A few months ago, I introduced you to the latest addition to my vehicular stable: an ’04 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Z71 that was a long-overdue addition for this staffer that’s spent more than a decade writing about trucks and SUVs. As outlined in my original column, the purchase reasons were many: having some semblance of credibility with my peers and within the industry as a “truck” guy, having a platform to build from, and having a multi-purpose utilitarian workhorse in the family for odd jobs, towing, carrying a bike rack, and more. I also got it to have fun.

Several of the other Truck Trend Network staffers have JK Wranglers or Jeeps of some sort, and truthfully, they make much better off-roaders. The Avalanche is compromised in this regard due to its size and its torsion bar suspension design.