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.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

sure its ok....no problem....can't stop it....can't control it....no problem...can't deal with the sway...sway....what's sway at 70.....I don't understand...these other guys are doing it...so....I just don't get it....

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

I was thinking the same thing :drink: :D :p

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

I tow with an 05 Yukon XL w/ 8.1 and it pulls great and I trailer every weekend with it. Sometimes 3-4hrs at a time. I bought it specifically for the purpose of towing my current and next larger boat. Lots of power, lots of torque. Love it..

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Will my big 6cyl Ranger pull my 43 Nortech, safely, cause you know I'll keep it under 70mph :rolleyes: :D

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

how is the 8.1 overall? I bought a 2003 chevy crew cab dually 4x4 with the 8.1. how does it pull and what kind of mileage? How will it compare to my ford v-10?

ill be pulling a 36 outlaw with it.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Baja: The 8.1 pulls fine and will get better mpg than the Ford V10 pulling loaded AND unloaded. I Would get an aftermarket exhaust since that is where it is corked up. That and a Hypertech programmer will give you another-400-500 rpm safely.

MPG- probably around 9 towing, 12 unloaded.

I pull my 5000 lb horse trailer and it is fine. Your in a dually and might have the Allison tranny.

Wannabe

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

As long as you're not going far and you're really careful- plus you don't do it very often, you should be just fine!

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

The 8.1 in the dually is a better setup than the Yukon/Suburban/AV 2500s since you have the Allison with a stronger first gear and a tall/extra 5th gear. My 8.1 towed great.



I agree with the FACT that "you can't have too much truck." I also will state that I like towing with my PSD dually moreso than my Avalanche 2500.

I pulled several rigs with my Avalanche 2500; the heaviest being my own boat. I also found out that my brake system was marginal at best on my boat trailer due to have the improper master cylinder installed at build.

I was in several panic and sticky situations with my Avalanche while towing, and it never let me down, never lost control. It NEVER swayed. That's why my rating of "adequate." If I had ever had a bad incident, I would advise that platform is marginal, or not adequate for towing. I would definitely ONLY tow as such WITH the modifications that I had performed to mine.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

In all honesty...with all the modifications you do with all that anti sway and sag crap....which is good......isn't that saying the truck is not right......which basically it is not right for the application on todays roads....tell him what is going to happen....quit sugar coating it....you guys are waaaaaay over the limit.....crap...it is bad enough with a dually...pleeeeze :D

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

More single wheel trucks with the mother load on the hook....sure no problem.... :fish:

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Is it safe to assume that if the vehicle is rated to pull the load it is OK? I know that vehicles are constantly overloaded, but have people had bad problems with in the legal weight limits that were caused by the trucks? If the truck is rated for 7,500LBS on the bumper should they only pull 5,500LBS? I just do not understand all the passion against non-dually vehicles.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

My dodge is the twin, but 4x4 and rated for 23k gross combined. I've run it at a few hundred over with a g/n race trailer. engine is tweaked and have an ex brake. I tow 25k miles+ a yr racing. The SRW does fine, though I was close on the rear axle weight and tires. I do run a wider wheel and larger tires which IMHO helps with the load and potential heat issues. Too many dually guys with no seat time in a good SRW truck think the sky is falling :eek:

That said, there is no argument that wheelbase, weight, dual tires and way more tow capacity than needed in a tow rig gives a lot of margin when **** happens. Tow with a 270" WB FL70 toter mostly now :drink:

I'd think of the 8.1 Yukons and avalanches (shorter WB) as adequate for slower local stuff with larger boats- would be scary if stuff got interesting at hiway speeds :(

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

I have no issue at all towing with my 8.1 Avalanche.

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Kirk- your boat is well suited for the rig- add 6 more feet, an engine/drive, 70-75 hwy speed and an oh **** on the hwy...... :eek:

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I would prefer a dually, but my old Sub towed fine. It's the same platform and engine that's in the Avalanche.

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Add the rear wheel spacers. They are worth it, and they make the rig look better too.

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Thanks to all you Avalanche and Sub. guys for the comments and Pics. I'm starting to feel alot better about My move up to the 34'

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pleeeeze...you guys want to here what you want to here....and you do not stop untill you here it....that truck is not capable of doing that load with a good margin of safety due to other people on roadways these days....and you feel good....pleeeeeze....I have ridden in this garbage you guys call tow vehicles....not a pretty picture as your stating...or as anybody has stated...with no problems....your just plain full of crap period...excursions suck....subs suck....basically all of the single wheel vehicle suck for safety on the road...they all get jammed up all the time....but they won't tell you.....just like bernie....besides...you know better already...you just want to feel better about making a mistake :D :eek: .ask bernie...ask bernie :evilb:

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

I can understand Byrdman's harshness. Everyone has opinions.

Not everyone can afford or justify a C-4500 GM or even a 1-ton Dually. I know I was at that point; and now I own a dually, and its 7 years old (in better than new condition). I know FROM EXPERIENCE that towing with the Avalanche/Suburban 2500 platform can be done JUST FINE based on setup. I also know that towing with my 1-ton dually is all around a better package, but its not the right setup for everyone.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

More food for thought.......

Is a dude safer in a 1987 chevy BB dually at 131" of WB or in a newer burb / Avalanche, SRW, same WB, with 4 wheel ABS (assuming each is well set up with hitch weight trailer brakes etc)?

Most OTR and local trucks in Europe and Asia are all rolling around on super singles on the drive and steer axles.

2 dudes hauling the same 35' boat, one with a borderline but legal SRW tow rig, the other with a 550 kodiak.

The borderline guy knows he's on the edge and stays 55ish for his short 30 minute ride and leaves lots of distance ahead of him and slows down ahead of the stoplight/offramp/intersection.

The 5500 guy thinks he's superman with his mondo truck, 19.5 tires, huge brakes and runs hard, lulled into overconfidence, following at close distances, 5 over the posted 70 limit, drinking a coffee and making a quick call to his buds who are meeting him at the ramp 30 minutes away.

Who is more dangerous?

Point is, there are a lot of variables that go into safe driving, safe/adequate equipment and setup and not everything is absolute. :drink:

Merry Christmas and happy safe towing :D

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

True & that is good food for thought..

BTW:
I use a 05 Duramax HD4x4 SRW for my tow rig & have towed up to 35' with it so far & NO Issues & plenty of stopping power. But no matter what you drive it should always obviuously be with caution & care..

I just towed out to Ohio this week to get my new boat. I pulled my other one out to trade at about 70-75, but the the conditions (rain & fog) only safley allowed for about 60-65mph on the way back.. If you have a Hd truck thats great, just always know your limits.. :) Happy holidays everyone.. :) Jamie

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

The problem around here is the guys with the smaller tow vehicles are doing 70......not 50 and under......they are right in the mix cause they have to be....most of you guys must live in no population zones........everytime i get with a oso brother srw....it is a death ride after 100 miles...something goes wrong with the other people....and of course nobody is doing 45.....pleeeeze.......these reets think they know limits....but miles later there is always a issue :evilb:

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

My thoughts also. This conversation reminds me of outdrives. IF IT DON"T HAVE A NUMBER 6 ITS GONNA BREAK!! Please! Its all in the way you drive it. I know guys that pull 8000 lbs pounds with half tons and I know guys with over 1000 hp with bravo drives. If you know how to pay attention and are careful when driving a boat or car, you can get away with things that other drivers can't. If you like talking on your cell phone while pulling your boat or hammering the throttle all the way down every time you leave the no wake zone than stick with a 100K tow rig and number 6 drives.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

:D :)

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Well put Cattitude. I have a 01' 3500 dually (love the 8.1 w/ Allison Trans.) and would not trailer without it. I had a hitchball snap off while trailering my 29' Kryptonite on the Parkway @ 60 mph and I am convinced that if I didn't have the dually I would have wrecked. The boat stayed on the chains but hooked to the left and pulled the back end of my truck with it. I was able to catch the tongue under the rear axle and guide it to the shoulder. Only damage was a busted trailer jack and missing ball on hitch. The trailer ball was completely cracked off and the stem of it was still bolted to the drop hitch! :eek:
That being said about me personally kind of contradicts this, however both sides are valid. I have a friend who towed his 36' cat w/ a 2500 Avalanche and he was as stable as could be. He would long haul with us from NJ to 1000 Islands w/ no problems. I did find just as Cattitude said that us guys in the duallys would always plow ahead and then let our friend catch up at the fuel/rest stops.
I guess what I am trying to say it is really a balance between safety, confidence, and overall usage of the vehicle. 75% of the time I use my dually, I don't need a truck that big and could be driving something much smaller..........but what fun would that be! :evilb: :evilb:

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All you guys talk smack about paying attention to your surroundings and it will be ok....this is what I am saying.....no matter how much you pay attention....something always gets you....you same guys are the ones all over the road....like tantrum.....I was real happy about getting in with him and his excursion towing that 32 amt cat......pleeeeeze....typical smack talk that is in here....after almost 3 close calls....one looking for side of road......NONE of which were his fault or could have been helped due to other people....we were on a 6 hour trip....and to say watch what your doing.....how about getting that dually with more breaks and less sway......he is not pulling a 24 baja....how about if he can afford the boat....afford a better truck...a avalanche....mommies school bus...period!

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Sweet Boat warparty!! I have 1995 36' Apache and was shocked to see that you pull it with the Suburban. Did you beef up the back end or anything? I pull mine with 3500 Dodge/cummins with the SRW and even then I know it's behind me. Have you ever scaled yours? With low Fuel I am right at 13,500 Boat and trailer.

As far as the original thread, Before seeing Warparty's rig I would have said that the 8.1 would be scary as hell. Especially if wet roads are encountered!

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Driving 6 hour trips with marginal tow rigs is no fun, neither is running with a larger group that includes marginal tow rigs, inexperienced tow rig drivers, poor setups on good tow rigs that make them handle like chit or the optomistic/lazy dude that never checks his tires for dry rot, heat or does bearing maintenance. I've done a lot of trips like this going cross country on Jeepin trips, moab, chile challenge- stuff like that. turns an easy trip to a headache for everyone- donn't be that guy.

Aside from having a combo within its limits, preferably with margin- setup is crucial. I see trailers every day (all types) that have the hitch weight way off (in either direction) and this will screw your handling no matter what the tow rig. Perf boats on trailers are one of the easier loads on the planet to haul. The tongues are long and the tow rig has a lot of leverage on the trailer axles so it can tell the trailer what to do. If you have a quirky handling perf boat setup- something is WAY off and if you're not smart enough to figure it out take it to a shop that is before you kill yourself or others because your mess got away from you.

That said- the whole boating world does not need duallies to have a safe setup. IMHO.....

1) within GCWR limits, with margins, fully loaded
2) AND (not or) setup with enough brakes, decent balance, correct distribution to tow rig axles verified on a truckers scale (you can afford the $20 to scale twice right?) within axle ratings, tire ratings, wheel ratings, tires are at max sidewall rated pressure
3) that said, more tow rig capacity and an extra set of drive tires give more margin- usually both come with a dually. An old school mid 80's single cab dually may not have much if any more weight rating than todays SRW one ton trucks and it definately has way less brakes. A moron with a dually who knows nothing about setup can be more dangerous than a well setup, in capacity, with margin SRW truck.

Byrdman, I'm not baggin on you, agree with a lot you say, but there is no one word (Like "dually") solution to towing issues that perf boaters face.

Side note- Having a 12,500 GVWR/23000 GCWR dually does not excuse you from checking setup. A well intended optimist could eyeball his hitch weight- put on 2500 lbs (assuming he jacks with his own trailer or sets up his own trailer- a good dually can still "look right" with this load) and then get a surprise when his reciever hitch either cracks and falls off or he fails the bolts holding it to the chassis- I've seen both happen, and the safety chains usually attach to the receiver too:(

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

Thank You:drink: 525 SC's and Bravo Ones.

I have not scaled it, but it is a heavy mo'. I only towed a couple of times, but didn't have any problems.

Re: Pulling with 8.1L Avalanche
 

I'm going to change the class #3 hitch to a class #5 next week on my 2003 8.1L Avalanche, but the hitch guys sure are pitching a weight distribution system and what they are saying makes alot of sence. I'm thinking that for about $200 more it would be a whole alot better than air bags. Can anybody share their experinces with this system on a boat trailer?