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How Does Your Avalanche Handle In The Snow?

Took a friend to a doctors appointment Monday 6:30 am. Plows didn't even think about my street. Drove 5 blocks in 15"+ snow before I realized my AV was in 2 wheel drive. Got some spin at a stop sign on a hill, and thought I better go to 4 high. Went to Hazleton, Pa, big hills, and close to the highest point in the state. Probably 20" on the ground, and most of the highway and streets unplowed at 7am. My friend could not believe the way the AV went through the snow. No spinning, no slipping, no sliding. Returned home with the same result, and with more snow on the ground. ABS really makes a difference too. Pulled out two pick-up plows, and two vehicles. The AV just walks in the snow. The Z-71 rocks. Very happy! :) :) ;D
 
Has anyone tried their AV on windy snow covered road?? I'm curious because I live in CALI, but I cruise up to the Sierra Nevadas alot to go snowboarding. The trip up there is mostly windy 2 lane mountain roads...I haven't had a chance to try my AV in snow yet...

-lew
 
No snow here in Charlotte, NC. Only Ice!
I drove my 2wd Z66 to Asheville, NC yeterday for an interview. Thats about 350 miles round trip over frozen sheets of ice.
Only noticed wheel slippage (Traction Control light can on) once. And that was while I was pulling out of my neighborhood and got on it for fun. Gotta love that traction control and my might beast!
Rob
 
I have a Z66; In western NY we have snow storm after snow storm this season. I have had trouble getting out of my drive way and out of the parking lot at work. Once the Av is moving, I have no trouble at all. It will go just about anywhere were the roads are not plowed or drifted over without any trouble- once the Av starts moving there is no stopping it.
 
First, let me say I am totally impressed with the
Avalanche's handling in snow.

Question - I do not notice the Auto4WD to be
as effective as 4WD HI Range. Is this pretty
much the consensus? I cannot tell from the
mix of feedback.

I notice 4WD HI makes the truck feel less 'loose'
in the slush - steering seems more responsive.
I feel the truck has much more grip than Auto4WD
seems to provide.

I actually had to shift into 2 HI and then into
Auto4WD just to see if I could notice a difference.
I think I noticed a difference, but it did not
seem obvious.

I drove home to DC (25 inches snow) from
West Virgnia (over 40 inches snow) over
roads which had barely been touched in
some spots - no issues.
 
My Z66 handled great in the snow. I watched numerous other trucks and cars spinning tires and slidding. I thought, Hmmmm, I'm screwed with my 2WD. However, she plowed through at least 12+ inches with no problem.

I did a little test of the traction assist and let me tell you...this system is great! I stomped on the gas and the traction system engaged. I slowly moved forward with no spin or slide. It's no 4WD, however, she does her best not to let down her big brother the Z71.

TP
 
24"S in my area...and I never got stuck. I even plowed though a couple 3.5 foot drifts without any problems. The AV just plain rocks in the snow. ;D

I have a few pics for you southerners. Just to show you what this thing called "snow" is. Uploading the pics now.

RoRo
 
I also wanted to add (I know this is a touchy topic) but I also think the braking system worked great. Hit the brakes hard at 40 in my trip to beach. Antilock worked great. My Avy stopped no sliding at all im very impressed. Lewdog, the blizard in New York we just got I was driving in it 30-40 mile winds. Once again I cant say enough about how my Avy handled. And s5uewf yes 4HI is much better in the snow than 4AUTO. I know this isnt good to say but next time it rains put your truck in 2WD and at the light give it a little extra gas(spin your tires) I didnt say that. Now at the next light 4AUTO you should see the difference. I will deny all of this in a court of law. lol AJ
 
Here we go all....PICS!!! I wish I took more, but I couldn't pull myself away from the steering wheel ;D

Blizzard 03 pics

btw..Jim...Who needs brakes when the roads are empty and full of snow? Also...snow makes a great licence plate cover for those pesky red light cameras >:D No need to stop:)

RoRo
 
Here we go all....PICS!!! I wish I took more, but I couldn't pull myself away from the steering wheel ;D

Blizzard '03 Pics

btw..Jim...Who needs brakes when the roads are empty and full of snow? Also...snow makes a great licence plate cover for those pesky red light cameras >:D No need to stop:)

RoRo
 
Here we go all....PICS!!! I wish I took more, but I couldn't pull myself away from the steering wheel ;D

Blizzard '03 Pics

btw..Jim...Who needs brakes when the roads are empty and full of snow? Also...snow makes a great licence plate cover for those pesky red light cameras >:D No need to stop:)

RoRo
 
Here we go all....PICS!!! I wish I took more, but I couldn't pull myself away from the steering wheel

Blizzard '03 Pics

btw..Jim...Who needs brakes when the roads are empty and full of snow? Also...snow makes a great licence plate cover for those pesky red light cameras. No need to stop:)

RoRo
 
All, I am starting a new thread with Pics.

btw..Jim...Who needs brakes when the roads are empty and full of snow? Also...snow makes a great licence plate cover for those pesky red light cameras. No need to stop >:D

RoRo
 
:) The Av does great.

I only use 4hi when I get myself stuck... which is not very often, honestly.

I prefer to drive in 2hi - even over Auto mode. I like to steer with the throttle. ;D
 
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