I'm considering an H3T Alpha as my offroad/winter/tow car. I tend to keep cars for a LONG time. I tend to spend a fair amount modifying cars for my specific wants, and to justify that I keep them until they're fully used up.

Anyway, some questions:

1) How reliable is the H3T? Really hoping for answers from people with over 100,000 miles, but the trucks may all still be too new for that. When things do fail, what tends to go?

2) How does it do at towing? My track car/trailer combined weigh 5800 lbs, so I really would be right at the factory recommended limit of this thing.

3) Is anyone concerned that the limited number of H3Ts out there will mean in, say, 10-15 years that getting parts or getting work done on it will be difficult? I'm very much a DIY sort of guy, but if things stop existing because it was a low production vehicle... that would be an issue for me.

Any thoughts/help would be appreciated!

 

The T really isn't all that different from a 3. For reliability questions I'd say expand the question to all H3s.

Can't answer the towing, but it's my belief that recommended limits are well within the safe zone (liability and all that).

I'm not terribly concerned with parts availability for my T. Not an Alpha, but same potential issues with limited parts. Honestly though, a good shop or creative DIY can work out any mechanical issue even if it means going to non oem parts. It's only things like door windows, sunroof, replacing a broken grill, rear seats, etc. that I could see being a potential problem. Most of those types of parts are interchangeable with the 3 so should be fine for 10-15 years. I expect some parts will dry up and be difficult to replace, - ie a trashed or rusted out bed that needs completely replaced.

 

Truth, with a 5900lb towing capacity towing 5800lbs will be pushing it a bit especially if you have any gear/people in the tow "T". Depending on the length of the tow and the terrain it could be possible. Aftermarket trans cooler & gauge, rear "helper" springs or air bags, electric brakes on the trailer, weight distribution Hitch (CURT) and tuner might assist your towing capabilities.

I have an 08 H3 Alpha and have towed 5000lbs 600mi and it was not bad, but it wasn't great.

Just some personal exp. you should know.

As far as "replacement parts" go. I have been "stocking up" on the H3T ony parts for a while now. Most everthing is the same as an H3 from the drivers door forward so things like Bed parts and rear door/trim parts are what I see to be the rare and hard to find items.

 

Custom flat bed. Libyan rebel style:

 

Per everyone's suggestion, reposted it over in the H3 general section.

I was planning to get a brake controller (trailer already has electronic brakes). Does weight distributing hitch exist for the H3T?. Also planning to get airbags for it, if they exist. (I'm actually currently running everything you suggested on my current tow car suburban).

What about it "wasn't great"?

 

And..... I took your duplicate post DOWN. Just like the "Announcement" stuck at the top of all the section says!

Thank you for not repeating that minor error again and welcome to the forums.

If you would like this moved, I can do that for you.

 

First off, thanks Doc for keeping our threads in line! It is much appreciated.

Let's take a second and not confuse the new guy. I'm pretty sure he thought he was doing the right thing, since skeptic told him he should expand is question to H3's.


Making a new thread was not what he should have done.

Changing his post to say "I am interested in input about H3's or H3T's" would have been the right thing.


Obioban, most people read most of the new threads and posts regardless of what forum they are in. Posting this in the H3T section was correct, as that is what is most relevant to you. BUT the normal H3 guys will find the thread here! Especially if your title reflects interest in both.

Carry on.

 

The weight distributing hitch is attached to the trailer and I have one on my toy hauler.

 

Sorry about the double post! Let's leave it here, if people H3 owners wander into the H3T section

Getting back on topic...
How do we think this'll do as a 250-300,000 mile car?

Is the radiator issue specific to the I5s or are the V8s experiencing it, too? If both, any aftermarket solutions that fix it permanently?

I've always been one to address everything as soon as possible, hopefully in a permanent way, to minimize any chance of break downs.

 

As far as I am aware the radiator issue is specific to the 3.5l I5 trucks, the 3.7l truck do not have this issue from what I have seen.

As far as the V8's go the only fairly common issue I see occurring is broken manifold bolts, my truck had it happened and fixed under warranty. If they're gonna go, they should go within the warranty period and the new studs installed by a dealer should be of higher strength as there is a TSB for this issue, and also an approved "parts kit" consisting of higher strength studs to address this issue.

Other than that, I noticed I had a leak in my trans when I went to go do my first oil change, at the trans pump I believe if I remember the service papers I got back correctly. That was also fixed under warranty.