finally pulled the trigger! 2001 suburban

[mchambers]

I have been looking for the perfect suburban for 2 years and finally found it. 1500 4X4 with towing package (I assume this because it has the tow/haul button on the gear shift) This rugged but comfy machine spent the last 3 years at my local Chevy dealers beach house. He put new Michelins on it when he got it as a trade and they still have all of their tread. Unfortunately all 4 have major cracking on both the sidewall and in the tread. I installed a set of Goodyear Wrangler with Kevlar "safety armor" 275 75 16. Took it on a beach trip last week and the whole family agrees that it is awesome! Tons of room, super comfy and very capable for my needs. The dealer had used it to pull a boat and replaced the transmission right before I bought it.
First up will be brakes. They seem kind of weak and not as strong as I would expect.
I will use this for taking the family on day trips to historic parks, amusement parks and general weekend exploring. I am thinking about an awning to mount on the rack. I like the Equipt expedition series 2000 if it can mount on the existing factory rack. It can stay on the truck and looks easy to put up.
Black rims
Brush guard with lights and receiver hitch
Swing out grill in the rear hitch.

Any suggestions or reviews of products?
Anything to look out for with this model truck?
I have been reading up on here and reading build threads. If you have any favorite build threads I would like your input.

 

[redthies]

I have been looking for the perfect suburban for 2 years and finally found it. 1500 4X4 with towing package (I assume this because it has the tow/haul button on the gear shift).

Almost all newer (late 80s and newer) auto trans will have a "tow/haul" mode or "OD off" selector on the shifter. It doesn't mean it has a towing package. Towing "packages" usually include things like hitch, trailer plug, HD trans cooler and possibly lower gearing. Yours may have all this, and searching for an online vin decoder will tell you, assuming the dealer can't.

Congrats on the new rig. Looking forward to some pics of it on the beach!