Considering an H3, have questions..
#11
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Thanks for the reply. Mpg isn't really a concern. I telecommute and drive maybe 100 miles a week tops, unless I take a road trip. What is a concern is power. Living in UT I pretty much can't avoid going up and down hills. I drive a lifted Cherokee on 32" tires with a 190hp/225ft-lb I6. It weighs ~3300 lbs and while it's fine around town and off road, it kinda sucks on the highway above 65 mph. Maintaining speed uphill = tranny hunting, and highway acceleration is pathetic.
This is my concern with the I5, highway speeds (75mph+) through the mountains.
I hear what you are saying about engine mods, but honestly I'm tired of mod'ing my vehicles.
You link is broke, but it was easy enough to figure out. I still couldn't find the type of info I was looking for, but after much searching and browsing I stumbled on this (shamelessly copied from post by TAINTER):
Can I assume the above is correct in all ways? Is there anything else I should know to help me figure out what year/package I should look for? I'm curious about things like do all H3's come with skid plates? Can you get various options such as leather, navigation, sunroof, or backup cam in any package or does it require the Lux package? Even more important are the package differences or options that I don't know to ask/search for.
I don't expect you guys to spoon feed me all the info (although it may sound like it), but any pointers on where to find specifics would be great.
If it helps, the intended use is a mixture of around town driving, mountain highway driving (including long trips), and light/medium offroading.
This is my concern with the I5, highway speeds (75mph+) through the mountains.
I hear what you are saying about engine mods, but honestly I'm tired of mod'ing my vehicles.
You link is broke, but it was easy enough to figure out. I still couldn't find the type of info I was looking for, but after much searching and browsing I stumbled on this (shamelessly copied from post by TAINTER):
Can I assume the above is correct in all ways? Is there anything else I should know to help me figure out what year/package I should look for? I'm curious about things like do all H3's come with skid plates? Can you get various options such as leather, navigation, sunroof, or backup cam in any package or does it require the Lux package? Even more important are the package differences or options that I don't know to ask/search for.
I don't expect you guys to spoon feed me all the info (although it may sound like it), but any pointers on where to find specifics would be great.
If it helps, the intended use is a mixture of around town driving, mountain highway driving (including long trips), and light/medium offroading.
As far as engine mods, all I'm saying is a decent intake and tuner (the tuner will depend on which motor you get..), and these trucks make great power and get GREAT mileage.
YES, all H3's come with skidplates. And they work DAMN well. But you can also get factory undercarriage protection (which is BEEFY on these) and factory rock sliders. It's all in what you want. And if you find a truck without ucp and sliders, you can order OEM gear for a pretty damn good price.
There's nothing wrong with asking us quality questions; thats why we are here. I'd rather you make an educated decision, than come back here bitching that your HUMMER sucks *** and you hate it and didn't know what you were getting into.
33" tires with GOOD tread are fine on these trucks. But if you really wanna be a boss, go with some 35's.
I have not found the I5 to be lacking in power for most instances. I do notice that going up an 8% grade it takes a whole lot of gas pedal to keep the speed above 55-60MPH. If you are routinely driving up steep roads at highway speed you may be happier with the V8 in the Alpha models. I suggest you do a test drive on both models.
Ack! He found me after I reposted his info!! ![Smile](https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Good info, thanks. First, whatever I get will be an auto. My cars are stick, they way they should be, but all my offroading will be in an auto (did own a 5-speed wrangler, only autos from now on). Due to limited space and a wife-unfriendly ride, the wife will not go offroad in my Jeep anymore. Our current Luxury Wheeling vehicle (as you call it) is her Avalanche. Problem is, she will not let me mod it in any way, not even larger tires, so I can't take it where I sometimes take the Jeep. However, 32's on the Jeep are just enough. 33's on an H3 should be fine as well, and since I don't really do hardcore stuff anymore the stock skids should be enough for that rare "oops, crap" moment.
The problem with a test drive is I'm a good half hour+ away from the highway areas I'm most concerned with. Nothing is really all that flat around here so I might be able to get some idea, but those of you with an I5 and auto who have done a lot of highway driving through mountain areas can probably give a better answer than a short test drive ever will. Speed limits around here are 75 in some areas, so I'd call highway speed 80. Another way to put it, when I drive from UT to OR to visit family I have to drive in the rockies and the cascades. Is this going to suck with the I5? From what bflank posted, I'm afraid the answer may be yes.
At this point, between the helpful posts and what I've been able to find, it sounds like everything '07 and newer with the adventure package are all going to have what I need, and be about the same. Just need to decide what other options I may want. Unless the prices for the Alpha are going to drop like a rock, or I find an unbelievable deal, the v8 is too expensive. I have a real aversion to car payments, so even if I finance part of it it's going to be a small part. Basically, this means it's the I5 or something other than an H3.
Oh, one last question. Am I correct in thinking every H3 has traction control (think snowy UT winters)?
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Good info, thanks. First, whatever I get will be an auto. My cars are stick, they way they should be, but all my offroading will be in an auto (did own a 5-speed wrangler, only autos from now on). Due to limited space and a wife-unfriendly ride, the wife will not go offroad in my Jeep anymore. Our current Luxury Wheeling vehicle (as you call it) is her Avalanche. Problem is, she will not let me mod it in any way, not even larger tires, so I can't take it where I sometimes take the Jeep. However, 32's on the Jeep are just enough. 33's on an H3 should be fine as well, and since I don't really do hardcore stuff anymore the stock skids should be enough for that rare "oops, crap" moment.
The problem with a test drive is I'm a good half hour+ away from the highway areas I'm most concerned with. Nothing is really all that flat around here so I might be able to get some idea, but those of you with an I5 and auto who have done a lot of highway driving through mountain areas can probably give a better answer than a short test drive ever will. Speed limits around here are 75 in some areas, so I'd call highway speed 80. Another way to put it, when I drive from UT to OR to visit family I have to drive in the rockies and the cascades. Is this going to suck with the I5? From what bflank posted, I'm afraid the answer may be yes.
At this point, between the helpful posts and what I've been able to find, it sounds like everything '07 and newer with the adventure package are all going to have what I need, and be about the same. Just need to decide what other options I may want. Unless the prices for the Alpha are going to drop like a rock, or I find an unbelievable deal, the v8 is too expensive. I have a real aversion to car payments, so even if I finance part of it it's going to be a small part. Basically, this means it's the I5 or something other than an H3.
Oh, one last question. Am I correct in thinking every H3 has traction control (think snowy UT winters)?
Yes, the stock skids are fine. I've NEVER had an issue with my stock skids that left me thinking "damn, I wish my skids were better".
As far as long trips and mountain passes, my fully loaded down i5 (4 people equalling 760lbs or so of mass, and 600lbs of cargo in the bed/hitch carrier), I still got WAY better mileage than ANY alpha will EVER get. Going thru the hills of WV, riding 3rd gear for several miles at a time, I got a tick over 17mpg (normally I get 19.2mpg highway). An alpha will NEVER touch that mileage, even on stock tires and fully-emptied.
YES, every H3 comes with traction control and it's DAMN impressive! Seriously, the BEST tcs I've EVER used is in this H3. I can get 2 tires off the ground, teeter tottering in regular 4hi in a ditch(center diff NOT locked out), and the tcs will get my out without even a struggle. The tcs on these trucks is A MAZE ING. You just need to learn how to use it. In fact, I'm still learning how to maximize it, but once you learn it you will LOVE it. You need to keep ON THE GAS for the tcs to work; and the longer you stay on the gas, the more fine-tuned the tcs gets. For instance, I have some BALD *** tires on the truck right now. I was messing around in 4low in some really deep cat tails and a swamp. All of a sudden (and I"m crawling at 1-2mph here), I lose traction. If I were to floor it or let off the gas, I would have been stuck no doubt about it. All I did was stay on the gas at the same exact rate, and while my 2 buddies were yelling that we'd gotten stuck, I let the TCS do it's thing. The tcs was clicking and pumping away, and I just stayed on it at a nice, slow pace. Sure as sh*t, I was inching forward with every tcs/abs pump. Till I eventually caught hard-pack (or hard enough, anyhow) and I crawled out. Same thing with traversing ditches; you need to learn that when you lose traction, STAY ON THE GAS at the same rate you were on it, let tcs work, and you WILL pull right out. Its amazing.
I drive an H3 Lux with the (i5 Auto) and with the 265/75/16 tires, it does really well on the mountain hills for me. I live in the mountains out of So.Cal. and with a 6% grade I can easily hold 75-80 mph up the grades. Even though the tranny shifts down as I hold those speeds, it is "VERY" quiet inside.
Bottom line --- I5 works well for me even on the big hills
p.s. --- everyone here swears that 285/75/16 (33") tires still offer little to no difference in performance so I too will upgrade in size when these tires are due for a change.
Bottom line --- I5 works well for me even on the big hills
p.s. --- everyone here swears that 285/75/16 (33") tires still offer little to no difference in performance so I too will upgrade in size when these tires are due for a change.
I think you are mistaken about the 32"-33" upgrade; 33's are THE best bang for the buck on these trucks. A nice 33" tire with meaty tread will go ANYWHERE you need it to; in most cases hanging with 35" tires on H3's.
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#12
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My head is spinning. ![Smile](https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
85_305 - just to be clear, your engine is still bone stock right? I'm not against engine mods, I've modded every vehicle I've owned in the last 10 years, except for my wife's Avalanche because she won't let me touch it, but I don't want to HAVE to mod it to be satisfied with normal driving.
So, who wants to trade their H3 for an '81 Corvette and a lifted, modified, '99 Cherokee?
![Smile](https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
85_305 - just to be clear, your engine is still bone stock right? I'm not against engine mods, I've modded every vehicle I've owned in the last 10 years, except for my wife's Avalanche because she won't let me touch it, but I don't want to HAVE to mod it to be satisfied with normal driving.
So, who wants to trade their H3 for an '81 Corvette and a lifted, modified, '99 Cherokee?
![Big Grin](https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#13
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Just a couple observations opinions from my side. I have an 06 I5 with sunroof. The sunroof has never given me any problems. I do blow out the drain lines periodically, but it is preventative. The I5 seems fine as far as power goes but I live in the flatter part of the country. Recently I had a couple friends in from out of town to go to a football game. I had 3 other guys in there with me that were def XXL's which made it feel a little loaded down but not too bad. On the day of the game it was 20-30 mph winds and driving into that pretty much sucked. Speed limit is 70 here so I was keeping it about 75 and there was quite a bit more downshifting going on than when I normally drive that same road. So I guess what I am getting at is with 1 variable, the engine seems fine, introduce mulitple variables and disappointment/frustration can set in. Loaded down, through the mountains, with head winds would not be the I5's strong suit, unless you are willing to cruise in the 55-60 range. I should note that mine is plain stock.
I know what people report on here but realistically you should only hope for about 18 mpgs with the I5 auto. If you expect more, it raises the likelyhood of being disappointed again. Thats not to say you cant get more, just keeping it real.
I got mine in March and freakin love it. Love it Love it Love it. Keep looking and looking for the deals out there. From reading your posts I would agree tat an Alpha sounds more appropriate for you but I ujnderstand the price difference aspect. In Michigan the Alphas are only running about 2-3K more than the 3.5's or 3.7's, with a ton of them in the 22-23K range. A couple hundred dollar plane ticket and a few days driving may be worth the 5-6K in savings for you.
Good Luck
I know what people report on here but realistically you should only hope for about 18 mpgs with the I5 auto. If you expect more, it raises the likelyhood of being disappointed again. Thats not to say you cant get more, just keeping it real.
I got mine in March and freakin love it. Love it Love it Love it. Keep looking and looking for the deals out there. From reading your posts I would agree tat an Alpha sounds more appropriate for you but I ujnderstand the price difference aspect. In Michigan the Alphas are only running about 2-3K more than the 3.5's or 3.7's, with a ton of them in the 22-23K range. A couple hundred dollar plane ticket and a few days driving may be worth the 5-6K in savings for you.
Good Luck
#14
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Skeptic, I was at first hesitant about my H3 beforeI bought it three weeks ago now. I have had 5-6 Z71 Tahoes, P/U's, and Suburbans among others. It was time for a change and I made the plunge. I absolutey LOVE this truck. I have a 2007 Lux with I5 3.7 auto. Bone stock for the time being.
I've never had anything less han a V8... with the smallest being a 305. I have absolutely NO complaints about power what so ever. I see no point in an Alpha personally.
Get one!!
I've never had anything less han a V8... with the smallest being a 305. I have absolutely NO complaints about power what so ever. I see no point in an Alpha personally.
Get one!!
#15
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I must say, you guys are a friendly helpful bunch. I was half expecting a couple snide "use the search button" comments and no real help.
I'm not really keen on flying somewhere to buy a vehicle and drive back. Makes you fairly committed to something you haven't seen in person, not much time to think it over, and if it's bad enough not to buy you're stuck scrambling for a return flight. I suppose I could check the areas around where my parents live (OR) and the inlaws (AZ) and plan a vacation around H3 hunting. That's sorta how we ended up with our Avalanche. Drove our Silverado to the wife's parents in AZ for Thanksgiving last year, I got mad at the truck, and traded it in on an Avalanche for the return drive.
I'm not really keen on flying somewhere to buy a vehicle and drive back. Makes you fairly committed to something you haven't seen in person, not much time to think it over, and if it's bad enough not to buy you're stuck scrambling for a return flight. I suppose I could check the areas around where my parents live (OR) and the inlaws (AZ) and plan a vacation around H3 hunting. That's sorta how we ended up with our Avalanche. Drove our Silverado to the wife's parents in AZ for Thanksgiving last year, I got mad at the truck, and traded it in on an Avalanche for the return drive.
#16
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My head is spinning. ![Smile](https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
85_305 - just to be clear, your engine is still bone stock right? I'm not against engine mods, I've modded every vehicle I've owned in the last 10 years, except for my wife's Avalanche because she won't let me touch it, but I don't want to HAVE to mod it to be satisfied with normal driving.
So, who wants to trade their H3 for an '81 Corvette and a lifted, modified, '99 Cherokee?![Big Grin](https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Smile](https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
85_305 - just to be clear, your engine is still bone stock right? I'm not against engine mods, I've modded every vehicle I've owned in the last 10 years, except for my wife's Avalanche because she won't let me touch it, but I don't want to HAVE to mod it to be satisfied with normal driving.
So, who wants to trade their H3 for an '81 Corvette and a lifted, modified, '99 Cherokee?
![Big Grin](https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Just a couple observations opinions from my side. I have an 06 I5 with sunroof. The sunroof has never given me any problems. I do blow out the drain lines periodically, but it is preventative. The I5 seems fine as far as power goes but I live in the flatter part of the country. Recently I had a couple friends in from out of town to go to a football game. I had 3 other guys in there with me that were def XXL's which made it feel a little loaded down but not too bad. On the day of the game it was 20-30 mph winds and driving into that pretty much sucked. Speed limit is 70 here so I was keeping it about 75 and there was quite a bit more downshifting going on than when I normally drive that same road. So I guess what I am getting at is with 1 variable, the engine seems fine, introduce mulitple variables and disappointment/frustration can set in. Loaded down, through the mountains, with head winds would not be the I5's strong suit, unless you are willing to cruise in the 55-60 range. I should note that mine is plain stock.
I know what people report on here but realistically you should only hope for about 18 mpgs with the I5 auto. If you expect more, it raises the likelyhood of being disappointed again. Thats not to say you cant get more, just keeping it real.
I got mine in March and freakin love it. Love it Love it Love it. Keep looking and looking for the deals out there. From reading your posts I would agree tat an Alpha sounds more appropriate for you but I ujnderstand the price difference aspect. In Michigan the Alphas are only running about 2-3K more than the 3.5's or 3.7's, with a ton of them in the 22-23K range. A couple hundred dollar plane ticket and a few days driving may be worth the 5-6K in savings for you.
Good Luck
I know what people report on here but realistically you should only hope for about 18 mpgs with the I5 auto. If you expect more, it raises the likelyhood of being disappointed again. Thats not to say you cant get more, just keeping it real.
I got mine in March and freakin love it. Love it Love it Love it. Keep looking and looking for the deals out there. From reading your posts I would agree tat an Alpha sounds more appropriate for you but I ujnderstand the price difference aspect. In Michigan the Alphas are only running about 2-3K more than the 3.5's or 3.7's, with a ton of them in the 22-23K range. A couple hundred dollar plane ticket and a few days driving may be worth the 5-6K in savings for you.
Good Luck
I must say, you guys are a friendly helpful bunch. I was half expecting a couple snide "use the search button" comments and no real help.
I'm not really keen on flying somewhere to buy a vehicle and drive back. Makes you fairly committed to something you haven't seen in person, not much time to think it over, and if it's bad enough not to buy you're stuck scrambling for a return flight. I suppose I could check the areas around where my parents live (OR) and the inlaws (AZ) and plan a vacation around H3 hunting. That's sorta how we ended up with our Avalanche. Drove our Silverado to the wife's parents in AZ for Thanksgiving last year, I got mad at the truck, and traded it in on an Avalanche for the return drive.
I'm not really keen on flying somewhere to buy a vehicle and drive back. Makes you fairly committed to something you haven't seen in person, not much time to think it over, and if it's bad enough not to buy you're stuck scrambling for a return flight. I suppose I could check the areas around where my parents live (OR) and the inlaws (AZ) and plan a vacation around H3 hunting. That's sorta how we ended up with our Avalanche. Drove our Silverado to the wife's parents in AZ for Thanksgiving last year, I got mad at the truck, and traded it in on an Avalanche for the return drive.
#17
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When we finally pulled into the town where her parents live, several hours late, we drove past a dealership and I noticed a few Avalanches on the lot. Next morning the Silverado had a nearly flat tire.. That was it, got the flat fixed then drove to the dealership and traded it in.
#18
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
hahaha thats hilarious. I've learned in my experiences to NEVER go to jiffylube. EVERY SINGLE TIME I've gone there, they've charged me an arm and a leg for stupid stuff.
Have we answered everything you need to know about an H3? Or is there still confusion and concern?
Have we answered everything you need to know about an H3? Or is there still confusion and concern?
#19
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
thanks
#20
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Well the i5 w/ the 5spd can hit around 25mpg highway with a good intake and filter. It will have pretttty good towing power, but take it from me, putting things on the roof will slow you down BIG time and really suck gas. I put a 300lb tent on the roof rails, and going thru the hills w/ 700lbs of gear and 760lbs of passenger, I only got 14.x mpg. With that SAME exact load, going home on the way back thru the mountains, instead of using the roof-rack I used a hitch-reciever cargo carrier, and I was back up to about 17.x mpg. So putting stuff on the roof will kill mileage.
If you are gonna be carrying trailers and a fully loaded roof rack AND the interior loaded down, I'd get the alpha automatic, and do a full tuner, exhaust, and intake. That will help a LOT with power, and will help bring your mileage up some (although it wont be nearly as good as a 5spd i5 gas mileage).
If you are gonna be carrying trailers and a fully loaded roof rack AND the interior loaded down, I'd get the alpha automatic, and do a full tuner, exhaust, and intake. That will help a LOT with power, and will help bring your mileage up some (although it wont be nearly as good as a 5spd i5 gas mileage).