin as a work station, awesome. Or my morning iced coffee.
Good to see the rain in Boise. The internet portrays the entire west is on fire and in drought. Did you go up to lucky peak? Also.. The drive thru the danskin mountains up to yellow pine would be spectacular this time of year. The roads are nice and there's free campting the whole way. Awesome views.
This was filmed some months ago. We are just dreaming about rain here in Idaho now.
Roomy and very well organized.
Thank you so very much for sharing 👍😊
Niiice Tristan for getting In and on the bed for actual body size demo. Plus giving your height was great info. I think she should put a platform in there though because she has too many things to prop up her bedding. Once she starts pulling stuff out under her bed to use-she will lose support for her bed. But I do like the fact that it’s NO BUILD. Simple. 💪🏾🙏🏽👍🏾
I have played with different platform heights and continue to do so for just this reason. The no build suffised nicely for a year of heavy all weather car camping. I am always looking to improve.
Thank you for sharing you have a great day
this is an amazing simple setup!!!
Those are great rigs. She has 4x4 so I'm very envious! Maybe some day my RWD Envoy will grow up to be like this wonderful rig!! Kim's mpg is only a couple short of mine...thats pretty freak'n outstanding!! That swing away....and for the price!! Wow!
By look of the wheels and no hubs to be seen ...I believe that is a 2wd drive. Too bad he didn't tour the front cab or show us the underneath .
@@jeremys6631 I read other comments and Kim stated it is fact 4x4. I didn't see hubs either. 😁
@@michaeltichonuk2176 lol..i saw that. ...i guess so then.
This is so cool!!
That’s a great setup!!
I see you watch the same video's that I do. 😅
I have a 2000 Surburban that I want to fix into a camper. Hoping to do it soon.
idk if it was just me but tristan was just making himself at home on her bed, i was cackling lol
I've been ruined by these types of open-space vehicles lol. My shiny newer truck sits in the driveway a lot, I usually opt for my old van unless I really need 4wd. So nice having all that space to chill
The "towel" looks like a dog sweater. 😊 Ask me how I know. J/k! Thanks for the tour. I lovvvvve Suburbans.
Great no build setup.
Question: Did she remove the seats or do they fold down into the floor like the Sienna?
Thanks for the video.
I'm living in a 2021 Ford EcoSport and I'm so darn uncomfortable that I'm looking to see if I can finance a 2015 Suburban. I love the large space.
Thanks again.
This is nice. Thanks for sharing. How do you keep your extra storage bin safe from being stolen?
It is lockable. Generally I am with my rig. I am looking for a lockable hitch pin that will fit. It is on the list of things to do.
@@chiqa6282 Great, thanks!
I have a 2017 suburban I have slept in it and I love it but to have the space she has I would have to take out the two rows of back seats they now fold down but no room for a bed storage etc. My question did she take out all the seats???
Yes . I only have the front two seats. This is sufficient for me as it is generally just my dog going along. On occasion I might have my daughter with me but she usually takes her FJ. (Tristan did a video of her no build also).
On these generation Suburbans/Yukon Xl's the third row seat does not fold flat flush with the floor. The back rest can be folded down, and from that position if you want, the seat can be flipped forward against the second seat to give you more trunk space. It can be removed by pulling on a latch and then lifting up slightly to unlatch it and then rolled out to be removed to give you even more trunk space.
The second row seats are like 60/40 and either side or both can be folded down and will be flush with the floor. The second row seats floor is lower than the floor of the 3rd row seats but when folded flat they will match the floor of the 3rd row. They cannot be removed without out tools.
The floor from the 3rd row back is about 8 inches or so above the floor where the second sits. The 3rd row sits at the edge before the floor drops to give you more leg room unlike the short version Tahoe/Yukon where the 3rd row doesn't get the benefit of the 8 inch floor drop so it's like sitting on the floor because you don't get that 8 inch extra drop foot trench or well or whatever you want to call it.
So the 3rd row can be easily removed with just a latch and the the second row seats can be left in place and easily folded down to give you an 8ft x 4ft flat floor. An added benefit is between where the 3rd row floor drops and where the second row seats start, it creates a hidden storage compartment. There are two panels on the back of the second row seats that fold down to bridge the gap between the 2nd row seats and where the floor drops.
Nice, can't believe the miles on that vehicle.
I fully expect it to go 300k.
Could you have a similar setup other than no extra space between bed and rear hatch with a Tahoe?
Greetings: Not bad 4 beginners. A few things, not 2 B a critic. 2 make things clear and not misleading or confusing 2 the readers. That thing U called a "frige"is not a refrigerator commonly called a 'frige' or 'frigerator', which uses refrigeration technology. Such would kill a battery in less than a few hours and make >40° whilst expelling heat. The same as a home unit. Being a 12VDC device, they R current pigs as noted above.
The device shown is a TCI cooler. These have been available nearly 40yrs. They do not 'make' cold as in refrigeration theory. They trade it with heat, similar 2 heat pump technology. In such they make 20 - 30 % lower temp tham ambient whilst consuming far less current than refrigeration. Allowing use on a decent battery a day or 2 over a few hours. If a "mechanic" did the creative wiring 4 the 2nd battery I would find some1else with more respect, skills and knowledge. Many times such is the difference between of function, reliability, safety and cosmetics in that order...My focus. However it may function now, that's bad, untidy and unsafe wiring. Bring it. I will do it proper. I am N electronics/wiring tech/ troubleshooter. I also repair and install most things electronic/electrical in many different environments. I am, 2 say a few...Semi-retired Vet/OTR owner/oper/survivalist/Etc. This millennial mobile nomadic thing may B publicly and generation new. However the practice has been quite in use many centuries. The primary difference being technology. Example: In the 80s. A friend/colleague had a 70 Chevy Van ( 235/ 3 on the tree) he drove daily in Las Vegas. He owned N electronics repair shop focussing on communications and audio ( which I helped when in town). He also owned a sailboat on Lake Mead on which I learned 2 sail. NEway, We replaced the 235 with 350 ( not my choice). And added a OUD box, front drive system (4x4) which necessitated lifting it 6in. The big project was 2 make it little self contained off-road mobile communications RV. Which we did. Propane,12VDC, 120/240VAC, solar, sink, bed, cabinets, water tanks in the rear whilst the comm stuff was up front. Quite the rig back in the day. We did amazing things on the boat also. Bsafe.
Very nice
My boy! That 'burban got some SPACE!
Tip on the curtains I found about is heatgun+PVC pipe.... Looked super quality... Like I got a shoelace that runs across with some clips that double for a dry line, but after the next few repairs I'll probably go for the PVC one....
Check out " Xplorer Steve "
His 4runner setup is quite legit
Also, I want that toilet....
So, if I wanted to use a propane heater buddy for winter, how can you ensure some fresh air without rain or bugs coming in the side windows?
Where was the fridge? Front passenger seat?
The fridge is behind the front passenger seat.
I have the same truck What size mattress is that you have?
Did you remove back seats?
Yes I removed the 4 seats and left only the front two.
Cool I love Suburbans! How much is it to get that house batt wired like that? Do you think it works w/o a hot plug?
Where can I buy the back storage?
Did you make your window covers to fit glass ?
I just hope that wood isn't going far from where it was cut
Where are the seats?
Tristan, What was her gas mileage???
I get 18 on the highway. I don't look in town.
@@chiqa6282 18 on the highway aint to shabby for a beast of a vehicle like the Suburban👍 Ive got a 1994 Suburban and love it. Going to be doing a setup very similar to yours this fall for a trip out west.
@@duncdunc76 thank you. I am not sure where you are headed but we do have a ton of dispursed camping here in the west. Safe travels.
The Sterlite bins that support her mattress....I can see from the driver side one is 17 in deep by 12 wide and I see that another one faces the passenger door but the label is torn off. Two times 17 is 34 inches so I don't think she's got two of the same size back to back. This looks like a good plan for my 25 in wide tri fold mattress but I don't want it 34 inches wide. Does she have two different sizes back to back?
Hi yes I did have 2 different sizes. One for clothes other for stuff. I can measure them when I get back from my camping trip. My mattress is 30inch wide wich is plenty and still leaves me some nice storage space for the Plano box wich is multi purpose in my life.
Had a Suburban. Gas is a deal breaker. Other than that a nice size.
Filling the tank especially right now is painfull. On the other hand I love the range.
🉐️💯👍
Some people on here commenting on the mpg, imagine the mpg if it was a full on build with all that extra weight.
I have a 2001 Yukon XL since new. Yeah the mpg isn't great but the vehicle itself can handle all kinds of terrain and the storage capacity is awesome. I can't get myself to part with it.
Seems way too crowded
To much stuff. I throw a mattress down. Travel up and down the coast looking for surf. As far as food. Its available everywhere.
Lived out of a back back for months hiking PCT.
Keep that in perspective.
Its all good.
I her it. While I strive for minimalist I do indulge in redundancy for certain items. Comeing from back country kayak camping I enjoy the room and options I have.
Hi. What does Kim need solar for?
Get a smoke or carbon monoxide detector .
Yeah they just suck on gas her set up does not look very appealing to me but it must work for her
Gas mileage could definitely be better. On the other hand this rig does everything I need it to do. Setups are certainly all about personal preference. I have changed mine a smidgen since this video was done. Alwaya adapting and learning as I go along.
This appears to be 2WD with not too rugged tires. I'm guessing she can't go a lot of places you visit - is that correct?
It is 4x4. My tires are pretty good. They take especially good care of me in snow. Since I winter camp allot that has been great. They do fine on the gravel and dirt roads I frequent.
I've seen some videos on TH-cam where 2wd trucks were going where the 4wd trucks going. It's not too far fetched because the old VW beetles could go anywhere with a Baja kit and those were 2wd. They were basically lifted with suspension upgrades and all terrain tires put on.
"Tons of storage" and "Tremendous storage" mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING
(0:21) Kim is thick.. 😊
U got way too much unnecessary crap
I have to criticize these "no build" setups for the danger they present for the driver of the vehicle. In an accident, all of the stuff in the back will fly through the interior and impact the passengers in the front. There is a reason normal RVs have compartments that are bolted down to the frame of the vehicle - so the contents will not become projectiles.
This is the same reason that all passengers must wear seat belts - so they will not become projectiles.
Normal RVs may have compartments but they don't always have competent operators driving them and they are sometimes driven by people with less than desirable reflexes and some of these "normal RVs" are gigantic and are top heavy and can flip over easily. I don't disagree with you about projectiles being launched inside of a vehicle though. When traveling in a no build rig ,if a person secures their gear properly and they don't bring too many unnecessary items ,they should be pretty safe. It ultimately falls on the driver when it comes to safety.
My 97 chevy suburban currently 313056 miles just getting broke in. Currently on a. 5000 ish miles road trip to see the USA my way. Great trucks. !! "Fatherhoodofthetravalingpants."