Avalance Tent

[xtreme_xformer]

Does anyone have, or have seen, the bed tent that is available for the Avalanche ? Will it hold up under a strong wind ? Is it water tight ? Will the hold-down straps scratch the paint ?

 

While I'm at it... how does the roof rack attach to the roof and does anyone know who the manufacturer is ? I heard it was Yakima and would like toknow which model it is.

[chevy4x4trucks]

First of all welcome to the forum.  I can help you out a bit, but some of the AVY owners should be able to help you more.  The tent straps look like they are nylon straps so they won't scratch the paint, plus they strap by the plastic body cladding.  The roof rack, as far as I know, has to be screwed into the roof.  Some of the guys were saying how they ended up w/ metal shavings everywhere when the dealer put them in.  So if you have a dealer install it, make sure they tape it up well so they don't get shavings everywhere.

[silverado man]

Here's picsof the tent. Dont know anything about the rest.

[alchymie]

Just my opinion, but it looks kind of questionable.

 

Why not just get a regular tent. You would have a lot more flexibility versus having one that will only work on the back of an Avalanche.

 

Maybe some aftermarket companies will start selling camper shells. It'd be kind of interesting to see how those would look.

 

The tent is listed for $161.00 at www.gmpartsdirect.com.

[alchymie]

I believe the roof rack is installed by the dealer prior to purchasing the vehicle. Although I'm sure you can bring your truck in and they'll do it on one that you've already bought.

 

It looks useful. However a dealer installed option where drilling into the roof is required makes me nervous. How well do they seal everything up, or should you expect leaks/rust.

 

Too bad its not installed by the factory.

 

Apparently you can buy a bunch of different attachments to the roof rack, allowing you to carry various types of cargo.

 

Accessories are here (incomplete list):

 

Accessories

[xtreme_xformer]

Thanks for the input. Sounds like the concerns outweigh the possible benies in my case and I already have a great hitch rack and ground tent. Thanks for the links and photos.

[HelmutK]

I am thinking about getting the Avalanche tent also. There are a couple of advantages I see...

  It is off the ground so it will be dryer and more comfortable to sleep in.

  Don't have to worry about finding a smooth, rock free area to pitch the tent.

  Don't have to worry about driving, pulling, and cleaning tent pegs.

  Takes up less space if you park your vehicle at your camp site.

  You get heat/ac and music built in. (though I don't think they would recommend running the Av while the tent is pitched)

  Looks cool.  ;)  

I see a couple of disadvantages though...  

  You lose storage area in the bed while camping.

  It looks like you can not stand up in it.

  It does not come with a rain fly.

  Cost more than an equivalent tent.

Bottom line if you park where you camp I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

And if you buy it through gmparts direct the price is not too bad.

[chevy4x4trucks]

I think in the pic post section they have a pic of an avy cap.  Looks pretty good to me.