Thinking about driving to Vancouver from Toronto after Christmas on H3.
It has BF Goodrich KO2 tires in good condition.
There can be lots of snow on the way. Is it safe for drivetrain to use 4 High for better traction on roads where there is snow?
I do not want to tow small utility trailer just because of the season. Thinking about loading the roof top with some stuff but now too sure about that yet.

Feel free to share your experiences/advices.
Thank you

 

The H3 is AWD to begin with. 4 high will lock the center differential in the transfer case. The H3 also has traction control and stability control. Driving around Southern Ontario for the past four years, I have never used 4 High on road or even light off-roading. If the roads become slippery, like on Highway Thru Hell, the 4 High option might assist you with stopping as ABS sucks on very slippery conditions. Personally I would have put on some Goodyear Duratracs over the BFG KO2s. By the weather forecast you shouldn't hit much snow until you reach the Rockies. In conclusion, if roads are completely covered with snow then it is safe to use 4 High. Remember that four wheel drive does not help you stop and test the roads by braking firmly to test the road conditions. Just make sure no one is behind you. If anyone has anything further feel free to chime in. Safe Travels!

 

Thanks. Intend to test roads when no ones behind. Whats your take on hauling small 4x6 utility trailer on this trip?

 

If you are questioning it, it probably isn't a good idea.
Depends on how many times you have towed behind the H3 in bad weather.
If it's not multiple times I would pass on the trailer.
A trailer will multiply your stopping distance (especially in inclement weather) and may become unpredictable too.

 

With the H3 being AWD I have never had to put it in 4HI in the snow. I've even driven in 18"-22" of snow several times and the H3 goes right through it mostly because of the AWD and the weight, H3s are quite heavy vehicles. Tires do play a huge part in this so I would recommend a somewhat heavily treaded tire and not a hiway tire. As far as towing a trailer, the weight would be the biggest factor. I would say that if the loaded trailer weighs under 2000lbs total you shouldn't have a problem. More than that and the trailer will begin to have lot of influence on your braking and accelerating.

 

I will phrase it differently. The H3 was designed to be idiot proof for driving on snow covered roads. Do not play with the T Case buttons unless you know what they are for. In other word, just drive, forget the buttons, on snow covered pavement, you do not need lock, the FT AWD with StabiliTrack and Traction Control will take care of the rest..

 

A small utility trailer will be no problem for the H3 unless the trailer over filled with wet topsoil and you have a 5 banger. I would be concerned about the trailer itself making it. Small tires at 120 km/h, 75 mph... Those poor bearings were not designed for long distance travels. Even repacked with synthetic grease, I would hesitate. My recommendation, either get a larger trailer with tall tires, or, if possible, pack it on the roof. If you have roof cross bars the weight limit is 250lbs or a little more depending who built the cross bars. Just my opinion.

 

Have a great fun trip & leave the trailer at home.

 

The payload capacity is rated at 1,300lbs and the best part is you will get better traction too. Forget about the trailer and stay 4HI

 

Thanks for all the inputs. I intend to pass on the trailer. May be 100ish lbs on roof instead.