2006 Chevrolet Avalanche2500

[OldCarGuy]

The Avlanche2500 is built on a rugged frame with rear leaf springs and torsion bars up front. The 8.1 liter engine is standard with a HD four-speed transmission. This beast is heavy-duty, powerful, versatile, durable yet has a comfortable ride. Just ask the people who own one...

My first Avalanche2500 was a 2003. After learning Chevrolet was discontinuing the three-quarter-ton version, I replaced my first with this 2006 Avalanche2500. Now after twenty years and 200,000 miles I thought it may be time to replace it. WRONG! After searching, I came to the conclusion that there's not any truck made today that would match this Avalanche. So its' definitely going to be a keeper.

What the Avalanche2500 does best, pulling trailers. Accounting for half the mileage.




Powerful 8.1cubic inch engine.


Front end




Updated headlights with all lights on with high beams, daytime running lights


 

Updated LED tail lights and LED light bar with running, turn signal, and backup lights

[1965 Comet Caliente]

Dang, that's a nice truck, OCG.

What kind of mileage do you get, pulling trailers or just driving without a load?

[OldCarGuy]

You can't expect great fuel economy from an 8.1-liter engine built for heavy towing. I didn't purchase the Avalanche 2500 for that. During highway driving without a trailer, you can anticipate a maximum of 14 MPG. However, towing a 12,000-pound load reduces fuel efficiency to roughly 7 MPG.

Being 20 years old with a quarter million miles on the clock, I was thinking to purchase a replacement. After seeing what's out there today, along with the cost. There's no way... Even if I have to rebuild both the engine and transmission I'm better off keeping her.. 

[1965 Comet Caliente]

That's a good endorsement. Especially for a towing vehicle.

[OldCarGuy]

Over the past 20 years most of the miles have been towing a trailer.

Last year I got excited when I saw what appeared as an Avalanche at the local Chevy dealer. First thing I noted was the 8 bolt hubs. Meaning it was a 3/4 ton. My enthusiasm quickly diminished when it was an EV. And told the salesperson, NO Thanks! Put a 8.1 engine coupled with an Alison then you'd be whistling my tune. That sucker weighs 8,000 pounds or more empty. Depending how many deadly batteries you care to pack.