Avalanche Owners

RyanZ71 · February 20, 2006

What are your thoughts on the Avalanche? What problems have you had? How much did you Pay? What options did you get?

pm26 · February 20, 2006

I seriously considered buying one before I bought my truck. I test drove a 2005 brand new 2WD version. This particular vehicle had a strange clunk in the drivetrain that was audible every time I took my foot off the accelerator and then pressed it again. This at 60 MPH speeds. Then after 20 miles of driving it disappeared. That was enough for me to make up my mind not to buy this particular vehicle. On the plus side, I liked the lockable storage bins on either side of the bed and the hard bed cover. It also looks nice, especially without that monstrous plastic cladding, which most dealers do not order anymore, and I think GM has eliminated it for the '07 models altogether. Avalanche has a shorter wheelbase than an extended cab Silverado, and it has a softer ride. It comes with Onstar as standard equipment.

I think that Honda's Ridgeline truck is something like a small version of the Avalanche. It is very successful, sot he concept appeals to a lot of people. GM should consider offering a smaller version of Avalanche as well.

MMM · February 23, 2006

My wife drove an Avalanche for the last 3 years. Has 78,000 on it. Has had absolutely no trouble at all with this vehicle. I must say it has the best ride of all vehicles I have ever ridden in. The hard covers on the bed are very handy, as you can take them all off, or just one or two if you desire. Also has two rear lockable storage compartments, which can be used as a ice chest for drinks also. I for one, and I know I am not with the popular vote here, like the cladding. The cladding does a very good job of protecting the lower panels from paint chips, scratches, and what not, caused from rocks, gravel or whatever. Also lot easier to wash and wax the vehicle. As far as the mid-panel opening up, and rear seats folding forward, we never really used this option. It is also fairly good on fuel mileage for a vehicle this size.(2wd version) The only complaint I can possibly say about it, is since it sits up so high, with the tall bed, and the rear styling design behind the rear window, it is somewhat hard to see small vehicles next to you on the inerstate. Never caused an accident for us, but it's something you need to keep in mind if you drive one. But, I think it's one very versatile vehicle. It's not a full blown pick-up truck, nor does it ride like one. It's a good combination between a truck and a sport-utility.

SIERRA2000 · February 23, 2006

I love my 2005 WBH 2WD 1500. I switched from an extended cab GMC.

Four full doors and a shorter wheelbase makes a big difference. I get 13-16 mpg around town and have gotten 22 mpg on the road.

RyanZ71 · February 23, 2006

We don't seem to have very many 4X4 Avalanche owners on here! If i do get one it would be a 4X4 or Z71 (same thing)

Wingnut · February 23, 2006

I'm seriously considering it for my next vehicle...Which will probably be several years from now...But still...I like them a lot.

melbertbloosfan · February 23, 2006

Checking in with my 04 Z66 (2WD) 1500 uncladded Avalanche.

Really like the ride, utility and comfort of the vehicle.

Keep in mind the Av shares 85% of its parts with the 1/2 ton suburban, so expect similiar ride/handling/mileage characteristics.

The midgate is awesome - converting to a open air cabin takes about 30 seconds (if that). The lockable side saddle bags are great as is the covered bed.

Very reliable (18K and no probs yet), no rattles or leaks here.

The '07's should be that much nicer yet.

Also a great online community for mods and advice - just like GM-trucks!

Warning: Big Azz pic to follow:

Butch 02 Denali · February 23, 2006

The wife's on her second 4x4 Avalanche. Had a 2002 then traded it for a 2004 last year since the deal was so good. Had 0 problems with either. Great trucks, very nice ride, very comfortable. As mentioned, these are the same as all the pickups and suv's from the doors forward. The drivetrain is identical. There are no "common" problems related to the Avalanche. They share all quirks, problems, good points and bad points with all the other full size trucks.

Wingnut · February 24, 2006

Just a quick question to you Avalanche owners...While I have your attention

What is the clearance height from the bed floor to the cab ceiling when the midgate is down?

I'm just wondering how hard it would be to fit my quad in there, for when I don't want to trailer it...And if I could fit it with the tailgate up.

melbertbloosfan · February 24, 2006

Just a quick question to you Avalanche owners...While I have your attention

What is the clearance height from the bed floor to the cab ceiling when the midgate is down?

I'm just wondering how hard it would be to fit my quad in there, for when I don't want to trailer it...And if I could fit it with the tailgate up.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry, Wingnut, don't remember the exact dimension. I know I have hauled a sofa back there and it fit under the roof. Anyway, check out this thread for pics of a 400 Honda in the back.

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcn...ic,51117.0.html

Also it seems width is more of a problem than length or height. The bed is 50", sure, but the drip rail/bracket system used for the covers narrows that down to 45" or so at the top of the bed. The drip rail is, however, ummmm, flexible shall we say. Anyway, you can nose around that forum for many other ATV related hauling questions.

Enjoy

Wingnut · February 25, 2006

Thanks man...I had searched that site...But for some reason, those pics weren't working the other day, so I didn't see them until I clicked your link to the same thread...Weird.

If that Ute will fit under there, my sport quad shouldn't have a problem.

rmreid · March 23, 2006

Former AV '03 Z71 owner, traded for '06 Silverado LT3 CC.

My list of problems started at around 80,000 miles and included:

ABS module

Tranny slipping in 2nd/3rd and reverse

Transfer Case

PCM locked up

I loved the AV but its reliability was less than pleasing

pm26 · March 23, 2006

Former AV '03 Z71 owner, traded for '06 Silverado LT3 CC.

My list of problems started at around 80,000 miles and included:

ABS module

Tranny slipping in 2nd/3rd and reverse

Transfer Case

PCM locked up

I loved the AV but its reliability was less than pleasing

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

All Avalanches are made in Mexico. All 1500 series crew cab GM trucks are made in Canada. I take a Canadian made truck over Mexican made one any day of the week, thank you.

Some say it makes no difference where the truck is made. Many others say it does.

defyrfytr · March 23, 2006

What are your thoughts on the Avalanche? What problems have you had? How much did you Pay? What options did you get?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ryan,

I have a 05 Avalanche 4x4 with the Centurian Conversion package. The truck has 20" rims, leather heated seats, custom paint. I like the truck, which rides like a car, but it has a 4.10 rear. I believe the dealer had the truck on the lot but couldn't get rid of it. Sent it to a conversion company, tricked it out and sold it within a couple of days. My wife fell in love with it and almost broke her neck when she drove by. Everyone thinks my truck is an Escalade. I am trying to get pix uploaded but have not quite got that far.

Hopes this helps....

Doug

chris_kucia · March 23, 2006

I've also been looking at the Avalanche as an eventual replacement for my Sierra Extended Cab.

What's the capacity of the bed? Can it take a 4x8 sheet of drywall/plywood between the wheel wells like a pickup? Do you have to open the midgate to fit 4x8 stock in the bed?