options for large suv as camper

[jtayjohnson]

dear campers.

I've been looking at SUVs for a long time.. I consider yukon, suburban before settling with Excursion. However it's not easy to find a V10, about 150K miles at around $5K and i'm thinking of settling for other vehicles. . I'm particularly worried about inspecting vehicles above 200K, that something inside might just blow.

Even though a suburban is ideal, I want to focus on getting into Vanlife and builds instead of waiting out for the perfect vehicle. . I made an impulse buy for a '95 pathfinder at seattle and it blew halfway home at a small town near the bay area. I had to rent a car and sleep in the boot for a few days.

I THINK i'm more prepared to inspect vehicles but I don't know.  . should I consider a v8 excursion for $5.8k

thanks

 

[bullfrog]

I would highly recommend the suburban as repair and replacement parts are inexpensive most places. There are several people that are building them out and one or two commercial build companies.

 

[Uncle Todo]

I like the rear doors on Excursions with the hatch and lower doors.

 

[jtayjohnson]

Hi. thanks for the objective encouragement guys. I feel like this might be the place where I can talk about my passion about this lifestyle openly. .I like excursion alot but I really need vanlife more..

Anyways just got back from a purchase inspection a few hours ago. I got there at 5pm PST, hence it was getting dark but the owner was helpful enough to assist me with checking the oil levels, undercarriage and blinkers. It's a 2001 suburban.. but the interesting thing is that the he's only the 2nd owner and 14 years of owning it, he replaced tons of things: alternator, radiator, control arms of the suspension and even gotten a rebuilt engine from Chevy that he used for about 70k miles after 170-180k mile of operation (i think).

fluids are all good, the car was smogged a few days ago, only that while the engine was on, the abs and brake lights were on on the dash. And weirdly, after I turn the key to on to hook up my obd scantool, the battery couldn't start the engine after and he says he will probably change the battery tomorrow. He welcomes me to see him tomorrow afternoon after his kids' soccer practice or on Monday (when the mechanic is open too).

But still it's quite an old car, it's price at 3.3k and if I get it, i'll probably save up $1k++ in case I have to swap a new transmission.

Here lies another question, where and how do you guys repair your own vehicle? Any advice on that transmission? Just worried that it's a ticking bomb and will leave me stranded somewhere undesirable. But shifting from neutral to park and driving is alright and 4x4 works.

P.S i'm actually not sure what inexpensive means. . i'm sure transmission swap + labor will cost a ton too

 

[jtayjohnson]

and there's also the question of getting it to the right people. . like referrals to mechanics often cost cheaper but they may not be in the same town as you're.

 

[Uncle Todo]

Here lies another question, where and how do you guys repair your own vehicle? 

I had the same question:
https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=42110

 

[bullfrog]

A new transmission and transfer case with converter installed could cost as much as you are paying for the vehicle. A used suburban without an engine is for sale on Craigslist for $300 if you can do your own work. It is very important to know what you are buying before you buy. You most definitely need to have it inspected by a mechanic and ask how much it will cost to fix any problems to get it in tip top shape before you buy. Breaking down on the road is never good. Does the owner have receipts or a record of work done to the vehicle? When was the transmission fluid and filter last changed? Who did the work? Transmission fluid should be pinkish red not burned brown. Does the 4x4 work? Are there any leaks underneath? Is it a 1500 series or a 2500 series truck? Major repair work needs to get done before you get on the road. Establishing a good relationship with a good repair shop and visiting it once or twice a year if you are not going to do your own work is a good idea especially with an older vehicle. Inexpensive means less money than most if not all other manufacturers. The same parts for other manufacturers will cost at least 25% more.

 

[highdesertranger]

sounds fishy to me. the antilock and brake light on could run into lots of money.

you didn't mention what transmission it has. you want the 4L80 . a rebuilt 4L80 runs like 2k for the transmission alone, no install. I wouldn't even mess with the 4L60.

highdesertranger

 

[jtayjohnson]

sounds fishy to me.  the antilock and brake light on could run into lots of money.

you didn't mention what transmission it has.  you want the 4L80 .  a rebuilt 4L80 runs like 2k for the transmission alone,  no install.  I wouldn't even mess with the 4L60.

highdesertranger

Hi guys, I honestly appreciate the feedbacks and reminders about different variables to consider that come into play. 

Looking at the receipt right now for the OEM remanufactured engine swap, it's a 1500 and he mentions of his mechanic that he's been going to for the past 8 years here in town.

Yea he told me his mechanic says the lights doesn't affect how the car runs and are just small fixes.. doing a bit of reading on that, seems like they both happen in conjunction mostly.

The transmission doesn't smell burnt (I actually thought it smelt like (dog) hair that hasn't been washed for days. . so I guess that's kinda like how oil smell like?   ) . From my impression, the tranny fluid didn't look burnt but I might just check it tomorrow again and bring it to the mechanic. The coolant isn't beautiful but there doesn't seem to be any inter-mixing of fluids . . I'll check again after a drive to the mechanic.

But yea thanks for the reminder, I really hope they have the receipts for the tranny fluid change and filter replacements, actually for all filter replacements. I'm not exactly sure how long should they be replaced. Hopefully I can pull up the maintenance schedule or owner's manual real quick online. .

it would be great to swap an engine in but I don't really have the place (living in a rented apartment for now) to do so and I'm sure I could follow with the steps to swap (i'm sure anyone could as well with the right tools and instructions) but I have considered swapping myself and I give myself an estimate of 2-3 weeks .. but i'm currently still figuring things out career-wise (just graduated from college) and I have already set my sights on transitioning to vanlife a year prior, when I immersed myself more into camping (and the occasional car camping) last winter.

 

[highdesertranger]

"Yea he told me his mechanic says the lights doesn't affect how the car runs "

THIS statement is exactly what I am referring to. that is a very irresponsible statement for a mechanic to make. if it's such a simple fix why hasn't it been taken care of already? let me state this again,

STOPPING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GOING, period.

another thing, I don't think GM offers rebuilt engines. why would they when a brand new engine is so cheap.

highdesertranger

 

[bullfrog]

His mechanic might keep records and if he has kept the vehicle in good running condition for 8 years would probably be worth considering making your mechanic for the vehicle if he can fix all the “minor” problems at a reasonable price. I find it hard to believe he didn’t insist on fixing a brake problem or keeping a copy of the bill and making the customer sign off with liability lawsuits the way they are.

 

[ckelly78z]

I have a lifted 4x4 2004 Excursion Limited with the 6.0L diesel that I love...but wouldn't recommend the diesel for someone on a budget. I have often thought about what I would like to do with it to make a overland camper with a full roof rack, and relocate the spare tire to the back door, with a hitch mounted supply box, and jerry cans with fuel/tools.

I think the 2001 Suburban you are looking at should be a good vehicle, but some preventative maintenance should be performed that many people don't think about. Change out all fluids, and filters including the transmission fluid, and filter, the differential fluid on both the front/rear axles, the brake fluid, and pads, engine oil/filter, the radiator coolant, the fuel filter(s), and air filter.

 

[crofter]

Not possible to stand up in a 2001 suburban, and the gas mileage is worse than vans. Keep shopping is my advice, or get a pickup. Lots of options with a pickup.
-crofter