New to the Tahoe family

[arvetus]

Hey all,
I can't say I'm a proud owner of a Tahoe...YET! I'm thinking very seriously about upgrading one of the cars this year and I am pretty settled on a Tahoe being the vehicle of choice to upgrade to. I am starting the task of looking and gathering information now, early in the process, so I can 1.) know what's out there, 2.) learn about any potential problems and how serious they are and 3.) not be stuck trying to find something last minute.

I am looking specifically at 2003 - 2006 models. I want the 5.3 engine, 4WD and a second row bench.

I do have some questions...
For those who have/had these models, what has been your general opinion about these trucks? What problems have you experienced? What do I need to watch out for when I'm looking at a truck?

And being that I am a major plan freak, I'm already planning mods and installs. I do live in Texas and I am a hunter. Has anyone installed a rifle rack? I am thinking of a ceiling mounted rifle holder in the cargo area, just inside the hatch. Keeps the gun off the seat or floor, and still easily accessible from the rear.
I'm also a ham radio guy and am thinking of doing something to mount my radio in the console below the stereo head unit/HVAC control. I'm thinking the bottom box below the lighter plugs.

So...what have you to say about my questions. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[jdpromo33]

Hey all,
I can't say I'm a proud owner of a Tahoe...YET! I'm thinking very seriously about upgrading one of the cars this year and I am pretty settled on a Tahoe being the vehicle of choice to upgrade to. I am starting the task of looking and gathering information now, early in the process, so I can 1.) know what's out there, 2.) learn about any potential problems and how serious they are and 3.) not be stuck trying to find something last minute.

I am looking specifically at 2003 - 2006 models. I want the 5.3 engine, 4WD and a second row bench.

I do have some questions...
For those who have/had these models, what has been your general opinion about these trucks? What problems have you experienced? What do I need to watch out for when I'm looking at a truck?

And being that I am a major plan freak, I'm already planning mods and installs. I do live in Texas and I am a hunter. Has anyone installed a rifle rack? I am thinking of a ceiling mounted rifle holder in the cargo area, just inside the hatch. Keeps the gun off the seat or floor, and still easily accessible from the rear.
I'm also a ham radio guy and am thinking of doing something to mount my radio in the console below the stereo head unit/HVAC control. I'm thinking the bottom box below the lighter plugs.

So...what have you to say about my questions. Any suggestions are welcome.

Welcome to the board. You will find nothing but love for this truck from all the owners on here.
Good luck with your search for a new truck.

I LOVE them

 

[rich5368]

First of all welcome. 2nd I have an 04 4wd and the only issue I've run into in 152k miles that wasn't usual with any car was the 4wd encoder motor. It's common with these trucks to have a service 4wd light come on and either the selector switch or the encoder motor needed replaced. Neither is bank breaking to repair. I love my truck. It's my work/hunting truck so it gets beat up on pretty good and it takes it with a smile. I wouldn't own anything else.

 

[arvetus]

First of all welcome. 2nd I have an 04 4wd and the only issue I've run into in 152k miles that wasn't usual with any car was the 4wd encoder motor. It's common with these trucks to have a service 4wd light come on and either the selector switch or the encoder motor needed replaced. Neither is bank breaking to repair. I love my truck. It's my work/hunting truck so it gets beat up on pretty good and it takes it with a smile. I wouldn't own anything else.

Yeah, I've heard of similar issues with the Silverado half-tons, which I believe the Tahoe uses the same type chassis. Never knew what it took to repair them $$ wise though. Thanks for the info!!

 

[Effeckt]

Welcome to the forum Steve and good luck in your search. As mentioned by John there is definitely a lot to love about these vehicles. Very reliable and well built.

 

[arvetus]

I'm curious to know if the roof is double walled sheet metal?
Could I even mount anything to the interior ceiling of the vehicle in the cargo area?

 

[rich5368]

As far as price for that fix, the switch is about 30 bucks and the encoder motor if I remember right was about 300. 40k miles since though and no issues.

 

[HMFDZ28]

I'm curious to know if the roof is double walled sheet metal?
Could I even mount anything to the interior ceiling of the vehicle in the cargo area?

this one I can answer for ya... no, most of the roof other then some areas were there is a cross brace is a single skin. Only reason I know is from mounting antennas on FD Chief's truck I have worked on.

 

[AtomicHoe094]

welcome to the forum!! and ill give you an early congrats to buying a tahoe! haha

 

[iwaslowr]

Welcome to the forum!