[stubblejumper]

I have previously owned an avalanche.It is not and will never be a real truck.You have to remember that if you fold the rear seats and midgate down to use the longer bed,the passenger compartment is no longer sealed,which is a problem in rain or in cold weather.Also with a real truck,you can install a bed cover to protect the load from rain or snow,If you have the midgate down,the cargo is at least partly exposed.If you haul dirt or gravel in a normal truck ,the bed is easily cleaned with a water hose,but you can't use a hose in the passenger compartment to clean the bed in front of the midgate,and if you use a hose in the rear cargo compartment,you need to remove the bed mat until it and the bed dry or water will be trapped under the mat.Also gravel and dirt are very difficult to remove from the drainage grate just behind the midgate.I hauled game in the back of the avalanche while on hunting trips and blood was very difficult to remove from the drainage system.I had to pour bleach down the drain grate to get rid of the smell from the blood.The avalanche is flexible,but it also has disadvantages if it is to be used as a truck.

 

[stubblejumper]

If you leave the window in place and only lower the midgate,you have less than 2' of height when using the longer cargo compartment.That is enough for hauling some cargo but not for others.If you plan on hauling taller items that you want protected,a truck and canopy is a better choice.Also for hauling quads and motorcycles,a truck with a 6-1/2' box works much better.
I owned the avalanche for almost two years and discovered that it really wasn't suitable for use a truck.

 

[stubblejumper]

As I posted previously,after owning one,I don't consider the Avalanche a real truck.But then again ,it sounds like you really don't need a truck,as a van or an suv will easily haul mitre saws and treadmills.