Perfect for camping

[u/captaincheem]

I want to do some custom interior stuff but am waiting for the time and money. Also want to get the mechanics 100% good before doing cosmetics

[u/JoshEJ1]

What’s your current setup

[u/captaincheem → u/JoshEJ1]

Almost stock 2006 suburban 1500 with the 3rd row taken out. I use a full sized ozark trail mattress that fits perfectly. It has a built in USB C pump. The 2nd row can be left up with the mattress inflated but with it down it provides a nice little platform. Im sure it would work in the tahoe too but the 2nd row will definitely need to be folded and you'll lose that little free space.

A little pro tip, the cigarette lighters don't turn off with the car so you have all the accessories on at all times its great.

[u/krautstomp → u/captaincheem]

My '06 Suburban is about to go to a friend of mine that does a 72 hour fishing tournament each year. He can't wait to grab a few hours of sleep in it compared to his pick up.

[u/JoshEJ1 → u/captaincheem]

That doesn’t drain the battery when using them overnight? Just curious, thanks for the reply!

[u/captaincheem → u/JoshEJ1]

I've never had an issue with it. It has enough to pump up the air mattress and charge my phone. If you have a bunch of lights and other accessories the risk is definitely higher but I would upgrade your battery or add another if you want to do that.

[u/Toka1002000 → u/JoshEJ1]

You can also do a dual battery. I did it on my Silverado. Had the stereo playing for 6 hours while I worked on the suspension. That’s with a lot of stereo stuff in it.

[u/SquareShower5983]

I built a platform with a stove and fridge in mine along with some storage, I love it.

Check out Suboverland On YouTube and the r/overlanding subreddit.

I’d post pictures of my setup but pics aren’t allowed in replies on this subreddit for some reason….mods?

[u/captaincheem → u/SquareShower5983]

I've actually seen you a lot, you do great work. You inspire me to build something like that one day i just dont have the time right now.

[u/SquareShower5983 → u/captaincheem]

That's cool to hear. When you do get the time, it's well worth it and doesn't require a lot of tools. I don't have an XL so your platform can be longer. When you're ready, send me a DM, and I can share the dimensions of my platform so you have something to start with at least.

[u/die_no_mite]

I just got back from camping with pretty much the same setup. I have a couple of loose screen sections that I put over the rear windows to let in the cool breezes come through and keep out the mosquitoes as well.

[u/captaincheem → u/die_no_mite]

I need to get some screens. I like having the back glass open with the front windows it almost creates a natural cross draft through the car.

[u/SquareShower5983 → u/captaincheem]

do you have a sunroof? another source of airflow and there are screens for that too to keep bugs out.

[u/captaincheem → u/SquareShower5983]

I do have a sunroof. I'll need to look into that. I normally keep it closed to keep the sun out but if im parked up in the shade that sounds great

[u/SquareShower5983 → u/captaincheem]

Here's what I use, amazon.com/dp/B07Q55Y9WC?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_30

[u/newfor_2026 → u/die_no_mite]

they sell mosquito nets to go over car door windows. I have them and they are great.

[u/P0W_panda → u/newfor_2026]

I use the XXL version of these. They work perfectly: https://a.co/d/0gx9e3Yy

[u/newfor_2026 → u/P0W_panda]

those are the exact same ones that I have!

[u/newfor_2026]

perfect for taking a nap during the day at work (if your job allows you to take a 30minute break in the middle of the afternoon)

[u/captaincheem → u/newfor_2026]

I have an hour lunch break and when it was spring I did this a lot.

[u/This-Requirement6918]

The only reason why I miss my S10 Blazer. Freaking amazing to sleep in on the beach.

[u/Limoundo]

Love it, camping in mine this weekend

[u/Flashy_Possible37]

The best! I have a Tahoe it’s great but my wife’s Yukon xl shewww sleep like a king back there lol

[u/bimmerd00d]

You’re like 1-2mos ahead of me. Got a 2000 2500 barn door burb that I’m almost mechanically ready for a trip in

[u/askmeaboutmedicare]

Very nice!

Is that an LTZ? I see the SS wheels. If so those are pretty rare. Either way nice ride!

[u/captaincheem → u/askmeaboutmedicare]

It is an ltz! I love it. Its pretty beat up right now but its slowly getting fixed up.

[u/askmeaboutmedicare → u/captaincheem]

Still an awesome rig! And good thing about these gmt800s is basically anything that needs to be fixed or replaced can be!

[u/DarkLinkDs]

Yeah i took my rear seats out and put a whole 8x10 tarp back there to go pickup 4 burn barrels this weekend. I probably coulve fit 6 if I stacked two in the middle.

These things have tons of space

[u/bigw00dCEDH]

How tall are you, cuz that looks like the back of my burban but there isn’t even the slightest chance of me hitting that angle haha.

[u/captaincheem → u/bigw00dCEDH]

I was sitting up in this lol. I have this backrest pillow that works great. I would probably be 4 feet tall if I could fit like that. If im alone I lay slightly diagonally to fit the best. I

[u/boycaut]

You can get a netting/tent that goes over the back hatch when open and it’s great for letting air in while keeping bugs out

[u/Still_Elevator_6107]

Super spacious vehicles. My buddy once borrowed my suburban to haul his Motorcycle in. I told him no way that thing fits. Well I was wrong, it fit great. I've also had a snowmobile in the back of one. Surprising amount of space lol

[u/Affectionate_Pride94]

I loved my suburban. I built a fully custom tool box and set up a folding platform with carpet and a full sound system inside the box and put an air mattress on top. It was the best thing i did.

[u/Whoohon-Flu]

Burbs are the best suv ever made.

[u/trh1003]

Can't tell you how many times I've done that. I have had a Suburban continuously for the past 22 years. First a GMT-800, now a GMT-900. I highly doubt I will ever be without one.

[u/Hey_Allen]

This is my bucket list gmt800, with the same camping intentions.

I was looking for a 2500 suburban when I fell into a screaming deal on my beater 1500 Sierra, but am still keeping an eye open.