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View Full Version : Thinking about an Chevy avalanche to buy. Pros/cons



scarabrick2
02-28-2006, 08:41 AM
Well I really need a 4 door truck and like the looks of the avalanche(4x4 lt pwr 5.3) with OUT the plastic side pieces. I will trade or sell my 04 silverado 5.3 x-cab 4x4 red tow leather...
I don't have a boat yet but I would like to know how they tow and how much they will tow( boat under 27'). How's the ride? Any more info good or bad would be great.
Rick

phebus
02-28-2006, 08:44 AM
I don't know if it's changed with the '06's, but when I was looking, you couldn't get the 3/4 ton without the plastic. Just the 1/2 ton.

scarabrick2
02-28-2006, 08:51 AM
I just want another 1/2 ton.. My silverado 1500 does just fine so I sure the 1500 avalanche will be the same.
thanks

Cole Trickle
02-28-2006, 09:22 AM
1500 avalanches are built on the Suburban frame and weigh quite a bit more than the silverados.I believe there towing capacity is also slightly lower?
They are nice and versitaile but cost quite a bit more than a similar crew cab 1500.

a catered life
02-28-2006, 09:39 AM
pm our chevy sales guy jay he might be your best way to get info and also offer you a deal in one call

riverracerx
02-28-2006, 09:41 AM
Ford has $4000 off on their supercrew XLT. I know where you can get a good deal.
I just bought an FX4.

scarabrick2
02-28-2006, 10:05 AM
I want a used loaded LT 4x4 04-05 with low milage. Chevy is the only truck I will drive but thanks for the info on the ford..

2Driver
02-28-2006, 10:15 AM
After 5 Chevy 1/2 tons and one 3/4 ton I bought up a 1/2 ton Avalanche in 2003. It's a Z-71 4x4 without any plastic or moulding. Bare Nekkid!
It has been great and the ride is far better than the leaf spring trucks. Beware the 3/4 ton Aval. goes back to leafs in the rear. The 06 now have a 4:10 rear which I wish I had over the 3:73. I've camped out of it twice, and tow about 5,500 lbs of boat. I would rather see the 6.0 max in the truck over the 5.3 for the towing but I use the truck every day as a driver so it's not that bad a trade off. I get 17 MPG on highway and 12 towing. I like having 4 full doors and still a bed to use for junk. PM if you want more info.

Nord
02-28-2006, 10:17 AM
I have a 06 all white Z71 with leather, sunroof, tow package, the whole nine and absolutely love the hell out of it!
I used to have a tahoe which was nice too, but too family looking for me.
If you have any questions on anything, pm me and I'll let you know whatever! :boxed:

patsbrothel
02-28-2006, 11:23 AM
God you are going to lose so much money buying that Avalanche THING..JUST GET YOUR SELF A 2007 Suburban z71

Caribbean Jet
02-28-2006, 11:26 AM
My brother in law had one and loved the truck but it was a slug when it came to towing. It didn't like the 19 ft toyhauler fully loaded very much. If your towing something with any kind of weight go to the 2500 avalanche if they still make them.

spectras only
02-28-2006, 11:38 AM
Study this graph before making your decision >
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/towing%20info.bmp
Get the 2500 HD with 4.10 rear and done with it.

DCB
02-28-2006, 11:50 AM
I have a 1/2 ton and tow a mach 26 and feel the truck struggles over the grades. Just had the tranny replaced as well @ 37,000 miles. I would go for the 3/4 ton.

BajaMike
02-28-2006, 12:04 PM
I just want another 1/2 ton.. My silverado 1500 does just fine so I sure the 1500 avalanche will be the same.
thanks
I wouldn't even think of towing a 27' boat with a 1/2 truck....that's crazy :idea:
See the tow chart above.....
:boxed: :rollside: :)

Nord
02-28-2006, 12:07 PM
I know mine has the lower gears in it for towing, I tow my 236 Eliminator with it with no problems at all!!!
As for losing money, well, I bought my truck for a great price because of the discounts that were going on at the time, so I haven't lost any money, however, if you think your not going to depreciate on anything you buy, then you my friend know something all of us don't.

little rowe boat
02-28-2006, 12:10 PM
A buddy of mine had a lanche,he did not keep it long because as he said it didn't tow worth a sh!t.

scarabrick2
02-28-2006, 12:56 PM
Nothing I get will weight over 5K towing. I'm going for ride comfort and still be able to put gear / motorcycle in the back.
I'm sure not going to buy a NEW one,I'll let someone else take the hit the first year. 3.73 gears will be fine for me around the Las vegas area plus I can't afford the diesel 2500 4x4 like my bro has.
Any more info?
Rick

jdogginla
02-28-2006, 01:45 PM
i have an 05 that'll i'll be putting on the block in the next couple of weeks. Grey LT Z71 fully loaded......navigation.....plus every other option available. No plastic and the 4:10 gear ratios. 20"rims...new tires. Xm and Sirius satellite. Drop me a pm or email and i'll send you pics if you want. I think i have 17,000 miles.

spectras only
02-28-2006, 01:52 PM
I saw a 2003 2500 HD all black [ 30K miles ] , full load including DVD at a dealership for 30 K cdn .It had the 4.10 gears and factory WD setup.
Also tested a 1500 pulling my 24 Spectra [ 6500 lbs with trailer ] with a weight carrying hitch on a very steep hill . It did well to my surprise . Get a hitch that's rated to carry 700 lbs tongue and 10000 load cap . A WD hitch isn't too expensive if you decide to upgrade later .

2Driver
02-28-2006, 02:12 PM
Well I really need a 4 door truck and like the looks of the avalanche(4x4 lt pwr 5.3) with OUT the plastic side pieces. I will trade or sell my 04 silverado 5.3 x-cab 4x4 red tow leather...
Also: My Aval Z-71 listed at $38,500 and I got it for $27,500 new plus tax.
IF you are towing over 6K LBS........
You may want to check into what I am looking into and that is the new Chevy 1500 4x4 with the Vortec Max 6.0. THis is not a 1500 HD but rather a 1500 with selectable suspension ride, a bumped up 6.0 (345 HP and 385 Lbs of Torque). You get the ride and the 4-doors with 10K of towing.
Call Photoglou he gave me great pricing.

phebus
02-28-2006, 02:42 PM
We had a 1/2 ton Yukon XL. When the boat was hooked to it, the rear end sagged badly, and when you needed to stop, the brakes weren't adequate. That was towing a 26' boat that is listed as weighing 4400lbs dry on a tandem trailer.
Never again, I didn't feel it was safe.

brianthomas
02-28-2006, 03:07 PM
The new Avalanche with the body styling like the Tahoe should be out in six weeks. It will be available with or without the tupperware.

scarabrick2
03-01-2006, 07:58 AM
ttt

hbpdub
03-01-2006, 09:56 AM
Bought the 2005 Z71 loaded without the plastic shit and I can tell you that it is the best truck next to the 2500 HD that I have ever owned. :cool: