Chevrolet Avalanche

imaniguana

Just an FYI and I don't know if it was mentioned before, but . . . . some pre June 2001 models can have a problem with the end gate handle binding. Basically, they replace the handle and the molding it has an interference fit with. There's a service bulletin on it; 01-08-66-015.

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Z71, Forest Green Metallic, RR, steps, etc.

ygmn

I installed the bug deflector and the only chips I have are on the windshield. I do have one on the front side fender. grrrrrrrrrrr.

avalanchefng

Has anyone found a way o use all of the headlights when the highbeams are selected ?? I thought I read about it somewhere but can't remember where . . .

gandolphxx

Try this link - works like a charm - 30 minute install.

http://www.truckautoaccessories.com/

avalanchefng

Great site . . . THANKS

dcrisler

Kidding right... while I have always liked Rams... the latest looks as if it cannot decide if it wants to grow up to be an 18 wheeler or not. I would take an AV anyday. And you still seem to miss my(and everyone elses...) point. The Ram may be a great truck... but it cannot do what the AV does. And don't even get me started about the difference in rear seat comfort.

skidmarks

I can't believe someone would want to put one of those FUGLY bras over the sculptured Av front end. Is that sick or what. Grow up ..go braless...like the man said get a bugshield and live with the nicks in the windshield. I did.

mpalombo

I agree wuth skidmarks, I don't like bras. I was getting nicks in my Rados hood so I put a bug deflector. What about a 3M Clear bra?

-Mark

plutolou

I am considering an AV (My first Truck-SUV) and could use a little input. If I don't tow, off road, or do any mountain driving any need for the 4wd and/or Z71 package? Any need for the 2500 over the 1500 except more power? And from the looks of things I would be better off going with the 3.73 as opposed to the 4.10 if it is not going to be used for heavy duty use? Also, if anybody can share some info/tips for pricing this one with the dealers that would be great.

BTW, I live in the Chicagoland area so any suggestions on dealers to check out would be great.

Thanks in advance!

eric2001

From the sounds of your needs, the 1500 is fine (2500 tows & hauls more for those who need it). As for the 4wd, that is a personal preference, does the weather where you live facilitate having 4wd?

As for the 3.73 vs 4.10, if you are not towing or hauling large amounts, the 3.73 would be my choice.

Good luck on your purchase,
-Eric

txyank1

I've always been lead to believe that because these things do move a ittle in the wind that they will wear off the paint.

f1jules

Nope, I like the looks of the Ram. I stopped by my local dealership about a week ago to check one out. They were closed so I only got to look at it up close (I was in the neighborhood). At least there were no pesky lot lizards there to bother me. The back seats look quite roomy and comfortable for an extended cab truck and the rear doors actually open like normal doors. That is one of the complaints I have about most extended cab trucks with the suicide doors.

I think the Ram is much much better looking than the Av. If it does well in long term tests I might think of buying one to replace my Tundra in a few years-unless, Toyota makes a larger truck by then.

As for "what the Av does" I think it's kind of a novelty item. Once the novelty wears off it will fade away. Why buy a 3/4 ton Av for $34k when you can buy a 3/4 ton Ford Crew cab with 8' bed for $32k? You never have to mess with folding the seats down and stowing the rear glass (or whatever it is you do when you convert it) and you can throw a mess of 4x8 sheetrock or plywood in the bed AND seat 4-6 people in comfort. I may be wrong but I guess we'll see in a few years won't we?

whitevette01

On other forums people like that F person
(Come on some of you could certainly make
something out of that name) could be deleted.

If not how about switching to a forum using these
controls against Trolls. ????? Since they
offer no beneifical information to any.

f1jules

Oh I see, because I don't own an av I'm not qualified to have any opinions on it? I don't see ANYTHING in my post above that is in any way trolling.

Lighten up. Just because I have a different point of view than yours is no reason to make comments like that. Your post truely offers no value to anyone.

ygmn

This is an owners club.

If you would like to start a topic about the Avalanche try in the open forums.

Thanks.

f1jules

This is not an owners club. This is an open forum.

whitevette01

It's clear your opinion is not valued here.

If it was a forum like our vette's, you would
have been gone long ago. So yes my post does
have some value, its how our moderators rid of
people like you.

plutolou

Does Chevy offer a warranty longer than the 3yr/36,000 mile standard on the Av? If so did anybody opt for it and how much extra was it? Do you feel that it is worth it? I am especially curious after reading the posts in the Reapir/Problems forum.

Thx.

skidmarks

If you truly want an Av to fit your needs and desires,go out and test drive a few in different confiqurations. The Av is underpowered with the 5.3L and needs all the gear available to move this 5600lb unit from a dead stop. You'll think you've gained 35 cubic inches with the 4.10's over the 3.73's. Also, 4WD resale is better than 2WD.

ygmn

Please look at the section header above this forum you will notice it is labeled Chevrolet Avalanche Owners.

metalgear

Let me tell you, go ahead and buy a mopar or a ford but you might want to check out this months Motor Trend. They raved about the AV,enough to give it Truck of the Year!!The dodge is nice looking but under powered and horrible tranny.Ford had nothing to really compete except the lincoln blackwood,(way overpriced considering you can get the Caddy EXT).The key to the AV is its built on the suburban chassis and has a ride that NO fullsize pickup can provide(no leafsprings).Personally I would NEVER buy a Ford or Mopar product,this stems back to my drag racing days and Chevrolet/GM loyalty.To be honest I myself had reservations about buying the AV but I have NO regrets.One test drive and I knew I would buy one. This is a do it all truck and I love it!!Anyway you have a right to your opinion but first go drive one and then talk to us.GOODBYE!!!!!

seamusthedog

In my opinion the new ram looks "cartoonish". I agree that the AV is not the best looking truck, but it fits a niche. I need a truck that will carry 2-3 people + a dog and duck/geese decoys while towing a trailer over mountain passes. I occasionally carry sheets of plywood and the AV lets me store them temporarily in a dry secure place (you don't need to remove the window to convert the truck if your load is not more than 1.5 feet tall). I also need to park it in a garage with an available parking length of 20 feet ( the f250 CC is nearly 23 feet long) and I would like to be able to park it at the local mall. The AV is the best fit for my needs and wants and I suspect it will fit the needs of others also.

dcrisler

I really don't mind the comments from you in answer to me. They seem normal enough. So how long is that 8 ft bed equipped screw? I think it is much longer than the AV! (just a guess) Like I said you do not get our point. I like the AV for the shorter bed!! And I really like the fact that I can have a longer one if needed. I think all the mags have picked the ride, room and comfort of the AV over the other choices... I did not buy a extended cab full size truck when they came out for the same reason... they were too long. I really wanted the room in the backseat of the AV, yet once again needed the ability to haul 8ft from time to time. also my bil has a new 'rado' with a fibreglass cover on the back, he says that I would be amazed how heavy it is and how much work it is to use!! Oh and the last comparo of the EXT and the Blackwood picked the .... EXT!

f1jules

I guess if you want/need to fit your truck in the garage then the Ford crew would not be the best choice. I don't think the Av would fit in my garage anyway as my Tundra barely fits. All the extended cab short bed models would fit but the crew or long bed models-definitely not.

I don't hear too many good things about Dodge trucks and reliability so I would have reservations about them. However, I know a few people who own them and haven't complained of any major problems with them-a relatively small sampling for sure. I've owned Fords before and they have always been good to me.

I could post plenty in the Vette forums-In fact, thanks for the suggestion, I think I'll pop in there and see what's going on. I have driven many Vettes and I actually like the Corvette quite a bit.

People keep asking me questions and making comments regarding my posts so I will continue to read and answer them. You can't get rid of me HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

f1jules

BTW-I realize I've made some flaming remarks in here. In the future I will try not to make generalizations just to provoke a response. I will however continue to post my opinions on issues being discussed if I feel so inclined.

Deal?

boatnfool

Was wondering what gas mileage penalty I could expect from the 8.1 in the 2500 vs. the 5.3 in the 1500. My current tow weight will not be a problem for the 5.3, but I am looking to up size my boat within a couple of years. I have driven the 1500 but not the 2500. How do the rides compare (I hope to get a chance to drive a 2500 soon).

plutolou

I know some of have suggested the 2500 over the 1500 because it has even more power to move the massive truck. Aside from that any advantages for the everyday driver? I have the mentality "bigger is better". Why get the SE when you canget the GTP, get the Z28 over the stock V-6, why even bother with an SE. Undersand my reasoning? Shed a little light on me here AV owners.

Thx.

imaniguana

Ideally, I think I want the protection of the 3M invisible bra product. Both a regular bra and regular deflector take away from the looks. I had a bra in the 80s and I did get "paint rash". I thought they would have perfected them by now though.

imaniguana

I know there's been some discussion on painted cladding being offered possibly in the next model year. I'll tell you, I really like the fact that its not painted. I don't have to worry about the paint being chipped by wayward deer and/or drunken teenagers. Plus the unpainted cladding, to me, gives a more serious (cool, or whatever) look.

imaniguana

I would definitely recommend the 1500, Z71, 4WD for your area. My opinion is that gear ratio is a toss up, depending on your driving needs.

I used to have clients in your area south of the city, and I was in dire straights a few times in my sputnik rental car in the snow. Go for the 4WD. It's one of the best made. You'll be glad you did.

imaniguana

I'm a bigger-is-better, more-is-better person too, but in this case, matching the machine to the requirements is the best solution. Unless you have a need for heavy continuous towing, I would stick with the 1500. Also, the 2500 has leafs, which I'm not real fond of for ride, handling, or stability. Remember, Ford did away with the leafs on the new Explorer, due to customer feedback.

bugwizr

1. If I wouldn't get thrown off this forum, I would call you both [non-permissible content removed].

2. You are both mean spirited and childish. Many people read these forums and don't happen to post. You do not know how to behave in public.

3. This is a Chevrolet Avalanche forum, not an owner's club. Please read the LARGE PRINT.

4. Jules has offered an olive branch. Did you notice? Obviously he is a gentleman.

Will talk to you guys later under an alias. This post will be cut in no time.

GOOD LUCK GROWING UP ON THIS ONE NOW.

plutolou

Thanks for all the info guys. Gives me some points to keep in mind, and like some of you have said, it is what matters to me. Anyway thanks again.

ryanbab

"3. This is a Chevrolet Avalanche forum, not an owner's club. Please read the LARGE PRINT."

Actually if you go to owners club this topic is located there and thats where those people are coming from

f1jules

I came here from the pickup forum. It is listed in there with all the other pickup related topics.

Maybe you should take it up with the host if you don't feel that it should be there.

ygmn

I respect all comments,opinions and criticisms when they are sincere and deal with the subject.

I have never flamed anyone on here. I just mentioned that this is suppose to be an owners club where owners can share ideas thoughts and tips about a vehicle we all have in common. We (Well I hope everyone) owners love the chance to respond to people interested in the Avalanche since we have experience with it and for the most part happy with them as well.

I see Jules has changed his tone and hopefully we can have great forum conversation that provokes thought and better ideas.

Bud I would love to know where I was mean spirited? Could you please direct me to the post number? I am not afraid to admit I made a mistake and will appologize if I hurt anyones feelings.

Below is the Forum header that I refer to:
Town Hall - Owner's Clubs - Chevrolet Owner's Clubs - Chevrolet Avalanche Owners - Chevrolet Avalanche (Pickups Board)

ryanbab

email me (ryanb0928@yahoo.com) i know of a site (cant post it here or i may get in trouble again for promoting another site) that has alot of avalanche owners

Ryan

bowhuntwi

Then going to the zoo.......Have a Great Day, gentlemen & ladies, you too ryan........

mlemoine1

I currently drive a 99 ext cab with 5.3/3.42.I really like the av, but I'm concerned how the extra weight affects mileage.can anyone comment on expected mpg on 1500 av.

gandolphxx

Thats the spirit.

ygmn

I get about 13-15 in town depending on cargo etc.

On Interstate I got 18 once doing 70 for a long spell but normally I get around 15-17. depending on cargo and speed again.

skidmarks

I have found the AV, because of it weight, is very sensitive when it comes to gas mileage. The best I have attained was 17.5 mpg at 65-70 mph. The elevation on that trip varied, so I may have squeezed an extra .5 on a single elevation road. Around town kills it, just like ygmn said. The 99 5.3L Sierra I traded in was 2mpg better on the highway. Once gas goes up again, it's going to be "easy on the trigger".

boatnfool

Do you have a regular tow (boat or camper) that gets pulled with your AV. Was wondering the weight and how the AV compared to your Sierra as a tow vehicle.

imaniguana

Around town I get 13-14. That's with lots of red lights, stop signs, pokey traffic, and two large adults weighing the thing down. A recent local trip of 390 miles roundtrip yielded 16.5. 90 miles of the trip were city driving at the destination. I have about 2800 miles on my AV so far.

jcody1

I had the 5.3 with the 4.10 rear(s). It is pretty much dead on with the window sticker. I have seen 13mpg, and I have seen 17mpg. Like everyone has said, it depends on the driving conditions. I have not towed any significant miles yet. I am happy with the 4.10 axle ratio. It sounds like the 3.73 ratio only gives you one more mpg or so. I have the Z71 with the larger wheels/tires so the 4.10 gears work well.

wfbarto

I have a Z66 with 3.73 rear end and just over 5000 miles on it. The sticker says 14 MPG City and 18 MPG Hwy. I have consistently got 2 MPG over that - 16 to 20 MPG. Just took it on an 1,800 mile round trip over the Holidays in cold weather, highway driving, back end full of presents and luggage with three people and a dog in the cab. Traveling at 70 to 75 MPH, I got 19.2 MPG on first tank, 19.3 MPG on second tank and 18.0 MPG on third tank (last tank was driving into a stiff head/cross wind of about 20 to 30 MPH.) Around town in mixed driving I have only been below 16 MPG once at 15.8. Thing runs like a top - no smoking or other problems! P.S. I was very careful on the break-in period and did not drive over 55 MPH, varied the speed consistently, and did not do any quick stopping or hard throttle starts. I wonder if this may be a factor in some of the smoking guns out there! By the way, the tank full of gas that I used during the break-in period at the lower speeds and careful driving - I got 20.2 MPG on!!

timfarn

I am approaching 12k on my Z71 w/3.73s. I'm with Wayne as far as break-in - I was easy on the gas and varied speeds at 50-55 MPH. I got up to 18 MPG during that time. Overall, I am averaging right at 16 MPG and my average speed is just over 45 MPH. (Check your total miles against the engine hours.) I have about 2,000 towing miles included; the latest with a 3,500# trailer back from WV at 72 MPH into a headwind - 13.5 - 14.5 MPG. The 3.73s were fine on the highway and in the mountains. Pulling the trailer with cruise, I had a new Infiniti SUV pass me twice on downhill runs only to walk by him on grades. Tow/Haul worked great and held gear on all but the 5-6% grades.

mlemoine1

thanks for all the great info on mileage.I'm so satisfied with the mileage on my 99 ext cab,but I was concerned about the av.I have a $1000 certificate from gm gas tank settlement and it's burning a hole in my pocket.I've test driven a couple of av's and like it alot.I do fine the steering to be light compared to rack and pinion in the pickups.

txyank1

wfbarto's mileage as the norm. That's better than most here who have mentioned mileage. That's even better than I average on my lighter Sierra with 3.42 gears. He musta got a good one.

f1jules

Anyone here from Southern California? What kind of mileage do you get? On the Tundra forums people in CA regularly report 1-2 mpg lower than the rest of the country. I average around 16-17, 3.91 rear gear (I think)-mostly around town driving.