OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Looking for opinions. I currently have a 2001 Chevy 2500 HD Extended cab LT with the 6.0L. I can get a really good deal on a 2003 Avalanche 2500 with 8.1L and Allison tranny (Loaded up with leather and everything like mine).

I have always had an extended cab pickup. What are the pros/cons going to an Avalanche? Is it a pain to convert the bed when you need the xtra room?

It will be a daily driver too.

I know it's tow rating is more than mine with the 8.1/Allison.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

What are you towing? I have a 04 2500HD Crewcab 6.0 and the MPG sucks. The 8.1 must be worse. I'm glad I don't drive mine everyday.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

no Allison in an Avalanche. Sorry.

The 8.1 is a torque monster big block.
had an '02 GMC HD 8.1/Allison. It was a great truck.

spoiled rotten by Duramax now though. :D

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

I enjoyed laughing at the 6.0 guys...blew their doors off and got 9-11 MPG all the time with my foot in it.
And had the features of the Allison as well.

for less than 2K retail new you can, and have been, able to get the 8.1/Allison over the 6.0 in an HD.

why the hell would anybody who tows buy the 6.0 and get the same mileage as the 8.1 loaded or not?

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Towing a 31 Sonic. My current truck tows the boat fine, but I heard the 8.1 has a lot more power.

I thought it had Allision tranny, guess I was wrong.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

no pros. that's why GM was giving 'em away. :eek:

cons...just plain ugly! :p

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Opinion are like a** holes, everyone has one and they all stink but mine. :evilb:

I like my Avalanche, and I think that you will enjoy one too. They removal of the bed panels is a breeze. They ride really nice and the four full doors are nice. I usually get a different vehical every 6 months to a year. I have had alot of different trucks and this is one of my favs. I have gone the diesel route hated the truck when I sold it, too much of a hassel warming up, looking for stations that sell diesel at a decent price etc. The Avalanche has been a hot and cold vehical, sometimes you can't give them away and other times we have sold 3 in a week. If the price is right pull the trigger, I think you will be really happy.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

who's diesel? and do you tow? Where in the woods do you live?
9 of 10 convenient stores sell diesel here, not to mention the truck stops (I'm near an interstate)...all within a nickel of each other

My LLY Dmax warms up very much like a gasser, and once warm is nearly as quite at idle. Very quiet running until the pilot injection shuts off at 2500, and if you hear that, your either doing some serious work or...flying!


Better be a good deal on that Av. Resale sucks on them, they are dogs to move used, just like they were new.

and that's not opinion...it's fact. Check around.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

The only way to go is Diesel. My 7.3 runs like a gas engine, just with a lot more clatter...which I love. :D Fuel is consistantly cheaper, they are stump pullers and you cannot believe how nice that is, just put the cruise on and it will pull hills and not loose 1 mph. Better resale and the rebates on them now make it the same as the 8.1. Really, they are just plain the last truck you will ever need , as long as it is Diesel. Just drive one. I see 15mpg towing 6500 lbs.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

EXACTLY RIGHT!

Other than I think you have to live with one for awhile to really feel the love. :D

One test drive will not get you. Living with, towing with, and beating up on ricers and other trucks will! ;)

I look forward to driving this truck every time. :)

I towed my buddies 292/Eagle tonight (8000lbs total?), and after towing my 353/Eagle (12-13K total)...it was like I was unloaded.
Didn't even breathe hard, accelerating damn near like empty!

it takes 10+K behind you to give you any real effect.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

I have a 2002 2500 Avalanche with 8.1L and the 4L85E 4spd Automatic Transmission and 4.10 rear end gears. It is NOT the Allison 5spd Auto. This is the only power combo available in the 2500 Avalanche. I love mine. I have done a number of things to mine and with 34,500 miles on it, it tows my 12k lbs 37 Active Thunder on trailer, full of fuel adequately. I have done a number of mods to mine. See these threads for a full list of my mods and a bunch of info:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...avalanche+mods

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...avalanche+mods

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=78812

I also just posted a bunch of trailer hitch info here:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=112397

Very important reading.

(Check the build sticker of the 2003 you are looking at. Look for GT4 or GT5. GT4 is a 3.73 rear end gear. GT5 is a 4.10 rear end gear. I think you will prefer 4.10 no matter what you tow. Its also wicked fun NOT towing.)

As for removing the panels and such for cargo... I cannot tell you how much stuff I have had in mine and my brother-in-law's Avalanches. He is on his second one, traded in his 2002 2500 and bought a 2003 1500. We have finished basements hauling all the materials including 12' long ceiling drywall; rocks, furniture, Harleys, bikes, tools etc. Its a very versatile truck and its also a lot of fun to open it all up on a nice cool day, take off the tailgate, drop the midgate and glass, and drive it around with an open Jeep-like feel.

Honestly, I will get a diesel dually one day, but only because I have my heart set on a big blacked out dually with 22.5 wheels.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

diesel all the way i had a hd with a 6.0 i know people with hd.s with 8.1 i now have a hd with the dmax and i will never go back if i had know they were this good in 2001 whin i bought the 6.0 i would have got the dmax then :D

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

hope you are saving a bunch buying used....ford and chevy
are giving away trucks now and it has killed the used
market.....


cant beat a diesel for towing

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

I'm on my second 2500 Avalanche. I leased a 2002 and then turned it in early (pull ahead program) to buy a 2003. Numerous incentives at the time gave me about 15K off the 43K sticker, so I had to buy. The first had the 3.73 rear and when I bought the current boat I needed to pull 12K, so I now have the 4.10. The con is that the mileage sux, I've gotten close to 14 on strictly hwy, 11.5-12 in my daily driving. Last fill-up set me back 101.26.

I love the versatility of the truck though. I've hauled doors, full sheets of drywall and plywood, and even 12' 2x6's in it with the covers on and the tailgate closed. It's got full size rear doors and it fits in the garage (16" shorter than a crew cab standard box.) The midgate folds down easy when there's not too much crap in the back seat, and the bed cover panels are nothing to take off. I use it as a platform when I'm washing the boat and need access to the bow - just park it close, climb up on the bed covers (I believe they hold 250#) and step over on the bow. The leather heated seats rock after a day of running in rough water and are probably the same as your 2500HD, DVD system for the kids. And the cladding may look ugly to some, but I don't worry about it in parking lots. Basically I needed a daily driver that could pull 12K#, and the Av is perfect for that.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

1st I had a 02' 2500HD Ext. Cab with 8/.1/Ally/3.73 = 9-11mpg. When pulling 5-7mpg. +'s AWSOME POWER, -'s HORRIBLE MILEAGE especially when pulling........
2nd Now have a 05' 2500HD Crew Cab with D-Max/Ally/3.73 = 17-19mpg
+'s Better mpg, More Torque but when pulling the boat and you pull out to pass (50-60) the 8.1 had a little more balls. All other things the D-MAX ROCKS and would never go back!!!!! Mileage when pulling 13-15mpg

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

I did the same research before I bought my truck. Basically, I liked the Avalanche, but the resale on them was unacceptable. In this area you can literally lose half the value in 1 year. Went with the 2500HD Duramax.

You won't ever go back to gas for towing once you try one. Plus you get to soot out the ricers.! :drink:

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Once off warranty, you have the option to chip the diesel ! And you won't believe the power they make then! And no noticable fuel milage decrease when towing either! At lease my Father didn't notice any decrease in milage. He spent the same amount on diesel towing his Colbalt to FL last year, and he did towing it back. No chip heading down, chiped comming back, and the torqe was incredible !

Something you may want to concider.

This is his truck, hooked to my Sun. Tows it like it isn't even there, seriously!! Picture was taken early spring.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

the avalanche in a few years probably will develope leaks in the back w/ all that weatherstripping! anybody experience anything like that?? i own a 2500hd w/ the dmax/4x4, and you cannot beat the mileage!! also, it is fun beating up on the hemis!!!! i have the programmer,exhaust and k&n, and i am sure it surprises alot of the gas trucks when you pass em huffin black!!!! and ps, getting diesel is not a problem at all, not to mention it is cheaper then gas

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

I probably would not drop a 6.0 2500HD for a 2500 Avalanche, but do not worry about the 2500 AV not being stout. Mine romps all over Hemis as well. And while diesel is easy to get in the DC area, it is as expensive as premium gasoline here which detracts from your increased mileage advantage substantially. Also, my truck has not developed any leaks whatsoever into the cab. The weatherstripping/engineering is designed very well. The whole rear cab seal is one fused piece, and also replaces very easily.

BN, if I were in your shoes, I would hold out for a Duramax one day if you want grunt. If you want the additional seating room and such now, snatch up the Avalanche.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Rippem,

My father in law owes are car dealership. As far as Avalanches not having any resale I beg to differ, we have had great luck selling them. You are semi correct, they are a hot and cold vehical, but whent they are hot we can't keep them on the lot. Like I said I have been the diesel route, 99 250 7.3 psd, not for me. Bottom line is that I have driven every Ford, Chevy and Dodge truck worth talking about and the bottom line is the Avalanche is a great truck.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Thanks for all of the replies! I think that I am going to hang on to my 2500 HD. It does everything that I need it to do and I still have 30k miles and a couple of years left on my 100k warranty. The other reason is that the AV is black and I swore a long time ago that I will never own another black vehicle unless I stole it or it's a sports car that I can keep in the garage year round. I think that black vehicles are really nice looking, but the are SOOO hard to keep clean. (My 2500 HD is pueter)

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

I really like the 2500 Avalanche myself and have been considering purchasing a used one. I brought my boat home yesterday with my buddies 2003 2500 Yukon XL w/ 8.1 and 3.73's. On the way to the lake empty, I could not get the instant economy over 10 mpg. I tried it at 55,60,65,70 mph. On the way home I could not get it over 8 mpg at 60 mph, ususally it was 5-6 mpg and on the hills I just looked away. I think it cost me 6 bucks just to get up one hill. :D I think I may need to to re-assess my plan and save up a few more nickels and get a diesel.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Diesels take about 150k to 200k miles to pay for themselves.
Diesel fuel is $ .20 a gallon more around here right now. The cost of a diesel package in a truck is about $5k over the gas engine. Do the math.

BN: Your 2500 HD is a great truck, add a K & N and a Predator or Hypertech and you will be amazed at the HP increase. My 2500 Avalanche is a great truck and I love it. But Sydwayz is right, your truck is a great truck also.

Wannabe

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Wannabe,

Please elaborate on the math. I cannot make it work.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Usually diesels are about 7K more expensive. Don't forget is costs about $40 to change the oil yourself and you have to find somewhere to dispose of the used oil.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

[QUOTE=

BN: Your 2500 HD is a great truck, add a K & N and a Predator or Hypertech and you will be amazed at the HP increase. My 2500 Avalanche is a great truck and I love it. But Sydwayz is right, your truck is a great truck also.

Wannabe[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the ideas. Do you mean just a regular K&N or the ram air? Also, is the Predator or Hypertech a chip or reprogrammer?

Thanks,

Brian

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

7K retail maybe.

real cost 5K and you'll get ALL of it back on resale!!

In reality you can drive a diesel for nothing additional if you look at both end$.

$40 to change the oil? Wix/NAPA Gold filter and 10 qts of Delo 400 is a little less than that, and after the first couple you can go 7-10K between changes. Compare that to what you'll spend over time changing the oil in your gasser every 3K.

change the spin-on fuel filter every 10K for $20 and that's it.

and also...it's law now that anyplace that changes oil, has to accept your waste oil...take your pick of 100 places right in your town.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

BN,
Just do the K&N FIPK kit, not ram air.

Go for the Diablo Predator. It is a reprogrammer, not a chip. However, you return the stock program to the truck when you take it in for service. I have had both and prefer the Predator. GM has never said anything to me about the programming.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

At 12,000 miles per year MPG diesel 17, gas 12 ;
gas costs .20 LESS than diesel per gallon

Savings in fuel costs is $ 620 per 12,000 miles less $ 80 increased oil change costs per 12,000 miles= $ 540 savings per 12,000 miles, add financiing costs ( 5%) or $ 513. Say $ 5500 for diesel package = 128,655 miles.

So shoot me, off by 21,345 miles. :rolleyes:

Wannabe

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Are you claiming that a duramax sells used for the same as an 8.1 so in effect you lose the $5500 additional you paid up front? You don't have to be a wise azz, I'm simply asking a question.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Them Avalanches are fugly. :D

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

BGIII- The used value question comes in at the end of the ownership. My calculation is simply answers when does the extra cost of purchasing the diesel overtake the increased fuel costs of the gas. If you did a present value equation to take into effect the used value this does NOT reflect actual cash from your pocket.

Bottom line: the diesel costs more up front, and less to run. At 120,000 plus mile to breakeven the choice comes downt to what you want to drive.

Some dealers do not want used diesels, others don't want used gas trucks.

Wannabe

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

I see you also live in michigan,you can't give away a gas truck or avalance up where i live. Last year I sold my 02 duramax for bluebook list in 1 day in local paper,my budy has a 01 gas 6.0 hd 2500,after 4 months in paper started taking it into the dealers (because he was getting sick of paying for it and his new truck) they were offering him 5-7k below blue book trade saying they can't move gas trucks except at auction. If you keep a vehicle 2 years then peddle it , it seems the diesel is a easier sell unless you want to take a serious resale hit on your gasser. I like the diesel mainly because my mileage hardly drops when running haed in exspressway. I tend to run 80-90 mph every where i go when running empty,a gas hd truck drops below 10 mpg at near 90mph speeds where my diesel will pull 18 plus mpg,Smitty

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Great mileage at that speed, my 2500 Avalanche gets 13 at 80 mph not towing.

Wannabe

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Well thats alot better than I figured,must be the sweet spot for your motor, did you gain any mpg from the mods or just power? I did find on my duramax that running the hypertech in stage 2 gave me aprox 2 mpg better at 80-90 mph empty,it gets 15.5-17mpg empty running that fast in stock tune. I have also ran different tires that were about 10% taller and they wack 1 1/2 mpg off overall taking into account covering 10 % error in the speedo.One thing that hasn't been mentioned in defense of the gassers is ANY diesel takes a 10-15% hit in the mileage during winter between motor running rich,warm up times and winter blended fuel. My 02 and 04 duramaxes both could barely break 15 mpg empty on highway during 10-20degree weather when running winter blended fuel,Smitty

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

I have a 02' 8.1 Avi and I love it. I don't have a problem running with diesels. A few of my buds have new Cummins Crew Cabs. We just recently went on a little road trip with the boats. The trucks were within a Gallon of each when we filled up. Exact same size tanks, I'm towing atleast 3000 more lbs. and were cruising at 72 mph on very hilly terrain.
I think you'll be impressed with the Avalanche. I know I am.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

so you're saying you got the same economy (towing 3,000 lbs. more btw) with the 8.1 as the diesels?

hahahahahahaha.

I don't think so. But then again I'm not familiar with the Cummins. Glad I chose DMax if the Cummins drinks fuel like that!

I've owned and towed with both gas and diesel.

Towing my 353, my 8.1 Allison HD EC would do 7-8 MPG @ ~75 MPH

My DuraMax Allison CC does 11-12 with the same load at the same speeds.

That's 30% + better economy working. The gap gets alot bigger unloaded!

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

Rippem,

Sorry, the info I have given is based on working for a dealership that my father in law has owned for the last 20 years. My 7.3 psd never got better than 15 mpg peroid. My gaser will do that easily. Both gasers and diesels are have their +/-'s. I have owned both, if your are really going to use a diesel then it probably worth the money, but if your are only going to tow far distances like I do a couple times a year it is not worth it. By the way as far a resale, I had a 04 3500 Durmax Black Dually, loaded with everything except a DVD player 3k mile forsale on the lot for $38500. Thats a 12k loss just for driving off the new car stores lot.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

so you paid 50K+ (MSRP) for that dually?

WOW.

should have chatted with your father-in-law first!



I've bought 15 new cars and trucks in the last 20 years, and never paid anything close to retail, even on a trade.

anyway, yea they both have their place. I'm finding the diesel a pleasure to own and drive.

Re: OT: 2500 HD vs Avalanche 2500 Pros/Cons?
 

I own a car dealership in Utah. I could drive any truck I want. I love the avalanches and escalade ext's. They drive great and they are very practicle. When I need to tow my 292 fastech, I park the avalanche and take a diesel. No matter what you do to a gas truck it simply does'nt come close to a diesel. Wish I could say something different because I do love the Avalanche but facts are facts