old guys
s.w. ontario
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Joined: 10/28/2009
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We are new to this type of trailer but like the layout and looks of this trailer . We would be pulling with a 2007 avalanche 5.3. Is this a problem or not (7200lb or 9000lb with wd hitch). Any issues pro or con would be appreciated especially from owners or previous owners. Thanks for the help. We are seriously looking at this trailer but just need more info from non sales people.
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GaryMcManus
Saugus, Ma
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Joined: 01/11/2006
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I can not tell you about that specific model, but My DW and 2 daughters have been camping in a 2006 Cherokee 28A+ for the past 4 years and are very happy with it. We have had only a couple of minor problems, nothing out of the ordinary. We use it approximately 15 trips a year including a couple of two week vacations. I live in Mass and have pulled it as far south as North Carolina and as far North as New Brunswick Canada. Would need to know the weight of the camper and what the Avalanche can pull to give you advice on towing. A lot of folks around here recommend that you stay at about 80% of what you tow vehicle is rated to pull. They believe that this will give you at least decent performace when towing. Others will tell you to pull at what the vehicle is rated at. There will be an argument for sure. Whichever advice you take, bear in mind that you have to deduct the weight of your passengers, luggage, gear etc that you have in your tow vehicle from what it can pull behind it. You may also want to take into consideration how often you plan to camp and if you will be towing in flat areas or in the mountains. There may also be a concern with your shorter wheelbase in the avalanche. Lets see what others have to say. Best of luck.
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dodge guy
Bartlett IL
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Joined: 03/23/2004
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Hello. I cannot find that model on Forest Rivers website, forestriverinc.com. I can tell you that we previously had a Cherokee Lite 28A and currently have a Cherokee 32B. we really like the Cherokee brand. great quality and very good attention to detail in a mid level TT. the only problem we have had is with the Concertone stereo in our current trailer. I replaced it with a JVC car radio. if you do a search on Concertone you will find hours of reading. this is the only issue I know of with Forest River products.
We towed the 28A with a 97 1/2 ton Dodge conv. van with a 5.9L and 3.90 gear and it handled the 6500lb loaded trailer just fine (5200lbs dry). we took a 2 week trip out to Glacier NP with that setup and had no problems at all.
You`ll love the Cherokee.
Good luck!
Wife Kim 
Son Brandon 8yrs
Daughter Marissa 7yrs
Dog Shadow 
07 Cherokee 32B
02 Excursion 4X4 V-10 4.30 gear, Hellwig sway bar
Reese HP dualcam,Prodigy brake controller.
A bad day of camping is
better than a good day at work!
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old guys
s.w. ontario
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Thanks for the interest and please keep any info coming. The avalanche should have the same wheelbase as a pickup. I was told it is built on a suburban frame but I'm not sure. I can't find the trailer on cherokee's website either. I think they may be discontinuing it to concentrate on their higher price v-nose models. At least I was able to get a brochure from a dealer here in Canada. Maybe it is just a Canadian model but I thought they were available stateside too. Thanks again. Old Guys.
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colliehauler
Mc Pherson KS USA
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Joined: 01/27/2004
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I do not think you will be happy pulling that much weight with a small motor. Your axle ratio will make a difference. Most avalanche are set up for millage not towing axle ratio wise. If the dealer has a used model at the same weight ask if you can do a test tow and you will see what I mean. Good luck with your decision. I have a 5 year old Cherokee and it has held up very well. I pull it with a Excursion 7.3L Diesel.
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old guys
s.w. ontario
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My G.M. dealer says I have a 372 rear end and can tow up to 7200 lbs. or up to 9000 lbs. with an equalizing hitch. My wife says I'm not that strong.....hitch or no hitch. The trailer is listed as 5830 lbs. shipping weight and 8071 lbs. gvwr/brakes. Hitch weight is 1071 lbs. and axle weight 4764 lbs. Is this too far out or will I be able to tow it alright. Thanks........Old Guys
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StormH2Oguy
Columbia, SC
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Joined: 03/19/2007
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You need to contact your GM dealer again and find out the correct rear axle ratio or you can look on the white sticker inside the glove compartment and look for the combination of numbers & letters that starts with a G. If it is a GU6 then you have a 3.42 and if it is a GT4 you have a 3.73. GM makes a 3.42 and a 3.73 rear end for the Silverado/Avalanche models but not a 3.72. I'm guessing it's maybe just a typo but the difference between a 3.42 and a 3.73 when it comes to towing is noticeable. If in fact you do have the 3.73 axle, you would not have much of a problem pulling 5830 lbs but I would be very concerned with that hitch weight of 1071 lbs. That is too much hitch weight for a 1/2 ton truck in my opinion.
2009 Ford F-150 Supercrew 4x4, 5.4L V8, Max Tow, Bilstein HDs
Me, the wife, 3 & 6 yr old sons
2010 Keystone Bullet 281BHS
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colliehauler
Mc Pherson KS USA
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Joined: 01/27/2004
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Remember it is not just the weight but the frontal area of the trailer. It will catch a lot of air and cause a lot of drag. Do you have a way of taking the unit for a test tow to make sure your happy with the combo?
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old guys
s.w. ontario
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Stormh2oguy...sorry about that. You are quite right it is a 373. Old fat fingers and computer keys don't mesh very well and I'm a real technophobe as well, as you can probably tell by my slow response time.
Colliehauler...it is a v-nose so we hoped that would reduce the drag somewhat.
thanks for the help.....we need all we can get....Old Guys
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old guys
s.w. ontario
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Oh by the way. The trailer dealer suggested a husky centerline weight distributing hitch would be the best option and that they are more expensive than his regular equalizing hitches but not nearly as costly as his other type. I think it was a henly arrow. Would it be worth it to go for the husky as opposed to a reese, equalizer, curt or some other brand. Thanks...Old Guys
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