Just asking if anyone has any ideas on this.

I don't know about this generation, but last gen (GMT-800s) I read that the Avalanche used the same frame as the Tahoe/Suburban, which actually only used 5 cross-members, compared to the GMT-800 Silverado/Sierra which used 9 cross members.

I thought this was very strange as I thought they'd share the same number of cross-members, and it almost sounded like by default the Silverado/Sierra of the 800 generation would be considerably stiffer structurally or at least the frame itself would... especially since the effective frame rigidity when driving is also heavily influenced by the weight of the vehicle... and the Silverado/Sierra also weigh less.

So here we are at the GMT-900s and I haven't heard enough info to compare the # of cross members or any other design differences between the Avalanche/Tahoe/Suburban frame/structure and the GMT-900 trucks. Is there any difference? Similar to last time? If so or if not can anybody explain the reasoning for this difference or do you only have some guesses?

I read that recent motor trend truck of the year issue and read them complaining that there was a lot of rattling and shifting coming from the back of their Avalanche because the mid-gate wasn't really structurally integrated, so every time the rest of the chassis flexed, the mid gate area got kinda shook around with nowhere to go. If that were the case, despite me preferring the looks of the Avalanche and functionality of the midgate, I'd almost rather go with the Sierra or Silverado. Especially if their frame is beefier, too.

Not that I'm necessarily going to buy either one... I was just comparing them in my mind and thinking back to some oddities I'd come across from the last generation.

Oh and one last question that's off topic but not deserving of a whole new thread - when does the GMT-900 Sierra Denali come out?

 

Seems like to me that the Avalanche, being a single-body-structure style vehicle (almost like a unit-body mounted to separate frame) wouldn't need as many "crossmembers" as a pickup truck with it's split bed and cab. Seems it would be inherently stiffer. Just a thought.

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

Buy a new PU or Avalanche and I'll tell you.

 

The extra payload and towing of the truck, might very well be the necessity for the extra cross members. How many cross members are added under the bed area of the truck question comes to mind.

 

ride them back to back see which ones you like.. I haven't sat in the new GMT900 platform, but ifs like the GMT800's I bet you the Av will be as quiet or slightly quieter than the trucks and other gm suv's. Something must be loose back there in their new Avalanche.. cause my 04 Av is pretty quiet.. There might be literally maybe at most one or two minor occsional squeaks from the midgate area on big bumps, and they sound like loose seatbelts and plastic interior panels rubbing. Its pretty quiet otherwise.


The rear door interior panels of my 04 make the most noise, if you have someone sitting back there and pressing their knee into it or putting stress on the armrest during a turn making them squeek... arrghh!! Only thing I hate about my Av.

I've made a couple posts on the real life pro's and con's of having an Avalanche too on this board, concerning load height, gutters, seals, midgates,drainage, etc..

Don't forget in a pickup truck, the cab and the bed aren't connected. How much flex is there between the cab and bed that we don't know about since they are seperate?

 

My wife has an 07 Avalance she traded her nox in on. It is as solid, if not more solid than any truck I have been on, plus it is far more useful. I love being able to put stuff in there with the bed cover on...tons of room. Also, it is neat you can fold just the midgate down, and leave the rear glass in to have a nice big enclosed bed.

As for the rattling, I have never noticed any, and the only place I could see it coming from would be the midgate area. And I say that not because it is not structureally sound, but because if everything back there is not fully locked (I know this because we have left it unlocked), all the plastic and glass will rattle and shake.

Over all, I am pretty thrilled with it so far...probaly the best "compromise: vehicle on the market.