Suburban Overlander

 Work Completed

This was quite an interesting and fun project to work on. Our client, a photographer and author, wanted to outfit his Chevrolet Suburban as an all-terrain overlanding rig, with the capability for full-time living. Once we had completed all of the work he wanted, he used this rig to follow thru-hikers along the Appalachian Trail, take their photographs and interviews, and publish a photography book detailing their journeys and telling their stories. If you want to learn more about his work, go check out localexposuremagazine.com.

We made the following modifications for his rig:

    • After removing the rear seats, we built out a storage compartment that would fit in the existing area and create a continuous, level surface to the back of the vehicle. The levelness allowed this area to be used as a bed when camping.

      • The compartment lids were attached using stainless steel piano hinges for strength and durability in the elements.

      • Gas struts were installed to make the lids stay open.

      • All plywood was treated with spar urethane, which is rated for exterior use.

      • The compartment was bolted to the vehicle using machine bolts in existing threaded holes in the floor.

    • Installed a heavy-duty on-off switch to enable isolation of the vehicle and house batteries.

    • Ran heavy-duty wire under the vehicle to the rear for a DC fuse panel and 120 V AC inverter.

    • Installed a 400 W power inverter to convert 12 Vdc power to 120 V AC.

    • Mounted and wired ARB off-road lights to front bumper.

    • Created a solar power system for off-grid charging including the following:

      • 100 W monocrystalline, flexible solar panel installed on front hood.

      • Waterproof charge controller installed in front engine compartment near house battery.

    • Installed a 12 Vdc ICECO refrigerator on a lock-in/lock-out sliding tray. This included building a stand for the sliding tray so that it would clear the rear tailgate.

    • Mounted and wired a 12 Vdc fan to the passenger central column.

Gallery

The gallery below shows the progress shots and final product for this overlanding project.

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Ronnie Pettit

“I hired Andrew to prepare my vehicle for full-time adventure. He did a rear seat delete and built a storage compartment in that area. He installed a 12V refrigerator, an RV fan, power inverter, off road lights, and a solar panel with a charging system. Andrew's knowledge, skill and attention to detail is world class. All the wiring, mounting and construction on my vehicle is flawless. The fit and finish on the storage box he built is frankly, overkill. It looks like custom cabinetry for a nice home. I highly recommend him for any type of electrical or custom build out.”
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