I pulled my 42 sonic out of storage today (16,300 lbs boat & trailer) with my 2003 5.3 motored 1/2 ton Avalance. This thing pulled it better than my buddys big block dualy. UNFU#@INGBELIVEABLE!! The power, the hanling, the brakes, the springs, no probelems at all. Really a quality truck. Hats off to GM for this one.

Madcow,

I pull my boat with the same motor. While I don't think it's the best combination for large loads like yours, I do feel that this motor does real well for what I use it for. The tow/haul feature is nice too. A 3/4 ton is in the near future though.

Buck

Good for you. Just curious though, did you get a little squirm when stoppping at high speeds with your short wheel base truck.

I have a friend who has a 3/4 ton Ford with a diesel and he pulls a 342 Baja-it does fine towing and he needs to keep some distance when pulling for stopping, as well as it is hard for him to pull above 60 MPH at times because the boat/trailer will push him some on down grades or small hills on the downward side, causing a little weaving if he is not careful.

How was your overall stopping ability? Did you feel safe with that combination?

I know there are a person on this board that has the big block allison HD combo and he loves his Avalanche.

Thanks,
Mike

My dad has a 1/2 ton Avalanche with the 5.3, Z71 package, 3.73 gears, etc. Its amazing how well it pulls his 35 Fountain. It'll pull the boat 70+ on the interstate easily and doesn't have any trouble stopping.

Madcow.......pulled my cat out 1st time the other week with the 2500 Avalanche (w/373's). Super easy. Was excellent on the highway..........although not as firm a ride as the dually was, with just a little x-tra sway. (no suprise there).






Bob

Well I have 20 inch wheels on my Avalanche so that probably cuts down on the sway. as far as stopping I always try to give myself some extra room.

By the way Glassdave and I just took the boat out for the first ride of the year. Everything went great. I'm psyced & ready!

dont just talk about it post some pictures that way I am getting my moneys worth Rag's

I pull my 357 Formula all over the place with my '02 Avalanch Z66. No sway, no problems at all. Stops easy. It's as good as a dually for my money and actually rated for a heavier towing capacity than the dually.

What's this about half-ton, tho? It's built on a Suburban frame...how can it be half-ton?

Any luck at all, I'll tow it 800 plus miles to LOTO this weekend.

doright

Last time I checked they make A LOT of 1/2 ton Suburbans.

Buck