Forum Discussion

mayble's avatar
mayble
Explorer
May 11, 2016

Avalanche vs Tahoe

I don't have a TT yet, but am looking at both fiberglass (Casita, Scamp, Escape) and small, lightweight toyhaulers (for the flexible space, not actually hauling toys). 8000 lbs max, probably much less.

I'm going to look at a 2008 Avalanche (5.3L, 3.73 axle) and 2007 & 2009 Tahoes (5.3L, 3.42 axle). All 4wd, factory tow package, in the same price range but the Avalanche has half as many miles. On paper, they all seem to be up to the job, but I'd like to hear from folks with real-world experience with these vehicles.

Any thoughts on these candidates? Issues to look out for? Similar models I should check out? I don't want to limit my towing to flat lands with a tail wind, but I don't want to drive a monster truck to work every day either.

I'm not in a particular hurry to buy, but I have an opportunity to get a pretty good price for my trade right now and get out of an upside-down loan so I'm "just looking" ;)
Tow Vehicles
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    May 12, 2016
    i've been towing with my '07 Avy for nearly 10 years.

    the Avy's pros will be longer wheelbase and more versatility.
    i can get 4x8 sheets of plywood in it.

    the Tahoe's only pro will just be that you can carry more passengers.

    it comes down to what fits your family better, a SUV or a wannabe truck?
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    May 11, 2016
    rbtglove wrote:
    Had an 05 Ave and towed a 5k loaded ready to go for many miles, over the Rockies several times. Would not try 8k even with the 7 sp trans ( which is a better trans in tow haul than the 4 sp had both) in the newer ones unless it was a 2500.


    X2. Towed a 7,400# GVWR TT with a 2005 Tahoe with the 5.3. After two trips into the mountains (NC and TN - not even the Rockies!) quickly upgraded to a 2500HD diesel. I'm just not into 3,500 - 4,000 RPM on a V-8 to maintain 45 MPH...

    Except on hills, once you're moving it's the frontal area and wind resistance, anyway - not the weight - that use the power and fuel.

    Rob
  • rbtglove's avatar
    rbtglove
    Explorer
    May 11, 2016
    Had an 05 Ave and towed a 5k loaded ready to go for many miles, over the Rockies several times. Would not try 8k even with the 7 sp trans ( which is a better trans in tow haul than the 4 sp had both) in the newer ones unless it was a 2500.
  • Nicholsfamily05's avatar
    Nicholsfamily05
    Explorer
    May 11, 2016
    We have an avalanche with no plastic cladding. It's my wife's daily driver but it has high mileage.
    She chose it because the previous owner took meticulous care of it with very detailed maintenance records.
    It has been ok so far. The only issues we have had were the ac belt went, power window motors went, and bed leaked, but dealership replaced all at no cost.
    It towed our 33' flat bed trailer with two loaded truck boxes, a 40 gallon gas tank full, two spar tired and 4 ATVs. From eastern CT to western PA. Did great on hills.

    We like it because we can open the back up if we need extra room if we don't want to use our large tow vehicle for little projects.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    May 11, 2016
    I agree with ktosv. For towing an RV, I favor the 6-spd transmission over all else assuming age/miles/price are similar. The first 4 gears of the 6-spd are worse than the 4-spd with 4.10. That means 2009+ for the 5.3L. If you can find a 6.2L equipped Yukon Denali, that allows for 2007+.



    The longer wheelbase of the Ave is a positive, but the payload is lower for every Ave I have seen vs. Suburban and Tahoe. If you like the Avalanche, I'd recommend just getting a crew cab pickup. You get a higher receiver limit, more payload, and longer wheelbase.
  • ktosv's avatar
    ktosv
    Explorer
    May 11, 2016
    If the 09 Tahoe is 4x4 and has the 3.42 axle, that means it has the six speed tranny.

    Performance wise, the six speed 3.42 combo will tow better than the 4 speed 3.73 combo.

    When I went from the 4speed /3.73 combo to a 6apeed/3.42 combo I picked up two usable gears for towing.
  • Shal36's avatar
    Shal36
    Explorer
    May 11, 2016
    The Avalanche is on the same chassis as a Suburban and the Tahoe is on a shorter chassis. The Avalanche will have limited payload. I don't think there's enough payload on either truck for an 8k trailer. I think the payload will be around 1,300#, depending on trim level. I have a newer Avy and payload is my limiting factor. My thought is that the Avy will be very stretched even at 6k. The Avy is a heavy truck and a bit on the sluggish side compared to the new trucks. The Tahoe is probably lighter and snappier, but the shorter wheelbase may be a factor to consider if the trailer is on the longer side. Both trucks seem to fetch a premium price in the market relative to similarly equipped/type vehicles.

    If you are a GM fan, I would suggest a similar year CC Silverado with max tow package.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    May 11, 2016
    They are effectively the exact same vehicles save for axle ratio. Same chassis, interior and drivetrain. Depends if you want a SUV or a pseudo pickup truck. Personally I'd take the Avy as long as it's not a plastic clad model.
    In general, go for deeper gears and less miles.

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