snomuncher
Full Member
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2004
- Messages
- 53
I was very interested in the new Silverado High Desert option to determine how well it compares to the original Avalanche/EXT in features, function and appearance and found one of the first 2017 models available at a dealer. This one appears to be so "new" that the window sticker said the vehicle was not yet available for sale- but the dealer had the invoice info.
The High Desert package is a $6995 MSRP option for the $$$ High Country pickups that includes the faux Avalanche sail panels, three-piece hard tonneau that removes and installs just like the AV/EXT, side tool boxes and bed area with interior LEDs and the following other options: Magnetic Ride Control, Retractable Power Steps, All-Terrain tires and an all-weather floor liner.
Obviously there is no midgate on this truck. Instead, think of the whole AV/EXT plastic sail panel/tonneau/tool box assembly as a bedliner that drops into a short box pickup bed. I measured the clear opening at the tailgate as approx. 48-1/2" wide and 19" tall. The tonneau drain system looks almost identical to the original. The tool boxes run almost the full length of the bed so are larger than those on the AV/EXT. The liner on the tailgate was very thick- likely to provide a uniform height surface on which to slide objects into the bedliner, which sits higher than the standard ribbed floor of the base pickup. So the basic concept has returned. But to me there are a few shortcomings: In person, the faux sail panels look out-of-place on the High Country, like an aftermarket add-on, because, unlike the original, they do not attach to the cab. The lack of a midgate obviously limits the capacity to haul long items. The hard tonneau cover panels each have deep ribbing instead of the grain finish of the original, which will trap snow in colder climates.
If you deduce the cost breakout of the package, mag ride might be $2500, the power steps $1000, the tires and floor liner $400, leaving a rough estimate of approx. $7000-$3900, or $3100 for the bedliner. I've heard this option informally referred to as "Avalanche Lite" or Avalanche 2.0" and it seems appropriate.
The High Desert package is a $6995 MSRP option for the $$$ High Country pickups that includes the faux Avalanche sail panels, three-piece hard tonneau that removes and installs just like the AV/EXT, side tool boxes and bed area with interior LEDs and the following other options: Magnetic Ride Control, Retractable Power Steps, All-Terrain tires and an all-weather floor liner.
Obviously there is no midgate on this truck. Instead, think of the whole AV/EXT plastic sail panel/tonneau/tool box assembly as a bedliner that drops into a short box pickup bed. I measured the clear opening at the tailgate as approx. 48-1/2" wide and 19" tall. The tonneau drain system looks almost identical to the original. The tool boxes run almost the full length of the bed so are larger than those on the AV/EXT. The liner on the tailgate was very thick- likely to provide a uniform height surface on which to slide objects into the bedliner, which sits higher than the standard ribbed floor of the base pickup. So the basic concept has returned. But to me there are a few shortcomings: In person, the faux sail panels look out-of-place on the High Country, like an aftermarket add-on, because, unlike the original, they do not attach to the cab. The lack of a midgate obviously limits the capacity to haul long items. The hard tonneau cover panels each have deep ribbing instead of the grain finish of the original, which will trap snow in colder climates.
If you deduce the cost breakout of the package, mag ride might be $2500, the power steps $1000, the tires and floor liner $400, leaving a rough estimate of approx. $7000-$3900, or $3100 for the bedliner. I've heard this option informally referred to as "Avalanche Lite" or Avalanche 2.0" and it seems appropriate.
