Silverado Vs. Avalanche

pharmb · October 9, 2007

Trying to decide between the Silverado and Avalanche.

Curious as to why the Silverado with the 5.3 has rear drums, even on the LTZ?

Also, any ideas on why the turning radius is so much bigger with the Silverado - aren't they essentially the same frame?

C & A s Dad · October 9, 2007

The Avalanche is built on the Suburban/Yukon XL frame which is completely different from the trucks. At least it was on the 800 series and I am sure this holds true with the 900 series.

The Avalanche will offer a better ride due to it's rear coils, while the truck has a better payload.

If you are not hauling much, it really comes down to what you like and what you are going to do with it.

pharmb · October 9, 2007

The Avalanche is built on the Suburban/Yukon XL frame which is completely different from the trucks. At least it was on the 800 series and I am sure this holds true with the 900 series.

The Avalanche will offer a better ride due to it's rear coils, while the truck has a better payload.

If you are not hauling much, it really comes down to what you like and what you are going to do with it.

Thanks for info.

I know the suspensions are different, but don't understand why the turning radius is so much bigger with the trucks?

cc1999 · October 9, 2007

Trying to decide between the Silverado and Avalanche.

Curious as to why the Silverado with the 5.3 has rear drums, even on the LTZ?

Also, any ideas on why the turning radius is so much bigger with the Silverado - aren't they essentially the same frame?

The avalanche is a pretty cool truck if hauling is not needed that often, it has the built in bed cover system, built in side storage boxes. It also has a much larger fuel capacity than the pickups 31 gal vs 25 gal. So its got better range, and with the covers on the bed it should get a little better mileage.

As far as the turning radius, the wheel base numbers tell the story. The crew cab pickup is if I remember right close to a foot longer. The one seira that I was recently comparing to the Avalanche in its over all size and manuverabilty was the Extended Cab short box (5.5 foot bed) it was the closest to the avalanche in overal size and turning radius. Its hard to find this configuration. But i started a thread a few weeks ago to just get a few pics of this configuration. http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=67771

Myself I am leaning toward the Avalanche. I really like the overall pkg. I still want to look one over in person and study the bed up close, but based on the specs and tech data, I am thinking Avalanche will be the way to go for me.

Paul58 · October 9, 2007

I like the looks of the new Avalance much better the the early models (I don't care for all the plastic body cladding), but I tow/haul stuff more than I haul people, so the Truck was definately more in line with my needs. But, if people hauling is what you do the most of, with occasional light stuff towing/hauling, the Avalance is definately the way to go!

pharmb · October 10, 2007

Thanks for the feedback!

I've driven both, and recently bought my other half an '07 Tahoe LTZ 4x4.

I think the CC 4x4 Silvy with the 5.3 and 3.73 felt lighter and quicker than the Avalanche with the same specs (I know there is a weight difference) - maybe it's the rear coil (autoride) vs. the springs?

I think I'd definitely have to go with the 6.0 & 4.10 on with the added weight of the Avalanche (which seem to be pretty hard to come by in East Central Florida along with the 6.0 Silvy or Sierras).

I've had a Ext. Cab '05 SS Silverado and remember the turning radius was HUGE for a truck that size - which has me leaning toward the Avy. The only thing I tow right now is a 22' bayboat - so nothing too heavy.

BAD2500HD · October 10, 2007

My wife has the 07' Avalanche and i just got a 07' Silverado ext.cab both trucks have the 5.3 in them mine has the 3.73gear and hers has the 4.10's they both have lockers i feel that hers is a little better taking off then mine and of course the ride is much better really smooth not sure what the tow limit is on her Avalanche but believe its more with with the 4.10's the bed is really nice with the mat inside and the 3piece cover on the outside she does get a little better on gas 18.9 vs mine thats a high of 17.1 to a low of 16.8 she has a LS model that had a sticker of just over 36,000 mine is a LT2 with a sticker of just under 35,000 so as you can see i got more with my truck for less then she did but she has much more room a better ride , a little better gas mileage and a few things mine didn't come with (bedliner &cover) if you really want a truck get the silverado if you really don't need a truck go with the Avalanche, also the rear drums are much better then the old style rear rotors ! had two sets put on my 03' 2500 GMC with a total of 32,000 miles plus one set on the front.

2007silveradonbs · October 10, 2007

I own both an 07 Avalanche LT2 and a Silverado LTZ. Both are 4x4, and both are the 5.3 flex. You do get a lot more options on the Silverado for less money. My Silverado sees about 3 MPG better than the Avalanche does. The Silverado weighs less, so, braking is about the same between both trucks.

pharmb · October 10, 2007

My wife has the 07' Avalanche and i just got a 07' Silverado ext.cab both trucks have the 5.3 in them mine has the 3.73gear and hers has the 4.10's they both have lockers i feel that hers is a little better taking off then mine and of course the ride is much better really smooth not sure what the tow limit is on her Avalanche but believe its more with with the 4.10's the bed is really nice with the mat inside and the 3piece cover on the outside she does get a little better on gas 18.9 vs mine thats a high of 17.1 to a low of 16.8 she has a LS model that had a sticker of just over 36,000 mine is a LT2 with a sticker of just under 35,000 so as you can see i got more with my truck for less then she did but she has much more room a better ride , a little better gas mileage and a few things mine didn't come with (bedliner &cover) if you really want a truck get the silverado if you really don't need a truck go with the Avalanche, also the rear drums are much better then the old style rear rotors ! had two sets put on my 03' 2500 GMC with a total of 32,000 miles plus one set on the front.

Thanks, are both 2wd?

She gets better mileage with the 4.10 vs your 3.73?

Can tell me a little more about the rear drums? How do your brakes feel vs. hers? You like the drums better than the old rotors?

pharmb · October 10, 2007

I own both an 07 Avalanche LT2 and a Silverado LTZ. Both are 4x4, and both are the 5.3 flex. You do get a lot more options on the Silverado for less money. My Silverado sees about 3 MPG better than the Avalanche does. The Silverado weighs less, so, braking is about the same between both trucks.

Thanks!

Can you tell any differnces in handling/cornering between the two?

2007siveradonbs · October 10, 2007

The Silverado is a Z71 and the Avalanche is not. The Avalanche has a suspension that is a lot softer and car-like. The Silverado is more like a truck, and it is stiffer. I prefer the Silverado ride, and my wife likes the Avalanche. The Silverado corners better and handles better IMO.

2007silveradonbs · October 10, 2007

The previous post to this one is mine. I noticed after I activated the account that I misspelled Silverado. My computer still had me logged on when I replied. I need to figure out how to delete that account.

BAD2500HD · October 10, 2007

My wife has the 07' Avalanche and i just got a 07' Silverado ext.cab both trucks have the 5.3 in them mine has the 3.73gear and hers has the 4.10's they both have lockers i feel that hers is a little better taking off then mine and of course the ride is much better really smooth not sure what the tow limit is on her Avalanche but believe its more with with the 4.10's the bed is really nice with the mat inside and the 3piece cover on the outside she does get a little better on gas 18.9 vs mine thats a high of 17.1 to a low of 16.8 she has a LS model that had a sticker of just over 36,000 mine is a LT2 with a sticker of just under 35,000 so as you can see i got more with my truck for less then she did but she has much more room a better ride , a little better gas mileage and a few things mine didn't come with (bedliner &cover) if you really want a truck get the silverado if you really don't need a truck go with the Avalanche, also the rear drums are much better then the old style rear rotors ! had two sets put on my 03' 2500 GMC with a total of 32,000 miles plus one set on the front.

Thanks, are both 2wd?

She gets better mileage with the 4.10 vs your 3.73?

Can tell me a little more about the rear drums? How do your brakes feel vs. hers? You like the drums better than the old rotors?

Yes both are 4wd's i was told that i should see a little better with the 4.10's then the 3.73's i can't really remeber what they said now but think it had to do with one (3.73) makeing the truck shift more ? sorry was told why twice but forgot now , anyhow yes i do like the drums better then the rotors on the back i feel like the truck stops better and maybe a little more even, on my 03' 2500 GMC like i said within 32,000 miles i had the factories replaced and two more sets put on they have a problem with freezing up and not really releasing like the should at least this is what i was told by the dealers and that at every oil change i should tear them apart and clean and lube them ! i really don't think that should have to be done but more then once a year and of all the rigs i have owned i never had rear brakes go like them and i never had much trouble with drum brakes. i really feel that if your after a better ride and more room then go with the Avalanche get it with the 5.3 and 4.10's and you should be set to tow what you want yes the think the pick-up will tow a little more but maybe you don't need that much , what are you going to be towing ? also both rigs are the flex fuel motors not that does us any good up here in VT !

pharmb · October 11, 2007

The previous post to this one is mine. I noticed after I activated the account that I misspelled Silverado. My computer still had me logged on when I replied. I need to figure out how to delete that account.

Thanks; I thought I noticed the same thing on the test drive - I think I like the siffer suspension too.

pharmb · October 11, 2007

My wife has the 07' Avalanche and i just got a 07' Silverado ext.cab both trucks have the 5.3 in them mine has the 3.73gear and hers has the 4.10's they both have lockers i feel that hers is a little better taking off then mine and of course the ride is much better really smooth not sure what the tow limit is on her Avalanche but believe its more with with the 4.10's the bed is really nice with the mat inside and the 3piece cover on the outside she does get a little better on gas 18.9 vs mine thats a high of 17.1 to a low of 16.8 she has a LS model that had a sticker of just over 36,000 mine is a LT2 with a sticker of just under 35,000 so as you can see i got more with my truck for less then she did but she has much more room a better ride , a little better gas mileage and a few things mine didn't come with (bedliner &cover) if you really want a truck get the silverado if you really don't need a truck go with the Avalanche, also the rear drums are much better then the old style rear rotors ! had two sets put on my 03' 2500 GMC with a total of 32,000 miles plus one set on the front.

Thanks, are both 2wd?

She gets better mileage with the 4.10 vs your 3.73?

Can tell me a little more about the rear drums? How do your brakes feel vs. hers? You like the drums better than the old rotors?

Yes both are 4wd's i was told that i should see a little better with the 4.10's then the 3.73's i can't really remeber what they said now but think it had to do with one (3.73) makeing the truck shift more ? sorry was told why twice but forgot now , anyhow yes i do like the drums better then the rotors on the back i feel like the truck stops better and maybe a little more even, on my 03' 2500 GMC like i said within 32,000 miles i had the factories replaced and two more sets put on they have a problem with freezing up and not really releasing like the should at least this is what i was told by the dealers and that at every oil change i should tear them apart and clean and lube them ! i really don't think that should have to be done but more then once a year and of all the rigs i have owned i never had rear brakes go like them and i never had much trouble with drum brakes. i really feel that if your after a better ride and more room then go with the Avalanche get it with the 5.3 and 4.10's and you should be set to tow what you want yes the think the pick-up will tow a little more but maybe you don't need that much , what are you going to be towing ? also both rigs are the flex fuel motors not that does us any good up here in VT !

Thanks - I think you're right - the 4.10's are gonna be the way to go - with the 5.3 or the 6.0 - either way I'll have to keep shopping or special order one. Thanks for the feedback on the brakes too - I like rear disks, but I've not had the problems you describe...gives me a little more prospective on the drums at least.