Just thought I would ask the experienced H3 owners on this one, of course the salesman is going to tell me what I want to hear. I am about to purchase a pre-owned H3 this weekend. I have gone back and forth on how necessary the adventure package is for me. It was a must for me at first but then I decided that I could add ARB air lockers aftermarket.

So... the question really is regarding the transfer case. The base model crawl ration is 36.8 and the 4.03 transfer case (adv pkg) is 56.2. Any of you guys wheeling with the base model and if so, how does it do?

Most of the H3's that I’ve looked at with the Adventure package are a bit ragged out compared to the base models. I'm not looking for a rock crawler this time around, more of an overland vehicle that can get me across the country and back a few times and do some trails along the way.

Both of the H3 crawl rations are better then the Toyota FJ Cruiser (33.76 ratio). My 99XJ (Cherokee) with 33's had a crawl ratio of 27.185 and it was quite the rock crawler... but it also weighed 1500 lbs less. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated; I've got a few days to decide. Thanks

 

think about it this way, say 15 years from now, when you sell your gem? would it sell faster being the better model and yes hands down the adventure is better? a hummer to me means ultimate off road. thats why if i cant get the vehicle i want i'll buy something else first, why settle?

 

I wish I could tell you that I've done some wheeling with my base H3, but I haven't.
I'm totally happy with the on-road performance of the base H3. I drove through many snow storms and rain storms and I feel safe, that is really what is important to me. First and foremost the H3 is a solid riding vehicle.
To me, if it didn't perform well off road I would be only a little unhappy, mostly because it is by default a HUMMER and should be great off road.

Many years ago I bought a brand new CJ7, it had a small V8, and Quadra-Trac and low range. That CJ was unbeatable in the woods and on road in lousy weather. I always thought that I'd need that low range for wheeling, but after my CJ days were over and I bought a conventional 4wd truck, my wheeling days were over and the 4wd truck served me well.

Scott brings up a valid point about getting what you really want, and there lies the problem, not really knowing what you want, or perhaps need.
Sometimes the best thing to do in a situation like this is to do nothing. Hold off on the purchase, do some more research and make a decision down the road.

 

I figured Id add my .02 here...

I am a proud owner of a *gasp* 06 Base H3!... knock on wood no problems thus far!

I have wheeled in it and have come to this conclusion. Its a Hummer, I find that it really does kick the *** of alot of other vehicles out there. For what I paid for it I am not going to complain whatsoever, I was in the market for a rig since I have a Trans Am as another vehicle. I was initially going to buy a Rubicon, but storage is an issue, so I switched to a Hummer mentality, Im no import guy buy anymeans... ALL GM so far, and it been alot

What I have found, short comings thus far are pretty much the same with any stock vehicle that serves a dual purpose. One being traction, I still use this as a commuting rig too, so I upgraded to Terra Grapplers and I got alot better traction when wheelin, I also went up to 315s which gave me alot of ground clearance. And two it has alot to do with the driver and what you are willing to do... its nice having a warranty, sure you could build a jeep or any vehicle that could kill an H3 on the trails. But the time and money would come out to be the same, w/o a warranty...And that would be true of any vehicle irregardless of who makes it. I love the reaction I get with my H3 either you love it or hate it, I have found very little neutral people in my state lol... back to the driver, I am a noob when it comes to wheelin. However my H3 is completely paid for, I have the mentality of trying anything once, or twice... ok three times tops... honest. If you baby your ride than you won't be impressed by what it can do... the locking diff would make a differnece IMO but I can always do that later, I have the BA bumper just incase

I have the dreaded 3.5 I5 and really am not going to complain, even with the extra 500lbs she's toting around... 300 winch and bumper 200 for the wheels... I think the guys said each weighed in at 75lbs I will get a CAI soon, and a PCM tune as well... but outside of that you have to decide what you want and how much you willing to spend on it...

my 06 back in Oct/Nov of 08 when gas was still 4.00 a gallon out here ran me 17.5k out the door! I don't have a fancy nav system or dvd player, no sun roof or heated leather seats, but I really didn't want any of that! just more stuff you have to baby or worry about breaking... I can roll down all four windows and get all the air I need, and Garmin 500 topo gps is all I need, screw my passengers if the get bored they can read a book or stfu hehe...

I hope this helps with what your thinking about, either way BUY A HUMMER!!!

Good luck with your decision and be sure to post up pics when you do get one.
-Dan

 

I'm thinking if you only intend to do an occasional mild trail you'll be fine with a base model. If you want capability for more serious trails get the adventure. Either way changing the OEM tires will make a big difference.

One thought though. With the eagerness of Hummer dealers to sell today, why not look at a new H3 (not ragged out) with the equipment you want. Especially if the H3 has been on their lot for a while, they can price them pretty aggressively and you will have the full warranty.

 

If you are really are planning on offroading it get the adventure. If you dont you will regret it later. Not only do you get the better transfer case, you get the full underbody protection, bigger tires, rock sliders and the factory locker. Its ready to go right out of the box. The base model does not have these things.
I have a buddy who bought a Base 08 in October. He really did not think he would wheel it that much. After 3 days of ownership and with Temp tags on it still he took it offroading. Then he was hooked. He has now spent $1500 on Tires, Rock Sliders and underbody protection. And he still does not have a locker.

Get the Adventure if want to go offroad

Get the Base if you are just looking for something good in bad weather and might have to go off road in an pinch.

 

Thanks guys, thats what i needed to hear. I appreciate your insight and I think I will try to work a deal on an Adventure Package. Every vehicle I have ever owned has been taken out on the trails, upgraded and modified, why would this one be any different. Plus the adv pkg gives me a head start! Thanks - Wes

 

Check carefully though when you do buy an Adventure. The full underbody protection and rock rails are NOT part of the package. They are both optional equipment.

 

Four Wheeling is all relative to how deep your pockets are and how much fortitude resides in your sack (sorry ladies).

I've owned, rolled, flipped, restored, rebuilt, and wheeled dozens of Jeeps and 4X4's during my short stint on this planet. I've been lucky enough to compete and attend national rock crawling events, and watch some of the best in the business.

All that being said, when it comes to taking your H3 on the trails - I say - Blaze your own trails, because the majority on H3 forums are still trying to figure out how to unscrew the gas cap.

Don't get me wrong, there's some great stuff available on-line, and lots of folks more knowledgeable than me (which is why I am here and use the search) - but the knowledge and experience are lacking - so gain some of your own. Take your research, build your case, buy what you like, and try it out. If it's not capable enough, build it (or rebuild it after it breaks).

You've done some awesome research, good luck with your purchase!

 

For what it's worth I wheeled all of Sedona in a base model with those horrible pipe running boards (so much loss in ground clearance). Broken Arrow (all of it), soldiers pass, greasy spoon, and a bunch of easier trails with no problems at all. An awful lot of wheeling is driving and using common sense. I bought an adventure pkg H3 (2009) and I have to say the lockers and the 4:1 are a dramatic improvement over the base. Good luck, I have to say strongly consider the adventure for slow off road and if it's beach stuff use the base.