Alaska vehicle...suburban 4x4?

[IGBT]

We are planning on taking our rig up to Alaska for several years (at least two) and I know I will not be driving it off road or in the snow.   We also need to haul our stuff up there which is not possible with just our current RV.

So...I was thinking of buying a suitable 4x4 vehicle down here and using it to help take our stuff and also be a good winter/off road vehicle in Alaska.   We plan on doing a lot of snow machine (snowmobile) riding and need something that can pull a small trailer with the machines on it.  A big bonus is if we could mod the 4x4 to be a winter camper for a night or two while sledding or in an emergency.  Nothing more than heavy insulation, a bed, some storage.

What do you think about a 4x4 Suburban?   Rip out all of the rear seats and add in insulation and a sleeping area.  Toss on a roof rack.   Maybe add in some batteries and a propane furnace, but no water or waste systems.   A simple build compared to what we did with our pods and Isuzu truck.

I would like to keep the cost under $15k if possible.  We would probably sell it after a couple years use.

Any particular year/model to be on the lookout for (if you like the idea of a Suburban 4x4)?

 

[NeedAnEscape]

For what you listed, a Suburban or Yukon XL seems like a good choice. You could also get an AWD Express/Savanna for around the same price, or a 4x4 truck and add an in bed camper.

 

[akrvbob]

4x4 truck would be by far my first choice. It'll do everything the Suburban will do but be much more comfortable with a small camper on it.
Bob

 

[IGBT]

What do you like in trucks?  Gas or diesel? (our current truck is diesel but I was thinking perhaps gas for the ultra cold Alaska winter).  Ford, Chevy, or Dodge?  Tundra just does not have the capacity.   Singles or dually?

 

[masterplumber]

I have a friend that lives in Wasilla. He and most of his friends run 7.3 liter Ford pickups. When I was up there 5 years ago I saw a lot of Dodge 5.9 liter Cummins also. The only trouble with a diesel in that climate is starting as I'm sure you already know. I saw a lot of places to plug in block heaters, even at some grocery stores. My friend garages his, and plugs it in. If I were going to camp in the winter, I'd probably bring along a reliable generator to run the heaters and charge the batteries before starting. I think even with gas motors most people run block heaters in the colder inland areas. Along the coast you may be able to get away without one, but even if the fuel doesn't gel in the pump at as high a temp as diesel, the oil in the crankcase will still thicken and make for a tough start.

 

[SUV_RVing]

If you're not interested in getting a truck and camper like Bob said, I think a 4x4 Suburban would be a great choice. Camping in the back there is definitely doable, and there's definitely something to be said about the simplicity of it. Warm sleeping bags, insulation (like you said), and the smallest little portable propane heater (great for heading it up before you go to bed and first thing in the morning) would make sleeping in it a piece of cake.