Crew Introductions - Michael and his Chevy Avalanche

[@ListerMotorsports]

I have an 03... still love it..

[@rsb1962]

I've had my 03' Avalanche for 17 years. Kids racing motocross we pulled a trailer up and down the east coast for years. One trans replacement i got 370,000 miles out of her before I lost the second trans. Bought a 09' Avalanche without hesitation.

[@donnalange6927]

I have an 02'. I have never regretted buying it. I have slept in it many times. I used a foam pad for comfort. As I have the older version with plastic, it protects the lower area from rust. Almost 300,000 and still runs like a champ.

[@alexanderbanteev5960]

I just bought an old Chevrolet Avalanche 2004. And I have a lot to do! Good luck with everything! Greetings from Russia!

[@DaveCraineAccidentalAquarist]

When I first saw these (as a remodeling contractor) I thought they were stupid. But now, my 2011 Av LT is the best truck I’ve ever owned 😎😄🤩👍🏼

[@leojuninocencio]

I have mine 2008, I love it and I don't care what others say to it. Thanks for making a video for it. They should bring it back and then I can give my 2008 a rest.😀

[@fisherford7090]

You got your with with the new EV silverado, basically an avalance

[@VANDAGOAT]

Thank you for this wonderful video, I have a Chevy Avalanche and you just gave me so many ideas 💯🎯🎯😃

[@jobariandrews3264]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@mikemarchese148]

i have a 2008 avalanche and i love it! However the tonneau cover leaks. Any suggestions????

[@aqua6613]

It's 2022 and I just bought a 07 avalanche because I love in Wisconsin and I love the heated seats and 4wheel drive. Someone really loved and took care of this vehicle so I feel super blessed to have it. I may need a work over on it in the future but comparing the money I saved and the peace I have not having car payments of a new vehicle I can invest that into making this how I want. Very nice set up and it's funny you call it a rig because I actually drive truck so I already have a rig rig..but I can call this my mini rig 😆 And the butt on your chin is adorable! My husband has the same which is a pain to shave so he just grows his beard over it. Edit: wow I had commented before watching the whole thing...when you folded the seats forward I went...oh shit..oh shit..oh shit...that's so cool. Gonna have to run out now and see if I can do that with mine too..I now feel like the kid in transformers that bought Bumblebee...I had no idea what a deal and what I really bought here..I'm gonna love this for camping! Definitely air or foam matress and it's so cool that you can leave the cover on and scoot on in there and be protected while sleeping etc. I'd just have to see if it's waterproof before doing any of that. I didn't know it had side compartment either..I just bought it cause I thought it looked cute and I just need something to get me to the truck stop and home and we'll grocery shopping and stuff.

[@youngpeps8132]

Same reason why I chose to buy a Chevy Avalanche Sport utility pick up truck .Great Off-road -Howling -family -work

[@redtoenails1239]

That's why I bought one , multi functional XUV any- & everywhere 😀 ...

[@mydogismylife]

I swear i saw this truck on my way back from Johnstown,Ohio about a year ago. I said to myself "Thats a tough looking truck."

[@jasonbyrd5150]

Beautiful build Sir

[@Gotro72]

Nice rig.!! good video congrats!! Saludos from Baja Mexico!

[@jgrc4588]

You can actually buy a tent that it was manufactured for the chevy avalanche, it mounts right in to the bed, and yes an air mattress helps tremendously.

[@RusticTrailOverland]

Ive seen the truck tents, but not one specifically for the Avalanche.

[@punker4Real]

that was for the pontaic aztec

[@officialoverlander]

I have a factory fitted tent and I love it, I also have the fitted mattress with it and it is very durable and comfortable. I'm ready to do some overlanding, who wants to go!!!

[@bradleymenezes6196]

@@RusticTrailOverland they came out of the dealer as an option

[@denont69]

Rustic Trail Overland, LLC I have the tent for the avalanche. It has to, openings. One at each end. Pretty cool tents.

[@HilltownCT]

Thanks for sharing. It sounds like it has a mild cam. I hope you enjoy your rig as much as I’ve enjoyed mine for the last 175k.

[@jeffroberts6565]

Hilltown great video

[@FatDaddy4Fun]

I love mine, but it has so many miles on it I just use it for a DD right around town here. Good video. I'll be watching your adventures. Thumbs up and subbed.

[@shavongocan4376]

What year and how many miles if you don't mid the question

[@FatDaddy4Fun]

@@shavongocan4376 2006...145,000

[@shavongocan4376]

Wolf Patrick thank you

[@officialoverlander]

I have 238k on my 2010 Avalanche and I just got home from a trip up the east coast, I live in Ohio and I went to Florida and up to Virginia Beach and back home through the mountains of West Virginia. It was a great trip with no problems at all.

[@dalemasyk1583]

hey bud , very sharp lookin rig you got there . i like it nice n simple with abit of your touch. i got a 2004 avanlavhe too and has chrome bush guard bumper kindna loaded- anyway i got some gator rockguard boxliner n spray the lower plastic n part of medal around the tires . its looks pretty fckin cool . anyway i spotted another avalanch - 2012 lt fully loaded, cd n dvd player , 3-12vlts 1- usb (love that part ) backup camera w/ sencer , black in colour w/ two tones grey inter. 131 kms on it and...woman was the only driver/owner of the rig......yep i bought it

[@liamfortune4645]

What did you use for the black plastic trim cleaning on the bed? Do you recommend it?

[@recyclespinning9839]

Do these suffer from the AFM system problems? Year starting in 2007???

[@francesboyz]

Where can I get that applicator for the plastic

[@hoffmankj]

I just got an 03 and mine is the z66 model as it was from Florida. I am in ohio as well so I get the rust. I have been looking into rapter liner.. I am not sure if you cut your rust out and filled it if that might be an option for you. I had a nissan I was going to put it on. But you can get 1 a version that you can add paint to. It would hide imperfections if you are not a body guy . Look into it, look up "rust belt mechanic"

[@matthewunderswap3043]

This is my dream truck

[@MJ98.]

Matthew Underswap same

[@sirthickwrist]

@@MJ98. h. NJ. Hjj . h h u. U vm I. You hi hh. I jyyg thought ygyyh they yh gyyg yh hg L Ppllo My

[@zombifiedbailey15]

Same

[@Kill0trocity]

It’s a very cool truck huh?

[@davidcarter9144]

Thanks for the video. Shopping around for another truck. And considering an avalanche.

[@RichardSmith-ic1zw]

Wow that's awesome it's amazing

[@donnieeverfield668]

Michael, great video. Very interesting choice for an Overland Rig, but very versatile. Between the Tracker build and your choice, I'm excited to watch your adventures unfold.

[@RusticTrailOverland]

Donnie thanks for the quick replay and for your interest, Matt says he'll pull me out with the tracker if i get stuck with my street tires!

[@salty_terminal_civilian5374]

Getting out of the marine corps soon I want to buy one, hopefully it’s relevant in 2019

[@EM-so4vq]

Master Yoda RAHHHHH

[@TeaAndBullets]

Can safely say that it's more relevant than ever, I see more and more on the roads every day! Though that you should get one now rather than later, cause the pice is gonna keep going up.

[@punker4Real]

@@TeaAndBullets the price is going downwards I see abunch between 80k and 120k for under $10,000

[@TeaAndBullets]

@@punker4Real I actually got my 2005 for $3800, though it's getting pretty high on the mileage

[@donoberloh]

Semper Fi. Were you ever able to get your Avalanche. As far as relevant, I bought my 03 new and kept it stocks while having three daughters and my wife in college. Now I am finally able to put some money into it, and still love it. I replace both front and rear bumpers with ranch hand units a while back and have never been happier. At 220 k miles, the motor still has great compression, runs smooth and has asked for very little above routine maintenance for 18 years. I can put a whole lot into this to be a better Avalanche than any Chevy overlander you can’t buy from a dealer for a lot less than new stock truck and start from there.

[@deegan727]

I've seen people use heat guns to bring the black back in the plastics.Keep the gun moving to avoid melting the plastic.I've done it to other plastics and it works.Time consuming but effective.

[@Jeff-jr3sg]

That is a temporary fix that will only damage the plastic in the end a Bed Liner coating or any paint coating that sticks to plastic will work better

[@deegan727]

Jeff I'd go for the liner method my self as long as it was a good two part like rhino or line X.There are some DIY two parts in the market that seem to be decent.Painting doesn't ever seem to workout long term.When it does flake off you'll have to remove all of it to start over.Especially in colder climates.You are right about heating the plastic but it is a quick way of it looking good for a while instead of dealing with the faded plastics.I don't think doing it once or twice will severely damage them.

[@deegan727]

Andrew Griffin Good to know thanks.

[@2003Trailblazer]

Spray on bed liner is what i did, looks great and does not fade

[@vegansaxon3962]

I have a scythe just like the one on your porch wall..wish my dad was still here so I could ask him how old it is..of course if my dad was still here I would be so happy to be see him, I might forget to ask him.

[@annahess6941]

Hi There Michael. That ride looks great for overlanding. I've done plenty of car camping...first in the open back of an S10 (remember those little things), then my fave, a Tahoe, and now a Denali. My recommendation for comfort is to use thick work out mats vs the air mattress. you can cut them to fit, and they don't go flat. I usually find them for about $10. That little helper you have is too cute!!! My guy is about the same age I bet. We can't wait to see what you get into.... Maybe we'll see you out there one day!!!

[@RusticTrailOverland]

Anna, Michael here - Yes i do in fact remember S10s. great vehicles back then. great vehicles today. basically, what im looking for in a sleeping system is easily deployable, easily stowed away, and easy on the back. Can you tell me a touch more of the sleeping system you are referring to?

[@annahess6941]

Sure Michael. I looked on line and found my mat. They will fit all your needs. BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose 1/2 inch Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Mat.... WITH Carrying Strap. Let me know if you try it!

[@carlosaircraftmechxnic2819]

Very nice exhaust!

[@blakehintz3207]

Nice!! HAHA 2:08 had to double take - thought you had smoke coming from under the hood!!

[@BannedPhotoshop]

lol

[@tylerb5146]

What’s the tire size on this beast?

[@pnu504horaceakatimekeeper3]

question for anyone I have a 2006 Avalanche 1500 it's making a strange noise when I press on the gas can anybody tell me what that noise could be or what is the problem

[@dangarcia6760]

change the serpentine belt, also start the truck without the belt and see if it still makes that sound. If not could be pulley bearing. Would need further troubleshooting.

[@chipete1]

How is the truck holding up?

[@Hector-iw7rp]

Nice review man thanks

[@RALPH531967]

How did one of the covers fly off and which one? Truck looks good I have a 08 Black LTZ

[@Kill0trocity]

Maybe one of the locking mechanisms on the back cover weren’t locked in place correctly or was worn out had the same issue with my old 2002.

[@1989hondakid]

What size tires you have

[@officialoverlander]

I have an Avalanche and I live in Cincinnati Ohio, I'm not sure what part you're from but maybe we could get together sometime and do a little trip somewhere, I'm presently installing a 3.5 inch lift kit and I also have a factory tent for mine. I'm ready when you are!!! Lol

[@WyoCutlass71]

What was used to mount the rifle in the bed? Is there a kit for it?

[@RussellRay]

How in the heck did you get that atv in there

[@johnclyne6350]

You may not know this but? When I bought my 2005 LT Z-71 1500 Avalanche brand new. It came with a rugged bag for storing all 3 panels from the tonneau cover. It has feet on one side so if the bed fills with snow there is room to pull it out. You may be able to find this item by doing some searching around? I also got a pig tail with matching plug for the trailer receiver. All complimentary with the truck new. You’ll probably laugh but it’s the nicest riding vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned a full size Bronco & a Suburban. The Suburban I still own & it has cancer. But it’s my daily driver. My wife calls it the “Whore”. My wife calls my Avalanche “The Mistress”. She says it still smells like a new truck. No one smokes in either truck or eats in the Avalanche. It’s 16 years old with 16,000 miles on the odometer. It still looks brand new too.

[@rbljackson]

I bought mine new in 04 and now she has 175k miles on her. Love my Av. I have never tried to get my atv in the back though...I didnt think it would fit. Now you have me wondering....hmmmm

[@offroadriverfishing]

I’ve hauled two standing up

[@bobbybabsonjr787]

Have a 2009 love it , wish Chevy would bring it back into production.

[@MJ98.]

Bobby Babson jr hows the maintenance?

[@thisguy9042]

Beautiful truck!👌

[@joesmith-fi1sx]

awesome

[@dlove118]

You can get those six lug rims everywhere. Nice looking truck. I use fluid film to slow down the cancer, I know guys that put a couple ounces of ATF in the doors too. The oil creeps and slows the rust, should do it in the tailgate and rockers too.

[@songbird716]

Does this model have a dvd player and what year is it?

[@snowyed109]

Carla Leibee Brown I have an 08 with a DVD player in it

[@songbird716]

Eddie a we just got a 2003 and it looks like it did have a dvd player but it was taken out.

[@thewolfchild]

"My truck has rust. There is nothing that can be done about it." - Uh, yeah there is... fix it! You don't have to take it to a shop or have body repair experience, you can fix it yourself with supplies from an Auto Zone store. Or Walmart. (Maybe replace those bald tires while you're at it.) I had the same problem with my Camaro when I was a teen. Wasn't that hard to fix. Shame to see that truck in that shape, especially since they don't make them anymore. I had one, but I wish I had gotten another one before they were discontinued. (Would love to have a Cadillac EXT-V!)

[@SW0000A]

I'm trying to understand why on earth you would need to remove the tailgate.

[@Moonless6491]

Say you have dirt or rocks stuck in the gap and you can't close it

[@prolly2stoned420]

bud thedog literally the only reason 😂

[@fpvwithme]

I take mine off when transporting my quad.

[@danivalle6312]

What size atv is that

[@jimbeam5560]

it is an insulated cooler ..tent camper ..

[@prolly2stoned420]

I lost the tent 😩

[@jimbeam5560]

@@prolly2stoned420 can we still buy them from GM?

[@prolly2stoned420]

jim beam I doubt it they don’t make anything from the early 2000s anymore everything I have done to my truck is aftermarket because Chevy doesn’t think people will buy accessories I guess.

[@henryguzman6157]

Nice truck

[@عبدالرحمنالنقبي-ذ2خ]

😂

[@johnnytsunami6185]

Dude my truck looks exactly like yours same year avalanche too

[@mauibuilder1239]

Nice vehicle...always wanted to try an Avalanche even though I'm a Ford guy until this NFL debacle. Best upgrade overlanding would be stout wheels with BFG All-Terrains ;-)

[@RusticTrailOverland]

Can never go wrong with BFG All-Terrains...

[@RusticTrailOverland]

Yes, i keep hearing that. Ill go all terrains after the street tires wear out.

[@keithjackson2462]

I have the bfg at on my avalanche but mine is sitting on a 6 inch rcx lift the tires are 37x12.50r20

[@hoffmankj]

I to am in ohio.... I will need to look you up on fb or something. I just had a nissan drop a transmission on me and I came across an 03 avilanch with less than 100k. I have been looking into how to make it more me.... Hope you have fun with your kids...

[@deegan727]

Im not trying to talk shit but what is the need for removing the tailgate?Ive had Chevy trucks for the last 12 years or so and have never needed to remove mine except to repair the hinges.

[@Jeff-jr3sg]

i thought about loading my atv in the back like that but was worried about if it started raining

[@richardscott9840]

I understand about the tires...I don't go off road so I prefer the Bridgestone Duelers. I only buy Bridgestone.

[@georgelupercio2795]

Should sand down the rusted areas, refinish them, and just spray line-x bed liner to create a bottom trim.

[@RusticTrailOverland]

I did that with the running boards on my last truck, and didnt mess around. I did a good job, used the right stuff and put the time into it. It didnt work, a year later they were all rusted out again. Thats why i call it cancer.

[@RusticTrailOverland]

On a side note. I have thought about putting fender flares on to help cover it up. It may hide it for a few years...

[@victorpleitez1273]

Good truck

[@marsflee3815]

Are all Avalanche trucks 4X4? By the way, that is an awesome looking truck. I love the charcoal grey on black. :)

[@OOICU812]

They are both 2 & 4WD.

[@Kill0trocity]

Some of em are just rear wheel drive but most are 4X4 with the option to make it a 2X4 it depends which one you get and the package it comes with. There’s an LS, LT, and the one with the most luxury and gadgets the LTZ

[@staqqq9263]

How do you lock the tailgate?

[@georgelupercio2795]

It gets locked with the door locks. Does in mine, anyway.

[@staqqq9263]

Hmmm . I'll have to take a look at that . Thanks

[@RusticTrailOverland]

There is an option on the dash computer that allows you to lock the tailgate when you lock the doors. So anytime i get out and lock the doors, or lock the doors with my remote, the tailgate locks too. AWESOME! BTW, the side compartments on the bed are locked and unlocked by key only.

[@RusticTrailOverland]

The tailgate locks electronically from inside the truck or with the keys.

[@sergeantchaos4670]

Oh my gawd! 😍😍😍😍

[@sergeantchaos4670]

Did you put it on Craigslist? I see an EXACT copy of this on Craigslist.

[@jccontigo6484]

Michael, are you worried about ground clearance?

[@RusticTrailOverland]

Not right now. After i get stuck i will be. I plan to add a one inch lift to the back which is a good compliment to the 2 1/2" leveling kit. Baby steps... I'll do this first and then some tires. Depending on my needs and how far i take it, maybe in the future I'll do a real lift.

[@hewhoenlightens5431]

Idk how KZbin knew, but, yeah o just bought an Avalanche Z71!! Mine an 02 though. Enjoy!👍✌

[@jimmydusault6265]

They are coolers not tool boxs

[@Kill0trocity]

They could serve as coolers and storage for certain items such as jumper cables or maybe putting a tow hitch in there too but yeah wouldn’t recommend putting bare tools in there due to scratching the paint accidentally dropping them

[@paulchagrin2907]

What’s you mpg

[@OOICU812]

Around 15 combined.

[@Kill0trocity]

Around 17 combined for mine

[@fpvwithme]

Use Mothers on that plastic trim!! Lasts all year!! I got a 2010 and I love it. Still under 100k

[@jefflawrence67]

Whats Mothers?

[@fpvwithme]

@@jefflawrence67 you'll see it in any auto parts store. Just look for a red bottle, black label marked "Mothers".

[@jefflawrence67]

@@fpvwithme thanks! I have an 03 avalanche myself and the rack and tonneau is faded really bad - definitely look for this!

[@fpvwithme]

@@jefflawrence67 for really faded trim you might have to re apply. But trust me. It's worth it.

[@onemoremisfit]

I put Gtechniq C4 on mine almost 2 years ago, still looks good even on the running board covers after stepping all over them. I have 2 videos on my channel showing results if curious. The C4 is not cheap but it's the best product out there for faded plastic in my opinion.

[@parker38]

Thanks for helping me make my choice.. Tell me one thing you don't like about it.,

[@Jeff-jr3sg]

the bed is not as wide as a silverado and its not convenient to store the bed covers in the bed due to their size is my only gripe everything else is great

[@OOICU812]

Gas mileage.

[@Kill0trocity]

Yeah gas mileage is a problem especially how high gas prices are nowadays but it’s overall an amazing truck with so many unique features regular trucks don’t have

[@onemoremisfit]

I have a 2002, and here's a gripe: The rear seats can't be folded down if you have the front seats more than about halfway back, and then after you have the back seats folded down you can move the front seats back a little more, compressing the back seat headrests, but you can never move the front seats all the way back with the back seats folded down. If you are over 6' tall (I'm 6'2") then you must get used to driving with the front seats up a little more than you'd like while the back seats are down. Also having the back seats folded down for more than a short time is hard on the upholstery and leaves permanent creases in it. I recommend putting a moving blanket under the back seats before folding them down.

[@MostlyOutdoors]

Need to put some all terrain 33's on it

[@RusticTrailOverland]

I know, I will after i get stuck...

[@RusticTrailOverland]

Just a reminder Mike decided to leave Rustic Trail Overland so he is not available to answer any questions.

[@prolly2stoned420]

That’s a bad ass avy my guy. I have some videos about mine check them out if your curious.

[@KevinAClassA]

Semper Fi

[@RusticTrailOverland]

SFMF!

[@nauidiver227]

Umbrellas and other survival items😂

[@aries6374]

I have my 2005 avalanche.

[@charliesarmmole704]

America in vehicle form...

[@RusticTrailOverland]

MERICA!

[@Kill0trocity]

MERICA!!!

[@techevar]

I would fix that rust before it spreads! It's a beautiful truck why let it go to waste.

[@TheJoeSwanon]

God damn that is overpowering loud exhaust

[@nickanulli4417]

Or just get some pro comp at sports. 60k mile warranty

[@atl6810]

he liked it , I liked it, my back didn't like it .....lol.......................lol..

[@bronzi3693]

Im adrians friend

[@RusticTrailOverland]

Hello Adrians friend. Which friend are you?

[@bronzi3693]

You know Hal?

[@rashelwilliams4260]

bu8uu

[@jonathonbarocio-pipes7931]

Waist camera holder

[@timcarranza8077]

I couldn't spend a dime on this overhyped SUV. What a joke.