Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Any body have any experiences pulling a 34' to 38' boat with the 2500 Avalanche, Does it have enought guts ?

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

I've got an '01 Yukon XL with the 496/8.1L, essentially the same platform.
It pulls my 9000lb package pretty good with 3.73s but the mileage sucks. I think I'll be in the market for a duramax pretty soon.
Thanks,
Michael

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

I tow a 31 Scarab with a 3/4 ton, 8.1L Yukon with no problem.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

I have a 2001 GMC dually with the 8.1, I have hauled numerous boats in the 38 ft range no problem, including thru the mountains in tennessee. Normally mpg is 13 or so, towing it depends on the size and weight of the boat but around 8 to 10 depending on terrain. keep in mind diesel is about 30 cents more a gal., so it averages out. i have 167k, with no problems, but change the oil every 3k, and use amsoil in the tranny, rear diff.

I bought the truck new, as a left over, with the intention of buying a duramax. I saved $12K, and am very please with the truck.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

I pull my 34' Saber w/ a 2003 Yukon XL w/ 8.1. I think it has plenty of power and pulls the boat well.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

I'll drop you a PM with my phone number, and can give you a lot if input.

I pulled my 37' Active Thunder with a 2002 Avalanche 2500 w/ the 8.1L. My rig weighs in at 12,500+/- on the trailer full of fuel, gear, tools, etc. Yes the Avalanche can do it; adequately.
Will it do it forever? Probably not.
Would I want to pull it as such for 1000 miles at a time? Probably not.

You will definitely want aftermarket wider wheels, and E-load rated tires, and a Putnam XDR Class-V hitch.

You may want Rear Air-Bag Suspension and a Weight Distributing Hitch System.

You may like an Electric/Hydraulic trailer brake system and bolt on go-fast goodies for the truck.

I loved my Avalanche 2500. It was a great truck. I sold it to another boater, and it was his second Avalanche. We have/had three in the family.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Sydwayz, I'm really disappointed in you, 5 hours and 57 minutes to reply to this post! It's obvious your new girlfriend is interfering with your post response time! :D :D :D Steve

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Steve,

My Ford was in the shop. What can I say??

:D :D

(Just new tires though. I love my dually. BIG thanks to OutlawMark here on OSO. He does all the work on my trucks.)

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

was pulling my 14000 lbs boat and trailer and pulled fine.