I wrote this in another post but I'm hoping for a better response here...

I took the H3 out to Colorado to do some skiing this winter (live in Chicago) and when 2 of us split gas - it was actually cheaper than flying! In any case - the I5 really had problems keeping up with traffic on I70 doing 70-80 mph up the mountain passes. If AM General had put a 5 or 6 speed trans in the truck it would be waaaaay better in those situations and you could keep the truck in the power band much easier. I really want to trailer my motorcycles out to ride some canyons but am afraid I'll blow the engine up seeing as how much it struggled with just two of us and our ski gear.

I love the truck but am afraid it will dissappoint when put to the test. Has anyone towed 3-4000 lbs in the mountains with their I5 H3? Does anyone have any suggestions for improving HP enough to make this application work? Many thanks team.

 

I can't speak to towing with the H3 but take it from somebody who just moved from a 22000lb RV setup to an H3 (to be used as a toad) ...Worry about STOPPING the load before you worry about pulling it. There are some places in Colorado where if I hadn't had a jake brake I would have been over the cliff!

 

I have and do at least twice a week in the spring/summer. My boat is around 4500 lbs. and I tow it through the Mountains of Northern NJ/PA going to the lake. It does FINE. Sure, it's no dually like I used to use but the rear hardly sags at all from the tongue weight...highway speeds are easy to hold and I can pass at highway speed with little effort. Again, not saying you are gonna chirp third gear but I have no problem at all mainaining 65-75 mph. I would make sure your trailer has some sort of brake system though...I am running surge brakes on mine and I have never had a problem.

here is the boat I tow

[img][/img]

 

Sorry don't tow anything and have the Alpha. My younger brother has the I5 and tows a covered car trailer with a vehicle that in total probably weighs in around 7000#. Central Texas is mostly flat but he hasn't had any issues.

 

I most certainly wouldn't worry about blowing your engine.

For more power, you could go with the standard intake, exhaust, and PCM tune.

I've only done the intake, but I don't think the others will satiate my desires for more power, so I'm patiently awaiting the arrival of a few more supercharger kits before I purchase one.

That's always something to consider as well.

 

importkiller, did you add a trans cooler or anything else to help keep the trans alive?

I have a 2007 H3, lux, adventure package, etc. with a Volant CAI, Magnaflow catback and a retuned PCM by Kelly. I will be towing a 4400 lb travel trailer and am not sure what to do with the trans.


Thanks in advance for any input,

Sidetrip