Man --- this thing is fiercely fun!!!! I have been riding quads for years and never understood why anyone would want to offroad while riding in something verses on it. Now I know. This is such a cool sport. I can see me really getting into this. Only problem --- I did not get the adventure package. So, I have a basically base model (with the exception of leather/luxury package of course) with a 5 speed. How much am I going to regret not having the adventure package? I will eventually put bigger tires on, but is there anything else I should do to make this thing better for off roading? It is my everyday vehicle too.

 

If you do not plan on doing rock climbing or ditch hopping there is nothing to really worry about. Check out the terrain and don't go where it is going to bottom out. Oh also if you logjump watch out for branches with hanging wires and cables and such.

 

Under carriage protection (skid plates) and Rock Rails.. Lockers are over-rated...

 

I'm in the smae boat. Got the Lux. Pkg. and it's my everyday ride. I been to Paragon OffRoad Park in PA. and you've got nothing to worry about. I've hadn't had any problems going thru mud, rocks, tougher trails. I'm going to buy bigger tires and underbody protection. I've been to the HUMMER Driving Academy and the H3 was built to handle anything. It's amazing what it can do!

 

I have the base package and go off roading a lot. Lockers will help in rock climbing and moguls but other than your truck is VERY capable off road as is. I would get the rock rails and underbody protection just to be on the safe side. Get some decent tires like the Micky Thompson Baja MTZ's. They perform off road and are pretty quiet on road. just make sure you drop the tire pressure between 15-20psi when you off road. That will help make up for the lack of a rear locker. Just have fun! My rule of thumb is to take 3 attempts at an obstacle. If you can't master a good line by the third try then you're probably in over your head and should try something else.

 

You have nothing to worry about unless you're going rock crawling. Even then, you can still do a lot and impress the hell out of everyone. Lockers will allow you to leave non-locked vehicles behind, but the H3 has controlled limited slip all the way around, which is basically the latest locker technology that gets rid of the problems of full lockers (like hopping and banging around corners, inability to turn while fronts are locked, etc). You will be able to go to nearly all the same places that all your locked friends are able to go, so don't sweat it. Besides, most of those droolers will be wishing they were you anyway.

Larger tires are ok, butI'd think twice about huge tires. Most people never come to understand that larger tires put lots of additional stress and leverage on drivetrain and suspension components that they were not designed for. It alsochanges power and mileage drastically.Take it from a long-time Jeeper - if you think your H3 feels underpowered, just wait until you increase your tire size. If you don't have your differentials re-geared to compensate for it (which still will not reduce the higher stress the diffs will have to contend with), you'll discover a whole new definition of gutless, crappy mileage and horrible accelleration. Depending on how much larger you go with tires, you'll also lose the ability to use 5th gear and increase the chance of breaking something underneath when crawling over stuff off road. Remember, it's still just a little 5-cyl Chevy Colorado with fake plastic H1-ish eye candy.

 

Thanks guys. I think I will put some mud flaps on. What do you guys think about paint protector stuff --- like that scotchgaurd --- or any ideas?

Also, do they make 34 inch tires or are 33 inch good enough (highwinder --- you said not to go too big right?) How about those Mickey Thompson Baja MTZs --- are those a good size?

Thanks again for the help.

 

buddy, When I put my Mickey Thompson's on I upgraded the size to the 33" adventure package size. Which is one inch larger than what you have now. I have found that this is sufficient and does really well off road. Lots of people however, have upgraded to 35" inch tires and have raised the front end by cranking on the torsion bars. I haven't heard of any issues yet but it does kill your gas mileage if your planning on driving this everyday.