Nitrousbird
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- Joined
- Dec 20, 2015
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I’m seriously considering a QC SRT-10 and have a number of questions.
Current needs/background: I currently have a ’02 Avalanche North Face Edition that I bought over 10 years ago. She is getting long in the tooth and ready for replacement. The truck is not my daily driver, as I have a lightly modded 335i for that, as well as a project car for when I eventually want to go fast again.
Truck is used for:
- Snow days (though I have snow rims/tires for my BMW) and central Ohio snows aren’t that bad
- To/from work on average of 1 day a week (more winter, less summer, 40 mile round trip – 1/3 freeway, 1/3 back roads, 1/3 city streets)
- Towing our 5000’ wake boat to/from the ramp (whopping 3 minute drive maxing @ 45 MPH)
- 830 mile round trip, all freeway, to Toronto 0-2 times a year (depends if we can fly out of Columbus or not)
- 850 mile round trip to North Carolina through the WV/VA mountains once a summer
- 700 mile round trip, towing our 5000lb boat and a good 2000lbs people/gear through the KY/TN mountains once a summer
- Random trips to Lowes/HD, maybe 1-2 times a month.
I realize this is really specific, but I’ve done this for years and that’s the use. Averaging 5000 – 7000 miles a year.
Truck will be used in the snow. I didn’t initially consider a SRT-10 due to the perceived cost and 2WD. I figure 20†Ram wheels + snow tires will resolve the 2WD issue – I’m experienced with high torque, RWD vehicles. I “require†a truck with leather and the regular amenities and the competition is slower for the same money, which is the draw to the SRT-10. I turn my own wrenches, so dealer BS is a non-factor. QC is the only option, RC is useless to me.
Questions:
- Besides swapping out the oil/PS lines for braided and regular band adjustments on the tranny, what else is really a common mechanical issue with these trucks? I’m not discovering much beyond this.
- Does the truck come with a tranny cooler stock?
- Can the SRT-10 specific parts be sourced? I know from having a North Face Edition Avalanche, I can’t source seat covers, which is an issue as mine are split and they are very difficult for a shop to duplicate.
- Do they come with Xenon/HID headlights? If not, are there good retrofit options?
- What is the deal with the spoiler/bed cover? I see some with and others without. What was supposed to come with the truck?
o I want the cover/spoiler – what is the real cost of buying these if not equipped?
- I can’t get a handle on REAL WORLD fuel mileage for the following:
o All freeway driving? Everyone seems to quote mixed/city, but I need a highway number
o Freeway towing? My boat, with the loaded up tower, is not exactly aerodynamic.
I would keep the truck relatively stock. I would install a double DIN Nav unit for user, and perhaps sub/amp/speaker upgrade. Will also install a large tranny cooler if not equipped from the factory, as I’m positive this is what saved the 4L60E in my Avalanche, which has not been cared for and works like a champ. Understand I’m considering this truck due to the price – it simply depreciated more than the rest…same reason I bought my 335i, which was a great purchase.
Current needs/background: I currently have a ’02 Avalanche North Face Edition that I bought over 10 years ago. She is getting long in the tooth and ready for replacement. The truck is not my daily driver, as I have a lightly modded 335i for that, as well as a project car for when I eventually want to go fast again.
Truck is used for:
- Snow days (though I have snow rims/tires for my BMW) and central Ohio snows aren’t that bad
- To/from work on average of 1 day a week (more winter, less summer, 40 mile round trip – 1/3 freeway, 1/3 back roads, 1/3 city streets)
- Towing our 5000’ wake boat to/from the ramp (whopping 3 minute drive maxing @ 45 MPH)
- 830 mile round trip, all freeway, to Toronto 0-2 times a year (depends if we can fly out of Columbus or not)
- 850 mile round trip to North Carolina through the WV/VA mountains once a summer
- 700 mile round trip, towing our 5000lb boat and a good 2000lbs people/gear through the KY/TN mountains once a summer
- Random trips to Lowes/HD, maybe 1-2 times a month.
I realize this is really specific, but I’ve done this for years and that’s the use. Averaging 5000 – 7000 miles a year.
Truck will be used in the snow. I didn’t initially consider a SRT-10 due to the perceived cost and 2WD. I figure 20†Ram wheels + snow tires will resolve the 2WD issue – I’m experienced with high torque, RWD vehicles. I “require†a truck with leather and the regular amenities and the competition is slower for the same money, which is the draw to the SRT-10. I turn my own wrenches, so dealer BS is a non-factor. QC is the only option, RC is useless to me.
Questions:
- Besides swapping out the oil/PS lines for braided and regular band adjustments on the tranny, what else is really a common mechanical issue with these trucks? I’m not discovering much beyond this.
- Does the truck come with a tranny cooler stock?
- Can the SRT-10 specific parts be sourced? I know from having a North Face Edition Avalanche, I can’t source seat covers, which is an issue as mine are split and they are very difficult for a shop to duplicate.
- Do they come with Xenon/HID headlights? If not, are there good retrofit options?
- What is the deal with the spoiler/bed cover? I see some with and others without. What was supposed to come with the truck?
o I want the cover/spoiler – what is the real cost of buying these if not equipped?
- I can’t get a handle on REAL WORLD fuel mileage for the following:
o All freeway driving? Everyone seems to quote mixed/city, but I need a highway number
o Freeway towing? My boat, with the loaded up tower, is not exactly aerodynamic.
I would keep the truck relatively stock. I would install a double DIN Nav unit for user, and perhaps sub/amp/speaker upgrade. Will also install a large tranny cooler if not equipped from the factory, as I’m positive this is what saved the 4L60E in my Avalanche, which has not been cared for and works like a champ. Understand I’m considering this truck due to the price – it simply depreciated more than the rest…same reason I bought my 335i, which was a great purchase.