chevy avalanche

[leman]

just wondering if anyone has used a 02-06 avalanche as an expo rig. im looking at getting one and like the idea of locked bed space that can also be opened up into the cab. at most i will be going down moderate trails and be sleeping in it for a week or two at a time but i want it to be as self contained as possible.

i know this isnt as hardcore as alot of yall but i think it will suffice for what i need. so has anyone used this platform or have any pics TIA

[The Adam Blaster]

Wouldn't be my first choice...
When you're sleeping in it, how will you cover the rear bed area? I'm just thinking that if it rains in the middle of the night, you're going to get soaked.

[leman]

Originally Posted by The Adam Blaster

Wouldn't be my first choice...
When you're sleeping in it, how will you cover the rear bed area? I'm just thinking that if it rains in the middle of the night, you're going to get soaked.

i would leave the hard covers on. stock they leak under very heavy rain, use alittle vasoline and they wont leak at all

[LRDisco]

I don't think you're going to find any pics of one in action as you describe. (I've searched before with teh same idea in mind)

With that said, why not add a camper shell? You'll have the option of passing through with more space, or closing it up and just using the bed.



Seems to me that you would have more options that way if you're planning on using it as a self contained rig for traveling.

[desteurm]

Originally Posted by LRDisco

I don't think you're going to find any pics of one in action as you describe. (I've searched before with teh same idea in mind)

With that said, why not add a camper shell? You'll have the option of passing through with more space, or closing it up and just using the bed.



Seems to me that you would have more options that way if you're planning on using it as a self contained rig for traveling.

That thing is ugly

[jperecko]

...just as ugly as any other truck with a topper

[ramv]

I like mine, although I have it as a 2500 and use it a tow rig.

It is super cool to sleep in, I leave the hard covers on, fold down the seat and bulk head and have an insulated place to throw down an air mattress or pad and sleeping bags. if you get too cold (or warm) you can always idle your way to happiness.

I generally like to have a small tent to throw gear in if there is two of us.

For wheeling, I would get a 3/4 ton, as I would think the stock 10 bolt and ifs would be your weak spot but I don't know. (3/4 ton has a 14 bolt full floater and 9 1/4" IFS) Mine has done a little offroad, but its really long, low and has poor breakover and departure angles, so it wouldn't be my first choice for wheeling. You could do some easy trails though, and a 6" lift and 35"s would help a lot. Lots of these kits on the market these days too. I have a 2" reciever up front to run my multi-mount if needed, and the rear I upgraded to a class V from the factory unit which gain 2-3" of clearance too

Personally if I was looking for an expedition rig I would pick a smaller rig. Something like an extended cab Ranger or such and put a topper on it. The Avalanche is a super comfy on road ride, and has a 37 gallon fuel tank though...

[LRDisco]

Originally Posted by desteurm

That thing is ugly

It looks just like a Suburban.



See? Hater.

[85blue4runner]

why not just get a suburban or other similar SUV?? Do you need the pickup bed for something or is all your gear going to be inside? Make a sleeping platform and put everything that you can underneath it.

[leman]

well i ended up getting a 07 silverado 1500 Z71. i test drove an avalanche and hated the blind spot in them. and there just seems to be more support of the silverado. and i got a really good deal on it. and i have a few ideas for building a sleeping platform with a roll out drawer underneath for camping. complete with screened rollup sides for a fresh breeze. but that will be another thread