2006 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE Owners Manual

3. Take the short strap and surround the folded
webbing, forming a package.
4. Take the long strap and wrap it around the package
Finally, attach the hooks to the webbing.
Cargo Tie Downs
Cargo tie downs are located in the rear cargo area that
can be used to secure cargo.
The tie downs can also be used to secure the cargo
cover panel strap system or the tonneau cover storage
bag, if equipped. For more information see “Cargo
Cover Panels” earlier in this section andTonneau Cover
on page 2-83.
2-77

All-Weather Cargo Area
Your vehicle can be driven with the cargo panels on or
off, the midgate up or down, or with the rear glass in
or out. The vehicle has features to help resist the
elements and protect cargo inside the cargo area. Parts
of the water management system, which is designed
to quickly direct water out of the cargo box, include the
top drain grates, side rail channels, catch cups,
midgate drain, cargo area oor drains and the rubber
cargo mat.
Even when the water management system is working
properly and the vehicle’s cargo cover system is
on, water could still accumulate in areas of the vehicle
during heavy rains and after going through an
automated car wash.The areas where water could collect are:
A. Top drain grates
B. Removable
front drain grate
(Midgate drain gate)
C. Side rail channels
and catch cups
D. Front drainsE. Water drainage area
around both sides of
the box and the
tailgate side
F. Rear drains
G. Cargo oor
H. Cargo mat
2-78

Maintenance and Cleaning
To ensure that the water management system performs
properly, be sure that the midgate, tailgate, and cover
system are fully closed and that each part of the
water management system is clean and not blocked
with debris. Follow the instruction given next in
this section for the proper procedures on cleaning each
part of the water management system.
Top Drain Grates – Removal and
Cleaning
The top drain grates are located near the rear glass on
both sides of the vehicle. You may need to clean the
grates and drains if there seems to be a blockage.To remove each drain grate, do the following:
1. Remove the cargo panels or tonneau cover. See
Cargo Cover Panels on page 2-65orTonneau
Cover on page 2-83for more information.
2. Grasp the edges of the grate and pull it out from
the vehicle. Flush the drain with clean water.
2-79

To replace the drain grate do the following:
1. Line up the clips on the vehicle with the slots in
the grate.
2. When you are sure that the clips are aligned with
the slots, push the grate down rmly.
The grate should clip into place. Do not force the grate
if it will not clip into place; realign the clips with the
holes and try again.Side Rail Channels
The side rail channels are located on top of both sides
of the cargo area. Flush them out with clean water
debris collects inside of them.
When loading cargo into the cargo area, be careful not
to damage the rails.
2-80

Midgate Drain Grate Removal and
Cleaning
The midgate drain grate is located near the base of the
midgate in the cargo area. You will nd a removable
drain grate covering the drain.After hauling dirt, wood chips, pebbles etc. you will need
to ush the midgate drain with water. But rst you will
have to remove the drain grate by using the
following steps:
1. Lower the midgate. SeeMidgate®on page 2-11for
more information.
2. Pull up on the rear side of the drain grate.
3. Tilt the drain grate away from you and pull it
straight out.
Reverse the procedure to reinstall the drain grate.
2-81

Cargo Area Floor Drains
Your vehicle also has four cargo-area oor drains
located under the cargo mat near the sides of the cargo
area. These drains should be cleaned periodically to
allow water to drain from the cargo area.
The cargo mat has cutouts for the drains. Flush the
drains through the cutouts. If the cargo area is extremely
dirty lift up the edges of the cargo oor mat or take
the whole mat out and ush the drains with water.
Top-Box Storage
Your vehicle is equipped with top-box storage units on
both side of the vehicle. The passenger side top box
contains the tools you will need to change a at tire.
Use the ignition/door key to unlock/lock it. Press the key
cylinder button and swing the lid open. Turn on the
cargo lamps, if equipped, if you need more light inside.
SeeExterior Cargo Lamps on page 3-19for more
information.
2-82

Tonneau Cover
{CAUTION:
Improperly stored tonneau cover components
could be thrown about the vehicle during a
collision or sudden maneuver. You or others
could be injured. If you remove the cover,
bows and rails, always store them properly in
the cargo area.
When you put them back, always be sure that
they are securely reattached.Your vehicle may be equipped with a tonneau cover.
The main components of the tonneau cover are
the following:
A. Front Rail
B. Bows
C. Side RailsD. Rear Rail
E. Plastic Lip
F. Loop
2-83

Removing the Tonneau Cover
1. Starting at the rear corner of the driver’s side of the
vehicle, pull the loop (F) toward you and then pull
up so the plastic lip (E) releases from the channel in
the rear rail (D) and the side rail (C).2. Pull the back of the cover out from the rear rail (D).
2-84