Chevrolet Avalanche

timfarn

He hit and he's gone. The 'rado posters swear he was formerly f150rules.

BTW - What's the difference between a porcupine and a BMW? A porcupine has the pricks on the outside!

timfarn

Rick - check out sites like tirerack, etc. They give diameters for the specific tire. 265/70R17 will vary from 31.5" to 32" with a number at 31.7" and Wranglers at 32". These numbers will be more accurate than measuring on vehicle - due to load, inflation, etc.

avortahoe

All of you are correct in saying what will I use it for. I was reminded of the full size rear doors and being several thousand less as well.

Thank you all and anything else you can advise me of willbe greatly apprected.

ricsch

I know about the Tire Rack and such, but after seeing that my current tires are listed at 30", when I measure the actual tire on the truck, they are actually 29" tall, due to air pressure and load. So I just wanted to get an idea on what the 265/70-17's measure under load.

belljo

had mine for 6wks, now have 6K miles...and love it. One problem that concerns me, every other morning when I first crank it up it smokes like ....whatever, blue smoke for 15-20 seconds. other have posted same concern..any ideas???

green22

When you start seeing that smoke I would recommend that you do 2 things: keep a close eye on your oil level; and start yelling at the dealership. My Avalanche didn't smoke too bad until after GM replaced the PCV with a "special" one which was just an empty PCV housing with a smaller orifice at the end. They changed the PCV because I used 10 quarts of oil in 6000 KM (3728 miles).

Next they kept my truck in the shop for an entire week while they changed the lifters. Again they put in "special" parts. Now I have lifters and a PCV in my engine which are different from all other stock Avalanches which leaves me feeling quite nervous. The smoking is gone and it doesn't seem to be using oil as fast although it is still too early to tell.

The 2 trucks purchased from my dealership that have this problem had their engines assembled from the same factory on the same day. However, I have seen other reports on this problem on this site and a dealer I spoke to in Utah on a recent trip said they have seen several.

From what I have seen it is apparent that GM is either trying to ignore the problem in the hope that it will go away or they are trying to stall for time while they figure it out (it took 2 trips to the shop over a week and a half to get the PCV changed). Either way, it has caused me a lot of grief and I am stuck with a truck with non-stock parts in the engine so who knows what other problems I can expect to see down the road.

I really like this vehicle but if I had known how low the initial quality was (there were several other small problems) and how bad GM's service response was going to be, I never would have bought it. Now I can only hope that they will end up issuing a recall and fix the engine problem rather than trying to hide it.

ygmn

What other small problems have you had on your AVY?

When did you buy your AVY?

I am curious since I have had no problems and want to know what to keep an eye on.

The only complaint I have is the hood is easily dented if not closed properly. other than that I have ZERO problems.

Keep us informed!

timfarn

Rick - Loaded tire diameter is 30.75" for 265/70R17.

boaz47

When the window is removed and the bulkhead lowered is the AV open to the elements? Are the occupants exposed to the air from outside or is there a way to keep the cabin closed with that 4 x 8 sheet of plywood in the back with a fridge in the box on top?

jeff181

I'm looking to buy an Av. here in the southeast (alabama) have been quoted $33476 for 4wd, leather interior,covenience package,luggage rack,running boards,and off road package.The msrp is $ 37283.Is this a good price? Also it has the 3.73 rear axle should i get it or the 4.10 most of my driving is around town. Thanks in advance.

ricsch

Thanks for the info timfarn. belljo, I would take the truck to the dealer to have them at least check it out, filling out a work order and such so you have documentation regarding the problem. I haven't heard of any problems with the smoking on start-up on the new generation engines, as I had an '87,and '90 GM trucks do it with the V8s.

Keep on the dealer and if need be, call the customer service number to have them start a file. You paid a good sum of money for a vehicle, and it should not smoke!

ygmn

Yes the rear area is open to the outside. The roof covers it by about a foot or so.

The wind is not that bad even with the sunroof open. As for rain, don't stop going forward and you will be ok!! LOL

ygmn

That seems Ok price. Did you compare it to invoice on Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book? Price varies greatly on location and demand in your area.

What you wrote is about the percentage I was discounted.

loclass

I've been reading this board for a while and I know this isn't a classified section, but with all the talk about price, I thought I'd put my Av on here. Red Z71, sunroof, 3.73, charcoal cloth buckets, 8400 miles....$28,000. The new truck is already sitting at the dealer and I need to sell this one. Located in Wisconsin. Only reason I'm selling is to buy another Avalanche.

basicblues

Based on the figures you posted your only getting a little more than 10% of MSRP. I wouldn't settle for any figure more than 13% off MSRP($32,435). Offer a figure 15% off MSRP ($31,690) and see what happens. You should easily be able to purchase your AV in this price range. Check will several dealers if necessary. Good Luck

Jvodka

Its a good but not great price, You should do better then that.
Dealers in my area (northeast) are Advertising $300 to $500 BELOW invoice.
I am waiting for the 0% financing to end.
So that dealers will be more desperate to sell, and I should be able to get a better deal.

ygmn

Tell us what you end up getting if you decide to buy.

skidmarks

Yes, it's sounds like you would qualify for the "Talk it UP" program. I got the info. from a friend who works for a GM stamping facility. There is a form he gets that the potential buyer has to fill in and mail. The employee has to call the 877talkitup number to register his and the customers name. That's as far as I've got right now. I am waiting to get the other papers back from GM. It looks likes it can be used with others discounts . The offer ends in March. Doesn't your brother in law know anything about it?

skidmarks

Jeff, If you can't get at or below invoice,then you should walk away. The price you quoted sound like a grand too much. Check it out. As for the gears,gas mileage is going to suck around town with either ratio. The 4:10's are alot more responsive. At highway speed, the 3.73 gas mileage at 75mph would be equal to the 4.10's at 68mph. I drove both and took the 4.10's and am not sorry. Really this mass need's the 6 litre motor with the 3.73 gears. As you know you have to buy the Cad to get that.

gandolphxx

Or you can get the 2500 - 8.1L engine - runs like a charm and can really haul the AV on the road.

dgar

last week 2wd 8.1 4.10 gear nice performance. Not much out there that can intimidate this beast. Plan to tow with it some, But what a ride!!! I think the 2500's ride better than any of the silverado HD's I tested. Got 11 mpg on first tank 50/50 city/interstate. Put the protection kit on it and it looks good with the Indigo blue. Had dealer put grey pinstripe on that matches the cladding. Also put a set of bell-tech 2" drop rear shackles on and it has made it perfectly level. looks great.
Has anyone else had a problem washing the rear of the cab. I can't seem to reach it by hand even on a step ladder.

idocpilk

My brotherinlaw looked it up and it sounded like it could work. I guess you end up getting a coupon or voucher for the $500. They didn't call it talkitup but what he found sounded very similiar. He also said GM is notorious for having so many programs going that very few people can keep track of them. In fact, dealers are often stuck with a mad client who is told after the fact that certain incentives are not available for some obscure reasoning. Keep me informed if you can.

timfarn

It looks like you've figured out why they have the steps in the bumper, the handholds in the corner of the bed and you can stand on the hard covers!

dgar

I was hoping I could get by without climbing on top of it. At least till the New wears off.

skidmarks

I sent the card in for my brother who has a 2500HD on order and he got back the $500 voucher from GM within 7days. He told me he just needs the owners card from his other "competing brand" vehicle and he will get the credit when he picks up the truck the end of January. We shall see.

grumpy8

Shurhold makes a line of products designed primarily for boats. Vertically challenged guys like me have discovered that the 5' pole and one of their soft brushes do well on the Av, even the top.

f1jules

"BTW I have yet to meet a BMW owner(f1jules)who wasn't a complete and total a@@hole*"

Nice, you've never met me and yet you make rude and stupid comments like that about me?

Actually, the BMW is my wife’s car. I put that in my sig because I was posting a lot in the sport coupes forum. I drive a Toyota Tundra. Before that 2 late model Mustangs-both fast reliable cars. Only an idiot makes judgments about others based solely on what they drive. [non-permissible content removed]...

idocpilk

I am going to pursue this program and see if I can catch another $500 off. The dealer in TX I have been talking to called to lower the price $1000 (new customer rebate). $31800 msrp...otd for $25891-$1000 GMcard - $500 talk it up = $24391 @ 0% for 36 months.
That's over $7400 off MSRP with no finance charge!? Never would have believed it...the kicker is that they have a guy headed this way for the holidays who can deliver. Not too excited about someone else breaking in my new rig but it saves a plane ticket and 10 hour drive.

f1jules

"He hit and he's gone. The 'rado posters swear he was formerly f150rules."

Well, they're idiots too. They got another one wrong. F1jules was chosen because I like Formula One racing-the pinnacle of motorsports, Jules because it is a nickname of mine. I could really care less about Ford F150 trucks.

Here endeth the lesson...

whitevette01

When people make comments like that. It's
usually sour grapes. When was in the BMW club
don't remember anyone being a total [non-permissible content removed].

When sold my 99 some just couldn't understand
why. Yes it was a well made car, no problems but
I just didn't like it (5 series).

seamusthedog

"No need to do a comparison. Nobody cares. They both suck."

My fault maybe you're not a total and complete a@@hole. But posting on a board that deals with a specific model and stating that this particular vehicle sucks does make you and a@@hole in my opinion. Your opinion here is unwanted and does nothing to advance the conversation on this board. It seems to me that you only posted on here to start a fight.

metalgear

Does anybody know when they say "dealer installed" regarding the luggage carrier, if this means that the dealer is actually drilling holes in the roof of this vehicle or if the mounts are already there and they are just assembling the rack? I am concerned about corrosion protection and would much rather have this procedure done at the factory. I will be ready to buy in a few days and this subject is haunting me! Even though I could fit skis in the bed, I usually carry alot of gear on ski trips and the rack might come in handy. Also does anybody know if this vehicle is considered to be a insurance nightmare similiar to say a "Corvette" because of its unique nature.

timfarn

f1...you have a Tundra and a BMW and you don't have anything constructive to post here. You make blanket comments and then complain about others. ie "Nice, you've never met me and yet you make rude and stupid comments like that about me?" and then follow up with "Well, they're idiots too..." - I guess all are idiots except those that agree with you.

timfarn

I had the rack on my Jimmy and, even with limited space, I only used it a few times. With the cargo capabilities of the Av, I ordered without the carrier. Items can be carried on top of the hard covers, if needed. I found the rack hard to clean and wax around, and yes, they do drill into the roof. Check the posts on the metal shavings found rusted under weather strips, etc.

Insurance is OK, rates were only marginally higher ($39/six months) than my '92 Jimmy for a vehicle that costs considerably more.

tip10

Anybody know what just one of the box covers would run?? Thinking of maybe installing a set of ski racks into, say cover number 2, and then switching it in and out with the "unblemished" one as needed.

loth

The dealer installation is the only way to get the rack on the beast. I just had mine done on monday...and it looks great. Just make sure you check under the gasket around the door/roof after its done to make sure no metal savings are there. I have heard that some sloppy installers have left metal shavings between the gasket and the metal and they have rusted after a rain...this made some Av owners very unhappy to say the least

f1jules

Hey, I just think the Av is ugly. I didn't attack anyone in particular. I'm entitled to my own opinion. Sorry if I offended anyone when I said the Av sucks. I do pop in here every now and then to see what people are talking about though-as I do with many of the topics on this board. I just thought that a comparo between an av and a blackwood was a ludicrous thing for a car mag to do.

I'm more curious about reliability issues with the Av as I know quite a few people post of having some major problems with quite a few other gm vehicles.

f1jules

I would never consider buying one. I just like talking about and reading about anything with wheels.

hultzger

I’m new to this board. I started reading on Monday. Needless to say, I’m quite interested in this truck. There was some discussion in early December about whether the Avalanche is a working man’s truck. I suspect that it would tend to be the superintendents or project manager’s truck. I say that because I don’t see anyone putting a lumber rack on one. (doesn’t mean it can’t be done though)

There’s a contractor’s trade magazine, Equipment World that I subscribe to. In the December issue they have an article called “Contractor’s Guide to Pickups ‘02”. The reporter went with a construction company owner and tried out the newest full-size pickups and evaluated them from a contractor’s point of view. Since this is the Avalanche board I won’t go into the other brands. The call it the Tupperware Truck, I’m not sure how to take that. The reported asked if it’s more of a play truck, instead of a work truck. The contractor said “Oh, no” the covered bed…”that’s completely watertight…It’s a perfect place to store tools and supplies and not have to worry about the elements…this truck has more useable storage space than anything I’ve seen on the market. Whoever designed this truck put some serious thought into its final package.” Finally, he added, “As it is, based on this test drive, I’m certain we’ll be adding an Avalanche or two to our fleet here in the near future.”

If you want to check out the article go to www.equipmentworld.com

hultzger

I'm new to this board. I started reading on Monday. Needless to say,I'm quite interested in this truck. There was some discussion in early December about whether the Avalanche is a working man's truck. I suspect that it would tend to be the superintendents or project manager's truck. I say that because I don't see anyone putting a lumber rack on one. (doesn't mean it can't be done though)

There's a contractor's trade magazine, Equipment World that I subscribe to. In the December issue they have an article called "Contractor's Guide to Pickups '02 The reporter went with a construction company owner and tried out the newest full-size pickups and evaluated them from a contractor's point of view. Since this is the Avalanche board I won't go into the other brands. The call it the Tupperware Truck, I'm not sure how to take that. The reported asked if it's more of a play truck, instead of a work truck. The contractor said "Oh, no; the covered bed; that's completely watertight, It's a perfect place to store tools and ies and not have to worry about the elements, this truck has more useable storage space than anything I've seen on the market. Whoever designed this truck put some serious thought into its final package. Finally, he added, As it is, based on this test drive, I'm certain we'll be adding an Avalanche or two to our fleet here in the near future."

If you want to check out the article go to www.equipmentworld.com

hultzger

Sorry about that. I forgot to spell check. After I copied it over from Word.

dgar

I traded a 2001 olds Aurora on my 2500 and the insurance was exactly the same. (less than a buck
difference) I did not get the roof rack or the onstar so there would be no holes in the top. I wish they (GM) would offer options individually instead of the groups as I would like to have the auto climate control.
Just sold my old Suburban and it was a constant battle
with rust on the top around the rack and the rear wind deflector. I finally took them off and glassed over the holes.
I too was looking at some form of simple way to carry items on top of the bed covers without damaging them. Had considered some of the rubber strips that GM puts on the roof of their SUV's with a luggage rack. This material is peel and press. I thought a strip at the front and rear
(top side)of each cover from side to side not only
would protect them from items placed on top but would also keep the covers from scratching each other when stored in the bag. Although the rear
grab handles will double as tie downs, I have not
found a solution for tie downs at the front. With
the rear glass down you can carry some very long items there.

bowhuntwi

Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year to you and yours.........hunting here in Wisc went good, have had better and worse years.

Never heard the term "Tupperware Truck " before for the AV. Wishing you all on this forum a Merry Xmas & a Great New Year...........no matter what truck you drive or the opinions you harbor.

timfarn

...for the holiday wishes. Best to you and yours and all who may cross this path.

I'm heading out with the family tonight (in the tupper truck) to Pike Cty, IL to meet for a weekend bowhunt with my brother. We hope to get some action with a decoy and some rattling on video.

timfarn

I just got the Av back after repair for where a deer ran into a rear door. The cladding prices noted earlier are reasonable - but if you are looking to remove cladding for a peek - be careful. Every fastener needed to be replaced and they were over $3 a pop. There were 15 on the door. I don't know if this is a dealer to body shop to consumer super inflated price; or if some apes at the shop pulled the cladding with undue force (they also broke a ventvisor). I'll be replacing the rear quarter myself and I will update on how I do with the fasteners. My parts guy believes the panels come in a kit with replacement fasteners, so they may be designed to break away.

txyank1

So does that mean there's a bunch of holes in the body for these fasteners? Or do they stick to the body?

ricsch

Will this be an issue as the trucks get older- an area that may promote rust?

empty

Yup, lots of holes in the sheet metal. The metal is recessed behind the panels except for some protrusions that have the holes in them. An adhesive strip along the top supposedly keeps water out, except near the edges. Saw alot of dust when my driver's panel was off.

whitevette01

When started the AV this morning filled garage
with a blueish smoke. Drove about 10 miles
seemed to run fine. The exhaust pipe is black
like soot even on the other rim. just went
and started again seem ok. Garage has such
a strong smell left hard to tell if coming
from motor and with 600 miles part of the
odor could be newness.

Dealer sent a letter stating to bring in
for a 1000 checkup but that probably
won't be till end of Jan or Feb.

Remember something on Silverado board about
problems with the 5.3, is this any indcation.

skidmarks

Wanted to let everyone know the TALK IT UP rebate is for real. The $500 coupon takes 1 week to get from GM and is accepted by the dealer in conjunction with other rebates as well. My brother ordered a Big Block 2500HD in Dec.and took only two weeks to get it from the factory. It's a brute. Makes me want to get another Av with the Rat up front.