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Why WBH Is Good For The Future Of The Avalanche

Chief

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I know there has been a lot of strong emotion on the upcoming WBH (without body hardware) Avalanche. The claddingless Avalanche looks almost like a crew cab Silverado, even sharing the same front clip, mirrors and fender flares. The only part of the coming WBH Avalanche that "looks" like an Avalanche is the cargo area and sail panels. Many who were essentially "early adopters" of the Avalanche don't like this look, they don't like it at all and they fear that this is the long term future of the Avalanche.

First lets look at the cladding itself. There is no doubt about it that the critics, both on the street and in the press hate the cladding. Over 40% of the Avalanche is covered in plastic and that is a fact you can take with you. They don't like the Mad Max look that it creates and there are worries about long term quality.

Of course those of us who own Avalanches know the benefits of the cladding. Road tar, paint, scratches and damage are not existent from day to day driving. If you get something on the cladding it is generally easier to get off than paint. Sure if you scratch the cladding YOU may know where the damage is but a little careful heating and molding and the average person won't know where that shiny spot is.

When it comes to parking lot rash and door dings the Avalanche is all but bullet proof. Almost all doors make contact below the cladding line, shopping carts make contact below the line and I'm sure the General thought about this. To get a door ding you've got to try really hard. Likewise the softer cladding is what contacts most other cars, so door dinging your neighbor is also harder.

When it comes to replacement the cladding can't be beat. A rear quarter panel, just $62. A rear bumper cover, just $232. A whole front bumper cover, $272. You can replace your entire lower cladding for about $1,100. Try doing that with sheetmetal!

BUT - and here is the big but, the very virtues of the cladding do keep the Avalanche from being a serious contender in some key areas. Because the front bumper assembly is held on my flimsy brackets (sorry Avalanche faithful, but flimsy is a kind word) putting real off-roading gear on the Avalanche is difficult at best. Sure there are a number of brush guards out there, and durable ones if you sacrifice your tow hooks, but attaching to the bumper itself isn't easy. Although there are willing companies who want to develop winches and other accessories, there is no valid location to mount them on the front easily. There has to be options at least in the 2500 series because a snow plow also puts a lot of stress on the front end - but plowing streets and 4-WD are two different issues.

Then there is the rear bumper and the cladding. Sadly the Avalanche on approach and escape tends to scrape it's rear bumper. We know this and those that off-road do different things in an effort to mitigate this namely go slow down the hill and try to enter or exit at an angle. Still 20 plus degrees stock out of the box sure isn't bad for a vehicle that is 19 feet long. However get that cladding caught in sand, mud or a rock and you can rip the whole cover off.

The problem of course with this is the cladding on the sides is more than perfect. Sure the jeep guys can cover their lower sections with replacable polished metal to bang up but the cladding is inexpensive, easy to replace and takes a fair amount of abuse that paint wouldn't tolerate. But where it shines on the side it can fail misreably on the front and rear.

So that brings me back to the WBH option Avalanche. With the Silverado front and rear bumpers the WBH Avalanche is going to get the goodies we can't get. You can't tell me that Warn does have winches for 2003 Silverados, that there are replacement bumpers out there and other neat off-roading toys. A lot of these toys that we can only dream about on a BH (body hardware) equipped Avalanche will go right on a WBH model.

There in lies the question. Does the WBH Avalanche, say equipped with the Z-71 package become the Avalanche of off-roading choice. And then one has to wonder, can the General come up with a compromise. An Avalanche with a sturdier front and rear bumper but cladding on the sides that well, looks right and not like some deformed hybrid.

I have to tell you as someone who has been a marketing weasel almost all their lives, in my humble opinion the days of cladding on the Avalanche are numbered. No, not in the Pontiac Aztek oh my God what were we thinking sense, but in the market is speaking and Chevy is listening. I know that 125K sold can't be right but there is no denying that shaving $1,200 off the sticker price (for WBH and no hard cargo cover) and taking off the Mad Max look is going to open up the Avalanche to a MUCH wider market. I mean come on, a WBH Avalanche in yellow with the charcoal interior - sweet!

It is my general belief that the Avalanche as a name plate will live for roughly five years, and then either join the Silverado, Tahoe, or Suburban name plate (think Escalade EXT). Chevrolet took a number of big gambles on the Avalanche and they clearly won.

So I ask that you consider WBH as a good thing, something that assures that the Avalanche as a separate name plate will live on longer than I vision. That the WBH option will open up the Avalanche to a new group of owners and will open us up to a whole new line of accessories and options. That the WBH can be a serious off-roading vehicle, and in some ways even more so than our current BH equipped Avalanches. It's something to think about.

Discuss...
 
Wow, Chief . . . You've put some thought into this.

I'll admit, that I might have purchased a WBH Av if they had been available in 2002, but have come to like the unique look that the cladding adds. In fact, I've been somewhat disappointed as Chevy has diluted the Av's uniqueness with the Av-like front end treatment on the new Silverado.

To me the WBH makes good sense - why not make the main features of the Av (midgate and cargo / people flexibility) available in models that appeal to more folks. Either way, the Av concept is a winner!

That said, I'm still glad that I own a 2002 - WITH the BH!
 
Well written, Chief :).

Your points about the front and rear bumpers are well taken and ring true. I love the look of the cladding and have already replaced two of the side panels that I destroyed on rocks (for much less than painted metal would have cost me), but the rear and (espeically) the front bumpers are sadly inadequate for off-road use. I'm contemplating a metal front bumper (See blueruck's posts in the 4X4 forum) to remedy the situation, but it's an exepnsive remedy!

I don't hate the WBH Av, but I have to say I'm happy to have one with its own identity!

I'm not sure I agree with your projection of the Avalanche nameplate. I'm certainly not an expert on these things, but if the Av were in danger of becoming a "silverado EXT" why isn't the Sub a "Tahoe XL" (like the GMC)? I think they may just stick with the Av nameplate... we can hope :)

 
Guys, believe it or not, our beloved AV started as a "regular" pickup truck--then became a concept truck--finally its own identity as our "armored" AV. The WBH is an expected and inevitable option during the AV's marketing evolution. GM already has captured its target market--us. All of us members (and Non-members) who bought the AV because we just love the looks. The added benefit of protection is just icing on the cake. What GM is trying to capture are those fence sitters out there who love the Midgate concept but just can't get past the traditional pick up look. They want the versatility of the AV but the look of a Silverado.

My prediciton? The amount of cladding in the future AVs will be color coordinated with the rest of the truck (yellow cladding?) a la Escalade EXT and the size and prominence of the cladding will diminish by 30-50%. Maybe by 2005-2006. They will also be removable so in fact you can get "two" distinctive looks depending on your needs and moods. One is the "Mad Max" look (which I just absolutely love in my AV), and one "WBH" look. Here's the bad part part about my prediction. It will cost more because GM will try to squeeze more dollars from us by offering it as an option.

Just check this box right here sir, then we'll add 1800 to your MSRP for cladding option package.
 
I have owned my AV for just over a year now and I have already accumulated 38K miles! I love the truck, but I have yet to grow fond of the cladding. I am IMPATIENTLY awaiting the release of WBH- I have the down payment ready as soon as it is available!

I am glad they are sticking with the Avalanche name for the WBH model. It is not a Silverado for the simple fact that it does not have the rough riding, non-handling leaf spring rear of the pickup. The ride alone is a reason to buy ANY avalanche.

The 2003 AV also has numerous interior features that are far better than my 2002. I can't wait to play with those power folding mirrors, the steering wheel controls, and the kick ass BOSE XM stereo.

A local dealer here in No. Virginia told me today they can order a WBH later this week for delivery late January. GM is supposed to release the WBH option price(s) in a few days- and then orders can be placed.

 
JasonC said:
I have owned my AV for just over a year now and I have already accumulated 38K miles! ?I love the truck, but I have yet to grow fond of the cladding. ?I am IMPATIENTLY awaiting the release of WBH- I have the down payment ready as soon as it is available!

I am glad they are sticking with the Avalanche name for the WBH model. ?It is not a Silverado for the simple fact that it does not have the rough riding, non-handling leaf spring rear of the pickup. ?The ride alone is a reason to buy ANY avalanche.

The 2003 AV also has numerous interior features that are far better than my 2002. ?I can't wait to play with those power folding mirrors, the steering wheel controls, and the kick ass BOSE XM stereo.

A local dealer here in No. Virginia told me today they ?can order a WBH later this week for delivery late January. ?GM is supposed to release the WBH option price(s) in a few days- and then orders can be placed.

Actually the pricing is released. The WBH option saves you $600 - if you go with the soft cargo cover versus the hard cover you save another $600 - the running boards are more expensive - at $558 and are black. Thanks to Avalance for the pricing info!
 
Chief makes some good points but personally I like the "Mad Max" look of the cladding. I have always liked agressive looking trucks and the Av is definately aggressive looking. I hope that if they ever do drop the cladding they would at least offer it as an option. I really don't know if I would love my Av as much without it.

-Mark
 
The thing that brought me to choose the AV was the flexibility of having the abilities (and more!) of both a car and a pickup in one package. I would have still bought the vehicle if it was just a WBH.

That being said, having the cladding is icing on the cake. As Chief said - no more door dings! :) I also like the "Mad Max" look (my previous motorcycle was a BMW R1100GS - the Mad Max moto for sure! :) ) The uniqueness of the AV's look is appealing to me; and even with the change to the Silverado's front clip, the AV still stands out!

My insurance dropped about $75 a year over the Toyota Tundra (and almost $300 less than the Volvo XC), so cheaper cost to repair with the cladding must play into that. (I have eaten up the savings already with mods in 1 month of ownership though >:D )

I do worry a bit about pranging up the front and rear in the snow around here or when I will go on a few goat trails, er, mountain driveways that friends have... :), but I did not buy this vehicle for serious off-roading. I wanted a competent 4wd package and the AV has worked well so far!
 
Very well researched and written.

I believe that, along with the propper marketing, cladding should prove to be more benifitial in the long run.

Keeping looks in mind, many people may purchase to claddless simply because most people can not handle great deals of change all at once (pun not intended). There is a percentage of the population that are not willing to give the AV a good looking over simply because the cladding throws them. It is too different from all the other trucks they are used to seeing. Once there is a larger base of owners and people begin to see how the cladding holds up in the coming years; cladding will be preceived more differeently.
 
I fell in love with the Avalanche in part due to the cladding. When I saw it as a concept vehicle it blew me away because it was so different than the bland pickups. Then again, I own a Grand Am GT with tons of cladding.

Also, I only do occassional 4-wheeling, usually in shallow sand or mud, so the cladding vulnerability is not an issue for me.

I'm not so sure there is a complete trend to reduce cladding on vehicles. Just look at the Subura Baja - it has many similarities to the Av in the cladding department.

The cladding adds to the Mad Max look, along with the sail panels and big 17" wheels with offroad tires. On Thanksgiving, my sister in law walked by the Av and said "that is one beasty truck". That makes me so happy I almost want to cry. Is said almost.......
 
Crexis said:
?I'm certainly not an expert on these things, but if the Av were in danger of becoming a "silverado EXT" why isn't the Sub a "Tahoe XL" (like the GMC)? ?I think they may just stick with the Av nameplate... we can hope :)
The Suburban nameplate preceeds the Tahoe by a tad. It has been produced by Chevrolet since its beginnings in 1935.

As far as an Av name chage down the road? "A rose by any other name still smells as sweet!"
 
Here is some more pricing info on the Avalanche they had another price incress so the base MSRP is now $35,495.00 on a 1500 4WD the WBH option is -($600) the Black running bords are $585.00 and -($600) for the soft cover and the Wheel flares and body side molding are $285.00 you can get every option on the WBH as you can on an Avalanche with body hardware (for the most part) there are a few option not avalible on the avalanche WBH. I personaly will always have cladding I love how the Avalanche looks with the cladding I know when I get a new one I will get the cladding but there are people out there who don't like the cladding I have had people tell me that is the biggest plastic mobile ever :8:but I think it is a good thing there doing because the Sales manager and I were talking to day about the Avalanche WBH we are going to order one in because Gm makes the silverado 1500HD but is just a 2500 and still have the ruffer ride so we think the Avalanche WBH will market to those people who want a crew cab but want the ride of a 1500 if you guys have any more questions about the pricing just let me know.

~AvaLance~
 
JasonC said:
I am glad they are sticking with the Avalanche name for the WBH model. ?It is not a Silverado for the simple fact that it does not have the rough riding, non-handling leaf spring rear of the pickup. ?
Sounds like you haven't been in a Chev/GMC pick-up for some time. They also have very good ride.
 
Well, as someone who thought earlier this year that the Avalanche was a nice truck but UGLY!!! I have to say...I love this truck!!! It was also this place that tipped it in.
Chief,
What you say and others say is probably true...our armored MAD MAX trucks days are numbered.
I am just glad that I am amongst the number who have one!
I LOVE THIS TRUCK!!! :love: :B: >:D ;) :p (y)
 
silversport said:
What you say and others say is probably true...our armored MAD MAX trucks days are numbered.
I am just glad that I am amongst the number who have one!
I LOVE THIS TRUCK!!! :love: :B: >:D ;) :p (y)

All the better if they decide to completely do away with the cladding. Then we'll all have limited collectors editions >:D
I'll sure have this Av around for a long time though. I'll have to look into those extended warranties if this ever does happen.
 
Great article Chief! ;D

I too was not fond of the "Mad Max" cladding at one time. But know I would not do without it. I LOVE this Truck! (y)

As stated earlier, maybe in the future we will be...

'The Few , The Browd, and the Brave"

AHOY
 
I don't buy into that theory. If removing the cladding, to expand the market appeal made any sense, Jeep Grand Cherokee would have been cladless years ago.

The bottom line it it saves money for the General and make his pockets fatter.
 
Personally I like the cladding and the look was one of the reasons I first looked at the Av. Many of my friends have said they LOVE the truck but didn't like the look of "all that plastic". I'm sure this is part of the reason the General decided to release the WBH version.

I think it's a great idea on GM's part but I don't like the total departure from the look of the Av in favor of a boring Silverado pickup. I feel they should have kept the front and rear "look" of the Av unique to itself. They could have gone with solid bumpers front and rear and made them body color. This would still give the Av it's own identity and give the functionality for off roading.

Dealership Designs has a solution for those that didn't like the cladding look and I think GM would have done well by using their look as an example.

avalanche3small.jpg


A WBH version could have been produced that still followed the unique lines of the Av and not been a rubberstamped step child of the Silverado.

Just my .02

SJP
 
Steelheadchaser said:
Sounds like you haven't been in a Chev/GMC pick-up for some time. They also have very good ride. The 1500 versions are 4 link, coil spring rear suspensions, BTW.
I haven't specifically looked at the rear springs of my 1500, but it was my understanding that the Pickup is leaf and the Sub and Tahoe (and Av) is coil. Hence the ride difference. I will, but right now it's raining. But yes, other than the "expansion joint bounce" they ride very well.
BTW, I never liked the cladding on the GC either. But at least they eventually made it body-color and smooth. And rememebr it's not just the cladding it's also those flat-top fender openings.
Well put Chief! (y)
 
Steelheadchaser said:
Sounds like you haven't been in a Chev/GMC pick-up for some time. They also have very good ride. The 1500 versions are 4 link, coil spring rear suspensions, BTW.

I am pretty sure all late model GM pickups have a leaf spring rear, hence the hopping around on pavement joints.
I have always owned pickups until the AV and I have really enjoyed the better ride and handling with the 4 link coil spring rear.
 
The WBH avalanche will bring more buyers to the chevy dealerships....more interest I believe will be generated.....along with all the excellent points already discussed....the Av will be a winner in the hearts of all... :B:
 
Chief-

As a prospective WBH buyer, it was good to see somebody on this site not bash the WBH. If not for the WBH, I wouldn't be considering an Avalanche. I really love the features, and I am really looking forward to putting on some of the mods that you guys have perfected. Thanks for giving the other side of the WBH equation.

KB
 
kbavalanche said:
Chief-

As a prospective WBH buyer, it was good to see somebody on this site not bash the WBH. ?If not for the WBH, I wouldn't be considering an Avalanche. ?I really love the features, and I am really looking forward to putting on some of the mods that you guys have perfected. ?Thanks for giving the other side of the WBH equation.

KB
As I posted somewhere else in the forum..it is ignorant to not like something only because it's not the norm....after all some folks say potatoe...some folks say potatoe....ok that didn't go very well.... ;D :B:
 
I am one of those people who have been bashing the WBH but I fell this way now at least its an Avalanche I will allways have cladding but I am sure for people who don't want or need the cladding it will be a great truck one thing about the WBH is it saves you $600 so KBavalanche if you like the WBH by all means get one if I ever get your way it would be great to go on a cruise with you I am going to take the one we get in at the dealer and park it next to mine and take some pics to show what the differences are.
 
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