Here is the situation: I have a 2003 H2 and I bought a 31 foot camper. 5800lbs. Hummer had a load capacity of 7000. I live in northern ky and travel a Lot. Lots of hills and mountains around. I love the hummer and don't want to get rid of it. I just want to pull it easier.
What should I do? Axle swap? Gears? Any suggestions?

 

I think it’s all about your budget. I think a cam swap, long tube headers and air intake and a tow tune would be a great start. Maybe supercharged instead of cam swap. If you have bigger than 35” tires you will want a gear change. Maybe this thread is not in the right location and that’s why you didn’t get any replies? And welcome to the forum!

 

Smaller trailer or diesel truck with higher tow rating.
Not just more power, better breaking on those "Lots of hills and mountains around" too!
Probably should have taken the H2 GCWR into account before purchasing such a large trailer.

 

Another consideration. The max towing rating for a vehicle is not just based upon power. It incorporates many factors, like center of gravity, tire ratings, suspension load bearing, ride height, OEM transmission ratings, braking specifications, etc....

So you could supercharge the motor, change gears, but your tow rating won't change. Would the truck tow with less huffing and puffing, probably.

I know a guy that tows a lot with his H2, dual axle enclosed trailer. He is on transmission #3.

I would do a quality trans cooler, add a drain plug to the trans pan for ease in changing the fluid and filter at short intervals, look at rear suspension upgrades (you did not mention air suspension vs springs?) and consider performance mods.

I am moving this to the H2 , the new member section is not for tech questions

 

I tow with my H2 . Usually 4000 pounds mostly in flat terrain.
Braking is not an issue if you allow some distance. Rear Suspension is also fine . You may want to invest in an aftermarket air bags or upgrade some parts though
A trans cooler is a most
Since Im in Florida I need to put all efforts in keeping the trans fluid cool .
The aftermarket cooler low the temp from 220 to 170 while towing

Now my biggest issue like you is lack of power . Going inna hill is a nightmare. Most of the time I got to downshift to 2 gear to be able to archive 45 mph while going up

Im looking to upgrade boat to a bigger but not sure how hard would be those 2000 extra pounds on the H2

Looking to read some posts in this thread

 

5800 is well within the rating of the H2,

Figure your budget, give Chris Straub a call for a custom cam. He'll be able to tell you straight up what can be done for the 6.0.

Cam and tuning for max torque at low rpm, the 6.0 is a solid platform if built right for the intended use. Engine is solid in stock form and can handle a lot of upgrades.

Neal

 

I have installed a set of 862 heads with a 2 " intake valve port job and a cam from Tick Performance. #SNS002. Head gaskets are especially made for the 862 notched heads is from WS6 #RPMSPEEDHG02 . Have Kook stainless headers with a Borla exhaust . Have a Yank 3200 triple disc torque converter with a new flex plate. I tow my 22 foot toy hauler loaded 7000 Lbs . I am surprised at still getting 9 MPH at 70 MPH . When not towing , it scares the hell out of other trucks.

 

Open up a thread and post some pics of your build, it has peaked my interest.

 

Will do when I get back home. New at this posting here on the forum. Will post pics of the heads and parts and things done since front parts EG: timing chain had to come off. Replace oil pump and O ring on the pickup tube. Known for loss of oil pressure. Tick Performance blue printed oil pump #10295 . Make sure when installing new cam and lifter to replace lifter trays with Summit Lifter Trays #CXM-LT001. China ones are junk. Do not fit the lifters tight enough and they will rotate in the trays. JUNK ! And replace CamThrust Plate # SUM-150106.

 

We tow with ours as well, about 6500lbs. But mine is the 6.2L w/ 6 speed 6L80. We still regeared to 4.56, tranny cooler, airbags in the back, and a supercharger. Towing is much much better. GM should have offered it this way.