Chevy Avalanche Opinions

[dual-sporter]

the greatest point that has to be made about the crew cab trucks is that the rest of the world has had 1/2 ton crew cabs for years, toyota, nissan, jeep(the old J-series), ford, dodge, & chevy all had them built for the rest of the world, but decided that our market didn't need them until recently... i've heard that dodge no longer even offers the extended cab w/o the 4 doors... duh, the market was here all along for them

 

[longtime]

TexKDX -- you nailed it. I've had my SuperCrew for over a year now. Not THAT's a "Sport""Utility""Vehicle" -- more so than than the station wagons that wear that name. Four people in total comfort. One full sized bike with gate up, or two with gate down and bed extender. Now, a year later, there are a million of those things in this area. Like Dual Sporter said, the market was here all along.

As to the Avalanche, I gave up on it not only because the Screw looks so much better, but also because it's not anything that I need. SUV? Nope. With the partition up, it's a sedan. Think about it. Four seats and a trunk (my Honda Accord had access to the trunk, btw. With the partition down, it's an open air pickup.

The only thing it's got on the market is being an open air pickup. If that's what you want, then this is your answer. Otherwise, I don't see the point.

 

[KelvinKDX]

LongTime,

How do you get a full size bike in a SC with the gate up? Isn't the bed around 5' long?

Another question. Can you tow a trailer with the tail gate down? THis would be handy as I would like to put two bikes in the bed and pull a TT.

 

[ktmboy]

I have to agree with the statement about there always being a market for four door extended cabs. I've had two Super-cabs, both Two doors, and hated reaching back around the seats to access the back part of the cab!:mad:

 

[TexKDX]

Originally posted by KelvinKDX
LongTime,

How do you get a full size bike in a SC with the gate up? Isn't the bed around 5' long?

Another question. Can you tow a trailer with the tail gate down? THis would be handy as I would like to put two bikes in the bed and pull a TT.

Gate up? Easy - put the bike in sideways. Front wheel in one front corner, then swing the back end around.

Towing with the gate down - my guess a boat would work with its greater clearance due to the taper so long as the reel riser cleared. If the trailer did not carry too much tongue weight, say like a well balanced pop up, you may be able to use an extended hitch receiver. Ball in the bumper would be a problem I bet.

 

[WoodsRider]

Towing with the tailgate down = bad idea. Just take the tailgate off if your towing a trailer and have two bikes in back. If you need to keep stuff in the bed, use one of those cheesy-looking cargo nets in it's place.

 

[TexKDX]

I think the SUperCrew's shorter bed requires the back wheels to sit on the gate, right Longtime?

 

[fastkevin]

SuperCrew? In California they come with a Mustang transmisson. That's a real truck!:D

 

[ToddHawaii]

My wife and I were also looking at the Avalanche. Neat ideas, poor execution. But, I would be more interested in the 2500 series coming out next year. Also, Cadillac make the same "basic" thing - without the plastic!

As far as trucks go, I can't figure out why you guys would want a 1500 series pickup? Do any of you work on these rigs? They are literally built like cars, but with a truck bed! The frame/brakes/drive-train, etc...I just don't know.:think

Just kidding. My sport-ute has a TWO-TON chassis. Anyone heard of a Laforza? Well, it's the only vehicle known to have ever crashed "through" the Crash Test Wall!!! So, I simply couldn't get a 1500 series. I would really like to get ahold of the Chevy/Fox crewcab proto-type(2500).

Aloooha!:)
TrailTramp

 

[zcookie49]

2500 Avalanche

The avalanche does come in 2500 series. I was just on the site.. the 1500 series comes with the 5.7 v8, the 2500 series comes with the 8.1 v8, 325 hp. about $2k more for the 2500 series.
the Cadillac is totally Phat, but at $49,999 steep for the average joe.
.
I concur that the Pontiak Aztek is the ugliest thing out there, but I saw thread on MSN about best selling vehicles, and I couldnt believe that the Aztek was a top seller!!! who the hell are buying those things....
.
I was looking into the 2500 series crewcab short bed chevy/GMC... similar to the FOX/Chevy concept truck.... But then again, GM is putting out some pretty trick stuff in near future:
.
1. Hummer2 (GM bought hummer, H2 will be midsize version, 325 hp v8, starting off at 32k, and up to $50k with nightvision?)
2. GMC Sierra deanali - 1st p/u with 4 wheel steering, will turn as tight as a Saturn coupe. 325 hp
3. 2003, gmc/chevy - midsize trucks come out... (s-10 line will be dropped, vehs will be same size as the new trailblazer and envoy)
4. GMC is also introducing a midsize SUT (midsize avalanche)
..5. the Cadillac Escalade EXT - fully loaded avalanche, smarttrack, 345hp.
.....
I wonder if they will ever do the FOX/concept truck... the cool thing with the avalanche is the side compartment storage, aka, boots, tools, gear.. lockable...but I agree that I dont care for all the grey plastic, have you seen what shade that turns too after 5 yrs in sun, a pale white/grey....
.
too many choices.....
...............................BTW, I am biased here for if I buy new, I get a GM discount thru the family, so thats why I dont study up on too much else
later.

 

[TexKDX]

1500 vs. 2500? Bolting on stouter springs and axles does not change the basic truck. Are you trying to tell me the Avalanche 2500 is not built on the Chevy HD platform, but rather is the old GM approach as I described (or the Ford 1998 approach)? My guess is yes - why tool up to make the same POS in both the regular and HD chassis.

Then again this is GM we are talking about...

 

[ToddHawaii]

Good point...

Aloooha!:)
TrailTramp

 

[fastkevin]

The 1500 and 2500 Chevy's DO NOT share the same chassis.

 

[TexKDX]

Please define chassis. The Avalanche is built on the Suburban platform BTW, not the truck platform.

 

[BunduBasher]

I'm a bit confused, is the Suburban not built on a truck er pickup chasis ?, and is it not licenced as a 'truck'. Does not the Suburban/Avalanche share components,parts,chasis with thier pickup family ?! :think

 

[zcookie49]

Good point about the 1500 / 2500 avalanche chasis, I dont know that answer, and I bet if you go the dealer, they wouldnt even have a clue (they never do it seems)
.
I do know there is a difference in the standard pickup and the HD series.. My buddy just got the 2500 HD, I had checked out the rear section on the rails, and it is different then the 1500/2500 standard series....it can carry a larger payload.... The avalanche, I have no clue...is the 2500 designating the larger engine, which would make sense to have stiffer springs as well to compensate..... I would believe that the suburban chasis is frame, which considers it a Truck.... I have a 97 s-10 blazer, it is frame as well, not uni-body....
IMO, frame would designate a truck, where as a unibody is car... I can feel the heat off of this one!!!!! LOL>....

 

[fastkevin]

The front and rear frame rails on the 1500 are "Hydroformed". While the front rails on the 2500 are as well, the rear is different. The suspension is not the same , and neither is the motor and trans. The whole GM line has been built to handle much more weight than the previous model(s) If you look at the specs ( 1500 longbed can tow 8500lbs), it's a much stronger line than in years past.
The F150 (in comparison to the Silverado) is totally outclassed.
And that's assuming that the trans in the Ford is working:D

 

[TexKDX]

Originally posted by fastkevin
The front and rear frame rails on the 1500 are "Hydroformed".

Kevin, I see GM's TV advertising is working, at least in your case.

The point is that if the Avalanche comes in a 2500 version, it is NOT on he new HD chassis. The reference to the Ford a few posts up relates to the year 1998 when Ford made a F250 the GM way by putting a stiffer suspension and heavier duty axles under the F150 body an called it a 250. Ford had a real updated HD chassis out 3 years before GM did, and also builds a real HD SUV on it (Excursion).

 

[ToddHawaii]

I believe that there are more differences between a 1500 and 2500 series truck(GM). Besides larger and stronger running gear(Differential/drive shafts/axles/brakes-rotors/tie-rod ends/springs) there are usually differences in tranny and diff ratios. For example you can get the 2500 with the GM exclusive Alison 5-speed automatic(HD), where-as the 1500 has a modified 4L65 4-speed auto. Simply put, a 1500 series running gear could not handle the enormous torque from the Isuzu/GM hybrid V8 diesel, or the 8.0 Liter V-8. There is actually a lot different between a 1500 and 2500 series - as well as 3500.

Aloooha!:)
TrailTramp
74'87'98' Husky/69'Sachs/98'KX60/99'PW50
8000,8700Trek(Carbon Fiber)K2 Rollerblades
89'Laforza(Pininfarina)Sport-Ute
95'Z28 convertible

 

[TexKDX]

I guess I'm missing something here, Todd.

Are you saying that 1500/2500 is across the board on all products that wear the label? Meaning the SUV line and the truck line, which are two distinctly different products from GM?

Does your previous post apply say for example on a 2002 Suburban or Tahoe, or does it just hold true for the 1500 TRUCK vs. the new HD TRUCK?

Please clarify if you've got the data on this. Remember this thread is about the Avalanche, which is based on the Suburban chassis.

 

[fastkevin]

Well Tex, I don't get brainwashed by anybody's advertising or b.s(including...) . I have my data from owning their products, reading the equipment list(s) and manuals. I guess it's all b.s. huh?
Anyway, find someone else to argue with.

 

[zcookie49]

I think some here in this thread dont understand the AVANLANCHE concept...It is the first SUT (sport utility truck). Its base is a sport utility, with the availability to have the CONVIENCES of a pick up if needed.....like hauling bikes, more cargo room without roofs, hauling a fridge if needed, etc...... I dont think the idea of the avalanche is intended for consumers that want to run construction jobs out of it, or for getting a Front End Loader Bucket of DIRT or mulch dropped into the bed...!!!!
..... I dont see any reason for a full ton suv unless you are hauling alot of fatasses in it or such..
I mean, I am aiming at a fullsize crewcab, the avalanche intrigued me with some of the creature comforts like, lockable storage bed rails and built in step ups in the rear bumper...
as for the 1500 and 2500 avalanche, as far as I know, only the engines and suspension is different... here is where it confusing...
GM offers 1500 and 2500 standard trucks

 

[zcookie49]

I think some here in this thread dont understand the AVANLANCHE concept...It is the first SUT (sport utility truck). Its base is a sport utility, with the availability to have the CONVIENCES of a pick up if needed.....like hauling bikes, more cargo room without roofs, hauling a fridge if needed, etc...... I dont think the idea of the avalanche is intended for consumers that want to run construction jobs out of it, or for getting a Front End Loader Bucket of DIRT or mulch dropped into the bed...!!!!
..... I dont see any reason for a full ton suv unless you are hauling alot of fatasses in it or such..
I mean, I am aiming at a fullsize crewcab, the avalanche intrigued me with some of the creature comforts like, lockable storage bed rails and built in step ups in the rear bumper...
as for the 1500 and 2500 avalanche, as far as I know, only the engines and suspension is different... here is where it confusing...
GM offers 1500 and 2500 standard trucks, they also offer 2500 3500 HD series (which has a different frame)..and has a distinct different front end. now they also offer a 1500HD, which has the same front end as the 1500 standard series... it gets confusing..I guess the 1500 HD series has a stronger frame and payload, but maybe you cant get the 8.1 engine in it or the diesal.
.
If money was no object, If I get the 2500 HD crew cab, it would be great to throw out the extra $7100 for the Duramax diesal engine (300 hp/520 obs torque) coupled with Allison transmission... BUT this is reality and that aint going to happen. That is the sweetest setup out there per 2002...
later folks...

 

[TexKDX]

Originally posted by fastkevin
Well Tex, I don't get brainwashed by anybody's advertising or b.s(including...) . I have my data from owning their products, reading the equipment list(s) and manuals. I guess it's all b.s. huh?
Anyway, find someone else to argue with.

Argue with? Who's arguing? I have not seen one bit of real data here that says the 2500 is anything more than a 1500 with different springs and axles plus a different engine option. Do you think I'm not smart enough to go to chevrolet.com and look at the specs? The 2500 is not built on the HD chassis, nor does it have the capacities of the 2500HD truck. It is nice to have that as an option though IMO, both in the Suburban and the Tahoe. That is definately an advantage over the Ford SUV line for those who don't want to go to the bohemoth Excursion.

In the immortal words of our hero Mt. T, "I don't accept your challenge, for I don't consider you a challenge, however I will beat you up for awhile."

Lighten up, Francis.;)

 

[DoubleTrouble]

Relax Tex, you hate the Avalanche that much is obvious. However, some of us like the concept of an SUV that doubles as a pick-up and so far the Avalanche is the only choice.

I like the Ford S/Crew a hell-of-a-lot and if Ford built a truck similar in concept to the Avalanche I'd probably buy it instead and if Toyota offered a Tundra/Sequoia double-cab with a midgate it would be at the top of my list.

I have been a fan of the double cab concept since the early eighties when Toyota introduced the magnificent Hilux double-cab. This iteration has only recently been seen in the US in the form of the Tacoma Double-Cab. In fact the choice SUV outside the States in many countries has been the double cab and not the station wagon styled SUV's. However, the short bed and cramped rear have been a major shortcoming and both issues have been handled superbly by the Avalanche.

The Avalanche may not be a beauty but it drives like a dream, is extremely spacious, (front & back), can haul almost any household requirement and it can tow too. Until Ford or Toyota offer something similar, GM are going to sell a bunch of them.