As it turns out: Just a few months ago, we bought a nice '05 Suburban 2500 with the 6.0. There was no 7.4 that year, though the 8.1 was still available. The 8.1 with 4.10 axles did indeed get a 12K trailer rating, though the same 2527 pound payload rating as the 6.0; a 12K trailer with 15% tongue weight similarly eats…

I recently ran into this truth (and that fact that most Suburban 1500's on the road are configured as people-only haulers). Our family's solution included the recent acquisition of an '05 Suburban 2500. The 5500 pound rear axle rating was key for my family's situation.

It's probably only rated for a bike rack...

Water damage is what kills old campers...

Yes, selecting the tow vehicle, the trailer - and other towing equipment - are more important that many "hitch it up - let's go!" people would have you think.

I aspire to be like those grandparents...

Having gone down this path: Yes, the Sequoia can tow the trailer. Yes, the trailer can accommodate a family.

It's getting hard to find good examples on the used market - and no one really makes anything quite like this any more. An amazing amount of capability in a reasonably-sized package.

Also: Cool use of iconic Airstream, even if just in the background...

It's always nice to see the hatchbacks coming up in the Spring.

This looks like a lot of fun: A cool 80's sleeper with lots of potential.

After the "no sympathy for the rich guy" comments fade away...

In regard to traditional V8 culture: We're at an interesting crossroads. Ford's full-size SUV Expedition/Navigator platform is now completely turbo V6-powered; GM's full-size SUV Suburban/Tahoe/etc. platform is still completely NA V8-powered.

Just look across the lot at the Expedition: The 3.5 Ecoboost is the only engine available in 2015 models.

Nice plate. But I suspect there are close to 49 other opportunities in this nation to get a JALOPNK plate, so I'm not about to pay more for it.

If a PT Cruiser can do it, everyone should be able to do it. One of my cars is a 1995 - so pre-OBDII - but you can dump codes with a paper clip (codes blink to the MIL light). There's really no excuse any more.

Diagnostic WITHOUT EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT: If there's a system in the car that can produce trouble codes, etc. (think OBDII; engine codes, ABS, transmission, whatever) the car should be able completely report the problems without buying something else.

You'll find copies on eBay. "London under London: Subterranean Guide" by Richard C. Trench and Ellis Hillman

They did. There's a horrifying description of what it was like in the day included in the book "London Under London", a cool history of all things subterranean in London. Yes, they had vent holes that went to the surface. No, it wasn't nearly enough...

I love the truck. I love the camper. I can think of lots of things to do with them.