BAWC Forums

[quote=""Jeff V.""]Nevermind. The 2500 had the 8.1L.[/quote]

Yup and what I’ve been mainly looking for. Hard to find. Harder to find with decent miles. And maybe the 8.1 is just not a smart buy. I really wanna hear steve tell me about it.


Coop

[quote=""DCIV""]Mother fucker. Searching already going sideways.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-GMC-Syclo ... 000%7C2500

Coop[/quote]

My old boss has a truck just like that. He tows his 22 foot ski boat with it everywhere, including multiple trips to Kentucky where his brother lives. His boat weighs around 3200ish pounds or so, so not too far off from a VR4. He hasn't had any drivetrain issues with it.

I think the trans is the same as full sized trucks. So it should take it. I doubt it’s good in snow though. And honestly I was just looking at it because I love them and they will go up in value.


Coop

[quote=""aaronatstate""]My old boss has a truck just like that. He tows his 22 foot ski boat with it everywhere, including multiple trips to Kentucky where his brother lives. His boat weighs around 3200ish pounds or so, so not too far off from a VR4. He hasn't had any drivetrain issues with it.[/quote]

That's a light ski boat for the length of it

So I’ve been learning a lot. Seems like I would like a 1500HD. But I still want something decent in snow. I don’t think anything heavy is really good in snow. Maybe correct tires that are snow related but I can use all year round?

I am still leaning toward an avalanch with around 140-150k miles but would really like the 8.1L. But heck some models have the 8.1l with an Allyson trans! But not in the avalanch.

Can the regular avalanch tow the vr4 through the mountains. That’s why questions.


Coop

Yes it can. They can tow a lot from what I have read and that will probably be my next purchase. Pretty sure rated at 7100-8000 lbs depending on what rear axle you have.

As for tires, a good set of winter tires and a 2nd set of all terrain tires would be good. But if you only want one set for year round it is hard to beat the BFG AT KO2 tires. I have had them on four seperate Jeeps and by far are the best "year round" tires I have used on SUVs.

You'll want to weigh down the back of a truck for snow. I am not a fan of how unloaded trucks behave in the winter hah.

If we assume your VR-4 is full weight and round up to 4000lbs and a typical flat bed steel framed car hauler is 2000lbs you'll want something rated to tow at least 6000 lbs.

You will be fine with most newer half tons. They tow enough.

[quote=""ChargerX3""]You will be fine with most newer half tons with the factory trailer tow packages. They tow enough.[/quote]

Fixt

[quote=""Chris GTO TT""]That's a light ski boat for the length of it[/quote]

Oh with the trailer and loaded with skis etc it’s close to 5000 I think.

He also lived and had it in Michigan and the mountains in North Carolina. No issues towing the boat, or in the snow. His is a 4x4

https://www.performanceautoplex.com/use ... 97ae5e.htm

I’m pretty set on the 2500 version. The prices are all over the place.


Coop

Personally I prefer the GMT940 over the GMT840. Sure you can get the 2500 in the GMT840 platform but you can get a 6 speed transmission, better fuel economy, and many more creature comforts on the GMT940 platform. Also on the GMT940 the 5.3 produces damn near as much power as the 8.1 on the GMT840. You could also try to find a 6.0 that made even more power than either of them (but that was stopped in 2010).

Not 100% sure, but you might be able to find a 2009 with the 6 speed and the 6.0. It would be the only year that offered both.

Just giving you options. I think the 2500 in 4x4 can tow around 10k. Not sure if worth it over the advantages of the GMT940 which can tow 8k. But if you feel you need it, go for it.

All that info is great actually. I didn’t know they went with the 6 speed. But you said 09 and 6.0. You mean 09 and 8.1 with 6 speed right?


Coop

“2006: This is the last year for 2500 model, which gets revised extendable outside rearview mirrors, and the OnStar and XM Satellite antennas are consolidated into a single unit.”


Coop

“2009: Six-speed automatic transmission replaces four-speed, with 2WD models getting an optional 3.08 fuel-saving rear axle ratio. LTZ models get a new 20-inch wheel style and heated and cooled 12-way power perforated leather seats. OnStar 8.0 is offered with stolen vehicle slow-down, turn-by-turn navigation, and destination download for models equipped with navigation. A rear backup camera is offered as an option. White Diamond Tricoat and Inferno Orange are new colors.”

“2010: 6.0-liter Vortec V-8 is dropped, leaving 5.3-liter as the sole engine option. Taupe Gray Metallic and Sheer Silver Metallic replace Dark Blue Metallic, Silver Birch Metallic, and Greystone Metallic.”

So the 6.0 only lasted from 06-09


Coop

01-06 = Gen 1, GMT840.
07-13 = Gen 2, GMT940. 2500 / 8.1L not available

Correct. Dropped 2500 in 07. Didn't add 6 speed until 09. The 6.0 makes more power than the 8.1 anyway.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Avalanche

This one looks really nice. The price is right too. Damn shame it's all the way up in Washington.

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/49685396

This one is about 10 minutes from the Detroit airport. Go get it.

https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/50684892

Damn it coop. Now you have me looking at them again.

Really want this one - https://www.mcloughlinchevy.com/Vehicle ... 3303998033

But can't justify $19k at the moment.