The Birth of Jack
Several years ago, my wife and I decided that our end goal was to live out of a vehicle and travel throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We had no idea what we wanted to live out of - a van, motorhome, or travel trailer. What we did know is that we wanted a 4x4 for off-pavement capabilities and we wanted to experience more of Mother Nature than just what is along the interstates and highways crisscrossing the continent.
After searching for months we could not find what we wanted. Then like a light bulb it clicked, a Chevrolet Suburban.
Jack takes in the sunset in Southern Oregon. (Image: Brian Gailey)
Sure a Suburban is not what one might first think of for recreational travel but think about it, they are a solid 4x4 with a dependable drive train that has been in production for decades. They are roomy inside for a comfy bed and can still seat up to 4 people. I can do the build myself, that way I know how to fix it when it breaks. We can have water, a kitchen, and electricity integrated into the build. A Suburban can be lifted, upsized to bigger tires, and includes anything I want it to have. I can make the build as posh or basic as I like. Plus, the biggest in my mind, they are an affordable platform to start a build on.
Dealer photo (Image: Autolane)
So I began searching for a Surbaban that met the needs I wanted. What I did not know was how long it would take to find it. I searched for months and had a laundry list of things that I wanted in the truck. Unfortunately, what I wanted just was not readily available in the used market and what I did find would sell quickly or was in poor condition.
What I did find in my initial search was inspiration from the crew at Suboverland.com with their custom overland builds for Suburbans. When I found these guys, I knew I was on the right path and I wanted to order one immediately. But their conversions were out of my beginning budget.
Inspired I began to search even broader - I was looking in Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, and St. Louis. But still, no luck and I began to get frustrated.
