Suburban 2500 or Sierra 2500HD (a little long)

[ebod]

I need a new daily driver.  I'm trying to decide between a 2500 Suburban and a Sierra 2500 HD (crew cab, short box).  

 

My wife already drives a Suburban (1500 2wd) and we used to have a 1995 1500 4wd suburban, so I know what it's like to drive one.  

 

My concern with the truck is that it is a foot or two longer than the already-long Suburban.  I'm worried that after the novelty of having a new truck wears off things that are minor pains now will become huge pains.  I'm thinking about things like parking in tight mini-malls or tight sponts, u-turns, 3-point turns, etc.  The biggest plus for the truck (other than its being "cool") is that I could haul my dirtbikes without a trailer/hitch-mounted carrier (I only ride about once a month though).

 

I'm looking for suggestions from board members in light of the application I have in mind.  Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

[bigkite]

Have you considered a 2500 Avalanche.  It has the ride of the Sub and the utility of the HD.  Cost less than either one.  There is a $4000 rebate on them now.

[Tucson_02Silverado]

If you can live a 6.0L instead of an 8.1 or DMax, the crew cabs can be optioned with Quadrasteer.  Suburbans now as well.  The 6.0L is the only restriction in the 2500 due to the Dana 60 used for rear steering is said not able to take the torque of the 8.1 or DMax

[ebod]

I test drove an extended cab w/ the quadrasteer and that feature is really really slick.  It made it much easier to turn, etc.  My main concern (in addition to limited engine choices) is that I suspect I would be unable to put big tires on the quadrasteer.  Does anyone know if 285/75's would fit?

 

I haven't really taken a close look at the Avalanch (sp?).  It's looks aren't for me (even the naked, no-cladding, version).  In fact, the Avalanch-like front end on the Silverado is what's driving me towards a Sierra.  Everything I've read about it, however, says it's great.

[TPN]

Wife has an '00 Suburban & mine is an '03 Sierra 2500 crew cab long bed . . . . . . there is no such thing as a U-turn for us anymore, but I do have the 6 point turn just about conquered!!

 

Sure, there are some inconveniences (moreso with the Sierra), especially when driving intown or going around drive thru windows at Dunkin Donuts or parking garages (you know, the ones with the 45 degree left turns, rough finish bollards at the corner of the building & a concrete retaining wall on the right side ), but it's not that bad . . . .  it's a price I gladly pay!!  

 

The novelty has yet to wear off, and the Sierra is very cool !!!  :thumb:

[openminds]

After owning a 2500 Suburban, then a 2500 Xtra cab short bed, we went with the 2500 Avalanche. The wife enjoys it much more, and out of the three trucks, the Avalanche is the only one that fits in my garage.

 

The Avalanche is the best truck I have owned yet, and the looks really grow on you.

[Shaners]

I've just gotton used to the fact that I have to park in the back of the lot at Walmart etc...

 

I love the utility of the bed on the truck (shortbed), and the cab is definatly big enough for my family of 5.

 

The 2500 Suburban is available with the 8.1L and the 4L80E tranny, but if you need the 8.1L in the HD pickup, you will have to cough up the extra $$$ for the Ally tranny...

[jelisfc]

The only thing that has changed going from an ext cab to a CC is parking usually requires me to back up to hit the spot square. I don't park out back. Not a big problem. That's the price you pay for the extra room.

 

If you already have one Burb why spend the money on two. If you are going 6.0L and money is an issue why not the 1500HD? They sit a little lower so loading in the bed is easier. If you want a truck bed get a truck. Sorry Avalanche guys, my life style is not condusive to the fold down bed. If they made a Chev version of the Supercrew I'd be all over it.

[tmf6902]

I dunno I have a 2500HD crewcap long bed, and once you get used to it it's no big deal, I still bust out u-turns, and parking in the first row at the mall is no big deal as long as you can find a spot. I always back in, but I can't stand pulling into spaces anyway. I say if you can use the space in the bed, go for it, even if it's only once a month.

[AlanTDickey]

When I first drove my 4x4 Crew Cab Sierra 1500HD 4 weeks ago, it seemed a little cumbersome, coming from a 3-ft shorter Isuzu Trooper. Now, I don't even notice, and I no longer like driving my wife's also-3-ft-shorter SUV. You'll love the long wheel base of the truck on the highway, and will subconsciously adapt to its maneuvering characteristics.

On the lighter side, if you get the truck, I recommend getting some big a$$ tires and a mean looking replacement bumper, in part, so people will think you're going to drive over them if they &%$# with you. I am pleased to report that, unlike with my Trooper, I have not had one Denver driver tailgate me or pull out in front of me since I got my truck and mods.

[HendyPhoto]

I didnt like the looks of the Avalanche either, until I saw one with a 6" lift and mudders. It looks SO GOOD lifted! Kinda off the subject, but thats my 2 cents on the avalanche!

 

Congrats to Jimmy and Hendricks Motor Sports!!!!!!

[MarkD]

Personally, turning circle is one of the major concerns for a full size truck. I would seriously consider an Avalanche or Quadrasteer.

[Stepside Z]

You will get used to the length of a CC short bed truck. I went from a reg cab shortbed to my cc shortbed superduty. Yes it is longer and sometimes a pain to park but I would not go back.

[JimWilson]

Do you actually need a crewcab? I don't know if you have kids, a big dog or something else that would require a crewcab. If not, then why get one? The regular cab, and extended cab short bed, ride on a smaller wheel base and are a easier to maneuver.

 

Personally, I can attest to the fact that it's a bit of a PITA sometimes to have such a long wheel base, but you get used to it. Most of the time anyway.