Avalanche Questions

2500HD4X · June 6, 2005

Well, this might have been beat to death, but with the new GM pricing, I took my wife in to look at a new Colorado this past weekend. She wound up being infatuated with the Avalanche. I must say after I drove one I was impressed with it. I have never really looked at these much, so what are some common problems on these? Do they leak at the rear window or anything? I am not worried about the drivetrain-just some specific info about the body configuration and if anyone has troubles with theirs. Thanks for any info y'all can give me.

Lee

Butch 02 Denali · June 6, 2005

Had an 02 Avalanche, had absolutly no problems with it. Traded it for an 04 Avalanche the end of last year. Couldn't pass up the incentives. Again great truck, absolutly no problems no leaks at all, no noises. Same engine and drivetrain as any other GM pickup. My wife loves it too!

RyanZ71 · June 6, 2005

I have only one issue, the ugly styling of the rear, mainly the taillight design other then that I think its a pretty decent little truck.

asilverblazer · June 6, 2005

Definately get all the plastic.

MyBigToy · June 6, 2005

I have an 02 and it's never been back to the shop. My warranty is up in a few days. I have occasionally had a few drops of water on the bedmat at the tailgate seal but none anywhere else.

It's a great truck and you can't beat the versatility.

ness5575 · June 6, 2005

i think its a great truck, very versitale and comfortable. did you have her take it to some stores and have her go in and out of some parking spots? this is a big vechicle and not quite as nimble as say a colorado while in tight spots.

just something to think about, after driving my dads avalanche, i would have some concerns about my fiance having one as a daily driver for that exact reason...

2500HD4X · June 6, 2005

She is used to a big vehicle, she grew up around horses and driving horse trailers with 3/4 ton diesel pickups and a gooseneck. She drives my truck fine except for the lead foot ... I was just worried about the "mid-gate" design more than anything-wondering if it creaks or leaks. Seems like a pretty cool ride, now that I am actually looking at them. That GMS pricing is awful tempting....

Shaners · June 7, 2005

I know a few people with them... the only real complaint they have is that they feel it is hard to see when backing up. Otherwise they love them!!!

MyBigToy · June 7, 2005

Shaners:

Not being able to see when backing up is easily remedied:

1) Add a reverse-sensing system (I added a Poron unit purchased on eBay for $65 and self-installed) or camera.

2) The Avalanche sits extremely high in the rear so lower the rear with a set of 2" lowering springs at a cost of $150 (I added the Eibach springs). This made a HUGE difference; you can actually see small cars through the rear view mirror when they are sitting right behind you.

melbertbloosfan · June 7, 2005

Coupla things on the 'lanche:

1. Mid-gate does not rattle/leak (yet). Did you operate it whilst at the dealer? This is not a flimsy piece, it is rather heavy duty and well-made. I also get a few water drops on the bedmat by the tailgate - no biggie - really has to rain HARD to get even that.

2. Nice quiet ride, but not as quick as an ext cab or crew cab 1500. Even a pretty basic 2WD (like mine) weighs in on the north side of 5600 lbs. Big truck. I would recommend looking around for the 4.10 or 3.73 gears. The 3.42's might be a tad sluggish off the line (IMO).

3. Ride is awesome - coil springs in rear really help out cornering and even out the freeway chop.

4. Being able to cruise "au natural" in the spring has been awesome. Glass out , seats forward, mid gate down, covers off. There are about 10 different ways to configure the cab - it's kinda neat.

5. Am getting the same or better mpg's as the wifes tahoe - same powertrain with less weight. Wife is somewhat of a leadfoot.

6. Cladded or uncladded, your choice. More aftermarket options for uncladded as it is basically an "avarado" - silvy front clip.

You will like it.

2500HD4X · June 7, 2005

Nope, haven't really gotten in to it deep enough to make them change around the cab configuration....Looks like it would be neat though. The one we are looking at is uncladded-dark blue metallic 2WD w/the roof rack, I think it does have 3.42 gears in it..... She also likes the burnt orange Z71 4wd LT w/leather seats and all, but even with GMS pricing its still pretty steep. Thanks for all the input and replies guys.

Butch 02 Denali · June 7, 2005

BTW...Avalanche owners. I found that if you unlatch the rear bed cover piece and pull it rearward as you relatch it you don't get the slight leak at the tailgate into the bed. It pushes the rubber seal tighter against the tailgate. Once I do that the bed stays dry in just about any weather.

My wife stands on those bed covers to wash the roof, but I wouldn't try that myself, I weigh a "few" more pounds than her!!!

Mike G · June 7, 2005

We love the wife's Avy, I was hoping she would get tired of it and I could play... An 02 with the cladding, slight leak in the bed covers, but nothing too serious. No other problems. Added a set of Ford T-bar keys to lift the front up and even it out. Looks sweet with a set of 285/75's and it only cost $70. Stiffened up the front a little and took out the soggy feel too. It is actually quite nimble (at least compared to my truck) and parking really is never an issue. Sure does beat the old Honda car when you decide to buy something that is 6 foot long while you are at the hardware store...

--Mike

melbertbloosfan · June 7, 2005

Nope, haven't really gotten in to it deep enough to make them change around the cab configuration....Looks like it would be neat though. The one we are looking at is uncladded-dark blue metallic 2WD w/the roof rack, I think it does have 3.42 gears in it..... "

Dark blue 2WD, hmmmm..., I think you have good taste.

Good luck finding a sales drone who actually knows how to convert it!! Some of the horror stories I've heard really are sad. Some of those yahoos didn't even know you could fold the seats and flip the midgate while leaving the glass in!

My dealership owner, his son, and the top salesman all drive avalanches so they really knew what they were talking about.

BTW, thanks for the tip on the bed covers, Butch, I'll try it tonite.

Greg · June 7, 2005

I had an '02 and it was very reliable and flexible. It was useful having a fullsize back seat or an 8' covered bed in a length about 5" shorter than an extended cab pickup. However, rear vision is awful unless you get some type of backup system. Also, due to the high sides and overall bed height, it is very hard to get stuff out of the bed without climbing in. I bought a bedslide for mine, but then I lost height under the covers. Our needs changed: we wanted more standard bed space, more towing capacity, and didn't need a full rear seat anymore. That's why we have the SD now.