I'll never understand the avalanche haters saying it's not a real truck. The midgate transformation makes it more capable of hauling than any crew cab short bed luxury truck most of them drive. I love my 2011 LTZ.
I agree. About the only thing I would ding it on is the coil spring rear suspension being too soft for any real weight carrying capability. It certainly made it ride better though!
Even the way the seats in the back fold down is very useful, gives you a nice flat area to stack boxes or whatever VS most trucks that still have awkward shapes blocking the space
Absolutely love my 05 avalanche. Bought it new 230k miles only major repair was rebuilding the trans 10k ago. Ive fit so much stuff in this truck. If they bring it back id buy it again.
I have a 2007 Avalanche that I purchased new. I've had several pickups in the past but consider this truck the best that I've ever had. I know that I would miss it and regret selling it so it will stay with me for many more years hopefully. I currently have 222,300 miles on it. The only things that have gone wrong (engine) are the throttle position sensor and a broken piston skirt on number 3 cylinder last fall which prompted a complete engine overhaul. The motor was running fine up to that point. I did a fuel management delete and changed the cam at that time. The cam is is a truck cam from Cam Motion and is a drop in. I love this truck. I have one small door ding, otherwise the body panels are perfect with zero rust. I'm one of those diligent oil changers and I'm running Schaeffers synthetic in it since the engine overhaul. Before that I was running Mobil One synthetic.
Thanks for sharing. I wish I could say the same about the rust. My drivers’s door and tailgate lip are pretty crunchy from years of road salt. Still runs like a top though and plan to keep her around for a while.
Just came across your video, good job. I do rough frame carpentry and owned a few work trucks in my time. I have an 02 AV and this truck holds it's own, lumber, generator, compressor and tools. My AV is totally loaded and built for comfort. At the end of the day it's just a nice relaxing ride home. Thanks for the video.
I just traded in my jeep for a black diamond Avalanche and I just love the thing. Miss my jeep sometimes but not the high maintenance costs, thing broke down a LOT. These are highly rated.
Thanks so much man, I literally just watched this in the parking lot of ikea and you saved me a huge headache trying to load stuff that was half an inch too long without dropping the midgate.
I had never seen how it's done. I knew they could, and now that I found a really nice Yukon XL and a really nice Avalanche to buy from the same owner, you've helped make my decision. Way too much effort to get the Avalanche prepared for a long load. Thank you for the video. Very informative. I'll be getting the Yukon without a doubt.
Your video was the icing on the cake in helping me decide on my purchase of an '07 4x4 Avalanche. Low miles (82000) and extremely well cared for. I love it! If GM made 2020's Avalanche, I would definitely consider that too. Thanks for the vid👍😀
@@Chopstx98 looking forward to seeing the "New Avalanche" on the road. Of course if they were priced within the realm of the common man, I would get one in a hot minute. I hear they are starting in the upper 90s to over 100 grand. I'll have to pass.
I had an 02 that I really liked. After I got rid of it I always missed it, I stumbled across an 06 for a good price last year so I bought it, I'm keeping this one. I love being able to haul 8 ft. plus length stuff with the tailgate up and still having a full back seat that's available the rest of the time.
I've been wondering for years , why not make a truck that does this , then i heard about the avalanche ,Sadly no one else has offered this , what a fantastic way to use the whole truck when adding a camper , thanks for the post
GM is making the EV Hummer like the Avalanche now. It has an electric roll top over the cargo bed (really cool, no water leaks) instead of covers, and the body is like an Avalanche with the 4-door cab and 5' box all mated together with a midgate. It would be a great truck in a gas powered 4X4, but no way am I getting into an EV. If you are willing to accept the negative trade-offs of an EV and have just under $180K to spend (that was the OTD price of the one I looked at) it is a great truck with an Avalanche style body and midgate.
I can and have carried 16 foot lumber in my 2002 Avalanche. I got me some square tubing and welded up an extension that mounts in the trailer hitch. It extends 5 feet back and makes a T cradle 4 feet wide at even height with the tailgate. I can add another extension to make it extend 7 feet back. That gives about 14' of support with the midgate closed so I can haul 16' lumber with or without opening the midgate. Lash down the lumber with bungees or a ratchet strap at the cradle end, attach a red flag and there you go. The 5' section is made to be just the right dimension in an L shape with the cradle attachable at either end with hitch pins, so I can flip it vertical and that puts the cradle at even height with the roof line, while also extending rearward just enough to clear the tailgate when open. Then I can throw an old couch cushion on the roof to protect the paint and carry an extension ladder on top lashed to the luggage rack and the cradle. So I can have the cargo bed fully loaded with the tailgate open and carry a long ladder on top without a traditonal ladder rack. Maybe I'll make a video of this when I get time, it's not complicated and this idea can work with any truck, not just an Avalanche. Except if you don't have a luggage rack on top, then it becomes more difficult to lash down a ladder on the roof.
Thanks for the video. I currently have a 2003 i bought with 114k mile on it(166k) as of today. After getting it squared away mechanically, it's been a great truck. Love the versatility it offers. It's hauled with ease everything i have put into it. I have dogs, so the cages fit nicely in the back with the seats folded flat. The covers are a pain sometimes to handle and that bed mat is a bit cumbersome.
Yes, it's a major pain to try and slide anything forward on it. But, it does help keep things in place. Was thinking of getting a spray in bed liner. That way, i could pull the mat when not needed, but still protect the bed.
I love my '05. On one random Saturday, I brought home a bunch of 4 x 8 drywall in the rain, packed myself and 5 "generously proportioned" relatives in for a trip, and parked inside my regular, city- sized garage. No other truck can do that.
I JUST bought a used one two days ago and I'm already super excited about it because she's gorgeous! It's a 4x4 and the third set of owners took great care of it and only charged me 7K. It has 115K miles on it, but from the sales I've seen, they'll go 300 if you take care of them.
We nicknamed ours, "El Compromiso". But then I got upgraded Monotube Shocks, sway bars, and Panhard Rod (thanks Spohn Engineering!). Replace the tires with the Load Range E, LT tires and you have a more truck-ish ride and great for towing. Con: Can't outfit for gooseneck trailers... doesn't affect many people.
I have a ‘11 Avalanche LTZ. What a nice rig. Bought it new, special order. Can’t say enough good about it. Ive pulled a 4 horse trailer with 4 horses, 20’ car hauler with a tractor on it, same trailer loaded with household goods, never skipped a beat. Love the versatility of the bed area. How many SUV’s can haul a full sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed? Also have hauled a full pallet (1 ton) of wood pellets without issue. Awesome vehicle .
I used to routinely carry fulll skids of wood pellets, but as she gets older (and unfortunately rustier) I’ve been taking it easier on her. Curious, how many miles on it?
I use it when I have to, but its always been garaged and maintained. Probably hasn’t spent a total of 60 days outside overnight. It’s what the dealers call a cream puff
I've got an 02 that I bought new. I never plan to sell it. They also put step up notches on the corners of the rear bumpers that should be on every large pickup. I don't know why they stopped putting them on the Avalanche shortly after 02. Just like using the side fenders for storage it was a simple but brilliant idea.
Picking up my first Av next week..an 03, belongs to my friend's wife. 2WD though.. but that's ok..I have my 02 Tahoe 4WD. Thanks for the video explaing the feature of the Av.
I absolutely love it because I have the Tonnele cover I slide ladders right on in through the window and long pieces of lumber and drywall plywood you name it even stuck a kayak in there I use the same boxes all the time beautiful. I just want them to come out with an electric one
I have a 2004 Chevy Avalanche Z71, took a china cabinet and matching buffet bar, didn’t have to put down the center divider or put the tail gate down. Just had to take the slats off. If I’m not mistaken the truck has a big bag for the slats but I could never fit it in.
@@mminniear984 I found a black diamond edition with 74k miles in mint condition, I rarely drive it because I'm an over the road trucker, she drives sooooooo smooth, black on black and chrome with heated and cooled seats and moonroof dvd and navigation, she's a beauty, I hope you find what you're looking for, they're really good trucks...
@@KStatus7 yeah, thanks. It was disappointing. I’m seeing a lot of them around but they hold value well so a lot of them are too pricey for me. That and a Tahoe are what I’m focusing on right now
I love my avalanche I put abs pipe and copper pipe in side for side Job you would never know I had 10 footers unless ur in the truck long live the avalanche 😁
Looks like chevy is bringing back the midgate in the 2024 electric silverado. I never really was a fan of the look of this truck but if i'd know about it's feature I would've definitely considered it. Especially with those tool boxes on the side. I thought Ram was the first to come out with those around 2015 or so but I guess they just stole the idea from chevy and marketed the hell out of it lol. Too bad chevy didn't advertise this truck's features a bit more. They might not have had to discontinue it had they done so. Thanks for posting this! Nice to see someone using a truck for what it's meant for. Most people with these where I'm from seem to just use it as an SUV. I just assumed it didn't have much worthiness as a work truck because of this.
I have a 2002 Avalanche North Face Edition that I bought new. 18 years later it still runs perfectly. No problems with the engine, transmission, or transfer case. The A/C still blows ice cold and has never been serviced. Sadly, this may be the last year of driving it. The frame is badly rusted from the winter road salt and is paper thin with holes in many areas.
@@royfrye333 I discovered mine was getting soft when I attempted to jack up the driver’s side rear. I’m having the entire underside descaled and a total of six spots capped on the frame. Once done, I’ll have it sprayed. I almost got rid of the truck but for the price I was quoted ($2800) I think I can justify it. It’s cheaper than buying a new rig. I toyed around with a full frame replacement, but decided against it.
I thought about a frame replacement but the rocker panels are also rotted badly and the fenders are starting to bubble out. So, it’s basically a rotted out rust bucket that still runs perfectly.
@@royfrye333 I’m sorry to hear that. The body on mine is starting to bubble here and there, but I only use it as a dump run/Home Depot vehicle now, so I’m hoping it will last me several years with such limited use. Good luck.
How is the realibility of the midgate so many years since it was brand new? 1) Is it noisy? 2) does it get clogged up with debris and dirt? 3) does it leak? Thinking about new Chevy EV RST with midgate too but a bit nervous about it's durability and realibility. Thank you so much for the info!
@@MaxSergeyenko No issues with mine. It wasn’t noisy or leaky. I cleaned it a couple of times in the 10 years I owned it. It wasn’t because it was clogged, but because I noticed a little debris from use.
You can carry ladders on top. The luggage rack is tuff. I've carried a 24ft and 32 foot extension ladder on mine. Currently on my 3rd Avalanche. I may have the only one ever built with a soft cover over the bed. I've never seen another.
James Surveyor I didn’t even know that they made them with factory soft covers. I’ve contemplated the roof racks, but clearing snow where we live is kind of a hassle with one. Enjoy your ride bro.
Yep, that’s right John. The screen is kind of small, but it does the job. You’re better off getting your other half to drive and you can watch a flick in the back seat. 😀
I picked up a 2002 2500 with only 80k miles for $2000. It's been a great truck,other than the body rust and breaking the rear part of the frame which caused the bumper to fall off ( due to constant towing I guess?) Just wish I could get more than 8 mpg lol
"Good (video/information) on the midgate transformation/ panels & storage bins". Thanks. Great idea for the drinks/beer in the storage bins.. < [Maybe put 1 good size piece of plastic sheeting in the storage bins inner walls to (hold/keep/slow) the ice from draining...ha]
I was guilty in the past of thinking these vehicles were silly. But I'm seriously rethinking that. Not even a long bed silverado can transport 10' lumber without it sticking over the tailgate (unless you have the opening back window, but even then ya gotta be careful not to break the window when loading, ask me how I know...), but this can. It has more utility in many situations than either a "real" truck or a Tahoe, and depending on configuration it can seat almost as many people as a minivan. I'm thinking about getting one, since I can't seem to make up my mind what type of big vehicle I need, I may just get the better part of all 3 options (van, truck, suv, even was looking at a big roadmaster wagon)
Wow, I have a 2005 GMC Sierra , 4 door . I thought that was versatile!! Im looking at getting one now. Just staying away from the AFM. Can you put a ladder rack on it ??
christopher walley Yep and I ended up having a piston ring kit installed at 79k under warranty. At 180k, I noticed the oil consumption ramp up a little bit. I installed the range AFM disabler and it’s much better. I actually did a video on that range device a while back.
I have owned my 2010 since 2012 and love it I can leave the glass in drop the partition and slid my 14ft canoe in the tie it in with one strap and put all my gear inside the canoe and head got the river . No need to ever look for another truck .
Absolutely awesome video 👍🏻 I'm looking for a truck and came across a 2018 avalanche and I've always wondered about that transformation cab/bed deal. You have just answered all my questions and more so thank you very much for that. I do have a question though if you can help me out with this and that is will a motorcycle fit in the bed?? Sometimes if I'm going somewhere with my girl and I want to bring my Harley or my dirt bikes I would have to truck it so I need to know if a bike will fit in the bed. Again thank you so much I really appreciate you and your video!!!
With the tailgate and mid-gate folded down, I've had my Harley Wide Glide in the back. Not ideal, but it's certainly up to the task. If you found a 2018, you found a unicorn. Unfortunately, they discontinued them after the 2013 model year :-( Good luck in your search and thanks for the kind words.
@@HilltownCT I trying to think where I would put the hooks for the tie-downs to secure a bike. Where did you put yours to hold your Harley? Thanks again.
I’m looking at a 2010 but I hate the AFM and DOD these models came with. So many lifter failures. Have you had any issue with yours? I’ll immediately tune it off as soon as I get it, but it still has those lifters that tend to fail.
You didn't show how to drop the bulkhead while leaving the glass in so you can use the full bed length up to the bed covers so you could keep the cab sealed, this truck is also great for camping in, drop the half bulk, throw your legs out into the bed, and sleep comfortably, slept like this for 2 months once during winter and stayed warm and dry in the snow
Brannon Phillips i never have, but I’ve talked to guys with the older generations that have. After a hard rain or car wash, i’ll have a little come through the bed covers. I suppose, if I were to park on a slope, some might make it in.
I bought an 02 almost 3 years ago that was very clean and garage kept. At first I noticed it was a little musty inside so I got some damp-rid and kept it behind the seat, which helped. I live in North Florida, VERY HIGH HUMIDITY. When I finally opened the midgate I noticed there was a lot of sand and dirt around the seal, but once it was all cleaned out I never had another problem with mustyness. It just had not been sealing tightly.
In my '02 1/2 ton that had been hard worked and never garage kept (over 430k miles currently, first 250k or so were for contractor work routinely towing and hauling often loads that a 3/4 ton would have been better suited for, and using the midgate/window features regularly), the seal around the midgate currently needs replaced. I only get moisture in the cab when it's parked in the rain with the bed covers off, so I just don't do that. You can also tell where the seal went bad it's because it got caught folded up on itself as the gate was closed one time and probably left like that for months or years (the truck was parked outside unused for 3 years at one point). So the rubber in that one spot is rotted Do watch out for the bed cover closest to the tailgate. Idk if the newer ones are stronger but if weight is applied right in the middle/back of that panel it's not supported very well and will cause the panel to flex, eventually permanently. This screws up the waterproofing of the bed but only right next the tailgate. I'd say if you're going to walk on it or put anything really heavy up there then keep it closer to the sides of the truck, at least for that outermost panel.
Yes. If you leave the window in place when you drop the midgate, it opens differently. It's really clever! Just FYI, the cab gets quite a bit louder when the midgate is down, even with the glass and tonneau cover in place, because the bed has drainage holes. But the flexibility of the back is really great. I love that I can keep 4x8 sheet goods dry from the rain in the same vehicle that swallows both my kids' car seats (just not at the same time). I kind of wish he'd have shown this feature. And if you're a camper/overlander I've seen people add a camper shell. Leave the tonneau covers in place and now you two levels of camping storage! People sleep in the bed and use the camper/tonneau segment to store gear like a mini RV. I'm the furthest thing from a Chevy fan, but I really love this truck! (I have an '08 LT. I don't have the Z71 package and wish I did because my front bumper is WAY too low for off-roading.)
I made a mold 10 years ago to make end caps and latching mech. For my now 60/40 mid gate. Seals noise fine. Can lower either the 60/40 with the seat back. Unfortunately there didn’t seem to enough interest in the modification. I should have sold the patent to GM but they were not over excited. If th new Avalanche comes out with the same mid gate maybe I’ll see about manufacturing it. Mine has really increased the utility of my Avalanche
I have a 2010 avalanche for 3.5 years and I never knew it could be transform 😆
You win best comment!
Hilltown lol thank you 👍🏽👍🏽 btw I love those trucks “avalanche”
What do you mean transformed?
I have one also wat do you mean
Bullshit! That's the only reason to buy one of these.
I'll never understand the avalanche haters saying it's not a real truck. The midgate transformation makes it more capable of hauling than any crew cab short bed luxury truck most of them drive. I love my 2011 LTZ.
I agree. About the only thing I would ding it on is the coil spring rear suspension being too soft for any real weight carrying capability. It certainly made it ride better though!
I have the same one
2010 LTZ here!!
Avalanches are the best! I have two and wouldn't trade them for the world... HEY CHEVY! Bring the Avvy Back 👍
what year is the best and what engine ..
@@raulflores9318
2012
Last year made so it is the newest and most reliable one you can get. It has a 5.3 v8.
Dillon Hawkins 2013 was the last year actually but from 07 and on they stuck to the same design very reliable trucks
All Avalanches came with the 5.3L. Except the old school OBS Chevy’s with that name. They came with the 5.7L.
Heard rumors of them coming back either next year or 2022
I have 08 z71 absolutely love it. I'm never getting rid of it!!! I really wish Chevy would bring it back! I would get a new one and still keep the 08!
Me too Johnny!
have you had any problems with oil leaking?
Even the way the seats in the back fold down is very useful, gives you a nice flat area to stack boxes or whatever VS most trucks that still have awkward shapes blocking the space
True. That frequently came in handy for us.
Have a 2003 and just bought a 2010. Best vehicle ever!
Absolutely love my 05 avalanche. Bought it new 230k miles only major repair was rebuilding the trans 10k ago. Ive fit so much stuff in this truck. If they bring it back id buy it again.
I’m wondering how much longer my trans will go with nearly 200k on it. I try to go easy on it, but you know how that goes sometimes.
I have a 2007 Avalanche that I purchased new. I've had several pickups in the past but consider this truck the best that I've ever had. I know that I would miss it and regret selling it so it will stay with me for many more years hopefully. I currently have 222,300 miles on it. The only things that have gone wrong (engine) are the throttle position sensor and a broken piston skirt on number 3 cylinder last fall which prompted a complete engine overhaul. The motor was running fine up to that point. I did a fuel management delete and changed the cam at that time. The cam is is a truck cam from Cam Motion and is a drop in. I love this truck. I have one small door ding, otherwise the body panels are perfect with zero rust. I'm one of those diligent oil changers and I'm running Schaeffers synthetic in it since the engine overhaul. Before that I was running Mobil One synthetic.
Thanks for sharing. I wish I could say the same about the rust. My drivers’s door and tailgate lip are pretty crunchy from years of road salt. Still runs like a top though and plan to keep her around for a while.
Nice video. Never knew the avalanche was like this. You have a great way of speaking to explain in a video. Nice job!
Thanks… I appreciate the kind words.
Just came across your video, good job. I do rough frame carpentry and owned a few work trucks in my time. I have an 02 AV and this truck holds it's own, lumber, generator, compressor and tools. My AV is totally loaded and built for comfort. At the end of the day it's just a nice relaxing ride home. Thanks for the video.
I just traded in my jeep for a black diamond Avalanche and I just love the thing. Miss my jeep sometimes but not the high maintenance costs, thing broke down a LOT. These are highly rated.
Enjoy it. They're a blast!
Thanks so much man, I literally just watched this in the parking lot of ikea and you saved me a huge headache trying to load stuff that was half an inch too long without dropping the midgate.
Ha ha, too funny. Glad it helped.
Love my 2003 8,1L Avalanche, got it new.The midgate is just amazing, strange GM never offered this again.
3/4 ton? You've got a keeper!
They do now. The Silverado EV has this midgate
They just brought it back with the electric Silverman.
@@caseylayton4898Silverado*
I had never seen how it's done. I knew they could, and now that I found a really nice Yukon XL and a really nice Avalanche to buy from the same owner, you've helped make my decision. Way too much effort to get the Avalanche prepared for a long load. Thank you for the video. Very informative. I'll be getting the Yukon without a doubt.
Bought new 2002 Avalanche, then bought new a 2006 and still have it today 2/22/2021. 106.000 miles on it. Love it.
Your video was the icing on the cake in helping me decide on my purchase of an '07 4x4 Avalanche. Low miles (82000) and extremely well cared for. I love it! If GM made 2020's Avalanche, I would definitely consider that too. Thanks for the vid👍😀
Thanks man...looks like you found yourself a cream puff.
Chevy Silverado EV
@@Chopstx98 looking forward to seeing the "New Avalanche" on the road. Of course if they were priced within the realm of the common man, I would get one in a hot minute. I hear they are starting in the upper 90s to over 100 grand. I'll have to pass.
I've had an 03 non cladded for years. I love it. If it dies I'll put the body on a regular suburban frame.
I had an 02 that I really liked. After I got rid of it I always missed it, I stumbled across an 06 for a good price last year so I bought it, I'm keeping this one. I love being able to haul 8 ft. plus length stuff with the tailgate up and still having a full back seat that's available the rest of the time.
Welcome back to the Avy family!
I am enjoying my 3rd Avalanche, my 2011 Z71, 4WD. I am looking forward to installing some upgrades! Great vehicle!
I've been wondering for years , why not make a truck that does this , then i heard about the avalanche ,Sadly no one else has offered this , what a fantastic way to use the whole truck when adding a camper , thanks for the post
GM is making the EV Hummer like the Avalanche now. It has an electric roll top over the cargo bed (really cool, no water leaks) instead of covers, and the body is like an Avalanche with the 4-door cab and 5' box all mated together with a midgate. It would be a great truck in a gas powered 4X4, but no way am I getting into an EV. If you are willing to accept the negative trade-offs of an EV and have just under $180K to spend (that was the OTD price of the one I looked at) it is a great truck with an Avalanche style body and midgate.
Ah I remember my grandma had one me and my cousins would hop on top and have a blast. Good times
Ive got a 2004 avalanche 2500/ 3/4 ton and I do believe it is the best all around vehicle out there.
You’ve got a keeper!
Lucky those r hard to find I settled for a 2011 ltz 4x4
You can drop the mid gate without taking the back window out. That's the cool thing about it.
Came here to ask and confirm that. Thanks!
I can and have carried 16 foot lumber in my 2002 Avalanche. I got me some square tubing and welded up an extension that mounts in the trailer hitch. It extends 5 feet back and makes a T cradle 4 feet wide at even height with the tailgate. I can add another extension to make it extend 7 feet back. That gives about 14' of support with the midgate closed so I can haul 16' lumber with or without opening the midgate. Lash down the lumber with bungees or a ratchet strap at the cradle end, attach a red flag and there you go. The 5' section is made to be just the right dimension in an L shape with the cradle attachable at either end with hitch pins, so I can flip it vertical and that puts the cradle at even height with the roof line, while also extending rearward just enough to clear the tailgate when open. Then I can throw an old couch cushion on the roof to protect the paint and carry an extension ladder on top lashed to the luggage rack and the cradle. So I can have the cargo bed fully loaded with the tailgate open and carry a long ladder on top without a traditonal ladder rack. Maybe I'll make a video of this when I get time, it's not complicated and this idea can work with any truck, not just an Avalanche. Except if you don't have a luggage rack on top, then it becomes more difficult to lash down a ladder on the roof.
That’d be a good video!
Thanks for the video. I currently have a 2003 i bought with 114k mile on it(166k) as of today. After getting it squared away mechanically, it's been a great truck. Love the versatility it offers. It's hauled with ease everything i have put into it. I have dogs, so the cages fit nicely in the back with the seats folded flat. The covers are a pain sometimes to handle and that bed mat is a bit cumbersome.
Ditto your bed mat sentiments. It comes in handy, but it can also be a p.i.t.a to move things around.
Yes, it's a major pain to try and slide anything forward on it. But, it does help keep things in place. Was thinking of getting a spray in bed liner. That way, i could pull the mat when not needed, but still protect the bed.
Nice video brother. I'm currently looking for my first truck and have been curious about this 1 ever since I was a boy
Good luck with your search. There are still some cream puffs out there.
I love my '05. On one random Saturday, I brought home a bunch of 4 x 8 drywall in the rain, packed myself and 5 "generously proportioned" relatives in for a trip, and parked inside my regular, city- sized garage. No other truck can do that.
‘Nuff said!
Just bought an 06. Thank you for the video. Best one I have seen.
Thanks man.
I really have never liked that truck/SUV till just now. Great video.
I Just bought a 2002 Chevy avalanche I absolutely LOVE IT!!! I never knew WOW Thanks for the video
I'm about to be trade my Lincoln Cartier for one
do the 2000-2005 models transform this way as well ?
@@Lucaspro4 yes
Wow. I was thinking of getting a used avalanche. Now I really want an avalanche truck! Thank you for the video.
I JUST bought a used one two days ago and I'm already super excited about it because she's gorgeous! It's a 4x4 and the third set of owners took great care of it and only charged me 7K. It has 115K miles on it, but from the sales I've seen, they'll go 300 if you take care of them.
We nicknamed ours, "El Compromiso". But then I got upgraded Monotube Shocks, sway bars, and Panhard Rod (thanks Spohn Engineering!). Replace the tires with the Load Range E, LT tires and you have a more truck-ish ride and great for towing.
Con: Can't outfit for gooseneck trailers... doesn't affect many people.
Just bought a 2013 Avalanche (my first truck) and loving it! Thanks for the helpful vid 🙂👍🏻
Good for you, brother.
Still drive my 2002 everyday…180K miles. Love it….would buy it again in a hot second. Never had any real issues with it.
Ive had mine for almost a yeah love it and yes bring them back chevy!!!!
recently bought a 06 avalanche. in love with it
Good for you! The ‘06’s were nice. Last year before AFM and possibly the most reliable of the entire production run.
I just bought a 09 avalanche lt I love it i can fit my family of 6 in it comfortably and drive nice we really enjoy it
Mike Dyess It’s the Family Truckster! Hopefully, you’re old enough to remember that and I’m not dating myself. 😎
On my second Avalanche - 2010 LTZ. I’ll drive this thing forever. Couldn’t ask for a better truck! Nice video man.
Thanks!
im just here to mention the Waylon decal . awesome video btw
Good eye!
Just bought a 03 with 131k and I have fell in love already
I have a ‘11 Avalanche LTZ. What a nice rig. Bought it new, special order. Can’t say enough good about it. Ive pulled a 4 horse trailer with 4 horses, 20’ car hauler with a tractor on it, same trailer loaded with household goods, never skipped a beat. Love the versatility of the bed area. How many SUV’s can haul a full sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed? Also have hauled a full pallet (1 ton) of wood pellets without issue. Awesome vehicle .
I used to routinely carry fulll skids of wood pellets, but as she gets older (and unfortunately rustier) I’ve been taking it easier on her. Curious, how many miles on it?
Hilltown 100500
I use it when I have to, but its always been garaged and maintained. Probably hasn’t spent a total of 60 days outside overnight. It’s what the dealers call a cream puff
I've got an 02 that I bought new. I never plan to sell it. They also put step up notches on the corners of the rear bumpers that should be on every large pickup. I don't know why they stopped putting them on the Avalanche shortly after 02. Just like using the side fenders for storage it was a simple but brilliant idea.
Picking up my first Av next week..an 03, belongs to my friend's wife. 2WD though.. but that's ok..I have my 02 Tahoe 4WD. Thanks for the video explaing the feature of the Av.
I absolutely love it because I have the Tonnele cover I slide ladders right on in through the window and long pieces of lumber and drywall plywood you name it even stuck a kayak in there I use the same boxes all the time beautiful. I just want them to come out with an electric one
Yes, very versatile!
I have an 04 with the 8.1 and it is a horse . what i like about the bed is no fender wells you can stack even all the way across . nice vid .
Lol "Drink your beer fast", was a great ending to the video!
You had me at the bed rail storage!
Ikr i never knew they have that
I have a 2004 Chevy Avalanche Z71, took a china cabinet and matching buffet bar, didn’t have to put down the center divider or put the tail gate down. Just had to take the slats off. If I’m not mistaken the truck has a big bag for the slats but I could never fit it in.
It's my only complaint, the slats don't have a good way to be stacked and stored on the roof rack or anywhere...
I’ve been looking lately for my first truck and I was worried about bed space in the avalanche. Turns out I don’t need to worry.
I had no idea they had the tool boxes on the side. I’m looking at getting one tomorrow.
Did you actually get it yet?
@@KStatus7 nope. Unfortunately it had a bad Trans. I’m looking at other options
@@mminniear984 I found a black diamond edition with 74k miles in mint condition, I rarely drive it because I'm an over the road trucker, she drives sooooooo smooth, black on black and chrome with heated and cooled seats and moonroof dvd and navigation, she's a beauty, I hope you find what you're looking for, they're really good trucks...
@@KStatus7 yeah, thanks. It was disappointing. I’m seeing a lot of them around but they hold value well so a lot of them are too pricey for me. That and a Tahoe are what I’m focusing on right now
@@mminniear984 Tahoes are pretty pricey too, I paid 26k for my Avey so I feel where you're coming from
Love my avalanche great for hunting and working out of it.
I love my avalanche I put abs pipe and copper pipe in side for side Job you would never know I had 10 footers unless ur in the truck long live the avalanche 😁
Looks like chevy is bringing back the midgate in the 2024 electric silverado. I never really was a fan of the look of this truck but if i'd know about it's feature I would've definitely considered it. Especially with those tool boxes on the side. I thought Ram was the first to come out with those around 2015 or so but I guess they just stole the idea from chevy and marketed the hell out of it lol. Too bad chevy didn't advertise this truck's features a bit more. They might not have had to discontinue it had they done so. Thanks for posting this! Nice to see someone using a truck for what it's meant for. Most people with these where I'm from seem to just use it as an SUV. I just assumed it didn't have much worthiness as a work truck because of this.
I have a 2002 Avalanche North Face Edition that I bought new. 18 years later it still runs perfectly. No problems with the engine, transmission, or transfer case. The A/C still blows ice cold and has never been serviced. Sadly, this may be the last year of driving it. The frame is badly rusted from the winter road salt and is paper thin with holes in many areas.
Funny you should mention that because mine is currently at the frame shop getting fixed for the same problem.
I think mine is beyond repair. Couldn’t put it on the lift because the lift pads were starting to crush the frame.
@@royfrye333 I discovered mine was getting soft when I attempted to jack up the driver’s side rear. I’m having the entire underside descaled and a total of six spots capped on the frame. Once done, I’ll have it sprayed. I almost got rid of the truck but for the price I was quoted ($2800) I think I can justify it. It’s cheaper than buying a new rig. I toyed around with a full frame replacement, but decided against it.
I thought about a frame replacement but the rocker panels are also rotted badly and the fenders are starting to bubble out. So, it’s basically a rotted out rust bucket that still runs perfectly.
@@royfrye333 I’m sorry to hear that. The body on mine is starting to bubble here and there, but I only use it as a dump run/Home Depot vehicle now, so I’m hoping it will last me several years with such limited use. Good luck.
How is the realibility of the midgate so many years since it was brand new? 1) Is it noisy? 2) does it get clogged up with debris and dirt? 3) does it leak? Thinking about new Chevy EV RST with midgate too but a bit nervous about it's durability and realibility. Thank you so much for the info!
@@MaxSergeyenko No issues with mine. It wasn’t noisy or leaky. I cleaned it a couple of times in the 10 years I owned it. It wasn’t because it was clogged, but because I noticed a little debris from use.
i put a towel on the bottom of the side wells and ice on top of it. Keeps the ice alil longer ... pro tip i have a 2007
Good idea!
Wow nice, my beers are usually finished before the ice has melted... hahaha
You can carry ladders on top. The luggage rack is tuff. I've carried a 24ft and 32 foot extension ladder on mine. Currently on my 3rd Avalanche. I may have the only one ever built with a soft cover over the bed. I've never seen another.
James Surveyor I didn’t even know that they made them with factory soft covers. I’ve contemplated the roof racks, but clearing snow where we live is kind of a hassle with one. Enjoy your ride bro.
I loved this truck wish I never traded it in
Car Gurus Jonathan. There’s a ton of ‘em on there. Thanks for watching.
When you said packed with beer, I was sold!!
Ha ha, good stuff!
Thank you for sharing this video. You did say that if the truck is parked, you can watch dvds in the front monitor as well correct?
Yep, that’s right John. The screen is kind of small, but it does the job. You’re better off getting your other half to drive and you can watch a flick in the back seat. 😀
It was a nice stop gap design for when the Blazer left us.
I picked up a 2002 2500 with only 80k miles for $2000. It's been a great truck,other than the body rust and breaking the rear part of the frame which caused the bumper to fall off ( due to constant towing I guess?) Just wish I could get more than 8 mpg lol
Great score!
Best truck ever, I've had 2. Too bad they stopped making them in 2013.
This makes this the greatest overland vehicle of all time.
"Good (video/information) on the midgate transformation/ panels & storage bins". Thanks.
Great idea for the drinks/beer in the storage bins.. < [Maybe put 1 good size piece of plastic sheeting in the storage bins inner walls to (hold/keep/slow) the ice from draining...ha]
2003 just hit 100000 runs like raped ape u just have to keep up on maintenance bury me in this bitch lol
Love mine it's 2002
Are you able to extend the bed without taking out the window? So I could put skis or supplies in it and still have it be weatherproof
Yes. In fact, that's exactly why I bought my Avalanche in the first place.
How, it looks like the glass is resting in the midgate
These are such cool trucks
I was guilty in the past of thinking these vehicles were silly. But I'm seriously rethinking that. Not even a long bed silverado can transport 10' lumber without it sticking over the tailgate (unless you have the opening back window, but even then ya gotta be careful not to break the window when loading, ask me how I know...), but this can. It has more utility in many situations than either a "real" truck or a Tahoe, and depending on configuration it can seat almost as many people as a minivan. I'm thinking about getting one, since I can't seem to make up my mind what type of big vehicle I need, I may just get the better part of all 3 options (van, truck, suv, even was looking at a big roadmaster wagon)
I had no idea these could do this. Why dont they have this on the Silverado?
Because the silverados bed and cab are separate. So its not able to have this feature.
Wow, I have a 2005 GMC Sierra , 4 door . I thought that was versatile!!
Im looking at getting one now. Just staying away from the AFM. Can you put a ladder rack on it ??
Just Brought A 02 Z71 Best Decision I Ever Made
Thank you for the video. I was looking for some info on how to transform it and what the specs where when it was folded down.
How do you like it?
I love it brother. I just wish it didn’t have so damn many miles (almost 200k). It’s been real good to me especially considering how I’ve worked it.
@@HilltownCT have you had any issues with the afm
christopher walley Yep and I ended up having a piston ring kit installed at 79k under warranty. At 180k, I noticed the oil consumption ramp up a little bit. I installed the range AFM disabler and it’s much better. I actually did a video on that range device a while back.
@@HilltownCT thanks for getting back to me I'll look for your video on that afm disabler
nice to watch somebody that actually knows their terms instead of just calling everything a thingy or a doo-hickey lol
I’ve been known to do that too :-)
Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in there? Looks a little narrower than a normal pickup bed.
Yep, it fits.
Great video.
Not a bad design . Quite practical.
Thanks for sharing this
You’re welcome!
Man I miss my Caddy EXT ... why don't they make anything with a midgate like this anymore?
The EXTs are getting scarce!
Why have I not heard of this... I'm buying one
Is this on all avalanches?
@@nauidiver227 Yep, all of 'em!
I have owned my 2010 since 2012 and love it I can leave the glass in drop the partition and slid my 14ft canoe in the tie it in with one strap and put all my gear inside the canoe and head got the river . No need to ever look for another truck .
Great video 😎
Absolutely awesome video 👍🏻 I'm looking for a truck and came across a 2018 avalanche and I've always wondered about that transformation cab/bed deal. You have just answered all my questions and more so thank you very much for that. I do have a question though if you can help me out with this and that is will a motorcycle fit in the bed?? Sometimes if I'm going somewhere with my girl and I want to bring my Harley or my dirt bikes I would have to truck it so I need to know if a bike will fit in the bed. Again thank you so much I really appreciate you and your video!!!
With the tailgate and mid-gate folded down, I've had my Harley Wide Glide in the back. Not ideal, but it's certainly up to the task. If you found a 2018, you found a unicorn. Unfortunately, they discontinued them after the 2013 model year :-( Good luck in your search and thanks for the kind words.
@@HilltownCT I trying to think where I would put the hooks for the tie-downs to secure a bike. Where did you put yours to hold your Harley? Thanks again.
@@HilltownCT 2018 Avalanche video 👉🏻 ua-cam.com/video/0ZEDW8VpUqE/v-deo.html
@@HilltownCT I think they stopped production in 2013 like you said and then decided to bust them back out in 2018?
The bed has spots for tie downs. At least four if I remember correctly.
Best trucks ever!
Are there tie-down points in the front of the bed?
I came here because of Doug!!
I’m looking at a 2010 but I hate the AFM and DOD these models came with. So many lifter failures. Have you had any issue with yours? I’ll immediately tune it off as soon as I get it, but it still has those lifters that tend to fail.
No lifter issues, but I’ve been running an AFM disabler for the last 20k+ miles. It’s definitely the weak link on these trucks IMO.
great vid
I have this truck! Woowoot. I love it. 181k
thats awesome
So the glass cant stay in with seats down and the bed covers on.? If i want to haul something 8ft without being opened up to wind and rain.
It can remain in place.
Can I leave the glass in but take the seperator thing out if I wanted to sleep in the bed while camping?
Yeah, it folds down and allows you to leave the glass in.
@@HilltownCT Great! Then you can also extend your cargo area while keeping in enclosed if you leave you tonneau cover on.
You didn't show how to drop the bulkhead while leaving the glass in so you can use the full bed length up to the bed covers so you could keep the cab sealed, this truck is also great for camping in, drop the half bulk, throw your legs out into the bed, and sleep comfortably, slept like this for 2 months once during winter and stayed warm and dry in the snow
I slept in the back a couple times on a New Brunswick road trip. Solo it wouldn't have been bad, but it was a little tight with a second person.
What is the payload on your trucks sticker in the drivers door jam?
@@Durango280zx I don’t remember what it was. It wasn’t as high I would’ve liked it though.
I wish there was a way to keep the glass up and still pull the midgate down
Always wanted one of these. Bout to get one. Do you ever have any issues with the folding partition leaking? Any issues with water around back seats?
Brannon Phillips i never have, but I’ve talked to guys with the older generations that have. After a hard rain or car wash, i’ll have a little come through the bed covers. I suppose, if I were to park on a slope, some might make it in.
I bought an 02 almost 3 years ago that was very clean and garage kept. At first I noticed it was a little musty inside so I got some damp-rid and kept it behind the seat, which helped. I live in North Florida, VERY HIGH HUMIDITY. When I finally opened the midgate I noticed there was a lot of sand and dirt around the seal, but once it was all cleaned out I never had another problem with mustyness. It just had not been sealing tightly.
In my '02 1/2 ton that had been hard worked and never garage kept (over 430k miles currently, first 250k or so were for contractor work routinely towing and hauling often loads that a 3/4 ton would have been better suited for, and using the midgate/window features regularly), the seal around the midgate currently needs replaced. I only get moisture in the cab when it's parked in the rain with the bed covers off, so I just don't do that. You can also tell where the seal went bad it's because it got caught folded up on itself as the gate was closed one time and probably left like that for months or years (the truck was parked outside unused for 3 years at one point). So the rubber in that one spot is rotted
Do watch out for the bed cover closest to the tailgate. Idk if the newer ones are stronger but if weight is applied right in the middle/back of that panel it's not supported very well and will cause the panel to flex, eventually permanently. This screws up the waterproofing of the bed but only right next the tailgate. I'd say if you're going to walk on it or put anything really heavy up there then keep it closer to the sides of the truck, at least for that outermost panel.
Nice!! What yr model is yours? I just bought a red one , does yours have a v6 or the LS V8? Thanks for video
'08 3LT Z-71 with the 5.3. I don't believe a V6 was offered. Have fun with it and thanks for watching!
Can you take of the midgate and leave the window and other panels installed? Just in case of rain.
Yes. I do that when I ski up north. The skis poke through into the cab, but they’re out of the elements.
Hilltown thanks !
Yes. If you leave the window in place when you drop the midgate, it opens differently. It's really clever! Just FYI, the cab gets quite a bit louder when the midgate is down, even with the glass and tonneau cover in place, because the bed has drainage holes. But the flexibility of the back is really great. I love that I can keep 4x8 sheet goods dry from the rain in the same vehicle that swallows both my kids' car seats (just not at the same time). I kind of wish he'd have shown this feature. And if you're a camper/overlander I've seen people add a camper shell. Leave the tonneau covers in place and now you two levels of camping storage! People sleep in the bed and use the camper/tonneau segment to store gear like a mini RV. I'm the furthest thing from a Chevy fan, but I really love this truck! (I have an '08 LT. I don't have the Z71 package and wish I did because my front bumper is WAY too low for off-roading.)
I made a mold 10 years ago to make end caps and latching mech. For my now 60/40 mid gate. Seals noise fine. Can lower either the 60/40 with the seat back. Unfortunately there didn’t seem to enough interest in the modification. I should have sold the patent to GM but they were not over excited. If th new Avalanche comes out with the same mid gate maybe I’ll see about manufacturing it. Mine has really increased the utility of my Avalanche
@@donoberloh I need this all the time when I want to bring 3 people to the store... darn...
think for the lumber i would leave the window and cover panels
Any nice day it was just me in the truck, I'd have all that stuff put down.Then vacuum out all the dust that blew around!