SOLD— '03 Suburban 2500 4x4 8.1 w/ very nice expedition build

[Rovertrader]

Well, for those that know me, I obviously have a bit of vehicle addiction- and have had for 40 years! And for the last couple years I have attempted to reduce the fleet to one or two with absolutely no success- however, the time has come.

So, first up is my go to Suburban. I bought it a couple years ago from the orig Cali owner, so zero corrosion at all anywhere. It has the 8.1 with HD everything- transmission, tow package, cooling, etc. and is fully loaded with F&R a/c (ice cold), cruise, locks, windows (tinted all around), tilt, etc- everything except leather and On Star (thankfully omitted). I have added/upgraded the stereo to include a rear camera hard wired and USB connection. To say all maintenance is current is a bit understated- all fluids flushed and changed with new filters at 100k- now has 103k. Every light bulb works- doors, dash, exterior, etc- and has had several upgrades. The rear interior light has been swapped out to LED and switched independently to allow use from the rear or if sleeping inside (does not attract bugs). Two 4" LEDS have been added at the rear and are switched to allow use as back up function, or to use at camp when loading or?? Additional ceiling light added above front console for map light or reading light- switched separately from main battery. A second such light added to the tailgate for use when gate is open. Speaking of batteries- a second battery has been added to the rear storage area, and has a commercial solenoid/relay that isolates it when the vehicle is off. The rear battery also has shore power charging available, and is charged from the alternator when the vehicle is running. In addition a 2000 watt inverter is installed to provide AC power, and has it's own cooling fan/compartment. And the best part: all added lights, inverter, etc run off the second battery which accomplishes the ability to run all extras any time- vehicle running or not, and they do not tie into the main vehicle electrical system!! Sorry for the diversion on electrics, but they deserve a lot of attention, and all of the above was done by the local shop that does all the Fire and Police dept work.

Back to the main vehicle- new tires, E rated 255/80-17s on Hummer H2 wheels. Recent and excellent brakes. Front suspension cranked to level vehicle- preferred over the 'new key' solution, then fresh alignment. Prodigy trailer brake controller wired using correct adaptor. I added an air compressor also, which could be used for any application from rear air bags, to tire management, inflating things at camp, etc. Also, the rear of the vehicle has been built out to suit our needs, but can be returned to factory with minimal ramifications.

Extras added that are not included but can be negotiated for additional cost:
-Frontrunner aluminum roof rack with LED light bar front and rear, as well as 4" LED floods on each side. These are all switched and wired from the second battery, and light up the world!!
-Front custom winch mount with Warn 8274 with rope, and a pair of Hella 4000s- of course run off the second battery. But, the winch is wired to the primary battery due to length of run, and will only be used when vehicle is running. However, should that not be an option, there is an over ride switch to combine both batteries to run the winch, or even start the vehicle if needed.

As stated above, current miles at 103k, truck has a small beauty mark at the rear right corner that can be removed by the dent remover fella. I am asking $8950 (REDUCED) which is considerably less than I have in the old girl. I keep all my vehicles maintained to the highest standard, and would not hesitate to leave on a 10k mile trip in any of them- just with more tools in one of the Rovers :Wow1: Feel free to ask questions, as I am sure I have left off pertinent details. Thanks for looking, and she is likely to go to flea bay next week... And now a couple pics:

 

[Rovertrader]

Over 700 views, and no reply? Any feedback- price, color??
Thanks for looking.

 

[Rovertrader]

On flewbay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141681591839?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

[Rovertrader]

Price reduced, $8950/offers?

 

[goomashoom]

Nice Suburban - I've been thinking about it ever since I read your post (for the first time) last night. Due to budget constraints, I would like to buy a used Suburban to serve as a daily driver / camping rig. I love to take my family camping, and I want to get into 4x4 camping. I just finished an introductory 4x4 class given by our local club here in San Jose, CA. I'm wondering if your Suburban is lifted, or is the ride height stock (concerned about the height of my garage)? I already have an Engel fridge, so the 2nd battery would be put to good use. I thought Suburbans had a spot in the engine bay for a 2nd battery? What else besides the 2nd battery and inverter fits inside the cabinetry? Are there storage spaces? Is the cabinetry all one unit, or is it modular so I could do a partial install of the cabinetry if I needed more space for camping gear? You mention that the rear was built out to suit your needs. Do you mind sharing those needs so I can understand better what can be done with the current configuration? I currently drive a 1992 Ford Explorer XLT 4-door that's been in the family since it was new. I like to "glamp" as opposed to camp which I why I find myself needing more space. I would likely find a 3rd row seat at the local Pick-n-Pull so I could haul extra people around in town. I visited your website and loved reading all about your philosophy, vehicles, and adventures. Thank you in advance for answering my questions.

 

[Rovertrader]

Thanks for the inquire, and kind comments!!
The rear area was built to be useful per our needs, but is flexible as those needs do change with time. The section closest to the rear seat which is side to side, houses the battery and converter/charger, relays, and is cooled with dual fans. There is a second battery mount in the engine bay, but the central location suits the use better as it is much shorter runs of wire. Not to mention better weight distribution.
The section on the right, pass side, has two compartments and houses tools, recovery gear, straps, etc. the left side is one piece and I use it for fluid storage, hitches, and the air compressor. It is all modular, and there is a center section which is not shown that has multiple drawers, and is easily added/deleted. If you look closely you can see the captive nuts in the side walls of the center bond for attachment of this unit.
This being a 2500, the best recommendation is to crank the keys for leveling, which we did- and immediate realignment of course. This would not raise the height overall as it simply levels the stance. However, the tires being 33" vs stock 31" raises the vehicle 1" overall, excluding the rack. An important note: the rack being a Frontrunner is made of aluminum, thus no big deal and does not affect handling in any way- nor any wind noise...
Hopefully I have addressed all your questions, but if not, or you have more, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Thanks again for your interest!!

 

[goomashoom]

Thank you for the prompt response! The placement of the 2nd battery amidships makes complete sense - thank you for the explanation. Sorry, but can you please confirm that when you say "it is all modular," you mean that each cabinet section (I think there are three pictured) can be independently added/removed from the vehicle? It would be great to see a picture (not necessarily mounted in the vehicle) of the center drawer section. How easy is it to remove the Front Runner rack? I'm thinking I could mount it when we need it on adventures, but around town I could keep it leaned up against a wall in the garage. What kind of mileage have you been getting? I've read a lot about the 8.1 engine on the web, and it seems people get 11 around town and 13 on the highway (unloaded, not pulling a trailer). I have no plans to pull anything larger than a tiny vintage Coleman Caboose trailer I found on Craigslist earlier this year. The fact that I'm not planning to use the big block 8.1 engine for its intended purpose, ie. pulling heavy trailers, does give me pause.

 

[Rovertrader]

Yes, the three current cubicles are individual, and can be removed individually. In fact, there is a decent sized tray forward of the middle section, behind the middle row seats. I can get more pics of anything you desire in a couple weeks when we return home.

The 8.1 is actually pretty sought after. It is quite robust, tons of torque which is great for mountains, passing, and obviously towing- remember, these are fairly heavy vehicles, and the extra oomph is safety in some situations. The mpg is pretty accurate, though we did a little better on a longer trip on secondary roads at a fairly constant 55-60- best being just over 15, but I wouldn't count on that.
She has been a great vehicle, and I will miss her considerably.

Oops, forgot: the Frontrunner is bolted to the factory rails with SS hardware, and quite easy to remove- a couple minutes tops.

 

[shellb]

Wanted to stop in and say that I would have 150% confidence in buying from Dale, no hesitations...

He is a true class act and always has top notch vehicles!

 

[goomashoom]

Dale - thanks for the answers. Yes, I agree that the extra power provides a cushion of safety, and I'm all for that! One of the reasons I drive a SUV instead of a sedan is because I believe the vehicle size makes me more visible on the road and therefore less likely for other drivers to fail to see me (& my kids!).

Brett - thank you for the personal testimonial, but honestly, I already had 150% confidence in Dale based on how he composed his initial advertisement and the content of his entire website. It is that faith in his integrity that is enabling me to consider buying a used vehicle from someone on the other side of the country! I will have to fly out to NC, and in a funny twist of fate, drive the Suburban back to its birth state of California!

 

[Rovertrader]

Brett, thanks so much for the endorsement!! Would really like to meet up if we can get out west this year- any plans for a trip back east?

Goomashoom, thanks once again for the kind words. And the yellow provides an even more aware presence ;-)

 

[goomashoom]

'03 Suburban 2500 4x4 8.1 w/ very nice expedition build

I'd like to see what the tray looks like. What kind/size of is the 2nd battery? What brand are the LED lights? Is the interior color light grey? Does it have a rear locking differential?

Yeah, the yellow is a real eye catcher. I fear it will be too much for my wife to accept. Have to find the right time to show her a picture.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rovertrader]

As I mentioned, away for two more weeks, sorry- will get you pics upon return.

Battery was new last year, HD commercial battery- Interstate I think, but need to confirm.

LEDs are Cree, but brand escapes me- the fella that does the electrical supplies them from his source for Fire/Rescue/Police equipment. They are super bright- the front ones are dual flood/spot and light up about 50 acres, pretty amazing really.

Yes, light grey, no spots/tears/etc.

Has the factory limited slip/locking axle, but no aftermarket or upgraded locker like a Detroit or ARB. I must say the balance and traction is quite surprising. I always wondered why folks towed with these instead of a truck, but they are far superior for towing, at least up to about 10k# IMHO.

I have been surprised the females like the yellow, as do I- but a lot of the 'guys' not as much. My painter offered to paint it all white when we did the black accents for the same price, as he wasn't a fan either. However, afterwards he was pleasantly surprised how it turned out. Why be boring, life is short...

 

[goomashoom]

No problem on timing. Hope you're on a 2-week vacation and not a 2-week work assignment. I'd also like a snapshot of the sticker that, from my understanding, is in the glove compartment that has all of the GM option codes for the vehicle listed in a table. Do you have the 3rd row seat(s)? I need a family hauler when I'm not camping. I have to admit that when I first saw the paint color, I was horrified. The shock has worn off, mostly, but my buddies don't think they can be seen in it. I do like the unique aspect of the paint scheme, but maybe it's too unique. It must really stand out in traffic! I don't mean to be criticizing you, so please don't take it the wrong way. Just telling you what's bouncing around in my head as I think about how I will like it. By the way, should we take this conversation offline using PM's? I'm not sure what the proper protocol is. - Kent

 

[Rovertrader]

No worries on the color, I am pretty thick skinned- and not quite mainstream ;-) No third row, but many available on EBay or at breaking yards.
PM is likely better, although this has hopefully been helpful to others as well.mwe can start with PM, then move to email if necessary for ease of communication.
Cheers!! Oh, and this trip all play...